In Love With My Bully-Chapter 118: Luxury House

Chay nodded slowly. "Yeah, I kinda noticed."

Chayara gave him a warm hug, one that lingered for just a second longer than necessary. "Are we still on for car shopping?"

"Of course," he replied, pulling back slightly. "Text me the time and date."

Chayara nodded, and they turned to Guy, who had his arms crossed and was watching them with an expression of calm scrutiny.

Drake extended a hand. "It was nice to meet you."

Guy shook it, his smile tight, teeth barely visible. "Same here," he said.

He didn’t mean it. Not one bit. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com

Drake gave Chay a goodbye nod and turned to leave. As he stepped outside, the night air hit him, a reminder that the evening hadn’t exactly gone as planned. Queen was gone. He sighed, yanked his keys from his pocket, and got into his car.

He headed toward her condo, though he’d never actually been there. He wasn’t even sure which unit was hers until he saw nestled among a line of refined, minimalist buildings stood one condo that had Queen Numero written all over it—literally. A bold, gold crown shimmered above the doorbell.

He parked in the garage and rang the bell.

The door opened just enough to reveal her, still dressed.

"I came to find out what’s going on," he said calmly, stepping inside.

She said nothing, just walked ahead. He followed, and when they entered the living room, he finally understood something he’d never truly grasped before: why she refused to settle.

Her condo was a masterpiece. A luxury house that screamed power. A glass wall offered a perfect view of the pool area.

Drake looked around and exhaled. This wasn’t just a home. It was a statement. "Your parents’ mansion was breathtaking," he muttered aloud. "But this... this is yours?"

Queen perched lightly on the armrest of one of her designer couches, not sitting fully. She crossed her arms. "Exactly. So, are we done here?"

"Tell me what’s going on," he asked.

"Nothing," she replied quickly. "I just didn’t want to be there anymore."

He stepped closer. "And that’s already odd, Queen. These kinds of places, soirees, extravagant parties, networking, you thrive there. It’s your natural habitat."

"Yes! But not when someone else is around there sucking up all the breath in the room!" Queen exploded.

Drake was still stunned. "What are you talking about? Do you mean Chay?" His eyes widened as if he couldn’t believe she had just gone there.

Queen gave a dry, sarcastic chuckle. "Oh, don’t give me that wounded-lamb look. I saw the way you were looking at her."

Drake rubbed a hand over his face, letting out a slow breath. "Queen, Chay is my friend. And yes, of course I’m stunned by her recent transformation. You can’t pretend you didn’t notice. She went from unsure to unstoppable in the same period we have been married."

"Yes, I noticed," Queen snapped, arms folded tight. "Which is exactly why we’re having this conversation."

Drake stared at her, trying to peel through the layers of anger, pride, and leftover childhood insecurities she wore. "Are you jealous of your cousin? Your best friend?"

Queen scoffed hard. "Why would I be jealous? I’m Queen Numero. I do not get jealous...I get noticed."

"Then why are we even having this conversation?" Drake threw his hands up so dramatically, he almost knocked over one of the crystal vases. Queen just stared at him, eyes narrowing.

"You’re right," she said quietly. "I’m sorry. I..." The rest of the sentence got caught between her throat and her ego.

Drake stepped forward and, with tenderness pulled her into his arms. She let herself lean just a little, resting her forehead against his chest.

"She needs you now," he said softly, fingers rubbing slow circles into her back. "You saw her with that Guy guy..."

Queen was quiet for a moment. Then, she pulled back and gave him a sheepish smile.

"I had him checked out."

"Of course you did."

"Guy Pique. He’s legit. He’s worked with major brands. Fashion. Tech."

Drake laughed. "Well then. She’s in good hands?"

Queen pursed her lips. "That remains to be seen."

"What I wonder," Drake said, narrowing his eyes, "is how did Chay even find him?"

"Her father contacted his office."

Drake raised an eyebrow. "From prison?"

"Yes."

"Damn. The man still got the moves," he muttered, half impressed.

Queen chuckled, shaking her head. "Don’t forget...he was once COO of Numero Corp. I’m sure he still has loyalists."

Drake stepped closer, snaking an arm around her waist as she leaned into him. "Well... you wanna come back to my place with me?"

She tilted her head, eyes gleaming with playful mischief. "Why don’t you stay here?" she whispered, her fingers casually tugging at the front of his shirt.

Drake glanced around the perfectly curated home. "Fine," he said, giving in with a grin. "But only tonight."

"Fine," she echoed smugly. "I’ll order us dinner. Sushi or Thai?"

"Surprise me."

As she walked toward the dining nook with her phone in hand, he turned in place again, his eyes scanning the sleek layout. Every piece of furniture was a statement. The velvet couch, the modern chandelier, the art that was probably worth more than his car.

"Now I’m only going to say this once," Drake said, pacing a little toward the wide window that looked out over the pool. "So you don’t get the wrong idea... This place? Is fabulous."

"I know right. I don’t even know my neighbors. Every house here is like a miniature kingdom."

"Yeah, yeah," he rolled his eyes. "Don’t butter me up. I’m not moving in here."

"Damn," Queen sighed with mock disappointment. "I really thought that was going to work."

Drake chuckled, walking toward her slowly. "You’re going to have to try harder than real estate seduction, Your Majesty."

"Oh, don’t worry. I have other tricks."

She set the phone down, dinner officially ordered, and walked into his arms with a sway that could have hypnotized a monk. She wrapped her arms around his neck.

Drake pulled her in, the tension of the evening slipping away. His hands found the small of her back, drawing her even closer.

Their lips met in a kiss. Her hands slid under his shirt, dragging it upward, revealing the skin beneath as she gently backed him toward the couch.

"Dinner will be here in thirty," she murmured between kisses.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.𝒄𝒐𝙢