Love Game With The Rebel Billionaire

As if on cue, Haze paused from scrolling on his phone, raising a brow, while Evangeline glanced at him too.

"We had a business meeting before coming here," Evangeline answered, turning to Haze. "But I didn't know he'd wear khaki. Copycat."

She rolled her eyes, making me laugh, while Haze frowned deeply at her comment.

"Since when did you own khaki?" he retorted, clearly annoyed. He dropped his phone, directing his attention entirely to her.

If I end up single forever, I'd still be happy as long as my friends find their own happiness. I already have my kids, and I don't need another relationship if betrayal is all that awaits me.

"I'll change later. I don't want to match with you," Evangeline added, shrugging. Haze simply went back to scrolling on his phone, unbothered.

Shaking my head, I sat beside Evangeline and leaned toward her. "Still in denial, huh? You're just giddy," I whispered.

"Shut up, bitch," she hissed, frowning as she shoved me away. Then she quickly pulled a bottle of alcohol from her bag, spraying her hands.

I just laughed before I crossed one leg over the other. I waited to see what would happen now that we were all together.

It looked like a reunion... an incomplete one.

"Where's Ash?" Evangeline asked as she finished cleansing her hands. "I told you. Bring him with you."

"He didn't want to come," I replied flatly before resting my head on the couch. I was greeted by the expensive chandelier that probably cost more than the entire office of Mason. "He already told you that earlier, but you still insisted. It's like college days, Evangeline Rose."

I suddenly remembered the time she commanded me to make Ash's band perform during freshmen week. Old habits don't change. We're older now, but she still uses that same tactic.

"Then, I won't tell you the thing I discovered. It's up to you," she threatened, but I just smiled.

As if I cared about that. I'm sure I'll find out someday what she discovered.

"You can leave now," she said to Haze, who had been quietly sitting in front of us.

I glanced at Mason. He wasn't joining us because he was busy reading the documents on his desk. I didn't know what was more exhausting-doing dangerous missions or being stuck in this luxurious cage, working nonstop for the rest of your life?

I'm the adventurous one. I prefer both. That's why I also tried to become a Certified Public Accountant, in case I get bored with gunfights. I like holding both guns and pens at the same time.

"Hey, Evangeline. I just got here, and now you're going to kick me out right away?" Haze responded, clearly annoyed. "Let me sit for a while."

Soon, they started arguing. It almost felt like they were about to throw pillows at each other in Mason's office.

Feeling bored, I grabbed the remote from the mini-table and turned on the TV. The first news I saw was about Senator Windwood.

"Senator Windwood was found dead in his house this morning. It's reported that he ingested poison, which led to his death," the reporter said. "According to police, his bodyguard found him lying on the floor, holding an injection in his hand-" I immediately clicked the power button to turn off the TV. Something felt off because the news seemed manipulated. I'm sure of what I saw that night. There were many reporters before Finnick drove the car, but now the news is saying he died at home.

That guy practically lives in bars, though.

What are those people hiding? Why do they need to fake his death?

"Haze..." I heard Evangeline speak.

That's when I suddenly remembered that Haze was allied with Senator Windwood. He was staring at the TV seriously, although I turned it off. After a few seconds, he turned back to us with a raised eyebrow.

"It's fine. Dad wants to cut ties with Windwood anyway. I just don't know why." That was all he said.

It seemed like he had a problem, but he wouldn't tell us anything.

"Aren't you mad?" Evangeline asked. I could sense her concern.

It wasn't surprising. Even though they were enemies, they were once ex-lovers. Just like me and Ash, they knew each other well.

"Why would I be mad? You've already finished the job you should have done," he answered in a serious tone. "I just want you to be careful... It's not a joke to fight against those in politics."Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

He was telling us to be careful, but he was only looking at Evangeline. Sometimes, I get confused by Haze, but I think he's even more confused with himself.

"I'm leaving." Haze stood up and pocketed his phone. "I have something to take care of."

"Hariette?" I asked.

He didn't answer me. Instead, he walked out the door. He didn't even say goodbye to Mason. He seemed too preoccupied with whatever was on his mind.

And Evangeline was the same. Haze had already left, but she was still staring at where he had sat. I knew it. I wasn't the only one who noticed what Haze did earlier.

I don't know if it's safe to assume that he's still in love with Evangeline, but he has Hariette. It's not easy following that woman around. He's obsessed with her.

I said to Evangeline, "He has someone now. Find someone for yourself."

In her frustration, Evangeline walked out, leaving me and Mason alone. I laughed because I think they're both in denial. They're so old, but they still act like children.

The agenda was canceled, so I and Mason just caught up with our recent events. Mason and I just caught up, and I ended up telling him that Ash came to my building earlier. Mason had no idea what happened between us. I didn't want to ruin their friendship, so I kept everything to myself... But I guess I can gradually open it up to him.

"Really? He told you that?" he asked when I mentioned the last sentence Ash told me earlier.

I nodded. "He did. That's why I'm more confused."

"And why?"

Shit. It was a slip of the tongue. I should have kept that thought to myself, but I said it out loud.

He frowned while looking at me, waiting for my response.

"Because we broke up years ago." Luckily, I quickly came up with an excuse.

That's what everyone knows. We broke up because of a misunderstanding.

"If anyone should be hurt, it's me," I added, avoiding his gaze. It was the truth, anyway.

But I didn't expect his answer.

"It's not like that. Pain doesn't always belong to the one who was left behind. The one who left was in pain too," he told me seriously. "Sometimes, the pain is doubled... even tripled for leaving someone they didn't want to leave in the first place."