The car slowed to a stop in front of a bar with a sign reading 'Bar Haven'. The bar was just one of the many bars lining the side of the road. Lilia saw that there were many young men and women roaming along the streets, enjoying the nightlife.
Andrew frowned when he saw the booming number of pedestrians. He guessed that they were all visiting because today coincided with the start of a long holiday.
The man turned his head towards the two women sitting in the back seat, "My younger brother's friend is the owner of this bar. I heard this place is quieter and more comfortable than the other bars."
Lilia nodded as she replied, "I believe in Brother Andrew's recommendation."
Andrew gave a small cough and continued, "The area around here is very crowded because today is the start of a long holiday. So you two better stay inside the bar and not go anywhere. After you guys chat until you're satisfied, we'll immediately take Lilia home. Do you understand?"
Andrew's sharp gaze fell on Claire, who immediately shifted her gaze, "Oh, you are right. I forgot that this was the start of a long holiday. I didn't expect this place to be so crowded." She said to change the subject.
"Claire?" Andrew urged with a smiling face that looked scary.
"... yes, I understand." Claire replied reluctantly.
Lilia struggled to hold back laughter when she saw their intriguing interaction.
The three of them got out of the car and headed towards the bar. At the same time, the bar manager noticed Andrew's appearance. The man immediately ran out and greeted them wholeheartedly.
"Mr. Andrew! Welcome to the 'Haven Bar'! I am honored to have you here tonight!" The manager greeted him with a polite bow. In his heart, that man was actually very panicked. The Austin Family's oldest son was coming here tonight?! He must provide the best service for him!
Andrew nodded briefly before instructing, "Prepare a private room for us."
"Of course, of course!" The manager repeatedly bent his body as he opened the door for the man.
Then, the manager's gaze fell on the two women following behind Andrew. He recognized Claire, who was Andrew's wife. But the manager's eyes widened when he saw Lilia.
'Isn't this woman Lilia Pangestu, the model who just caught the attention of the whole world with her appearance in Milan?! What is Lilia's relationship with Andrew?! Are they secretly lovers?! Then why did they come here with Claire, Andrew's legal wife?!' He thought.
The three people walked in without realizing the misunderstanding that was filling the manager's mind.
Lilia looked around the bar with an impressed look. The atmosphere in the bar was completely calm, as Andrew said. The lights were deliberately dimmed and calm music filled the entire bar.
They were just entering the VIP room when Lilia's cellphone rang. She took out her cell phone, half expecting to see Merry's name on the screen. But what was written there was her husband's name.
"Hello, Jean?" Lilia picked up the phone with a happy expression. After being forced to witness the closeness of Andrew and Claire, she became increasingly homesick for Jean.
"What are you doing right now?" Jean asked in his signature low voice.
Lilia glanced around her and hesitated for a moment. Should she tell Jean that she was in the bar right now? She knew that man would nag her, but there was a part of Lilia that was curious about Jean's reaction. What the heck could that man do from Surabaya?
"I'm at the bar with Sister Claire!" Lilia answered in a light voice.
For a moment, there was only silence from the other end of the line. Lilia became anxious when Jean didn't say anything.
"… Jean? Hello? Jean? Can you hear me?" Lilia began to feel worried.
When Jean finally spoke, his voice sounded icy cold and couldn't be denied, "…Give your cell phone to Sister Claire. Now."
On the other end of the phone, Jean gripped the phone tightly. He wanted to fly to Jakarta immediately and take Lilia away from any of the bars, but the pile of documents in front of him prevented him from going anywhere.
Jean ran his fingers through his hair and let out a deep breath. Right now, he wanted to scold his irresponsible older sister. How dare Claire invite Lilia to the bar?! What if a man approached his wife?! And why didn't Andrew stop his sister?!
Lilia closed her mouth tightly when she felt the anger behind Jean's cold voice. She was starting to feel guilty for saying that. But if Jean found out later— and the man always managed to find out— Lilia was sure he would be even more angry.
With no other choice, Lilia handed her cell phone to Claire with an apologetic smile, "Um ... Jean wants to talk to you ..."
Claire raised her eyebrows in surprise, then she immediately realized why Jean wanted to talk to her. The woman accepted the cell phone with a big smile, "What's the matter, Jean? Why are you mad at me? Don't you trust me to take good care of Lilia?" Claire asked casually.
Lilia didn't know what Jean's answer was, but it made Claire laugh out loud, "Okay, I know you won't be able to believe me. Then what can you do from there? Take it easy, I'll take good care of her! Trust me!"
Without saying anything, the call was cut off by Jean. Claire stared at the cellphone screen with a mix of surprise and anger. She just let out a deep sigh at that as she grumbled inwardly, 'Forget it, Jean always behaved like this to everyone except Lilia.' That man was the most troublesome human being in the Widjaya Family!
Claire returned the cell phone to Lilia and turned to Andrew, "Honey ..." Claire called. The woman was ready to pour out all her irritation of her younger brother when it was Andrew's cell phone turn to ring.
"Ah… sorry. Wait a minute." Andrew took out his cell phone and stared at the screen. Jean's name was clearly written there.
Andrew's strange expression explained it all to Lilia. Her husband, who sometimes acted so childish, now called Andrew instead. She could already guess that Jean would ask the man to take them away from this bar as soon as possible.
Lilia scratched her cheek with an embarrassed expression as she said, "Brother Andrew, sorry to bother you too. I didn't know that Jean would do that..."
"Why are you the one who apologized?" Claire said while pushing a glass of cocktail towards Lilia, "Jean is too strict about manners. Just let him call my husband. I'm sure they'll finish this. You don't need to feel guilty, Lilia. Just enjoy your time here!"
Andrew glanced at Claire with a helpless expression, then he got up from his chair to take the call. While Andrew was busy talking with Jean, Lilia and Claire continued to chat warmly like a pair of friends who had known each other for a long time. They discussed many topics that night.
When Andrew finally came back after hanging up from Jean, he found that there was only half the cocktail glass in front of the two women. Andrew frowned and confiscated Claire's glass. Then the man poured a glass of soda for his wife.
"Aren't you allergic to alcohol? Did you forget about it? Just drink this." Andrew coaxed while putting the glass of soda in Claire's hand.
Lilia turned her gaze again with a flushed face. Their closeness really made her jealous! If only she could meet Jean right now!
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