DAY 7 CONTINUES
Kelly mumbled, "He's probably a gay trying to deceive us."
However, she is the center of attention for everyone. And the atmosphere in the room was tense. Everyone is aware that something is off.
Those aware of what happened chose to remain silent and patiently gulp their drink while waiting for the outcome.
"You know that is not true, Kelly." Phil stood up for his pal.
"Phil, quit defending him. Everyone is aware of that. She could be a pretentious chick." Kelly rolled her eyes and spoke. The man next to her merely grinned and planted a kiss on her ear and cheeks.
"Phil is right. Patrick goes on dates. I have known him with a lady before. This is not the first time." The groom uttered those words.
"But since I have been with my boyfriend, I haven't seen him with a girl." A girl who had shown admiration for Phina's attire commented. It was clear that she was expressing her opinions without choosing sides. "She is the first with him."
Phina was at a loss for words. They had struck the contract because of these interpersonal concerns. Thus, she was ignorant of his past relationships, as everyone claimed not to have seen him with a woman. She doesn't know him well enough to be able to lie to him.
Patrick alone was capable of self-defense.
Yes. She might also be a handbag." Kelly said, to which her lover and she both laughed. A handful joined.
She was pretty humiliated. Because she knows in her heart that it is true, she sees Phil giving her an apologetic glance. She pondered whether he was aware of the falsity of their relationship.
Not only that but there was also a problem. It appears that Kelly harbored resentment toward Patrick. Furthermore, she is purposefully making her and him look bad.
Patrick said, "I don't know why you seem affected, Kelly." This was her first statement. Despite being quiet, there was anger in his voice.
He lowered Phina's jacket gradually by pulling her closer from the waist. She tried not to be affected by his touch, but he could feel her tighten. He became aware, yet he continued.
He leaned in closer after kissing her neck and shoulder, forcing Phina to smile charmingly. She had a lightheaded feeling. She had never experienced that from a male, and certainly not in a public setting where others were around. Although she didn't anticipate it, she also can't turn him down.
"I don't just choose any woman, you know. Used... I don't date leftovers. I also don't act phony." He stated while glancing at Kelly. Wherever she sat, her rage was building. "And that is why you were never my type." Drawing Phina closer from the waist, he moved his hand slowly up to her face and hair before pulling her face toward his and kissing her lips.
And Phina felt her cheeks get red as an involuntary moan escaped her lips. She didn't want to, but it improved Patrick's performance.
"It's okay, baby." As he started to back away, he said to Phina. With a hand, he brushed her hair out of her face. And he grinned as he turned back to face Kelly. Her expression showed how shocked she was.
"I can never date someone as cheap as you." As he spoke, a few women made amusing "oh" noises. A few whispered, "Whoa," "shit," and "That's bad."
To interrupt Patrick's speech, Phina lightly stroked his hand. She can see that Kelly's eyes are blazing with rage and fury. Her makeup would have made it clear that she was flushed in the face because her eyes were starting to get watery.
"Stop it, Ricky."
He grinned and nodded. "Anything for you, baby." He gave her a quick peck on the cheek after saying that.
Phina made herself mutter something. She smiled artificially and said, "Thanks."
A few of the women were enviously staring at her. The guys seated next to Kelly merely scowl silently. He had to quit putting his small kisses on Kelly's neck and cheeks.
She noticed Phil staring at Patrick and her. She was also unable to read the look on his face. However, she was sure of something now.
Phil is aware of the agreement.
She felt pretty used now and was no longer at ease. She wished she could vanish from that place. She made herself say it.
"I told you he can be quite romantic," Phina pretended to smile. The women gave a nod. She looked up at him as she watched him pat her thigh. There was something odd in his gaze as he observed her. And he gives her temple a soft kiss.
"As much as we want to stay longer tonight, we must depart. Tomorrow, both Ricky and I have to report to work," stated Phina. "Congratulations again on your wedding." As she gets up, she says to the pair.
"I believe I must leave as well. When I arrive, my wife will be there. She will be missing her spouse. Phil laughed as he spoke. He was joined by a few more.
"Goodnight, everyone," Phina said as she left the hallway.
She ran to the spot where their vehicle was parked. The driver had earpieces in his ears and was fast asleep in the automobile. He jolts up when she slams the door.
Regretting waking you up. Kindly unlock the vehicle." To the man, she said.
He scratched his eyes and nodded, then pushed the button to open the car. She unlocked it and got inside.
"Ma, where is Oga?" He enquired.
"He's coming." She answered without thinking.
Patrick trailed behind Phina. He watched her head toward the parking lot. He came to a stop and waited for Phil to come along. He was aware that he wished to speak with him.
"What do you do in there, Patrick?" Phil walked up to him and inquired.
"What you saw." He responded with rage.
With a sigh, Phil spoke gently. He was aware of Patrick's rage. You are aware that touching her was not agreed upon. The girl seemed shocked. She was surprised by it. You kissed her without warning and in public."
"I am aware. Christ, Phil, I am aware of it. Do you believe I'm unaware of that? I kissed her, and she is a fucking kid, Phil. Do you think I would want it? The rules are mine to break, and I made them. That's the only thing I could do to get them to trust me. And they were making a subtle jab at her. The majority of them are envious. He stated.
"When do you start to care about someone, Ricky?" Because he knew his friend well, Phil inquired.
"Don't treat me like that, Phil. The girl and I became involved in this. I am aware that I am paying her, but. With a moan, he closed his eyes and opened them again. I had planned to do something else. Phil, she is a child."
"She is not a little child. She is a woman."
"Well, that's not how I see her. And that's just one of the many reasons I didn't find my work enjoyable. But someone needs to stop talking, Kelly. A year ago, I embarrassed her in front of my friends, and the bitch still doesn't get over it. She only wanted my money to get into my bed because she was so cheap. I also don't take shortcuts. However, she won't stop teasing me if I don't act out." He explained.
"You could have thought of something else, Ricky."
"What will that be, too? Offer an apology? Get up and go? Remain silent as she makes fun of me? Smile at her? Tell me what you would have done, Phil. In addition, she is my girlfriend in their eyes, and I have a reputation to uphold. They were making fun of her, too. So I should watch while they make fun of her?"
Alright, I get it. Thus, what will you do? She's most likely injured." Phil enquired.
He let out a sigh and answered. "I know physical contact wasn't part of the deal, but we've got to do it in a situation like this."
"You ought to give her an explanation and an apology, Ricky. Stop being unreasonable. I'm sorry you used her." Phil suggests.
"I will." He responded.
Phil gave a nod. Saying, he gives him a shoulder pat. "All well, then. Good night.
"Goodnight to you. Greetings to your daughter and wife." He nodded in response and pulled out his car's remote. The light turned on, and it made a sound. And he turned and headed toward the car.
Patrick got into the car and turned to face Phina, who was facing the other way and staring out the window at the pitch-black surroundings. Tell the driver to bring them home, he said. Next, he faced Phina.
"Phina." Calm down, he called.
"What?" She asked without giving him a look. He chose not to press the issue because he knew she was upset.
"Look, I apologize for earlier. I have to take action for the benefit of the two of us.
"Patrick? For our benefit? Or your benefit? Even if I don't know you, I try to stand up for you. I strive to be calm. I never said you shouldn't take any action. I only asked that you please at least give me a hint. Anything at all. Just a hint of what you intended to accomplish. However, no. You believe that there is no limit to what you can do. So much for "I stand by what I said." With her eyes rolling, she muttered angrily.
Patrick sighed and tried not to lose his cool. He wouldn't sit and listen to Phina speak to him that way if it weren't for the current circumstance. She made fun of him by implying that he wasn't a man if he couldn't honor his word. But for now, he must be deaf to it. Getting upset with her will make things worse.
"I would be lying if I said I didn't hate breaking my rules; I know I made those." Would that make me a different kind of person? A dishonest person. And I wouldn't say I like retracting what I've said. Furthermore, what type of indication ought I to have given you to know that's what I wanted to do? We were being stared at. Will they need to be made aware? Everybody was watching us. I didn't give an indication, so don't hold it against me." He held up his hand to illustrate. Then he averts his gaze.
Phina remained silent. He was right. He remained correct even if he made no effort to improve and make it more amicable. Everybody was looking at them. They were interested in learning their next course of action. It appears as though they were waiting for them to refute Kelly.
Touching her had saved her reputation, even if it wasn't part of the agreement. It gave the impression that they were dating, at least. And it will come in handy the next time she runs across any of them. He was her helper. Some were shocked, incredulous, and envious. And if he hadn't taken those actions, it wouldn't have occurred.
"But I'm sorry." He expressed regret.
"Ensure that it doesn't happen again. And please notify me in advance if we plan to attend an event where your female opponents will be present." She turned to face the window, plugged in her earphones, and turned the volume to the highest.
Patrick only gives her a disbelieving expression. She has a lot of guts. He pondered.