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Justin froze, the glass of whiskey in his hand trembling slightly as Ryan’s words registered.
His mind went blank for a moment before he forced himself to focus.
“What are you talking about?” His voice was sharp, but beneath the edge, there was a flicker of something else—something dark.
Ryan chuckled and leaned back casually, swirling the wine in his glass.
“Oh, come on.
Don’t act so surprised.
It’s not like you’re the only one interested in Anna.
You made your choice, so it’s only natural that someone else steps in.
” He took a sip, his eyes glinting with mischief.
“And believe me, I’m more than happy to do it.
“
Justin’s grip on his glass tightened until his knuckles were white.
“You think you can just come in and—”
“Relax, bro.
I’m not going to steal her from you,” Ryan interrupted with a smirk, clearly enjoying Justin’s reaction.
“But don’t blame me if she ends up getting comfortable with someone else.
It’s not like you were ever there for her.
You left her, and now you want to play the knight in shining armor? It’s too late for that.
“
The words hit Justin like a slap to the face.
He opened his mouth to retort, but nothing came out.
His mind was racing, heart pounding in his chest.
He couldn’t deny what Ryan was saying—he had abandoned Anna when she needed him the most.
He had chosen Rosalind over her, and now, the consequences were staring him in the face.
He looked down at the glass in his hand, trying to steady himself.
“I didn’t abandon her…” he muttered under his breath, but even he didn’t believe it.
He had walked away, and Anna had been left to pick up the pieces of her broken heart.
Ryan’s expression softened slightly, but his voice was still teasing.
“If you really care about her, then stop letting her drown in her own misery.
She deserves better than being someone’s second choice, don’t you think?”
Justin didn’t answer.
He just stared at the glass, lost in thought, his mind replaying the image of Bella in the bathroom, crying and drunk, hugging someone else.
He couldn’t shake the feeling of regret gnawing at him.
Meanwhile, Ryan watched him closely, knowing the battle inside Justin’s mind was far from over.
But he didn’t care about the details.
He was already planning his next move, and Justin was just another obstacle to overcome.
Back in the club, Bella was still with Axel, her eyes still red from crying, though she was trying to regain some composure.
She glanced up at Axel, who was watching her with a protective yet amused expression.
“Are you really going to be okay?” Axel asked, his voice softer now, though there was still a trace of his earlier anger in it.
Bella nodded slowly, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.
“I just… I don’t know anymore.
Everything is so messed up.
” She shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper.
“I thought I could move on, but it’s harder than I thought.
“
Axel gave a small nod, understanding more than she realized.
“You don’t have to move on alone, you know.
If you need someone to help you, I’m here.
“
For the first time that night, Bella allowed herself to smile—just a little.
“Thanks, Axel.
I think I might need that.
“
