Resolute Fate

Chapter 3: I regret them

"Zevin, buddy, are you up?" Dexter's familiar voice greeted him warmly, concern evident in his tone. "Bud, let's grab some drinks. Both our companies suffered heavy losses, and we can't just lay around feeling hopeless, right?"

A genuine smile tugged at the corners of Zevin's lips, touched by Dexter's thoughtful gesture. "Thanks, Dexter," he replied sincerely, his voice reflecting the appreciation he felt. "It's been tough, but I'm hanging in there."

"I'm sorry, bud. I didn't know your company suffered losses too. I had really been careless."

Dexter's response was sympathetic, his concern evident as he offered words of comfort and support. "I understand, Zevin," he said earnestly. "But listen, we're in this together, alright?"

Zevin's concern lifted a bit, knowing that it wasn't only Zephyr Academy that lost the gamble but also Dexter's Dynatech Solutions. He replied, his tone understanding. "I'll do whatever it takes to make things right on my end. I appreciate you, buddy."

Dexter's tone remained supportive, his words reassuring as he suggested they meet up later to discuss things further. "You just ignored my invitation, eh? Let's grab a drink tonight, Zevin!" He suggested enthusiastically. "We could use a break from all the stress. There's a new spot I know that's perfect for unwinding. Its just within the City here in the center of Cybu"

Feeling a sense of gratitude for Dexter's friendship, Zevin readily agreed, looking forward to catching up and finding solace in his company.

"That sounds like a good idea," he replied, forcing a semblance of enthusiasm into his voice. "I could use another distraction before figuring everything out."

That evening, Zevin found himself immersed in the ambiance of the bar, enveloped in the intoxicating scent of perfume and the rhythmic pulse of music that filled the air. The dim lights cast long shadows across the room, creating an atmosphere of mystery and allure.

Seated opposite him, Dexter raised his glass in a toast, his gaze glinting with a hint of mischief. "Here's to new beginnings," he declared, then nodded subtly towards a group of young girls at another table.

Zevin forced a smile in response, though the weight of his troubles hung heavy upon him, suffocating him with each passing moment.

As he glanced in the direction Dexter indicated, he locked eyes with one of the girls, feeling a sense of familiarity.

Dexter casually mentioned the presence of those women in the establishment, his tone light and seemingly innocent. "Zevin, the ladies there are remarkably good," he remarked casually, a sly grin playing at the corners of his lips.

"I know the great Zevin's charms would do the trick for us today!" Dexter laughed as he spoke to Zevin.

Before Zevin could protest or decline, his gaze caught the other woman's. Her appearance was striking and alluring. With delicate features and an innocent face, she exuded an air of mystery and temptation that proved irresistible to Zevin.

Her snow-white skin glowed under the dim lights, her lips a delicate shade of rosy pink that beckoned to him with a promise of forbidden pleasure. Jet-black hair cascaded down her slender curves, framing eyes that sparkled with allure.

Awkwardly noticing the situation, both of them immediately retracted each other's gazes and feigned awkwardness.

"Zevin, I see that girl with really black hair and fairly white skin looking at you." Dexter teased.

"I know, man, but don't forget, I'm married," Zevin countered.

"The great Zevin has changed a lot!" Dexter said as he laughed.

"All those games, they're in the past. And I regret them, bud." Sounding melancholy, Zevin said. "You remember the girlfriend I mentioned to you before?"

"Sera, right?" Dexter anticipated. They had been friends since Zevin started working as a teacher in a remote area in his hometown Magnolia. Within this time, they had shared a good number of conversations where they talked anything about themselves.

This naturally included Zevin's happy and painful past before he started dating Claire.

Zevin answered, "Yes, I meant her. And speaking of her, I feel a bit of her vibe coming from that girl you're talking about at the next table."

He didn't want to dwell more on the regrets of his past, thus he talked about Dexter's interest.

"I just saw Sera through her social media accounts so I couldn't really tell. I also found out she's out to travel outside the country soon." Dexter answered and added, "Well, let's just enjoy the rest of the night and stop this melancholic reminiscing."

As both further indulged in drinking, appearing visibly drunk, Dexter suddenly approached the opposite table.

Zevin, left in their table, continued immersing himself with alcohol, the rumbling sounds of bass dropping and mesmerizing flicker of lights, not minding Dexter. After a sudden, the mysterious girl that captivated him settled on the seat Dexter was originally.