[ Golden City Pub… ]
Marceline chose to go to a Pub rather than a nightclub so that she and Lyca could talk properly. The pub is quieter than a nightclub. They could eat dinner there and drink afterward. They could also play darts while talking as this was their favorite game when hanging out in a pub.
Lyca had already reserved a space for them. She also ordered their usual food. The two ladies were regulars of that pub. The waiters were familiar with them.
As soon as Marceline entered the place, a waiter escorted her to their table. Lyca waved at her the moment she saw her walking towards her spot.
"What took you so long? Does work pile up in the office?" Lyca asked her.
"Yes," she simply responded. She was not in the mood. Then she glanced at the waiter, thanking him. She immediately sat next to Lyca, putting down her shoulder bag.
"What happened? Who ruined your mood? Here, take this to cool yourself," Lyca handed her a glass of cold water for her to drink. She was looking at her teasingly to lighten the atmosphere.
"Kira…" Marceline truthfully answered her best friend. She came there to talk to her, hoping it would help to ease her troubles.
"I knew it! So what did your husband do to upset you?" Lyca could no longer wait. They were supposed to eat first but she was dying to know why Marceline got mad at Kira.
"He met his ex… and I think… he is not yet over her."
"WHAT?!!" Lyca gasped in surprise. She didn't expect to hear that from Marceline.
"So is it true?! You are only in a contractual marriage with him? No feelings involved? How about you? Do you love him?" Lyca bombarded her with so many questions.
Marceline rolled her eyes after being bombarded by those direct questions. "Lyca, one question at a time, please."
Lyca bobbed her head, holding her shoulders, and said, "It's fine. Just take your time, answering those questions. I'm here to listen."
Marceline took a deep sigh and drank her water first before answering all Lyca's questions.
"Yes. Our marriage is fake. It's just a deal between Kira and me. You are aware of the arranged marriage plotted by my Uncle. That was my way of avoiding it. But later on, I developed feelings for him. I think I already fell in love with him."
"Oh my, you finally admitted it to me. I can't believe it. Marceline Celeste Zhou finally falls in love with someone!" Lyca almost jumped in joy upon hearing that.
"Keep quiet, Lyca! This is not something to celebrate about. He loves someone else. Not me…" Marceline gazed down, hiding the pain and sadness in her eyes.
This was the first time Marceline became gloomy and sad because of a man. She found it very amusing. But she didn't want to tease her further otherwise, Marceline would never open up with her ever again.
p "Did the two of you already kiss?" Lyca asked her expectantly.
"Yes. Many times…" Marceline paused, restraining herself from disclosing more information. 'We even slept and had sex.' She thought to herself, biting her lower lip.
Lyca clapped her hands when she heard her honest answer. "I knew it! He couldn't resist your charm! If you love him, then take him! If you have to seduce him and tie him around you, do it! Don't let him go!"
Lyca was very supportive of Marceline. It was only once in a blue moon that her best friend would take interest in a guy. She should encourage her to grab this golden opportunity. Kira is a real deal– handsome, hot, and smart! He is like Adonis!
"Don't let his ex affect your current relationship with him. Marry him for real! Sleep with him and get pregnant. Demand him to take the responsibility!" Lyca insisted. She was very enthusiastic while suggesting those things to Marceline.
Marceline just looked at her with disbelief. She had never thought that Lyca would give her such advice. She expected her to tell her "Just leave him. Find another guy! There are plenty more fish in the sea! You don't have to stick with a guy who loves another woman."
Surprisingly, her best friend told her the other way around.
"Are you serious, Lyca?" Marceline asked her in amusement. She cupped her face, pinching her cheeks.
"Ouch! Stop it, Celeste! You are hurting my face!" Lyca grabbed her hands, removing them from her face. "But seriously, I'm not kidding. I meant those words. It's very seldom for you to fall in love. So why not fight for it! Don't give him up, Celeste! Make him fall for you."
Marceline: "..."
She was speechless. She didn't expect her best friend to push her like this. But thinking about it, Lyca had a point.
This was the first time she experienced this. So giving up without even putting up a fight was a bad choice. She might regret it if she would not fight for her love.
So what if she didn't betray Kira? She was already married to Dominique. For this reason alone, Marceline should not allow Kira to be together with that woman again.
Marceline grabbed Lyca's hands. Her eyes sparkled with hope and determination. Her advice helped her realize what she needed to do and what her heart wanted.
"Lyca… you are right. I should listen to you. Thank you for making me realize what I have to do." Marceline squeezed her hands, smiling at her with a grateful look in her emerald eyes.
"Hmm, I'm glad that I could be of help. And because of that, our bill tonight is on you!" Lyca said shamelessly, letting out a soft giggle.
Marceline could only shake her head helplessly. "Alright. Just order everything you want. This is my treat!"
"Yey! Thanks, Celeste! I will drink and eat at my heart's content."
Marceline nodded her head with a smile. After talking to Lyca, she felt like a heavy burden was lifted on her shoulder. She was not as gloomy as before.
"Lyca, just order what you want. I will just go to the comfort room." Marceline stood up, excusing herself.
"Okay. Come back. Don't you dare run away. I didn't bring my cards!" Lyca said jokingly.
Marceline just waved her hands before turning to leave. She was just about to enter the Lady's comfort room when someone grabbed her hand from behind.
"What the hell–"