Chapter 271 - Closer

Alex released a deep sigh of frustration. He was a fool to believe that Caroline was starting to warm up to him.

He was wrong!

She was just trying to console him during his darkest hour, no more no less. It's all his fault because he thinks she starts caring for him.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. "Sir, dinner is ready," the housemaid said.

"Okay, I'll go down in a minute," he replied.

Fifteen minutes later, he went down to the dining room. Despite the delicious dishes that the cook had prepared for him, his appetite is poor. He wasn't in the mood for eating. Even if his spirit is down, he forced himself to eat. He needs to feed his body with food to be able to continue living every day.

After he finished his meal, he went back upstairs.

He stayed in his room for two hours, doing nothing, just staring at the ceiling.

His room feels cold and so quiet, so empty!

Gahh! He needs to go out tonight. Go to a place where he will be surrounded by happy people. Maybe he will forget his sadness and loneliness for a while.

He dressed up and wore his black leather jacket over a white t-shirt and blue jeans. He will go to a bar, meet new people, and drink his sorrow away.

Tonight he was going out. Maybe he can forget his pain even for a few hours.

He exited his room and went downstairs. He entered his car and started the engine, and left his mansion.

He was driving on the busy highway for a few minutes looking for a nice place to pass his time with.

Alex parked his car on the first bar that he saw in the street, a few miles from his house. He exited his car and entered the bar.

The place isn't much crowded at this hour. He went straight to the bar, wanting to order something to drink. He lowered himself on the chair and looked at the bartender. "Miss, Scotch On the Rocks, please," he said.

"Yes, Sir!" the pretty bartender said.

A few moments later, the bartender served Alex's drinks.

His gaze sweeps around the room, nothing much to see, just people enjoying the night with their friends and girlfriends.

He was staring at the pretty bartender while sipping his drink. The longer he stared at her, the more she looks like Caroline. Damn! He must be out of his mind!

"Miss, what's your name?" he asked.

The pretty bartender smiled. "My name is Althea...Althea Merano," she replied in an enthusiastic voice.

"Pretty name," Alex commented.

Althea's eyes sparkled, she smiled brightly, very much pleased with his praise. "And may I know your name, Sir?" she asked, pretending to be interested.

"Just call me Alex," he said.

"Nice meeting you, Sir!" Althea smiled sweetly.

Alex consumed three glasses of whiskey and think he had enough for the night. He doesn't want to get drunk in the bar and risk encountering a road accident while driving. He gave Althea a nice tip and left the bar, going home.

~o0o~

In the weeks to come, Alex kept coming back to Dark Angel Disco Bar, at least three or four times a week because of Althea. He was fascinated with her personality, she is fun to talk with because of her bubbly personality. Not only that, the more he stares at her, the more she resembled Caroline.

Althea, on her part, treats Alex nicely because he gives big tips. If there are not many customers around, she would talk to Alex and they have a lively conversation going before the night is over.

As days go by, they warmed up to each other and they become fast friends.

Alex continues giving her nice tips. But he never asked her out.

One night.

Alex came into the bar early. They chatted for a while since there aren't many customers during the early hours.

Althea coughed a little. "Sir Alex, I haven't seen you bring your girlfriend here. Why is that?" she asked curiously. For such a rich and good-looking guy, it would be impossible for someone like him not to have a girlfriend or wife.

Alex smiled. "My wife and I have recently annulled our marriage. I'm not rushing into a relationship," he explained.

"Ah, I see..." Althea nods her head in understanding.

Alex glanced at her. "How about you? Not married yet? Single... ready to mingle?" he asked.

Althea smiled. "I'm scared to go into a relationship..." she replied.

Alex brows furrowed. "But why-?"

"Because men are a jerk?" she answered grinning. "Of course, I'm just joking..." she added.

"Nah, to be honest, not all men are a jerk. They're still a few good men left in this world," he said with a wink.

"I don't think so... this current times...men are not good when it comes to commitment," Althea stated her opinion.

Alex shrugged his shoulders. "Well, that's your opinion. You must have been in a bad relationship in the past that is why you think men are jerk and user. But not really..."

Althea smiled. "You are correct, Sir," she said. "By the way, why did you and your wife annulled your marriage?" she inquired.

"Because she found another man to love in the state. She no longer loves me," he said sadly.

"Ah, sorry to hear that, Sir," she said.

"How about you, Althea. Why you and your boyfriend broke up?" he asked.

"Because he met a wealthy woman and I'm poor. So he abandoned me and married the rich heiress. Sad isn't it?" she responded with a grin.

Alex looked at her face for a long time. "Sorry to hear that... You know what?"

"What Sir?"

"You deserved someone better. That guy is a jerk, indeed. I'm not surprised that you viewed men as a jerk," he agreed. "Looks like we are on the same boat. Betrayed both by the people we love and trust..." he said with a gloomy sigh. He found a kindred spirit with her.

Althea smiled. "It looks like we are destined to meet..." she joked.

"Yeah, looks like it," he agreed and grinned, then sipped his wine.

Alex was about to say something to her when another customer arrived and Althea got busy serving the newcomers their drinks. He handed Althea a generous tip and left the bar, he doesn't want to take much of her time because she has a job to do.

He was hesitating to go home early 'coz he was on the verge of asking her out. But he left anyway.

The more he stares at her face, the more he feels he was getting closer to Caroline. And that is one major reason why he wanted to get to know her better through a series of dates and going out to see if they are compatible or not because he's ready now to enter into a new relationship with a woman.