Chapter 565

When she mentioned “a lifetime,” her voice caught, and she reached out, pulling Brielle’s hand over and then Max’s, stacking them together.

Brielle raised a hand to massage her temples. How much had Aubree actually had to drink?

“You’re plastered. I’ll drive you home.”

Aubree looked up at her with a nod. “Yeah, back to Andrew’s place. Dawn’s breaking, and it’s his birthday. I got ingredients to bake a cake.” Drunk as she was, she still remembered Andrew’s birthday.

Together, Brielle and Max supported her out of the bar.

Max was unaccustomed to being so close to another woman, feeling utterly uncomfortable. After settling Aubree in the car, Max went to drive, noticing the scent of booze on his coat.

Slumped against Brielle’s shoulder, Aubree’s face flushed. She mumbled incoherently, no one understood a word she said. Brielle was concerned Aubree might tumble to the floor with all her fidgeting, so one hand steadied Aubree’s head.

They pulled up to where Aubree lived, and Brielle fished out the keys to help her inside.

The doorman furrowed his brows upon seeing Aubree. “There she goes again, coming home late every night. She didn’t even go home for the holidays and was always out drinking. I really don’t know what her family taught her. A girl should have some self–respect and self–love. Last time, she was caught fooling around in a car right down there, and now the whole complex knows about it.”

Brielle’s face darkened as her gaze fell upon the doorman. Max glanced over as well. The doorman shivered, feeling the pressure, and dared not say another word.

Brielle had been to Aubree’s place before, but Aubree hardly stayed there anymore. She was mostly at Andrew’s place. She hadn’t expected Aubree to be alone during the holidays, and suddenly felt guilty for not calling more often.

Once in the room, Aubree crashed on the couch and fell asleep.

Brielle looked at Max, sharing a moment of helplessness. “Max, why don’t you wait for me downstairs?”

The room was a mess with scattered bottles, jackets, and lingerie. It was unbearable to have him stand amidst the chaos. Max nodded and stepped out.

Brielle gently wiped Aubree’s face with a warm towel.

Aubree opened her eyes and saw her, her eyes welling up. “Bri, never fall in love with someone.” It had become her obsession. Loving the wrong person could be painful, but even loving the right one wasn’t always sweet. Hatred and fear often stemmed from love.

Sighing, Brielle cleaned Aubree’s cheeks, neck, and fingers. Aubree seemed more sober now, 10:55 staring at the ceiling as silent tears fell.

Brielle’s heart ached at the sight, and then banging on the door jolted her – more like smashing.

*Heads up, Aubree! Open up. The boys are here to patronize your ‘business!“”

“Out gallivanting all night again, huh? What, got picked up in a car again?”

“You’re trash. Can’t keep still without a man for a day.”

Since the incident with Andrew became neighborhood gossip, a few men would come by her door each night to hurl abuse. The other neighbors knew, but the scandal was too big; they all assumed she was promiscuous. The women despised her. They thought their husband would be seduced by her, and would insult her on sight.

Aubree was ostracized by the entire building, silent violence condoned by all. But she felt powerless, even unwilling to resist. The harsher they were, the more she mocked herself – the price of loving someone.

Had she done something wrong?

Her mistake was harboring a crush on Andrew, giving in when he came onto her, and then. unable to let go, she ended up scorned like this.

Hearing the insults, Brielle’s temper flared. She was about to storm out when she heard a thud against the wall outside. She quickly opened the door to see Max standing coolly in the hallway, his brow furrowed. “Beat it.”

The jeering men could barely stand from the pain, their lips quivering as they scurried away.

Max’s frown was prominent, and Brielle, sensing his mood, reached out to grasp his hand. “Didn’t I tell you to wait downstairs?”

“It’s cold.”

SON Brielle guessed he was worried about her and was about to invite him in the drafts in the hallway were even colder. But Max stood firm, pulling out his phone and dialing Andrew. Since their fight, this was the first time they had contacted each other.