âYes, exactly.
â The barmaid paused and then added, âItâs not that Melissa looks like Cherry, but rather that Melissaâs face is a replica of Cherryâs.
Thatâs why Cherry seemed so familiar to me at first glance.
â
The other barmaid chimed in with a sneer, âSheâs just a fake trying to mimic the real deal.
Next to the genuine article, her flaws are blatantly obvious.
â
Nicole, known as Cherry, truly had a unique look, far from the typical, manufactured Looks of internet celebrities that seemed to captivate men.
In contrast, Melissaâs features were way inferior.
Had Cherry not been around, Melissaâs appearance might have been considered decent.
However, in comparison to Cherry, Melissaâs face paled significantly.
She literally looked unattractive.
âWhat are you talking about?â Jemma suddenly reprimanded the two barmaids.
She appeared particularly displeased whenever anyone mentioned Nicole and Melissa resembling each other.
The two barmaids stuck out their tongues and remained silent, not daring to speak out of turn.
Jemma, holding a cigarette that had burned down to more than half, hummed and asked, âHave you two finished your tasks for today, or are you just chatting?â
Scolded by Jemma, the barmaids covered their mouths and said, âWeâll get back to work, Jemma.
â
Jemma didnât approach the door to the chamber Deniz had occupied until they left.
She stood for a moment, listening intently for sounds inside.
The smell of burnt tobacco wafted up as the ash crumbled toward her fingers, but she remained tense and anxious.
Once the room was quiet, she turned and walked away.
Inside the chamber, Nicoleâs face had turned pale after Denizâs blow.
Her ribs throbbed with pain, each breath a struggle.
As Denizâs mouth neared her, Nicole turned her head sharply away, muttering, âDonât you remember why Jarrod kicked you out?â
Deniz paused, his expression confused.
âWhat do you mean?â
Nicole took a moment to catch her breath.
âJarrod got you expelled, and youâve known that for a long time.
â
Hearing Jarrodâs name made Denizâs desire falter, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.
Nicole pressed on.
âHe did so to give me an explanation, to appease me.
â
Denizâs anger ignited as he recalled the humiliation by the pool.
âIf it werenât for you, I wouldâve made it in Ardlens!â he spat through gritted teeth.
He lunged forward, ripping at Nicoleâs clothes.
âNow that Jarrod has Vicki, he wonât help you anymore.
Letâs see where youâll run today.
â
With a sharp tearing sound, Nicoleâs freshly worn uniform split open in Denizâs hands.
Nicole quickly covered herself and slapped Deniz hard across the face.