15
As the woman led Allvar out of the bar, whispers quickly spread through the crowd, barely waiting for the door to close behind them.
Serena’s boyfriend, Derek, was the first to speak, his voice dripping with amusement. “Well, well, well… looks like our boy Allvar just got himself a sugar mama”
The crowd, still tense from the earlier chaos, let out a few nervous chuckles. Serena, arms crossed and glaring at the door Allvar had just walked out of, sneered. “He always did have a knack for landing on his feet with women. Guess he’s downgraded to being a gigolo now.”
Mikel, who had been standing by, shook his head at the absurdity of it all. “Come on, guys. You don’t even know who she is. You’re jumping to conclusions.”
Derek rolled his eyes, smirking. “Oh, please. A woman like that doesn’t just walk into a bar and drag some nobody out of trouble for free. You really think she’s doing it out of the kindness of her heart?”
Another guy from the crowd chimed in, nudging his friend. “Bet he’s going to have to ‘work off‘ that favor later, if you know what I mean.”
The men laughed, and Serena, bitterness flashing in her eyes, added, “Sounds about right for him. Always looking for a way out. Now he’s just looking for a paycheck between the sheets.”
Mikel stepped forward, his voice rising above the snickers. “That’s ridiculous. Allvar’s not like that. He wouldn’t-”
“Wouldn’t what?” Derek interrupted, his tone mocking. “Wouldn’t do what he had to do to survive? That’s all he’s good for now. And maybe you’re defending him because you’ve got the same arrangement going on. Birds of a feather, huh?”
Mikel’s jaw clenched. “What the hell are you talking about? I’ve got nothing to do with any of this.” “Sure, sure,” one of the girls at the bar jeered, flipping her hair. “You’re always hanging around Allvar. Maybe you’re his little gigolo buddy, too. Defending your ‘business partner,‘ are we?”
The crowd snickered louder this time, the insults getting nastier by the second. Mikel stared at them in disbelief. “You’re seriously buying into this crap? You barely know her! You don’t know anything about what just happened.”
Serena, arms still crossed, took a step toward Mikel, her voice cold. “Oh, I know exactly what’s happening. Allvar’s found his way into a rich woman’s pocket, and how he’s going to ride that gravy train all the way. I’ve seen his type before.”
Mikel shook his head, exasperated. “You’re just mad because things didn’t work out like pathetic boyfriend wanted. This isn’t about Allvar; this is about you being jealous and bitter.”
you and
your
Serena’s eyes flashed with anger, but a smug smile crept onto her face. “Jealous? Please. If anything, I feel sorry for the woman. She doesn’t know what kind of loser she’s picked up.”
Derek laughed, throwing an arm around Serena. “Jealousy, babe? Nah, she’s just calling it like it is. That poor sap’s just hit the jackpot. Too bad it’s gonna run out when she realizes he’s worth nothing.”
15
6
+25 BONUS
Mikel opened his mouth to argue, but Serena had already pulled out her phone. With a few taps, she smirked and started typing. “You know what? Let’s let the whole town know about our local Romeo. Might as well give him the attention he’s been craving.”
Mikel’s eyes widened. “Serena, what the hell are you doing?”
Serena didn’t even look up as she continued typing. “Oh, just posting a little something. Photos of Allvar with his new ‘boss,‘ some colorful details. You know, the usual–how he’s been ‘bought‘ and all that.” She shot Mikel a poisonous look. “People love a juicy story, and I’ve got plenty to tell.”
Mikel stepped forward, alarmed. “Stop it! You’re spreading lies! This could ruin his life.”
Serena’s fingers flew across her screen as she grinned. “Ruin? He already ruined his own life. I’m just helping everyone see it.”
Derek leaned in, glancing at her screen. “Make sure you get that shot where he’s walking out all sheepish. Really sells the gigolo vibe.”
The crowd erupted into laughter again, a few people peeking over Serena’s shoulder as she uploaded the photos and added a caption:
“Look who’s found himself a rich cougar to pay off his debts. From thief to gigolo–Allvar always lands on his feet, one way or another. #Scandal #PaycheckBetweenTheSheets #Gold DiggerAllvar”
Mikel’s face burned with frustration. “You’re all insane. None of this is true.”
A girl from the group giggled. “Doesn’t matter if it’s true or not, Mikel. People are gonna eat this up.”
Serena put her phone back in her pocket, crossing her arms again. “Let’s see how long he keeps up that act when everyone knows what he’s really about.”
Mikel took a step back, feeling helpless as he watched Serena’s bitter smile spread through the room. The damage had already been done, and he knew it would spread like wildfire. Allvar hadn’t even gotten out of the parking lot, and already, his reputation was being shredded.
As Mikel left the bar, the sound of laughter followed him out the door. His fists clenched at his sides as he muttered to himself, “Unbelievable… They’ll destroy him over nothing.”
Inside, Serena leaned against Derek, her eyes glinting with satisfaction. “Let’s see how he crawls out of this one.”
