~~ Ace's POV ~~

I freed myself from my tie and two buttons from my shirt as soon as we got into the Jeep SUV while waiting for the chauffeur to ignite the engine.

It was not until then that I could finally breathe in fresh air of which the media was fully the major cause of my initial suffocation.

Despite being aware earlier on of everything we played in front of the media, I still couldn't help but feel pressured by that act.

It was just supposed to be a facade for the public, but it definitely took a great toll on me.

I glanced at the lady beside me to see if she felt the same way, but as usual, her expression wasn't easy to fathom, which made me wonder what she could be thinking at the moment.

I admitted she looked too gorgeous in that wedding dress, even when I only had a little chance to adore her.

If it were to be in the past, I would have hushed praises into her ears and probably, she would smile back whilst doing the same. But things were different between us now.

I clenched my fists, trying to brush past the clouding thoughts of the sight I witnessed that night—the night that changed everything between us while closing my eyes and resting my head.

The anger that I'd forgotten for a brief moment, or so I thought, returned at once and I realized one thing. No matter what I felt being closer to her presently, the feeling of hatred from that night would definitely surpass such a feeling.

There was no specific reason as to why I accepted this marriage again, especially after what she'd done days back. But I knew Dad was going to link me to another arranged marriage if, eventually, this didn't work out.

It was better getting married to Brittany on contract and living like strangers since we both despised one another than to live with another lady who would probably feel so obligated as my wife.

The last thing I wanted was to be tied to a marriage with a lady. I preferred having them at my disposal, and different ones at that.

“Stop the car.” I heard all of a sudden, and I was forced to open my eyes.

The car stopped, and Brittany stepped out of the car with her, fighting along with her dress. The sight would have been funny if everything were good at the moment.

My brows furrowed as I sat up, watching in silence where she was headed until she got into another car which I didn't realize had stopped in front of ours.

Who the f*ck came to pick her up? And why?

I remained long-necked until I became certain that no one was in the car with her except for the man who was obviously just a chauffeur.

The car finally drove away, and my chauffeur was about to proceed with our journey, but I stopped him.

“Take me to the penthouse,” I stated after a while of thinking whether it was the right decision to follow the car that took Brittany, but I thought against it in the next second.

“Alright, sir.” The chauffeur nodded, then changed his direction.

√√√√√√√~~~~

“Congratulations to the latest groom in town.” I heard immediately I stepped foot into the penthouse.

There was a pop of champagne followed by a loud chant. I shook my head and paused in my steps, staring at them as they jumped up in smiles like kids.

Some champagne splashed on me and I heaved a heavy sigh. They were already grown men yet still acted like teenagers.

“Come on in, man.” Wayne approached me and dragged me further into the room.

“Here, have some,” Kelvin uttered, pouring champagne into one of the empty glass cups as he stretched it out to me.

I collected it before slumping down to the nearest couch as I crossed my legs and took a sip.

“Congratulations, bro, you've made us proud,” Alex said, tapping my shoulder with an instinctive smile.

He was the most innocent among us, while Wayne and Kelvin were as naughty, just like me. Although, Alex used to be like us, something or rather someone changed him over the years—his crush in college.

Just the same way I once changed for Brittany, and she messed it all up, but that didn't stop Alex from being our friend.

I glanced at him as he was sitting on the same couch and in the same position as I was. “Well, thanks, bro.” The sarcasm in my tone made all of them chuckle.

“Never have I thought you'd be the first to stand at the altar to say the wedding vows, dude,” Wayne stated a fact as he took a seat on the opposite couch.

Well, it was a fact because I had also never thought of it, not once in my entire life.

“None of us thought of it, even he doesn't know it.” Kelvin chipped in as he also took a seat, beside Wayne.

“Or am I wrong?” He added, lifting an eyebrow.

Their gazes turned towards my direction before they all burst into howling laughter when I didn't reply. I joined in the laughter and soon, it died down.

“What do you expect from someone who clearly wants to remain single all his life?” Wayne spoke out immediately after the laughter died down, earning another round of chuckles from the guys.

“Thank Goodness, you all know that.” I sneered and took a sip of champagne.

“Why does this place look dry?” I raised a question, feasting my eyes around.

What I expected was something bubbly going on in the penthouse, but I was surprised when I met only the guys inside.

“Huh?” I repeated and took my gaze to the guys to see Wayne and Kelvin exchanging a knowing smile.

“This is nothing compared to what we have for you. This was just our own responsible way of saying congratulations.” Kelvin started with a lopsided smile.

“Yeah, the main thing is yet to come,” Wayne added, nodding in agreement.

Alex scoffed from where he sat as he turned me to face him. “Dude! You just got married today. You should be with your bride and not planning to club with some single pringles like us.”

“Speak for yourself, Alex. It's not like the supposed bride is willing to give him what he desires.” Kelvin rebuked instantly, his tone suddenly sounding slightly irritated.

“But it's still not right for him to go clubbing today, of all days. What if he is seen? And with a stripper at that? Then.......”

“That's enough guys. Whether married or not, nothing's going to change. This has been my lifestyle even before I got married, so it'll remain that way.” Interrupting Alex who sounded ever ready to start an argument, I set a boundary for both of them not to cross, and they knew better.

Alex scoffed before he sprang to his feet, “You trio can suit yourselves.” Then he brushed past and stomped out of the penthouse.

Ugh, Alex and his flimsy anger! He would come along when he was back to his calm self.

“I think it's time I saw what you guys have in store for me.” I chimed in, standing up in the next minute.

The place was becoming so boring for me that I could no longer stand it.

“Bro, you just spoke my mind. Let's just go already, it's way fun over there.” Wayne agreed with me and then dragged Kelvin, who stood up crookedly.

Obviously, he was still angry about the argument he had with Alex.

“Come on guys,” Wayne added before finally dragging Kelvin out, and I followed suit.