Chapter 19 No Choice

Nicholas Andrieux The bass from the speakers pulsed through the dimly lit VIP section of my club, mixing with the low hum of voices and the clinking of glasses. The scent of expensive liquor and perfume filled the air, blending with the faint smell of cigars from the lounge area. I leaned back against the plush leather couch, my fingers lazily swirling the amber liquid in my glass as I watched the crowd below. Lucas sat across from me, his usual relaxed demeanor in place as he nursed his drink. The music, the crowd, the flashing lights—none of it distracted me from the thoughts gnawing at my mind. "So," Lucas finally said, breaking the silence between us. "You really going through with this marriage?" I let out a quiet chuckle though there was no amusement in it. "Well, I don’t have much of a choice," I murmured, taking a slow sip of my whiskey. Lucas narrowed his eyes, tilting his head slightly. "You always have a choice, Nicholas." I exhaled, placing my glass down on the tabl