Chapter 45 Dodging the Lovey-Dovey Stuff

After that experience, they both made silent promises to themselves: no more hanging out with lovey-dovey couples. It was just too much! Caelan let out a big sigh. "You've changed so much." "Just wait till you have kids. You'll be the same," Luke said. Caelan rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I knew you'd say something like that. Go on, have your family time. I need some fresh air." Sofia wasn't keen on staying back either. "Mind if I join you?" Caelan gave a nod of agreement. He had a feeling Sofia was always up for an adventure, probably even a night out at a bar. Sofia quickly changed into a bold outfit, grabbed her bag, and stepped into some stunning high heels, ready to follow Caelan out. Charlotte watched them leave, curious. "Where are they headed now?" "I bet they're off to a bar." Luke guessed. "Isn't it a bit risky for them to go out so late in a place they don't know?" "Don't sweat it. Caelan has got a pretty good sense of direction around here." When Luke first took over the hotel, Caelan had joined him on a visit. Near the hotel, there was a bar renowned for its incredible atmosphere. However, it had been years since that visit, and Caelan found himself curious whether the bar still held onto its unique charm from back then. Charlotte, sensing he might be bored, tentatively asked, "Do you want to join them?" Luke smiled gently. "Nah, bars are more of a young people's scene. It's been a long time for me." He used to find the bustling energy of bars quite soothing. But these days, he cherished quiet moments with his family more. That was his idea of time well spent. After Lilya gobbled down her burger, Luke led the family on a walk. The balmy sea breeze and the pleasant weather made it obvious why so many young folks loved this place. It was indeed ideal for settling down. Over at Hot Lips, the bar was alive with energy. Caelan and Sofia had already turned down numerous dance offers. They were soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Sofia beamed when she received compliments on her looks. At the bar, the bartender, an old acquaintance of Caelan's, greeted him with familiarity. For Caelan, who often traveled to Tropis Island for work, this bar was a regular haunt. Sofia's long hair[ flowed over her shoulders, glowing in the bar's warm yellow light. "You seem pretty popular around here." "Yeah, I'm here often for work. It's a good place to relax." "That explains why several women were checking if you were free tonight. You've got a way with them." Caelan almost spit out his drink. "I don't actually know them. It's probably like those guys who were trying to chat you up earlier, just looking for a reason to talk." Sofia looked at him, a bit doubtful. She knew Caelan was a fun guy. Given his good looks and background, it wasn't surprising he caught the attention of many. A good-looking blonde-haired, blue-eyed man approached Sofia. "Excuse me, are you here alone?" Sofia casually flicked her hair. "I'm with a friend." "Just a friend?" He sat down next to her. "That's right." "Then, may I buy you a drink?" Sofia, charmed by his appearance, thought it added a thrilling twist to her night. She smirked. "Sure, why not?" The man got the bartender to make a drink just like Sofia's. "You really caught my eye. You're different." Caelan couldn't believe it. He thought, 'Wow, that line is so old school.' Sofia smiled. "Looks like I've still got it! You're not too shabby yourself." Then, as Sofia looked away for a second, the man sneaked a tiny pill into her drink. Caelan saw this and didn't like it one bit. He leaned in and told Sofia quietly, "Hey, don't drink that." But Sofia misunderstood, thinking Caelan was worried about her having too much to drink. "Oh, I can handle my drink." She gulped it down quickly. Caelan couldn't do anything but watch. As Sofia drank it, he stopped having fun. He was really worried about her now. He kept a close eye on her, feeling it was his fault. Sofia smiled at him. "No worries, go have fun. I'm good with my drink." The man seemed to think Sofia and Caelan had an argument, which was why she was playing it cool about their relationship. "If you want me to go, just say so," he said. Sofia held onto his hand. "No, it's fine. Stay. I rarely get to chill out like this." Caelan watched from a distance, making sure Sofia was okay. He didn't want to spoil her night out. They hardly ever got to unwind, and he didn't want to be a buzzkill. But inside, Caelan felt no joy. He regretted not coming alone. Now, he felt stuck, unable to leave Sofia by herself.