Chapter 187
Felix’s collar buttons were loosened a few times, and he looked a little casual. He flicked the cigarette ash with his slender fingers, and put the money on the table into his pocket with a smile.
“I just got lucky,” he said.
His vague response left people unsure if he was talking about the gambling game or answering the man’s question.
He seemed to have put away his innocence and purity in front of Carol, now appearing more commanding.
“Luck’s got nothing to do with it, you’re a good–looking fella. If you’d chased after some rich chick earlier, you wouldn’t be here gambling for medicine money,” came a voice.”
The rest of the table broke into laughter. A cigarette butt was tossed into an ashtray filled with water, causing some yellow liquid to spill out.
Felix didn’t react to the insult. After the game, he just left some bills on the table.
“This should cover today’s expenses. I gotta go now, the hospital’s breathing down my neck for payment.”
“Felix, you’ve got yourself a rich girl, you’re still strapped for cash? Don’t rush off to the hospital, we’re in a bit of a pinch ourselves. The money you just won is peanuts compared to what you owe.”
“Bro, use this cash to buy yourself some smokes Put in a good word for me with the big guy, I’ll make good on my debts.”
The man’s face visibly softened as he took the money.
“That’s a good lad. Bring your girlfriend over sometime, we’ve never met a rich chick before.”
Everyone laughed again, kicking around empty water bottles and snack wrappers on the floor.
Felix gave a small smile, but after stepping out of the room, his face fell.
His phone rang. It was Carol. He looked into the distance and answered in a softer tone.
“What’s up?”
“Felix, remember my friend Maja I told you about? She needs a guy to act as her husband. It’s a bit complicated, but all the guy has to do is admit he’s her husband in public. My friend’s loaded, so the pay will be good.”
Felix walked a bit before turning into an alley.
The alley was narrow and old.
His friend had just gotten off work.
His friend’s name was Nathan, a good–looking 27–year–old. Despite having a decent job, his salary was low and didn’t cover rent near his office. So, he had to live in this old alley.
He had a small house in the alley where he lived with his sickly sister.
Felix stepped into the alley and continued his conversation with Carol.
“Carol, my friend’s got a job, he might not be able to.”
“It’s fine, he doesn’t have to show up often, just occasionally. Think about it.”
Felix glanced at Nathan, who was tending to his frail sister, and then agreed to Carol’s proposal.
“Alright, I’ll tell him. Your friend’s name is Maja, right? Where should we meet?”
Carol sent an address.
Felix walked over to Nathan and gave him a light
kick.
“Carol’s friend has a job for you. You need to play her husband, but you don’t have to show up often. She’ll pay you a lot each month. Get dressed and come with me to meet her.”
Nathan was the kind of guy who didn’t stand out in a crowd, and he wasn’t tall.
“Felix, how long are you planning on playing this game with Carol? You’re not actually thinking of marrying her, are you? Carol’s father won’t let it go, and what about your guy in the hospital?”
Felix lit up a cigarette and took a puff.
“I wouldn’t be getting close to Carol if it wasn’t for this. Her family’s so rich, they can afford the hefty medical bills.”
“But if the person in the hospital wakes up and sees you with Carol, that person would definitely go crazy.”
“By the time she wakes up, Carol and I will be separated. I’m only with Carol for the money.”
