I couldn't help but feel uneasy under the weight of all the eyes staring at me. It wasn't just one person—almost everyone seemed to be watching my every move.
But among all those gazes, it was Rome's that made me the most nervous.
He had been keeping an eye on me for a while now, and with every step I took, his gaze trailed after me.
Because of that, the others began to glance my way too—probably wondering what exactly Rome was looking at so intently.
And now here I am, feeling incredibly awkward and self-conscious about the whole situation.
While I was serving drinks, I couldn't avoid tripping—my heels caught on the floor, throwing me off balance. I nearly toppled to the ground, my eyes shutting instinctively out of panic.
But before I could fall, a hand quickly caught me, steadying me before I hit the floor.
My eyes snapped open—and I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me when I saw who it was.
Rome.
Of all people, it had to be him who caught me.
Flustered, I looked away to gather myself—and that's when I saw Alpheus nearby, close enough that it seemed like he had been ready to catch me too.
I immediately pulled away from Rome's grasp, feeling embarrassed as I glanced around—especially at Sir Alpheus, who looked concerned.
"Next time, be careful. You're still as clumsy as ever." Rome said in a low voice, his tone laced with indifference.
I could feel that he wasn't pleased with my presence.
I didn't respond. I simply stepped back, putting some distance between us.
"You know her, Rome?" Alpheus asked with a curious tone, his brows drawing together in disapproval.
But Rome didn't bother answering. He simply turned around, walked back to his seat, grabbed a bottle of alcohol, and took a long swig.
I noticed their friends watching us with visible amusement, clearly entertained by the situation.
Some of the others averted their eyes, pretending not to notice as they whistled awkwardly and took sips of their drinks.
Seeing that they probably didn't need my assistance anymore, I was about to turn and leave—when one of them stopped me.
"Wait, Miss Beautiful" said one of the guys—I think his name was Lexter, judging by what his friends had called him earlier.
"Looks like our friend Rome here could use some company tonight. Think you could keep him company?"
He said it with a mischievous grin, his eyes sparkling in a way that hinted he was only half-joking.
"I'm sorry, sir, but I can't accompany your friend. I'm a waitress, not a whore."
His comment hit a nerve. I turned to walk away, but he quickly stepped forward to block my path.
"Wait, wait! I think you misunderstood me, miss!" he said, raising his hands in surrender.
"I didn't mean it like that, I swear! I'm sorry if I came off the wrong way. With the way you're glaring at me, I feel like I might get knocked out any second now..."
He let out an awkward laugh and glanced nervously at Rome and Alpheus.
"Even my two friends look like they're ready to jump me if I say the wrong thing—h-haha."
"I just meant to invite you to join us. Nothing inappropriate—just some company, someone to talk to for a bit. Right, guys?"
He looked to his friends for backup. They gave stiff nods and forced chuckles.
I took a breath, still not buying it.
"I'm sorry, sir," I said evenly. "But I'm just here to do my job. What you're asking isn't allowed. And besides, I have other things to take care of."
He might've tried to sound polite, but no amount of sugarcoating could convince me to sit at that table—especially not next to the one person I despised the most.
"But—ouch!"
Lexter started to speak again, but Alpheus elbowed ithim sharply in his side, cutting him off.
"Ahahaha, please forgive our friend, Miss." Alpheus said gently, his tone completely opposite from how he had just elbowed his friend.
"Just ignore him and feel free to return to your work… and please, be careful."
I gave him a small nod and turned to leave, but once again, someone stopped me.
"Wait, Miss Beautiful!" one of them called out. "Before you go, we'd really like to know your name—formally, of course. One of our friends here is very eager to get to know you—"
He didn't get to finish.
"She's Slyvia. Slyvia Lincolm." Rome interrupted, his voice flat and emotionless.
He said my name like it meant absolutely nothing to him, ignoring the curious glances his friends gave him.
"Yes… the gentleman is correct. My name is Slyvia," I confirmed, forcing a polite tone. "Now, if you'll excuse me, sirs."
Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked quickly out of the room, closing the door firmly behind me.
Damn it…
As soon as I was alone, my hand flew to my chest. My heart was pounding so fast it felt like it might burst.
Only then did I feel the overwhelming weakness in my legs—shaking from the pressure I had tried so hard to suppress inside that room.
I took a deep breath, trying to collect myself, and with the last bit of strength I had, I headed to the restroom.
I needed a moment—just one moment—to release the vulnerability I had been holding in, especially in front of the man I never wanted to see again for the rest of my life.
-----
Meanwhile, Rome downed his bottle of liquor in one go, ignoring the curious stares from his friends.
Rome, however, couldn't help but shut his eyes tightly, trying to suppress the frustration and the storm of emotions swirling inside him.
After all these years, he was now face-to-face with the very woman who had caused his long, miserable downfall.
His fists clenched tightly, the tension radiating from him like a ticking bomb.
After all these years… I was finally ready to forget you. But you just had to show up again, his mind screamed, overflowing with resentment and bitterness he could no longer contain.
"Hey, Rome? Do you know that beautiful waitress?" his friend Calyx asked.
But just like before, Rome said nothing. Instead, he raised the bottle to his lips and took another deep drink.
"Come on, man, we're curious!" Calyx pressed, nudging him playfully. "Tell us how you met—"
"Shut up, Calyx!" Rome snapped, cutting him off with a sharp glare. "Don't ask anything about a girl who's supposed to be forgotten."
His voice was cold, laced with fury and pain. Without another word, he stood up abruptly and stormed out of the VIP room, leaving his stunned friends behind.
They didn't need to ask further. From the way he left and the words he spat, it was more than clear—he had known her once, and he was trying like hell to erase her from his memory.