Villain Ch 158. Double Standard
Their heads snapped reflexively, their eyes falling upon the three captivating women standing behind them. The trio exuded an air of elegance and beauty. It was as if they had stepped out of a fashion magazine, each possessing a unique allure that commanded attention.
As the realization dawned on Allen, shock etched across his face, mixing with a hint of apprehension. They were Alice, Bella, and Vivian.
The red-haired guy couldn’t help but feel a surge of confusion. His gaze oscillated between the striking women before him, their beauty radiating with an aura that made him feel both awe and a twinge of shyness. Overcoming his bashfulness, he mustered the courage to voice his query. «Excuse me, but who exactly are you?» His tone betrayed a mix of bewilderment and curiosity.
A mischievous glimmer danced in Alice’s eyes as she responded, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. «Well, duh! We’re his dates,» she retorted, her voice laced with playful sarcasm as she tilted her head toward Allen. At that moment, her intention to tease and provoke the group was evident. Alice, known for her quick wit and love for jests, currently, seemed more inclined to flaunt her mischievous side.
The red-haired guy blinked in astonishment, his mind struggling to comprehend the situation. «Dates? As in, multiple?» he reiterated, seeking confirmation.
Alice nodded playfully. «Yep, you got it. Multiple,» she affirmed, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Bella, fueled by her impatience, wasted no time physically separating the two groups. With assertive gestures, she pushed them aside, ensuring they were no longer obstructing their path. «Move it! You’re blocking our way,» she declared, her tone brooking no arguments.
Meanwhile, Vivian smoothly slipped between the parties, bridging the gap between Allen and herself. As she neared him, a serene smile graced her lips, her touch gentle as she took hold of his hand. «You’re late, Allen. The others are waiting for us. Let’s leave this place,» she whispered softly, her voice like a soothing melody in the midst of the escalating tension.
Allen found solace in Vivian’s presence. Her smile acted as a balm to his turbulent emotions, momentarily calming the storm within him. Her delicate touch transmitted a sense of tranquility that soothed his anger. Most importantly, he felt relieved that they had intervened, halting the brewing quarrel. However, he couldn’t help but wonder why they could appear at this particular moment.
«The others?» Allen questioned, his brows furrowed in confusion.
In response, Vivian simply gestured towards the nearby window, drawing his attention to the scene outside.
Following her lead, Allen shifted his gaze toward the window, his eyes widening as he spotted Zoe, Larissa, and Jane standing there. They stood in front of the restaurant, their presence a reassuring sight. All three of them waved at him simultaneously, their gestures filled with a mixture of support and anticipation. They had chosen to wait outside, vigilant and ready to intervene if the situation worsened. Their intention was clear—they didn’t want to exacerbate the tension already palpable within the restaurant. After all, the place was already brimming with onlookers and curious spectators.
A genuine smile tugged at the corners of Allen’s lips. He turned his gaze back to Vivian, his expression softening.
«I’m sorry for making you all wait,» he said, his voice filled with newfound tranquility.
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Vivian returned his smile, her eyes radiating understanding. Her hand remained securely clasped in his, providing a comforting anchor amidst the chaos.
«No need to apologize, Allen. We’re here for you,» she replied, her voice infused with unwavering support.
Unlike Allen, who was gradually calming down, Sophia’s heart burned with a mixture of emotions. As she witnessed the scene unfolding before her, jealousy gnawed at her chest, intensifying the pain she felt upon seeing Allen’s connection with the other women. She prepared to stand up, intending to confront the situation head-on. However, her movement was abruptly halted when Bella placed a travel pack of tissues in front of her. Bella’s eyes bore into Sophia’s, displaying a mix of determination and insight.
«In this modern era, strength is an alluring quality in a woman. It’s far more captivating than relying on others for protection,» Bella stated firmly, her words resonating with unwavering resolve.
Elio furrowed his brow in response to Bella’s statement, his gaze shifting toward her. «You don’t even know the full extent of the problem,» he retorted, echoing Allen’s earlier sentiment.
Bella maintained her unwavering gaze, unfazed by Elio’s remark. «You’re right—I may not have all the details. That’s precisely why I want to remove myself from your path and simply take Allen with me. I don’t want my beloved man to get entangled in unnecessary trouble, especially when there’s a group of white knights involved,» she declared resolutely, her gaze shifting to Elio as she made her point crystal clear.
«Let’s just get out of here,» Allen declared, his frustration evident as he grabbed his bag and made a swift exit, determined to put an end to this unpleasant confrontation.
However, Sophia couldn’t remain seated any longer. With a surge of determination, she stood up, her eyes locked on Allen’s retreating figure.
«Allen, to be surrounded by so many women, this isn’t like you,» she pleaded, desperately clinging to the image of Allen she had known before.
Allen turned to face her, his expression filled with annoyance, his frown deepening. «And to be immersed in games and surrounded by a swarm of boys, it isn’t like you either. Let’s not play the double standard card,» he responded, his words laced with a merciless tone.
Elio, unable to remain silent, stepped in to support Sophia. «You sure like to create trouble wherever you go,» he interjected, alluding to both the past tournament and their current encounter.
Allen’s gaze shifted to Elio, his eyes narrowing. «I don’t create trouble. Trouble always manages to find its way to me,» he stated, his tone nonchalant and dismissive.
With emotions still running high and the weight of their words hanging in the air, Allen took the lead and swiftly made his way toward the exit of the restaurant. His strides were purposeful, his face a mask of determination. The girls followed suit, trailing behind him.
