Chapter 295

Anna Ross's fingers hovered over the keyboard, her thoughts already drifting far away.

They had met again after breaking up.

He hated her to the bone.

He kept her by his side, tormenting her with every means possible.

She could endure all of that.

But why did he occasionally show tenderness?

Her heart was in turmoil.

Finally, the workday ended. Anna headed straight to the bar.

The owner greeted her warmly as soon as she saw her.

The two were now close. The owner pulled her aside, chatting incessantly.

Anna maintained a polite smile throughout.

Every word from the owner was filled with gratitude and praise.

Since Anna started performing, the bar's business had been booming.

Now, it was packed every night.

"Look at all these new customers. They all say they came specifically to hear you sing." The owner's cheeks flushed with excitement.

Anna smiled faintly, putting away her belongings. "I'll sing well."

She was equally grateful to the owner.

If not for the opportunity given to her, she wouldn't be able to sing on stage.

Let alone receive such generous pay.

Tonight's crowd was especially enthusiastic.

Many sang along throughout the entire performance, creating a lively atmosphere.

The joyous mood dispelled the gloom in her heart.

Stepping off the stage, she felt much lighter.

"Anna."

A strong smell of alcohol hit her.

Anna turned and met Lucas Evans's dazed eyes. "Lucas?"

Lucas stared at her with a foolish smile, completely drunk.

He laughed for a moment, then raised a bottle to drink again.

"Stop drinking!" Anna quickly snatched the bottle away, raising her voice to try and sober him up.

The music from the dance floor was deafening.

She wasn't sure if he could hear her.

Her wrist was suddenly grabbed with force.

Anna winced in pain.

Before she could react, she was pulled toward a sofa.

Lucas patted the spot beside him groggily. "Anna, sit here."

The pungent smell of alcohol made her uncomfortable.

Anna sat down as asked. "Why are you drinking so much? Did you come alone?"

The Lucas she remembered was always gentle and refined, rarely so disheveled.

Lucas had somehow gotten another bottle. He squinted, looking around. "Just me."

He tilted his head back and drank again.

Anna tried to stop him, but he dodged her.

He leaned back on the sofa drunkenly, mumbling, "Anna, I've been waiting for you. You look so beautiful when you sing."

He had been waiting here all along?

Anna was stunned.

How long had he been here?

Lucas turned to gaze at her, suddenly laughing to himself.

Still laughing, he leaned closer, his tone almost pleading. "Don't avoid me, okay?"

"Lucas..." Only now did Anna see the bloodshot veins in his eyes.

It was shocking.

She hesitated, wanting to speak.

"Shh." Lucas pressed his index finger to his lips, shaking his head gently. "Don't speak. Listen to me. I have so much to tell you."

Watching him drink incessantly, Anna felt a pang of sorrow.

She couldn't bear to watch, but there was nothing she could do.

Soon, the bottle was empty.

Lucas frowned, shaking the empty bottle, then waved for a server.

Another bottle was brought to the table.