The sunlight bathed the spacious sports field. It was a day wholly dedicated to the students, a moment of triumph for families. Students poured in, their faces adorned with confident smiles, filled with excitement.
Sookie was no exception. Fortunately, she had resumed her studies two months ago. However, her graduation thesis had transitioned from social psychology to the study of individuals with Stockholm syndrome. Surprisingly, her thesis had impressed the professor, and she had even become an outstanding graduate.
Three months ago, she had never imagined herself having any connection to a grand graduation ceremony like today’s. Sookie walked to her seat, took a deep breath of the fresh air, feeling at ease with everything.
“It’s been so long since I felt this relaxed!” Sookie stretched like a lazy cat just waking up.
“Congratulations on your graduation!” Sookie turned her head to see her family had all arrived.
“Wow, I’m so happy you all came. Thank you!” she exclaimed, embracing them warmly.
“What are you talking about? You are the pride of our family, the sole graduate from a prestigious university!” Daisy teased.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. Our graduation ceremony is about to begin. Please be seated…” the announcement echoed through the stadium. The graduation ceremony officially commenced, and Sookie adjusted her bachelor’s cap before quietly taking her seat.
After the graduation ceremony, she tidied up her dorm room and checked out.
“I’m finally bidding farewell to my student life!” she said wistfully, dragging her suitcase to the school gate, glancing back at the entrance.
Sookie boarded a taxi, taking a window seat. Along the way, she saw the familiar entrance to the bar. Tucked away in an alley, it was a place most people wouldn’t notice, but to Sookie, it stood out distinctly.
“Has it really been over three months?”
“Will he be there?”
Suddenly, she stood up. “Stop the car!” Then she pushed open the door, walking briskly towards the bar called D. O.
In the daylight, the bar seemed emptier compared to the night, but the music still blared, and various dispirited men and women lay on the sofas. Some continued the merriment from the previous night, emitting peculiar moans.
The bartender glanced at Sookie, raised an eyebrow, and asked, “What can I get you?”
“Any recommendations?”
“How about a Pink Lady?”
Sookie shrugged. She had never had a cocktail like that before. “I’ll give it a try.” But she felt it wouldn’t be right to stay here without making a purchase.
She looked around. This place was just as chaotic, despondent, and indulgent as she remembered, but it was missing one person. Sookie did not see Enzo. She felt a pang of disappointment; after all, she had come here with high hopes, but he wasn’t there.
The bartender handed Sookie a pink cocktail. She thanked him and took a sip.
“This drink… it’s very sweet.” She smiled, but the smile was bitter and faint. She raised the glass again and finished it, feeling her stomach churn, almost nauseous.
“Excuse me, I need to use the restroom.” Sookie gestured to the bartender before staggering towards the bathroom. By the toilet, she retched, suddenly overwhelmed with sadness, crying as she crouched down.
She remembered everything about that man. Initially, he had looked at her as if he wanted to kill her, then he had risked everything to save her, and later they had spent a beautiful night together. Sookie realized her feelings, perhaps she had truly fallen in love with a man who could effortlessly kill and passionately kiss-a peculiar kind of monster.
“Sookie?” A familiar voice came from outside it was Tessa.
Sookie was surprised to hear someone call out to her while she was in the restroom. She quickly composed herself, then opened the door. “What is she doing here? This is South City,” she wondered, but she still responded to Tessa.
“Tessa… hi…”
“It’s really you! Long time no see. Are you drinking here?” Tessa was dressed in a red short leather skirt with black stockings, a tight short top accentuating her slender waist, looking incredibly alluring and sensual, a complete contrast to the studious-looking Sookie.
“You look terrible, girl.”
“Indeed, my stomach feels awful.”
“Can we find a place to talk?” Tessa said, taking Sookie’s hand, leading her out of the bar. Stepping outside into the fresh air, Sookie felt reinvigorated.
“Where are we going?”
“No idea, there should be a cafe nearby, want to have a drink?” Tessa’s tone was enthusiastic, her spirits high.
The two girls passed a street corner and found a quiet cafe. The interior was exquisitely decorated with brown-toned walls adorned with several floral wreaths andsome cute plush toys, creating a warm and elegant atmosphere.
Tessa led Sookie inside, and the waitress warmly greeted them.
“Two cappuccinos.”
“Are you having this?” Before Sookie could decide, Tessa had already placed the order, her usual decisive self. However, Sookie couldn’t resist the enthusiasm of the mafia princess and simply nodded.
They found a cozy spot and sat down. Tessa studied Sookie, furrowing her brow.
“Have you been okay these past three months?”
“I graduated today,” Sookie waved her graduation certificate, smiling. “I’ve been doing quite well. What about you? I haven’t heard from you since then.”
“Congratulations! Happy graduation. You really don’t fit into our world, do you, pure and innocent angel,” Tessa took a sip of her cappuccino, winking at Sookie.
“But the good news is, we’ve joined your world. I’ve legitimized all of Shadowy Saints’ business and established Nasadow Group as the legitimate holding company for all Shadowy Saints’ commercial transactions. It’s not just involved in cross-border trade, but also a publicly listed group in the entertainment, culture, and tourism industries. In short, I am no longer just the princess of the mafia, but I am still a princess, that much is true.”
Tessa’s eyes sparkled, her tone confident and cheerful. She teased Sookie, who then playfully curtsied, resembling a guest paying respects to a princess. Soon, the two girls burst into laughter.
“So… what about Enzo?” Sookie cautiously brought up the man, trying to appear nonchalant, but deep down, she was incredibly nervous and anxious, not having mentioned his name to anyone in a long time.
“I knew it, you must want to know about him. You’re a girl with a guarded tongue,” Tessa’s smile softened. In truth, she had brought Sookie here to confirm her feelings for Enzo. After all, their past had placed her in mortal danger, making it difficult to discern how she felt about them now.
Sookie glanced at her, nodding, signaling her to continue.