Chapter 26

The lounge buzzed with soft music and the clinking of glasses as Adrian leaned back in his seat, a proud smile stretching across his face. The guys had just gathered for their usual evening hangout, their glasses half-filled, the table already littered with peanuts and small plates. Adrian tapped the rim of his glass with his index finger, as though waiting for the right moment to drop his announcement.

“Guys,” he began, his voice carrying that mix of pride and restraint, “my girl bagged three awards at school today.”

The group instantly reacted.

“Oh wow!” Leonard exclaimed, leaning forward.

“Great!” Jakes added, raising his glass.

“Wonderful!” another voice chimed in, it was Leonard.

Adrian’s smile widened.

“She even bagged the best student in her class.”

There were whistles and pats on the table.

“Ahh! Right,” Leonard said knowingly. “She took after your brains.”

Adrian chuckled, pretending to wave it off, though his ches