Jayson didn't return to his room; he stayed in the entertainment room. Sidney took a shower and then called Alondra from her room.
It was still early, so she should not be too busy yet.
"Hello?"
"It's me."
"What's wrong?"
"How have you been lately?" Sidney wasn't sure how to start.
"I've been having a rough time lately. My dad came over asking for money and wouldn't leave."
"How much is it this time?"
"Fifty."
"Did you give it to him?"
"I didn't want to give it, but the creditor showed up at my door, saying they'd cut off his hand. The knife was already in place, and I saw the blood flowing, making my head spin. I had no choice but to quickly agree to lend the money."
"Did you manage to get it?"
"Yeah, I borrowed it from a few of the friends here."
"Sorry, I couldn't help you."
"It's fine! You don't have an income, so I didn't want to ask you."
"Yeah, I have something to tell you."
"What?"
"I've decided to try getting along with Jayson."
"Really? Why?" Alondra was shocked. She had never imagined that Sidney would actually want to be with Jayson.
"Over this time, we've gotten along pretty well."
"…As your good friend, I have to say, I don't think he's right for you."
"I'm the one who's really been with him." They had been in touch less recently, and there were many things Alondra didn't know. Sidney knew Alondra was saying this because she cared about her and was worried.
"You're stubborn when you set your mind to something," Alondra knew Sidney's personality; once she decided on something, no one could change it.
"It's fine..."
"So what's the point?" Alondra didn't understand. Since Sidney had already made up her mind, why was she calling to tell her this?
"The point is, I'm wondering if I should… confess to him?"
Alondra was silent for a moment. Sidney couldn't see her face, but she guessed that Alondra might be hesitating.
"…I don't know. You have to decide this for yourself. I can't decide for you."
"Oh..."
In the end, Alondra sighed, thought for a moment, and said to Sidney: "He's probably a man of principle. There's no big personal interest at stake, so he probably won't harm you."
"Mm, I understand."
"I want you to be happy. If you've decided, then go love him properly. Work on the marriage, and keep an eye on him."
"Mm."
"Alright, I have things to do. I'll get going."
"Mm, bye."
Sidney went upstairs, and the entertainment room was open. Jayson was sitting half-reclined on the L-shaped sofa, drinking wine. As Sidney entered, her footsteps caught his attention. He turned his head back to fiddle with the stereo on the table, switching tracks on the record.
The soft waltz melody played through the speakers, its tones calm and soothing. He twirled the crystal glass in his hand, bringing it to his nose for a sniff, then studied the wine's color, completely indifferent to Sidney's presence.
Sidney sat down at the end of the sofa and said, "This entertainment room is really nice."
He didn't respond, but he poured her a glass of wine from the decanter and pushed it in front of her.
Sidney didn't drink alcohol, and her tolerance was naturally low, but she still graciously picked up the glass and took a small sip.
The wine didn't taste like the kind of alcohol she was used to. It was fresh and slightly sweet, and although she didn't know much about wine, she could tell it was high quality.
She took another sip, letting the wine linger between her lips and teeth before slowly swallowing.
"This is French wine. Can you tell what it tastes like?" Jayson leaned back on the sofa, lazily asking her, like a king looking down from above.
"What's the taste? It's just the taste of alcohol, right?" Sidney puckered her lips, trying to sense the so-called flavor.
Jayson shook his head and chuckled lightly. "You've ruined my wine."
"I don't usually drink, so how would I know?"
"Did you taste the berry flavor?"
Sidney quickly took a sip, pressing it against her tongue to feel the taste.
"Seems like it."
"Did you taste the faint tobacco flavor?" Jayson put down his wine glass.
"Uh... How would I know what tobacco tastes like?" Sidney frowned.
Jayson lit a cigar from the table, took a puff, and looked at her with a half-smile. He then crooked his finger at her.
Sidney shifted her weight, sliding closer to him but still maintaining a respectful distance. Without warning, he leaned in, his fingers gently gripping the collar of her pajamas. In an instant, his lips captured hers, tender yet insistent, brushing against the flushed softness that only alcohol could bring out. His tongue traced the seam of her lips, seeking entry, and when she parted them slightly, he deepened the kiss. Their tongues met in a dance that was both familiar and electrifying, twining together with an intensity that left no room for doubt. The heat between them grew, each stroke of his tongue sending waves of sensation through her, until Sidney's cheeks blazed even hotter than they had from the wine. She felt his tongue exploring her mouth with practiced ease, each movement deliberate and intoxicating. Their bodies drew closer, pressing together in a deepening embrace that left no space between them. Moments later, he slowly pulled back, his tongue lingering to trace a gentle, teasing path along her lower lip. The sensation sent a jolt through her, a tingling mix of pleasure and anticipation that left her breathless and yearning for more. Her body felt electrified, yet drained of strength, as if the intense kiss had sapped every ounce of energy from her. Dazed, she raised a hand to her lips, brushing them with the back of her fingers. They were swollen and red, tingling from his touch. A faint bitterness lingered on her taste buds, mingling with the sweetness of the moment. Her cheeks flushed even hotter, embarrassment and desire intertwining in a heady swirl of emotions.
"Do you remember the tobacco flavor now?"
