99 Houses for His Love One for My Freedom novel Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Mrs. Harper had circled a quiet little bar on the corner of a cobblestone street–said it was cozy, mellow, and

served decent food at night.

Sounded like just what I needed.

I arrived around eight. A few warm lights, a soft playlist, and only a handful of patrons. Perfect.

I ordered a plate of bar bites–fried, salty, nostalgic–and a low–alcohol cocktail. Then I took a seat at the

bar and listened as the lounge singer crooned a smoky, bluesy number I vaguely recognized.

The bartender wiped down a glass before setting my drink in front of me, hesitating for a beat.

“You sure you wanna drink alone tonight?” he asked. “Never know what kind of trouble that invites.”

I gave him a dry smile and gestured to the pale–pink drink in front of me.

“This thing’s got less kick than a pineapple soda. Cut me some slack.”

He raised a brow, but eventually slid it over with a smirk.

I took a sip.

It was

-almost syrupy–with none of the fire I expected. But a few seconds later, the aftertaste hit me. Sharp. Sour. And weirdly… bitter.

I frowned and looked up. “What did you serve me?”

He pulled up the digital menu, scrolled all the way down, and grinned.

“You ordered our lowest–proof drink. It’s called ‘Life.”

I pushed the glass back toward him. “No wonder this place is half–empty. You’re serving philosophy instead of liquor.”

He chuckled, and I realized he wasn’t just the bartender–he owned the place too.

“Brutal,” he said, feigning a wince. “Right to the ego.

Still, the food was surprisingly good. I ate more than I expected and actually… enjoyed myself.

The bar stayed quiet.

Between bites, we chatted–about the town, the weather, the kinds of people who passed through. He asked what brought me here. I didn’t answer.

When I asked where I should visit, he suggested a few scenic spots just outside the city.

Chapter 8

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“Great views. Forest trails. There’s even a lake. But you’ll need a car. Bus schedules are a nightmare.”

I sighed. Renting a car last–minute in peak season? Nearly impossible.

He noticed the hesitation in my expression and shook his head.

“I’ll take you,” he said casually, like it was no big deal.

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