Chapter 39: Chapter 39

Two Weeks Later

Oliver and Callum had returned back to London a few days ago. Tennyson was supposed to be leaving the city soon, so Oliver had gotten the chance to go out, telling everyone he had a day off and that he was supposed to meet a friend.

Well, he hadn’t really exaggerated when he’d called the person he was hoping to meet a friend.

Oliver was now comfortably sitting in the dimly-lit bar, finishing his third gin.

The truth was he wasn't sure if what they served here actually tasted like anything, though. His senses had already been dulled enough by the strong, cheap perfumes and the cigarette smoke, encompassing everything.

Oliver called the waiter for another drink and relaxed back in his chair.

He looked at the stage.

The graceful figure up there was moving beautifully, dancing to the sound of the music playing.

Ophelia was singing a sad, French song and there wasn't a single person in the audience whose eyes weren't fixed on her.

The dark red lips were drawing sensual shapes and Oliver was ready to bet his life there wasn't a man among the ones watching her who didn't imagine her mouth on their body.

Ophelia finished her song and got off the stage.

She came to stand before him shortly after, waving and smiling to everyone on her way.

"Why, if this isn't Gregory ." A wide smile spread on her pretty face and she sat down opposite him.

"When the bartended told me a tall handsome man was looking for me, I thought a rich lover had come to kidnap me. And now seeing that was you, I must say I'm even happier.”

"You flatter me."

She crossed her legs and the dark green dress she was wearing opened, revealing a long smooth leg.

"I will not ask how you found me. "

Oliver leaned over the table to light her cigarillo.

"I'd prefer if we skipped that part. "

"Well then. Will you at least tell me what brings you here? " She took a drag and Oliver noticed her nails were painted again, this time in a crimson red color, matching the red of her drawn lips.

"You don't look like someone who frequents those places and if you did, I would've known."

"I told you I would come see you."

"A man who keeps his word." She fluttered her long eyelashes at him "That's even rarer than a rich lover, covered in mystery."

Oliver laughed. He had to admit despite all odds, she was really very easy to talk to.

Her casual attitude, even if it was only on the surface and she likely exhibited it for the show, was one of the reasons why the audience was so attracted to her.

It also explained why so many people visited those establishments- they offered an escape from the dull, gray days.

Even if that was an adventure one paid for.

"That, and you being here calls for celebration." She exclaimed and called the waiter, ordering champagne.

"Now tell me. How is Albert?"

"He... He's well."

"Are you cross with each other? "

She asked and put her hand on her chest.

"Oh, no, it's not that, is it?"

Oliver wondered what she had under the cloth.

Just like the last time he'd seen her at Ella's, Ohpelia's breasts were very much like the one of a lady's.

And even if Oliver was no expert on female shapes, he could very well distinguish between a woman's and a man's chest.

He realized he'd been rude and staring and looked away.

"No, it's not that."

"Are you a proper couple now, then?"

"Uh...we don't really talk about..."

"Of course, my dear. Those talks are so awfully unpleasant, having to name this and that, I know. Just tell me, are you still walking around telling people you're cousins?"

"Only when it's necessary."

"A man of very few words. I forget that's another of your many charms." She eyed him and Oliver said

"I need a favor."

"You need a favor? From me?"

She asked puzzled and put a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

Ophelia wasn't wearing a wig and the long dark waves of her hair were richly falling down.

It made Oliver wonder what she did during the day, or if she worked in the bar regularly and that was what she did.

"What people want from me usually has a different name.' she said, "It's very different from favors. "

"I come as a friend."

"But yes, a friend. And it only breaks my heart," she exhaled theatrically and smiled at the waiter who put her drink down. "yet, I've already accepted it. Go on, darling."

"It's about Albert, and I thought maybe you'd be able to advise better."

"Advise on something about him?"

She lifted a beautifully shaped eyebrow and Oliver explained.

"I ...was wondering if you could help me choose something for him."

Ophelia paused for only a second, and then it was like it dawned on her and she exclaimed. She put a hand on her mouth and said.

"Ohhhh. Oh, dear. I really hope it is what I think it is."

Oliver felt relieved she’’d caught up with the idea so quickly and he didn't have to try and explain what he was asking for.

"This great," she beamed and took a sip from her glass. "Yes. What do you need from me?"

Oliver told her quickly what his plan was and after she’d heard it, she leaned back in her chair.

"This is ...yes.I'll help you, of course. I've always known he spends too much time eyeing the girls' gowns and it was definitely not the way a man does."

"Do you think it's a bad idea? I haven't...I don't know if he'll like it."

"Believe me, he doesn't either."

"Do you really think so?"

"Well, I mean it's different with me- no two people are alike, in fact. I've always known what I like. He might only be curious, or it could be something else. However, he's probably never even dared to consider it. Or it's more like, he couldn't. But now that he has you, you'll give it to him. I'm so excited. "

"I'll return the favor."

"What? No, you offend me, my dear. "

"I didn't mean to, I just want you to know your help means a lot."

"Of course you didn't mean to. You're too much of a gentleman to say something knowing it'll upset me. “she took a final drag from her cigar before extinguishing it and said “But I will only ask for one thing in return."

"What is it?"

"You will tell me if he liked it. "

"I'll ...uh, yes. Okay."

"Marvelous. "

"Thank you, for doing this. "

"No , I should be the one thanking you. "

"I haven't done anything. "

"You have. You're giving me hope. And as dangerous a thing hope is, one always needs it. It's what keeps us moving forward."

"Why hope?"

She placed her elbow on the table and relaxed her head onto her palm.

"Because you make me believe there's hope for people like me, for people like us to meet someone who understands. Even if it's different with every single person, what you do gives me faith we can meet someone who's ready to help us learn more about ourselves. And that has no price, my dear."

She looked up, blinking rapidly.

"It’s all that cigarette smoke and your terrible habit of tricking people into being too honest in front of you, dear. “

She answered Oliver’s look. “Now before I've said even more, I need to go back to the stage and sing a few more songs . You know perfectly well I can't afford to be in anything but in a jolly mood. "

She quickly wiped away any traces of raw emotion and composed herself back. Ophelia was back to being an artist again.

"Will you stay till the end, by the way?"

"With pleasure."

"You're such a sweetheart. "

She got up and Oliver stood up as well.

Ophelia kissed him lightly on the cheek and said.

"You are very special, Gregory. I knew it from the first time I saw you in that brothel. Albert is really lucky, he'll see how precious you are if he hasn't already. "

Someone came and called her back on stage.

"Come meet me after I finish, one of the boys will show you to the backroom. I have something I want to give you. "

"Thank you." He kissed her hand and she smiled.

"Anytime, dear."

Ophelia headed back, smiling and waving to her admirers, who kept calling for her from all corners of the bar.