Chapter 323: Don’t Want to Be Cured

She knew it was a psychological issue, but she had no desire to treat it.

It was good to be free and on her own. It was good not to get married.

A person shouldn’t bring a child into the world until they are fully prepared to take responsibility for its future. This was the most profound lesson she had learned in her life so far.

So, Brandon Jacobs’s concern tonight made her once again reflect on their relationship.

Perhaps Brandon Jacobs had too happy a childhood. He truly couldn’t understand her. He was incapable of keeping the distance she required. The two of them were destined to fail.

Just then, a man had appeared whose build, looks, and even way of speaking all seemed to be a perfect match for her. Elsa was ready to give it a try with him.

"Is that so? You think eating dumplings is interesting. If I were to do something else, I’d probably charm you to death."

"Hahahaha," the man laughed, completely charmed.

"You have a perfect accent. Where’s that from?"

"Oh, please. That’s not a very cool way to hit on a girl. You might as well just say I’m beautiful and you want something to happen between us."

"Whoa," the man said, his mouth falling open in pleasant surprise.

"Sorry, I’ve been back in the country for a while. You know how it is, the oriental girls are all so... what’s the word? Shy? By comparison, I really like your style."

"So? My stomach’s full. Now I can start drinking. Are you buying me a drink?"

"Of course. What would you like?"

Seeing the two of them chatting away without a hitch, Brandon Jacobs watched as the man even called the bartender over to mix them drinks right there. He knew it was over.

’Elsa’s definitely going to give him a shot.’

He was getting angry. ’How can she be so casual?’

’Her unfortunate childhood might have made her opposed to marriage, but can’t she at least be in a serious relationship? Why does she have to cheapen herself like this?’

’That guy is obviously bad news. Isn’t she afraid of catching something?!’

At the thought of disease, a knot formed in Brandon Jacobs’s groin.

’They had brought a lot of... supplies when they came. Surely Elsa wouldn’t have brought that thing for testing guys with her for tonight, would she?’

After a flashy performance from the bartender, the man and Elsa began drinking together.

Brandon Jacobs desperately wanted to rush over and drag Elsa away, but he knew he couldn’t.

She would definitely accuse him of being overbearing and controlling, and it would only push her further away.

As he watched them, agitated and annoyed, a soft body suddenly draped itself over his shoulder.

"Hey handsome, are you here alone? You’re so interesting, coming to a bar to eat dumplings. I’ve been watching you for a while. You’re really hot. Want to have some fun together?"

Brandon Jacobs had been in the entertainment industry for years. What kind of men and women hadn’t he seen in clubs? What kind of lines hadn’t he heard?

But this was the first time he’d found those words so repulsive.

"I’m gay. Please stay away from me."

"Huh? A guy that hot is gay? What a shame."

The girl walked away, looking back reluctantly.

All night, Brandon Jacobs didn’t have a single drop of alcohol, his eyes fixed on Elsa.

The man seemed witty and humorous, constantly telling her something with exaggerated expressions, making her chuckle from time to time.

Brandon Jacobs was going insane with jealousy.

’They’d known each other for so long. He’d nearly given his life for her in bed and never once saw her smile. And now she was laughing at some piece of trash’s stupid joke?!!’

They went drink for drink, occasionally heading to the dance floor for a few songs. Elsa seemed to have truly, completely let go. Her expression was utterly relaxed.

In what felt like a blink of an eye, it was past midnight. She and the man were both a little drunk and unsteady on their feet as they prepared to leave.

The man looked at her suggestively. "Are you willing to leave with me tonight?"

Elsa’s tone was just as suggestive. "Do you come to the bar every day? Take a different girl home each time?"

"How could I, baby? The oriental girls aren’t like the ones back there. You have to take them out at least three times before they’re willing to go home with a guy. I don’t come here that often, either. Maybe I take one home once a month."

"Once a month? Doesn’t that get frustrating?"

"Of course, but I’ve still got my hand. Besides, I have to work. Can’t put all my energy into this."

"Well, at least you’re honest. Do you have a girlfriend?"

"Nope. To be honest, I have a hard time maintaining a long-term relationship. I have limited patience, and girls are always so much trouble."

’Perfect. He’s the same type of person as me.’ Elsa decided. He was the one.

"Any diseases?"

"HIV? No way. I’m very careful about that."

"What do you do for work?"

"Baby. Didn’t you say you didn’t want to get too serious? Why all the questions?"

Elsa replied, "I’m a doctor. I don’t mind having a few boyfriends, but I’m not going home with just any man."

"Alright, alright." The man raised his hands in surrender.

"Software engineer. And this is my name. And while I don’t mind having a few girlfriends, I’m not the type to mess around indiscriminately. My family is still counting on me to carry on the family line."

Elsa took the business card he offered and glanced at it. "Got it. I have a very sharp eye for people. If you’re lying to me and I figure it out later..."

The man could see it. She was cool, proud, and extraordinary—definitely not your average person. He gave a roguish laugh and grabbed her hand.

"Look all you want. I won’t hide a thing. If I do, I lose."

And with that, they had an agreement. Elsa found herself admiring his personality.

The man slung an arm around her shoulder, and they started walking out, looking for all the world like a perfect match. Brandon Jacobs panicked.

’Are they really just leaving like that? What if something happens?’

He made a snap decision. He pulled out his wallet, took out all the cash, and grabbed the nearest waiter.

"See that tall guy up ahead?"

"I see him."

"Go tell him that woman is my wife. Tell him to come see me. I’ll be waiting for him over there. If he doesn’t show, I’ll hunt him down at his home."

The waiter, startled by his intensity, hurried after the man.

Brandon Jacobs pushed through the crowd and went to the entrance of the restrooms. A moment later, just as expected, the man arrived.

Their eyes met instantly. The man raised an eyebrow.

"You’re her husband? Then why didn’t you stop her yourself? I’m guessing you’re the ex."

"Fuck you!"

Brandon Jacobs pulled a wine bottle he’d hidden behind his back and, with a loud CRACK, smashed it over the man’s head.

Elsa stood waiting by the entrance to the bar. In less than a minute, she’d already been hit on by several different men.

While she didn’t like overly intimate relationships, she was by no means the type to fool around with just anyone, especially not sleazy lowlifes.

She acted as cold as possible, but these guys were like flies; her pride and indifference couldn’t drive them away.

She glanced impatiently toward the bar’s entrance. ’I’ll give him another thirty seconds,’ she thought. ’If he’s not out by then, I’ll assume he bailed, and I’m done with him.’

Just then, Brandon Jacobs emerged, his face dark as a thundercloud.

When he saw two men practically drooling as they blocked Elsa’s path, his anger nearly boiled over. He pointed a finger at them and yelled.

"That’s my wife! What the hell do you think you’re doing? All of you, get the hell out of here! Fuck!"

These men might not have been high-class, but they understood a basic tenet of the male code: you don’t mess with another man’s wife.

Seeing Brandon Jacobs rush over and wrap his arm around Elsa, they backed off resentfully.

Elsa hadn’t expected him to still be there. She frowned at him. "Why haven’t you left?"

Brandon Jacobs’s tone was ice-cold. "If I left, what would you do? You have no money and no ID. Sleep on the streets? Or just find a random guy to go home with?"

Elsa subconsciously glanced back toward the entrance of the bar.

Brandon Jacobs sneered. "Don’t bother looking. His girlfriend showed up. They’re already making out in there. If you don’t mind sharing him with another woman, feel free to keep waiting."