Chapter 19

Azure forced a small smile and nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine," he replied, though the turmoil inside him was anything but fine. He couldn't shake off the longing he felt for Francine, the way her laughter lit up a room, and the warmth of her touch. But he knew he had to keep his feelings in check. He had no right to pursue her, knowing that their relationship would be frowned upon in their society.

Royce, sensing Azure's discomfort, suggested a distraction. "Hey, I saw a billiard deck on the upper ground. Want to play a game? It might help take your mind off things," Royce said.

Royce didn’t let Azure speak and he just dragged him there.

Azure stood in awe as he gazed at the room before him. The walls were adorned with exquisite paintings, and the large windows offered a breathtaking view of the ocean outside. He couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder as he looked around, taking in the opulence of the room. But there was one thing that caught his attention and left him puzzled - a tabl