Chapter Seventy Eight

CLARENCE

“Gene Sullivan? I’ve heard that you’re looking for me.”

He’s all skinny bones.

The first thing that comes to my mind the moment he turns, facing me with bandages nearly covering up his face.

Seeing him in a dire state, I visibly flinch, and upon closer inspection, the bruises, especially the cut lip, the dampness of his bandaged head and a visible black eye on his left, are pretty much recent.

His uninjured eye gazes at me and I’m visibly surprised that there is this intensity of his stare—instead of a victim of violence and abuse, he has the air of a soldier combating his enemy. A fighter, to sum it up. “Clarence, right? Nina talks about you from time to time.”

Ah, this answers my speculation, all right. He is the “fake boyfriend”.

I smile before giving an affirmative nod. “Well, I’m glad my name is mentioned from her very own lips. It’s an honor especially that she values you as her best friend. Pleasure to finally meet you, Gene Sullivan.” I extend my hand, implying comm