Chapter 6
1530words
She looked at me, eyes burning, jaw clenched. Her fists trembled on her lap.
“You probably did something he didn’t like,” she muttered weakly. “Then you left him last night, didn’t you? After your wedding? Why? You’re married now. You chose that, Ana and I supported you.” Uncle’s voice turned ice cold.
“You should start learning how to be a good wife and stop acting like a spoiled brat in this house.” Uncle said in his serious tone
Ana couldn’t even look him in the eye. Andres helped her to her to stand.
“Come on. Fix yourself. I’ll drive you to your house” he said flatly.
She didn’t protest. But before she left, she turned to glare at me, hatred pouring from her eyes like venom. I smirked again, this time wider.
That smirk said everything and as I expected she didn't expected me to looked at her like that so she was shocked.
This is the new me now. And since you’re the easiest target, Ana, I’ll start with you. As the door closed behind her, I turned back facing my room again, looking bact at my canvas.
I continued painting, each stroke a breath, each detail a release. The image in my head had finally come to life on the canvas.
With a quiet sigh, I set down my paintbrush. My chest rose and fell slowly, a familiar wave of satisfaction washing over me. Another piece finished.
And then I heard a knocks from the door. I turned my head toward the door, assuming it was one of the maids. But when I opened it, it wasn’t who I expected. It was Andres.
He stood there, composed and unreadable as always. “Someone’s looking for you,” he said simply.
No emotion. No expression. Just that calm, serious face he always wore. I blinked then nodded without a word and followed him through the hallway.
As we reached the living room, I spotted Uncle Valerio seated across from someone, all I can see is her back but I know who already is, Selene.
She was chatting animatedly, and I arrived just in time to catch her say, “I’ll bring her back before six.”
Uncle Valerio’s eyes flicked toward me. Cold and unreadable. I looked down hoping he agrees.
“Okay,” he finally said.
Selene immediately jumped to her feet, clapping her hands once as she moved toward me with that signature energy.
“Okay! We’re going now, bye! Thank you, Mr. and Mr. Montenegros!” she said with a little wave that made me wanted to laugh.
I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from grinning. Realizing this girl had no sense of fear.
I gave them one last glance, Uncle, still stone-faced, while Andres, a crease form between her brows because of What Selene called them. It was clear she meant to be playful, not offensive, just her usual way of mocking family Montenegro.
When we arrived in her car. I finally turned to her.
“What kind of excuse did you give this time?” I asked her.
She flicked her hair off her shoulder dramatically, grinning from ear to ear. “Uhm… family party,” she said, clearly proud of herself.
I stared at her, half in disbelief, half amused as she winked.
I'm half in disbelief because I have a feeling this will not be a 'family party' as she said. Then we finally arrived somewhere.
"Let's go!" she said excitedly.
We enter the building realizing, it wasn't a 'family party' as she said. But surely it was for 'party'.
"Excuse me miss. Reserve for Miss Selene Marquez please" Selene said the the front table as she gave a card to the counter.
"Yes ma'am. Your VIP room reservation is this way please" the staff polite gave as direction and started walking.
"Come on" Selene held my hand again as we follow the lady.
As soon as we entered the VIP room, a few more of Selene’s friends came in after us. I recognized some of them because I already met them before, so they smiled warmly.
“Hey, Avaleigh, right?” one girl asked.
"Yes, Kyla right?" I asked her. Although I can still remember their names.
"Nice to meet you again Avaleigh" Maxine greeted me too as I greet her back.
Belle, Thea, and Lianne and the two guys Caleb and Jiro. Greeted me too and I did the same. As politely as they were.
But the tree boys with them, I don't remember them at all. I hadn't seen them before. They looked close to Selene. One of them had tousled hair and wore a gray sweater.
“Hey,” the gray-haired said, approaching. “I’m Bryce.”
“Avaleigh,” I said with a nod.
“I'm Harvey, nice to meet you" the tall one said with a quick grin.
“Dom,” the third added, hands in pockets.
"You can call me Avaleigh" I said to them as I greet them back.
Laughters, music, and chatter filled the air with in that room. The staff and bartender moved around silently, blending into the background.
"Guys, group picture!" Bryce called out.
Everyone gathered around. Arms over shoulders, leaning close, posing wildly.
"Cheers!" Maxine shouted as she raised her glass wine.
"Cheers!" we all shouted to together with the loud music. As we all lift up our glasses and continue enjoying and vibing with the music.
I ordered juice of course, although I wanted to try wine or beers but now is not the right time for that.
Selene tugged on my arm. “Let's go there? I have something for you” she said as she pointed to the sofa near the window.
I gave her a small smile as we walk together.
“Thank you for dragging me out from that house again” I said to her sincerely.
“I know, and you’re welcome.” She grinned as she was proud she did.
We looked ridiculous, but happy. After we reach the sofa, Selene reached into her bag.
“I brought something for you” She pulled out my phone.
My old phone. The one Ana smashed last week.
It looked... new.
“You fixed it” I said
“Yeah as you said” she replied casually.
I grabbed her face and kissed her cheek. “Thank you, fairy goddess.”
We both laughed.
Then Bryce suddenly interrupted us.
"What?" Selene turned sharp to him.
“I’m not gonna talking to you.” Bryce said teasing Selene.
“Then leave. Tsk” she scowled
“I need to talk to Ava, not you.” Bryce said grinning as he turned to me.
Selene pulled me behind her, but obviously, I was still visible.
“Well I forbid it, and don't call her Ava, you're not close. It's 'Avaleigh'" she said emphasizing my name.
“You’re so annoying,” Bryce muttered.
“Go away!” she barked back.
They were like kids arguing from candy.
“Guys, it’s okay,” I said, trying not to laugh.
“See? She’s fine!” Bryce beamed.
Selene raised a fist. He flinched, just in time. But Kyla Called Selene out so she has no choice but to leave me her with Bryce.
"Gr... Such an Amazon!" he was pertaining to Selene teasing her.
I turned to Bryce. “What is it?”
“Can I get your number?” he asked nervously. “Not for me. Someone’s asking.”
My brows furrowed. “Who?”
“Zane. He’s a friend. He said you know him. Don’t worry, he’s... decent. Sometimes.” he said as if not sure of things
“Zane?” I echoed.
“Yeah. He’s sure you know him.”
“I don’t know a Zane.” I said
Still unsure, I hesitated, but I handed him my phone anyway. His face lighten up after that. He typed something quickly and gave it back.
“Done! He’ll call any minute or probably seconds now.” he said as if he's sure about it.
The indeed, my phone rang after few seconds. Less than 10 seconds to be exact.
Bryce pointed at it. “Told you!”
He grinned and left, heading back to the group.
The music was loud, so I stepped aside, finding a quiet corner. My phone screen flashed with unknown number. I'm hesitating but I swiped to answer the call.
“Yes?” I answered.
“What took you so long to answer?” a low baritone asked from the other line.
I stiffed as I heard the voice, it was familiar.
“Who’s this?” I asked to be sure.
“It’s ‘Love’, baby.” he said and I can imagine him smirking while saying that.
It was the stranger from yesterday.
'So Zane, huh?'
“Hey. Why so quiet? Did I scare you?” he asked.
“No. Music’s loud,” I lied.
“Your drinking?” he asked
“Of course.” I sipped juice.
“Come outside,” he said calmly.
My brow arched. “Outside Where?” I asked.
“Outside the building where you're in” he replied.
'He’s here already?'
“Okay.” I said as I ended the call.
I found Selene fast.
“Just stepping out,” I told her.
“Text me if you needed anything.” she responded as I nodded.
As I walked toward the door, I caught Bryce’s face. Smug like he definitely knew who will I'm gonna see.
Before I could even exit the hallway, someone grabbed my wrist and pulled me into another room. The next thing I knew, my back was pinned against the wall, caged by a tall figure I instantly recognized.
