APHRODITE PALACE
Her eyes lingered on the restaurant's goddess name before she unhurriedly strode toward the entrance and entered calmly, despite how unhappy she felt.
Another Greek-styled building Krishna hated to visit and was reluctant to set foot in. Thankfully, the atmosphere was just right. The guests lounging in the lobby could not stop peeking in her direction, following every sway of her body as she made graceful steps forward.
Tonight, she wore a long black evening dress elegantly beaded with silver sequins.
When Camilla sent her a message about the address where they would meet tonight, she reminded her to wear a long dress, as it was the restaurant's dress code.
She Googled the restaurant to gather some information and realized she didn't have the perfect dress. Thus, she asked Donny's advice.
She didn't expect Donny and his assistants to show up at the door carrying makeup tools and pushing several clothing racks of different styles and colors of evening dresses.
Now that she was the New Face of ANNA COLLECTION, she had to maintain a good image for the brand, and Donny ensured she was especially lovely tonight. He told her that tonight was like her debut in the fashion world.
Krishna was so grateful for this fairy godmother who would appear when she needed him. Her dressing up tonight comes in perfectly with his help. Otherwise, she will not know the ideal outfit to live up to her name as a brand ambassador.
The restaurant has strict dining rules and only accepts VIP members' reservations. This is to ensure the identity and protection of their distinguished guests. And since these people are from prominent families, each loves to dress up and flaunt their wealth. It was the primary purpose of this extravagant restaurant.
"Good evening, Ma'am. May I know your name?"
The Front Desk greeted her with courtesy. Krishna smiled and maintained her poise. Then she spoke softly, providing her name to the receptionist.
The woman lowered her gaze to check the list on her computer. Within seconds, she looked up and smiled at Krishna when she found her name.
"A butler will usher you to your private room."
"Thank you." Krishna gave a careful nod as she thanked the woman. Not long, a handsome man appeared and invited her to follow him.
Krishna kept a specific speed on her steps as she shadowed the butler.
They walked straight to the elevator that Super VIP members could only use. She raised her brows at the thought that Camilla, indeed, was living a lavish life as a mistress.
Soon, their ride came down, and the butler gestured for her to enter the elevator after he opened the door with a key card.
It only takes a few seconds, and they arrive on the 8th floor. The butler brought her to a private room with the number 0806.
"We've arrived, Miss."
"Thank you." For the last time, Krishna thanked the butler, then she knocked on the door. When no one answered, she pushed the door and stepped inside.
She gasped in wonderment as her gaze swept throughout the entire room, which was exquisitely decorated. It gives a feminine sense with its theme color.
However, she wasn't here to go sightseeing. She came to see Camilla and smacked her until she opened her eyes.
Krishna stepped forward after she noticed a woman's silhouette lounging on a French chaise. Even though she only had a glimpse of the back of her head and long neck, she was very familiar with this woman's features.
"Camilla?"
She waited for the woman to respond. Finally, after a moment that had passed, Camilla got up from the French sofa and faced her.
"Hello, my Krishna…" Camilla was holding a wine glass in her right hand. She gulped down the content and put it on the center table, striding closer to her.
Camilla is wearing a long red dress accentuating all her curves, giving off a look of a goddess villain.
She halted before Krishna stretched her arms and hugged her right.
"I missed you." Camilla behaved coquettishly, which Krishna has used to it already.
Krishna could think that it was a flirty notion if Camilla showed this act to a man.
Camilla acted as if there had been no tension between them in a passing couple of days. However, she was solemn at this moment and could not return to act playfully in front of her best friend like before when they were teenagers.
"Let's talk." There is a hint of coldness in Krishna's voice.
Camilla parted from Krishna and stared at her with pain in her eyes. She had something on her mind but chose not to voice it out. "Alright. Let's take a seat."
Camilla led Krishna to the accent chairs near the floor-ceiling window. They occupied the chairs, facing each other.
"Which one do you want to drink? Tea or wine?"
As Camilla inquired about her preferences, Krishna blinked, staring at her best friend with intent. She was pondering what she meant by her question.
After a while of silence, Krishna heaved a sigh and then replied,
"The day I took that plane is the official day I stopped breastfeeding him."
"Hmm... He's six months old now. He must start eating. I'll serve you a white wine." Camilla smiled, but that disappeared soon when Krishna remained solemn. Even so, Camilla overlooked it and pursed her red lips. "Look at you. I know you were born a beauty queen. I'm glad about this change in you."
"Let's not beat around the bush, Camilla."
Camilla was sad at how cold her best friend was to her. She lamented, "I just wanted to compliment you. Honestly, you deserve a lot of good things, Krishna."
"I don't want any riddles, please." Krishna knew very well how sweet the talker Camilla was. She was born as an entertainer.
"I wanted to voice out my opinion." Camilla insists, and Krishna knows this side of her. Stubborn and outspoken. "Back then, I really wished you would consider the offer. But you waste such an opportunity."
Krishna frowned when she understood what Camilla was talking about. During the last year of her college course, a Pageant Organizer approached her and invited her to sign a contract and be trained as a beauty queen.
She was tall and slender, had long, straight hair, a charming face, and gorgeous brown eyes. However, she turned it down as George had proposed to her. Since then, she only imagines herself as a loyal wife and a wonderful future mother of his children.
Besides, she has no interest in those things; competing in different beauty pageants and being trained for Miss Universe, Miss World, or Miss Earth? She never dreams of her life in the limelight.
"If I hadn't discovered that my best friend was seeing a married man, I would never think of stepping into the fashion world."
"Then you owe me a thank you."
"Camilla!"
"Krishna… Whether you believe me or not, I wish nothing but the best for you."
"Then why did you set me up?"
Krishna could no longer suppress her aggravation. She is not angry at Camilla but can no longer understand her. It feels like she is not the Camilla she used to know. Or does she entirely know her well all these years?
"To be honest, I am guilty of your accusation. But it was not as bad as you think. I am doing this for your own good. I have good intentions. Believe me, please…." Camilla wished she could explain it to Krishna. However, it would be best if she knew nothing and Krishna misunderstood everything.
"For my own good? Why did it become about me when it was you who…." Camilla cut her off.
"You had many questions kept in your head. I know that. However, the little you know is, the better," said Camilla solemnly.
"Why are you doing this, Camilla?" Krishna felt aggrieved. Camilla looks like she would never tell her the truth. Then the more she would dig them up. "Why did you allow yourself to be someone's mistress? Have you forgotten what happened to Cecil? What if Stella committed suicide too?"
Anger flashed in Camilla's eyes when Cecil was mentioned. But her hatred is not for Krishna but for the other woman.
"That's more like it," she uttered, shocking Krishna.
"What did you say? How could you think of that, Camilla?" She was horrified that Camilla would rather be delighted if Stella killed herself.
"Stella is not weak and charming as you think, Krishna, like how you believe and trust your fiance."
"What did you say?" Confusion appeared on Krishna's delicate face. "Why is George involved in this? For Christ's sake, Camilla! George had long been at peace!"