Mae sprinted through the elegant door of Starlite restaurant, a look of distress etched on her face. Her pace quickened as she approached the door ahead, having overhead the conversation between Brooke and Bella. Determined to put an end to Bella's manipulative games, she reached for the door handle and swung it open. Bursting into the room, she was met with a sight that left her reeling. Ethan was down on one knee, a ring box in hand, a dazzling diamond ring in display. Bella, reclined on her seat exuded excited as she eagerly accepted Ethan's proposal. The scene unfolded before Mae's eyes, tears welling up and cascading down her cheeks. As Ethan slipped the ring onto Bella's finger and embraced her, the harsh reality dawned on Mae- Bella was in love with Ethan. She was merely a bystander, powerless against the force of their love. With a heavy heart, Mae wiped away her tears and silently exited the room, leaving Ethan to offer a sympathetic smile and embrace Bella.

Lost in a whirlwind of emotions, Mae wandered the corridors of the Starlite restaurant, consumed by a sense of foolishness. She pondered the futility of her concern for Ethan's feelings, realizing that he had willingly entered into a relationship with Bella. The weight of her own perceived stupidity bore down on her as she sank to the floor, resting her head against the wall, contemplating how she had arrived at this moment.

It all began on a Monday evening. Following a day's work at the office, Mae picked up Bella from her photo shoot, and the two women made their way to Bella's favorite salon to prepare for their respective dates. After their salon visit, they ventured to Mae's personal stylist's boutique, where Alexia presented them an array of outfits to try on.

Emerging from the changing room, Bella showcased a one shoulder embroidered royal blue lace knee length gown, paired with black open toe heels and accessorized with silver jewellery. Her features exuded elegance, from her fair, smooth skin to her captivating chestnut brown eyes framed by long lashes. Bella's hourglass figure was accentuated by the form-fitting gown, leaving her feeling radiant and confident. Glancing at her reflection, she noticed Mae had yet to emerge from the changing room.

Impatiently, Bella called out, "Mae, what's taking you so long? I'm the model here remember?"

"I'll be right there", Mae responded.

After a brief delay, Mae emerges from the changing room, stunning Bella with her appearance.

"Impressive", Bella remarked.

Mae donned an emerald green blazer dress paired with black thigh-high boots and adorned with gold jewellery. Her flawless skin and sparkling emerald eyes exuded sophistication, completed by her heart-shaped face and radiant smile. As the two women stood side by side, their contrasting styles reflected their individuality, setting the stage for a night that would alter the course of their friendship forever.

Upon their arrival at the esteemed Zaffron restaurant, Mae graciously handed the keys to the valet and they proceeded to enter the establishment. Led to their table by a waiter, they were met by two gentlemen awaiting their company. After a courteous bow from the waiter, the first gentleman rose to greet Bella with a kiss, while Mae engaged in pleasantries with the second. The first gentleman, identified as Zack Reyes, was Bella's boyfriend and the second, Mark Walker, was his esteemed best friend.

Zack sported a stylish ensemble consisting of a white t-shirt paired with a black leather jacket, black trousers and white sneakers. His wrist adorned with a red chronograph embellished with semi-precious stones and a leopard print fabric strap. Zack possessed a youthful countenance, characterized by light cream, firm and radiant skin, complemented by neatly trimmed thick eyebrows. His broad, pointed nose, large coal black eyes set close together, slicked back jet-black hair, oblong face, receding chin, high cheekbones and meticulously groomed beard all contributed to his overall charm. His tall, sinewy physique exuded an air of sophistication.

In contrast, Mark was attired in an emerald green turtleneck, black jeans, and white sneakers. He accessorized with a gold chain and a wristwatch featuring precious stones. Mark's appearance showcased smooth, glowing cinnamon-toned skin, accompanied by faint yet thick eyebrows. His face boasted an asymmetrical structure, complete with a pointed chin, high cheekbones, a thin aquiline nose, and full, round lips. His nut-brown hair styled in messy curls harmonized with his sharp, wide, bright black eyes. Mark's lean stature and average height exuded of refinement.

While Zack shared Bella's profession as a model, Mark was a renowned musician. Mark and Mae found themselves on their inaugural date, a prospect that left Mae feeling rather anxious given the lengthy hiatus from her romantic life. Bella had proposed the idea of Mark's presence, initially met with hesitation from Mae. However, after much persistent persuasion, Mae relented and agreed to embark on double date. As they settled in and placed their orders, the meal was promptly served. Following the conclusion of their dining experience, Bella excused herself to the restroom for a brief touch-up.

 As Bella departed for the restroom, Zack exchanged a smile with Mark, prompting a look of confusion from Mae. Uncertain of the unfolding events, Mae observed Zack's expression, apprehensive of any impending actions that could prove unfavorable, particularly with Bella involved. Her furrowed eyebrows reflected her growing concern, as she silently hoped for Zack to exercise caution. However, Zack proceeded to produce a black ring box, eliciting a sigh from Mae, who resigned herself to the whims of fate. Before she could intervene, Bella returned to the table, catching Mae off guard.

"What's going on, she asked Mae who gives her a blank expression".

Rising to his feet with an exuberant smile, Zack presented the ring box to Bella, dropping the unexpected proposal. "Bella I've been meaning to do this for a while now".

Mae anticipating Bella's reaction, anxiously awaited this unfolding drama.

Bella taken aback by Zack's gesture, responded with a polite smile before inquiring about the situation. "What do you think you're doing Zack?" she asked with a smile still on her face.

Zack knelt before Bella, extending the ring box in a grand gesture as he professed his intentions. "Will you marry me?" Zack asked.

"No", Bella declined.

"Why?" Zack asked.

"Zack this is really nice, but I can't, and I won't marry you", she replied.

"Why?" Zack disappointed, asked seeking clarification.

"You do not expect me to get married to someone of lesser financial standing. That is going to do a lot of damage to my image, she explained. Now that we have cleared things up, please get up and let us keep drinking", Bella said as she takes a seat and gulps down the glass of red wine she takes from the table.

Zack gets up and looks at Mark who is also shocked at Bella's action. As the tension mounted Mark expressed his disappointment at Bella's decision, casting a disparaging glanced at Mae. She does not look surprised at all. It felt like she anticipated everything that happened. He suddenly became upset. His eyes burned with anger. Feeling betrayed by her silence, he decided to confront her, condemning her complicity in the unfolding drama.

"I would have really loved to do this again but for the sake of my pride I will not. If you are her friend then you must also be like her. If she did this to him, imagine what you will do to me. I just cannot risk it", Mark said as he gives Mae a cold glare.

"I'm sorry about Bella but I didn't...…."

"Save it Mae. You two are nothing but spoilt brats who live off their parents' money and think the world revolves around them. You deceive people with your innocent appearance and make them fall for you. You disgust me", Mark said as he grabs the arm of a despondent Zack.

 "Will you at least hear me out?" Mae asked with a worried look.

Frustrated by the turn of events, he opted to leave escorting the despondent Zack out of the premises.

Bella, left to process the aftermath, remarked on their abrupt departure, highlighting their failure to settle the bill. "They neglected to settle the bill", Bella remarked with a hint of disdain.

"You went too far this time", Mae declared, her eyes flashing with anger.

"Do not tell me you have an interest in that gentleman, Bella inquired, anticipating a response from Mae, who remained silent. Wait, do you fancy him?" she pressed, her gaze fixed on Mae.

"You always manage to complicate things for me", Mae stated, forcing a smile.

"I apologize but that is the consequence of signing up for the entire package", Bella remarked with a smirk.

"Is it too late to retract my subscription", Mae questioned angrily as a man approaches them.

"Mae, please compose yourself. You are causing me embarrassment me", Bella chided.

"Pardon me", the man interjected.

"What is it that you require?" Mae retorted, her voice almost a shout, as she glares up at him. Suddenly, she was taken aback by the person standing before them". "Shaun", she gasped, her mouth agape".

"Is she okay?" he inquired wearing a nervous smile.

"Mae you finally have the chance to meet your crush, and you are behaving foolishly. Come on, pull yourself together and win him over", Bella urged, receiving a death glare in return.

"Hello I am Shaun Grayson", he introduced himself with a charming smile.

"We are already aware of that. I am Bella Davies and, she's Mae…" Bella began but Mae cut her off saying, "Bella, we don't introduce ourselves to strangers.

"He's not exactly a stranger considering you've been admiring and following him for like two years now", Bella remarked with a mischievous grin, chuckling.

 "I swear I will get you for this", Mae whispered.

Shaun looked between both girls, utterly perplexed by the situation infolding before him. He finds himself in an uncomfortable position.

Mae studies Shaun intently, taking in his features.

Shaun was dressed in a black two button blazer, black trousers, a white long-sleeved shirt, and black lace-up shoes. He sported a silver wristwatch. His complexion was creamy, clear, and firm, with thin, sparse eyebrows. His oblong face featured a jutting chin, sharp cheekbones, a straight pointed nose, and a full, moist lips. His golden-brown undercut hairstyle was complemented by curls, and his wide, sharp, sparkling coal-black eyes were mesmerizing. He stood tall, fit, well-built, and broad-shouldered.

"Would you care to join me for a drink and see where things lead?" he proposed with an enticing smile.

"Yes, I would love to", Mae responded.

"I was actually addressing Bella", he replied rather harshly.

"Of course, I knew you were speaking to Bella", Mae replied with a forced smile, failing to deceive anyone.

"And what is your answer?" he asked, looking at Bella.

"I cannot refuse a complimentary drink, so yes, I would be delighted to", she replied, rising from her seat.

"Will you be staying long?" Mae inquired.

"Just head home, Mae. I have no intention of letting her go anytime soon", Shaun stated, taking Bella's hand.

"Goodbye, Mae. I will get prince charming for you", Bella remarked as they departed leaving Mae alone.

"She just had to complicate things once again", Mae muttered as she rises and made her way to the restroom.

After using the facilities, she settles the bill and exits the restaurant. Retrieving her car from the valet, she entered it and drove off.