"Why do you have dark circles around your eyes, Andria? Didn't you sleep last night or what?" Sarah, in her usual no-nonsense tone, yelling session starts! but I knew she meant well—always keeping me in check, this bitch is a blessing.
I let out a sigh, half in relief. "What would I do without you?" I muttered, glancing at her with a tired smile.
the one person who never let me slip, even when I wanted to.
"Now don't start acting helpless. You need to get ready—we have a party to attend," she said, fixing the details of the dress I will wear tonight.
My makeup artist, Hemi, was finishing up the last touches, her hands moving so fast it feels like she's being chased by some beast.
"This is Mr. Barnard's business success party, so it's really important for you to be on your best behavior. He's one of the main sponsors for your new album, remember?" Sarah continued,
"I know, I know. You don't need to remind me every five minutes," I shot back, rolling my eyes playfully. "Chill out, Sarah."
Hemi stepped back to admire her work, giving a nod of approval. "You look stunning today," she said with a grin. "I guess that new skincare routine is paying off."
"Hemi, it's me. I'm always beautiful," I said, tossing my hair lightly, tryna play it cool.
Hemi chuckled, shaking her head. "Yeah, you're right."
"yes now wear this and get ready as fast as possible," Sarah urged, hurrying up things is her rule.
We both got ready quickly, Sarah making sure everything was perfect , she a perfectionist.
As my manager and closest person, she was always by my side, ensuring everything and hell yeah Tonight was no exception.
We stepped out of the car, and the moment my feet hit the red carpet, the flash of cameras intensified. Paparazzi swarmed around us, their lenses desperate to capture the perfect shot. " what are they gonna do ? burn my fucking eyes?" i whisper on Sarah's ears —Sarah moved quickly through the sea of flashing lights, her presence guarding me. She looked stunning herself tonight, but now saving me, she looks more like my boyfriend.
i wore a sky-blue glittery Dior gown that shimmered under the lights—elegant, breathtaking, and exactly what i stand for.
She raised her eyebrows with a knowing smile. "Of course they are. You're the Andria Duvall—what else do you expect?"
I smirked at her response,
but Sarah the extra cautious. "Bet they all just want to smash your ass, Don't let them get hints," she added, her eyes scanning the room protectively.
I nodded in agreement, chuckling under my breath. "Yeah, you're right about that. I know how much of an asshole these business types are."
Before I could say anything more, Mr. Parker, one of the sleaziest men in the industry and someone Sarah couldn't stand,
appeared with a glass of wine in hand.
"How about I offer this beauty a drink?" he said, his voice dripping with false charm.
I knew his game, he has quite the reputation. But tonight wasn't the night to confront it.
I chuckled lightly, pretending I couldn't see right through him. "Oh, thank you, Mr. Parker, but I actually can't drink tonight."
He raised an eyebrow, clearly not used to being turned down. "Oh, come on, it's a party. Everyone's drinking."
keeping my smile polite but firm. "Sorry, Mr. Parker. Not tonight." deep inside i just want to throw that shit in his ugly face.
He gave a small laugh, masking his disappointment.
As he wandered off in search of another target, I glanced at Sarah. She rolled her eyes, muttering " this man, he's a pervert"
I couldn't help but laugh softly,
five years ago i was someone always ignored, desperate for someone to love me, desperate so that i can feel what it's like to be cared. never knew what was my worth.
that man, he ruined the lover girl inside me, He crushed the version of me that thought love was pure and kind. And guess what, I'm grateful to him for that. Because now? Now I'll never let anyone step on me again.
i still remember, how fast my hands were trembling, how my heart felt - shattering into pieces. when i saw the love of my life- in the arms of my step sister. my heart still aches with those thoughts.
Suddenly, Sarah grabs my hand, pulling me back to the present. "Don't zone out again, Andria. It's not the time," she says,
"I know what you're thinking about. Get over it, Andria. It's high time."
I take a deep breath and nod, trying to shake off "I know, Sarah, I know," I say, reassuring her—and myself.
The room filled with conversations. We're surrounded by people—people who respect me, who see the version of me that I've crafted over the years. I shouldn't be thinking about those fucked up memories. Not now. Not when I've worked so hard to leave it all behind.
The party officially kicks off, and everyone is enjoying the night. Laughter echoes around us, celebrities and socialites mingling, toasting to their successes. I'm seated at a table with other well-known faces, people who are famous and admired. They smile, they laugh, but I know better. They might act like they're good, but deep down, they're just pretending— it's the part of the big celebrity show lol.
Suddenly, a cold wind sending shiver down my spine, a familiar feeling - wait I haven't experienced in years, wait a damn sec . My heart skips a beat, There's no way—NO fucking WAY.
I whirl around, my breath catching in my throat.
And there he is.
Christian.