AVIE pulled over in front of Eyre’s house. Her friend hosted a barbeque party for the members of the sisterhood. She was about to get off of her car when her phone rang, Agnes was calling her, and she knew exactly why. She was late.

“Where are you now? Gosh, what’s taking you so long?” her friend said.

“I’m here in front of the house.” She opened the door. “Drinks’ on me, right. I dropped by the supermarket to buy. Come over here and help me.” Avie ended the call and got off.

She opened her trunk, and a few moments later, Agnes and Red came out of the house and helped her carry the drinks she bought.

“Oh, `glad you’re here,” said Eyre when they arrived at the rooftop.

The triplets who was busy grilling the meat waved at her. Avie smiled at them as she put the boxes down.

She started making punch and cocktails.

“So, how’s the party?” Eyre went to her side and helped her.

“So-so,” she said with a shrug.

“It seems that you didn’t enjoy the party. No one caught your attention?” Eyre caressed her hair.

She rolled her eyes upward when she was reminded of what happened to the party. Nobody caught her attention because of Theo.

“Should I take the deal, then?” Avie turned to her friend with furrowed brows.

“The deal?” Eyre sighed as if she opposed the idea. “Why don’t you just go on a blind date?”

She scoffed. “What difference does it make?”

If Avie ever takes the deal, Victoria will find her a suitable partner… in bed. No strings attached, just for pleasure.

“At first, I thought having someone to give me pleasure when I needed it is all that matters. But when I met Christian, I realized that love is what I need.” Eyre grabbed her hand and squeezed it gently.

Avie forced a smile. Seven years ago, she promised herself not to fall in love.

“After my parents’ marriage was ruined, I told myself not to fall in love. Love is just a spark that starts in your heart and ends in your bed. And then one day, it’s gone.”

“We all have different stories. Your parents’ tale is not yours, Avie.”

“I came here to party, Eyre, but you’re turning this into a counseling session. Come on, let’s have some fun!” She nudged her side.

Agnes sauntered toward them.

“What do we have here, ladies?” Agnes asked while peeking on the punch bowls one by one. “Are you done? Can I have a taste?”

Avie nodded, smiling. She poured a glass with a cocktail and handed it to Agnes.

“Thanks.” Agnes drank it immediately. “Aah! This is so good, Avie. Should we open up a bar?”

They laughed together.

“Thanks for the compliment.” She poured another glass for Eyre.

The two clinked their glasses before drinking.

“I agree with Agnes. Your cocktail mix tastes good. Where did you learn this?” Eyre looked at her.

Avie sighed as she was reminded by Theo again. He was the one who taught her to mix cocktails. Theo dreamed of having his bar, so he studied everything he has to know.

“I-I learned mixing from an old friend,” said Avie. It would be better not to mention his name.

Eyre nudged her side. “An old friend, huh? Just be honest and say one of those boys…”

“Food is ready!” Aira, one of the triplets, announced.

“Oh, let’s eat!” She headed to the main table. The food was a good escape.

“HEY, sexy!” Agnes greeted her when they met in the lobby.

“Hey, gorgeous,” she greeted back upon reaching her.

“You’re early for work today.” Agnes leaned closer to her ears. “Seems like it was a little boring last night.”

Avie just laughed at her friend’s remark. She knew pretty well that Agnes was just teasing her. She left Eyre’s place last night earlier than expected because she had to meet her mom. But the girls thought she was meeting someone to spend the night with.

“It’s not what you think.” She pressed the elevator button.

“Weh?” Agnes clung to her arm.

She let out a sigh. “I met my mom, okay.”

“Oh, I see. That’s good news, isn’t it?” Agnes beamed. “You’re reconnecting to your parents.”

How she wished it was for good. But Avie has this bad feeling about it. Well, whatever result it may be, her family was already ruined a long time ago. There were this pain and scar that will never be erased.

The elevator pinged, and its doors opened. Avie and Agnes hoped inside it.

Agnes pushed the close button. But when the doors were about to close, a hand prevented it from closing. Avie almost choked with her breath when she saw Theo entering the elevator.

He was looking at her with an arrogant smile plastered on his face.

“W-what the hell are you doing here?” She asked with brows creased.

“Surprise!” He cupped her face and brushed the tip of his nose to hers.

Avie felt her blood rise to her head. She pushed Theo away.

“How did you manage to enter this building?” she asked.

Fantasia’s security was too tight. No outsiders could enter unless he has an appointment or consent from someone who works there.

“Answer me!” Avie snarled at him.

“Relax, sweetheart.” Theo tapped her cheek. “I came here to work.”

“W-work?” She raised a brow.

“Oh!” Agnes tugged the sleeve of her blouse. “I remember him. He’s one of Fantasia’s new talents.”

“What?” She turned to Agnes.

“He’s our newest model.”

“I…” Avie glanced at Theo. “I wasn’t informed that we hired new talents.”

“Well, you know Victoria. Suddenly, she wants fresh faces for Fantasia.” Agnes nudged her side. “So, you know this hot fella, huh?” she whispered in her ear.

Avie pushed the button to Victoria’s office. She needed to see her.

“Tell them I’ll be a little late for the shoot,” she told Agnes.

“Eh? You’re not coming with me in the set?”

“I need to talk to Victoria—”

“Don’t you know Victoria flew to Japan yesterday?”

“What?” Avie pinched the bridge of her nose.

She scowled at Theo, who was still smiling arrogantly. If he thought he won, he was wrong. Avie won’t give up a fight without giving a fuck. Or maybe two?