Chapter 8

"What are you doing?" Kia asks, crossing her arms as she looks down at me.

I'm sprawled on the kitchen floor, lying on my back, staring at the ceiling like it holds the answers to life. "Running away from my responsibilities."

She lets out a long-suffering sigh. "You know you can't avoid this. I get that you hate these kinds of events, but the ball is critical for our business. We've just moved to London, and we need to make connections with the right people."

I turn my head to glare at her. "I didn't ask for a solution to my problems, Kia. I need sympathy, not practicality."

"Fine," she says dryly, her expression unimpressed. "I sympathize with you."

I narrow my eyes at her, still lying there. "Well, that was pathetic. It's like you are not even trying. Try therapy or something because Catalina clearly isn't helping."

Kia raises an eyebrow, but her lips curve into a smirk. "Of course I'm terrible at this," she says with exaggerated sweetness. "Why bother improving when you've got a hot chef to coddle you now?"

Ever since I told Kia about my breakfast meetup with Zaden one week ago, she hasn't let me hear the end of it. According to her, it was a date.

Was it actually a date? No. Do I wish it was? Absolutely.

I've only met the guy twice, but talking to him is ridiculously easy, no awkward silences, no forced laughter, just effortless conversation.

But let's be honest, I probably won't be seeing him again anytime soon because I "forgot" to give him my number.

Okay, that's a lie.

The truth? I was waiting for him to ask for it, but he never did. Heartbreaking, I know.

I sigh dramatically. "Trust me, Kia, I wish he would coddle me."

She shakes her head, unimpressed. "You are ridiculous."

I sit up slightly, resting my elbows on the floor. "And yet, here you are, still standing over me like my own personal slave and hooker."

"No fuck off. I'm standing here because I'm waiting for you to get up and be a functioning adult."

I sigh again, louder this time. "Well, that sounds exhausting. You are asking for too much."

She groans. "It's a party, not a prison sentence. You'll survive."

"That's debatable." I flop back down. "Do you realize how much small talk I have to suffer through at these events? Last time, this old man looked like he was about to smack me."

Kia raises an eyebrow. "What did you do?"

"Well, I asked him how far along he was," I wince, recalling the moment. "He gave me this look like I'd done something so wrong and then get this his wife walks out, and she's the one who's actually pregnant. And to top it off, they both looked like twins. Same body type except one of them had a baby bump, and the other had audacity."

Kia lets out a shocked laugh. "What is with you and old people."

"It's like I'm cursed."

Kia rolls her eyes. "I will personally buy you an overpriced cocktail if you just get off the floor and put on something presentable."

I squint up at her. "Two cocktails."

"Fine."

I sigh heavily, dragging myself up like I'm carrying the weight of the world. "I will go since I'm a great friend and dont want you to go alone."

"Sure that's the reason you are going." She says unimpressed.

"So, what are we wearing tonight? If I'm going to suffer, I'd at least like to do it fashionably," I say, eyeing Kia expectantly.

She gives me a pointed look. "Elegant. Classy. Something that says 'I belong here' and not 'I got lost on my way to porta potty.'"

"Great. So I guess my duck onesie is out of the question?"

Kia pinches the bridge of her nose. "Yes. Very out of the question."

"Okay then how about the dresses from the Etherea Couture collection?"

Kia's eyes light up for a moment before she quickly schools her expression back to one of indifference. "Now that," she says, "is a suggestion I can actually get behind."

I smirk. "Figured as much. You know speaking of dresses, you never told me who was the customer that bought so many dresses at once. I know you closed the deal considering I got very drunk that night but I forgot to ask more about it."

Kia face breaks and she stammers, " Well.. uh y-you know it doesn't matter anymore we got the deal."

I narrow my eyes " You are stammering. You never stammer. Not even when we were kids. Not even when you ran 2 kilometres. Tell me before I start shouting for help."

She sighs "Ana why do say things like that."

"What did I do now?" I ask, perplexedly.

"It was Adrian Hudson."

I freeze. "Adrian Hudson from the restaurant? Adrian Hudson who couldn't keep his eyes off you? Adrian Hudson who whispered something probably very dirty in your ear? Adrian Hudson who just so happens to be Zaden's friend? Adrian Hudson who is so hot—"

Kia slams her hands on the counter, her face turning an impressive shade of red. "YES to all of that! Now drop it," she grits out.

"Absolutely the fuck not. I'm not going to drop it. You are blushing. Blushing? You once said blushing depicts a type of mental illness."

Kia groaned.

I press my lips together, fighting back a laugh. "Well, well, well... isn't this interesting?"

"No, it's not interesting," she snaps. "It's business. That's it. He made an offer, it made sense, I took it. End of story. Stop talking shit or I'm not buying you any cocktail."

I throw my hands in mock surrender and with another dramatic sigh. I push myself up and make my way toward my closet. I pull open the doors and run my fingers over the luxurious fabrics from the Etherea Couture collection and settle on a dress.

I change into the dress and make my way towards my vanity.

I stare at my reflection, running my hands down the shimmering fabric of the gown. The icy blue color catches the light, making me look like I just stepped out of a dream or a very expensive couture ad. The beadwork glistens with every movement, clinging to my curves like it was made just for me. It shows the outline of my breasts making them look bigger.

The off-the-shoulder neckline drapes elegantly, one sleeve slipping down my arm in a way that feels both effortless and intentional. The bodice is snug, cinching at my waist before cascading into soft, delicate folds at my hip. And then, of course, there's the slit.

I shift slightly, watching as the high slit parts just enough to reveal my leg. It's bold. Daring. The kind of dress that demands attention.

I take a deep breath and settle in to begin my makeup. I start by blending a vibrant blue and shimmering gold eyeshadow to complement my outfit, followed by eyeliner that defines my eyes with a bold, dramatic flair. Next, I sweep a soft blush onto my cheeks, adding just the right amount of warmth, then finish with a nude lipstick topped with a glossy sheen for a plump, fresh look. I highlight the high points of my face for an extra glow and set everything in place with a mist of setting spray, ensuring my makeup lasts all night.

For my hair, I keep it sleek and straight, letting it fall softly behind my shoulder, adding a polished yet effortless touch to the overall look. I slip into my glass heels, adding a touch of elegance and confidence to my stride. To complete the ensemble, I put on some of my perfume which basically smells like strawberries and money.

Just then, Kia peeks her head inside my room and gives a subtle nod. "Jolie," she says with a smile, her voice lilting in French. She steps inside, allowing me to take in her full presence. She's wearing a bottle green off-shoulder dress that hugs her figure perfectly, with a daringly high slit that reveals her leg with every graceful step. The confidence in her posture matches the elegance she always carries, making her look effortlessly stunning.

"You look jolly yourself."

She rolls her eyes at my obvious mispronunciation and gestures for me to hurry up and leave the house. "Come on, we're going to be late," she says, her tone light but commanding.