Chapter 2

I step into our penthouse, a space that took careful thought and time to find. We wanted more than just a place to live, we wanted a haven that radiates sophistication and feels like home the moment you walk through the door.

The interiors are undeniably chic, with soft blush tones, gold accents, and plush furnishings that brings a feminine elegance. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the room in natural light, highlighting the marble countertops, velvet armchairs, and an oversized crystal chandelier that sparkles like a statement piece. Every corner is made to reflect a luxurious yet inviting vibe, where glamour meets comfort in perfect harmony.

The apartment has four bedrooms, two of which are designated as our personal rooms, while the other two serve as our home offices.

It's beautiful.

I place my car keys on the key stand by the door and notice Kia sitting on the armchair, wearing a satin robe with a clay mask covering her face and rollers in her hair. Catalina is nestled in her lap as she watches a random fashion show, gently petting the cat as she relaxes.

Without glancing away from the TV, she smirks and asks, "How was your meeting with Sir Sluts R Us?"

I roll my eyes and sighed, leaning against the doorframe. "Oh, it was just fantastic. He was a total misogynist as usual and surprise! surprise! he asked me out on a date. So, yeah, the deal's definitely off. What a charmer."

I slip off my black Louboutin heels and continue, "You should have seen me—I was a total badass. The comeback I gave? Honestly, it should've been recorded. Why does this always happen when no one's around? I wasted such killer lines on that sick fuck. Honestly, a simple 'fuck you' would've done the job just as well."

"I just couldn't hold back. You know what he said?"

"What?" she murmured, not taking her eyes off the TV.

"He shouted at me when I said no, the sheer audacity. And that's not it. He said that if I were with him, I should quit my job and stay at home, doing 'women's work' like chores. Who even says that?" I exclaimed.

Finally, Kia glanced up at me, her expression turning cold.

"He said what?" she asked, her voice eerily calm.

I just stared at her, unsure if she was asking me to repeat everything or if it was just a rhetorical question.

Before I could open my mouth to repeat it, she cut me off, her tone sharp.

"Do you want me to kill him?" she asked, her tone dead serious. "And you know I'm not joking. I could kill him and get away with it like nothing ever happened. I'm sure no one would miss that bastard."

Instead of dragging out the topic because I knew full well she'd actually go through with it,I decided to lighten the mood and tease her instead. "Aw, my sweet Kia-seeds, I always knew you loved me," I said with a grin, leaning against the armchair. "You'd commit murder for me? That's real sister goals right there."

Kia rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. Without saying a word, she brushed off my comment and turned her attention back to the TV, pretending I hadn't just caught her soft side.

"What do you want to have for dinner?" she asked casually.

I grinned. "I can cook for us tonight!"

"Absolutely the fuck not!" she scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief.

Good call, good call, good call.

"It's just... I miss home-cooked food," I whined. "Takeout only gets you so far."

She sighed dramatically before relenting. "Alright, fine. We'll go out to eat. There's a famous restaurant here—Rey. It's got branches all over the world, and the food is incredible. They serve every cuisine you can think of. It's always packed, and getting a reservation is nearly impossible... but not for two hot, rich, successful businesswomen." She smirked, then picked up Catalina from her lap and stood up.

"Now go change into something appropriate and meet me in 15 minutes," she added as she walked toward her room, leaving me alone in the living room.

I picked up my heels and went down the hallway, towards my bedroom and opened the door.

As I stepped into my bedroom, I couldn't help but feel a wave of pride and warmth wash over me. This wasn't just a room; it was my sanctuary, a space that reflected every ounce of my personality—modern, classy as fuck, and unapologetically luxurious.

The soft glow of the under-bed lights illuminated the blush bedding, making the bed look like it belonged to a princess, if that princess had a taste for design and a penchant for late-night brainstorming creativity sessions. I'm no less than a princess.

The glass-enclosed walk-in closet on the upper level, yes I have a two story bedroom, called out to me, neatly displaying rows of designer and expensive dresses, makeups, shoes, and handbags. It was my personal boutique, carefully curated and perfectly lit.

I placed my heels on the plush white rug that stretched across the dark wood floor. The contrast was eye-catching, almost as if the rug was a fluffy cloud dropped in the middle of a sleek, polished night sky.

The floor-to-ceiling windows framed the city skyline and the view was breathtaking, and the soft, sheer curtains swayed gently, letting in just enough light to remind me that the world outside existed.

The floating staircase, leading to the upper level, was like a pathway to my dreams both literal and metaphorical.

As a child, I often imagined having a spacious walk-in closet and a room large enough to feel like a second home. Now, I've created something even better, it's exactly what I dreamed of, yet completely different from what I had imagined.

My 10-year-old self would either squeal with excitement or faint if she ever saw this!

This was my queendom, my retreat, where I could throw myself onto the bed after a long day, stare out at the city lights, and remind myself that I had built this life.

I climb up the stairs and walk into the closet to pick out something for tonight's dinner. Kia mentioned it's a semi-formal restaurant and quite busy, so maybe a dress would be the right choice.

Hmm. Short dress or long dress?

Definitely a short dress.

I grab a red obviously, off-shoulder, backless A-line dress that hits the middle of my thighs. It clings to my waist just a little too tightly while the skirt flares out , but it looks too good to care.

Next, I head to my vanity to freshen up my makeup. With limited time before Kia starts shouting, I quickly touch up the makeup I did earlier. A little more blush, a swipe of highlighter, and, of course, a fresh coat of lipstick. I finish off with a layer of sheer lip gloss, making sure my lips are shiny and irresistible.

I step back to wear my heels and then admire myself in the full-length mirror. Yup, God definitely took his time with me, I think as I run a brush through black hair.

My dark hair was swept up into a voluminous, slightly messy bun, effortlessly elegant. Loose, wavy strands framed my face perfectly,drawing attention to the curve of my neck and my defined collar bones. It was the kind of hairstyle that looked like it took minutes to create but secretly required a lot of effort.

Everything looks perfect.

Just as I'm soaking in the moment, there's a knock at my door, breaking my self-love session.

"Iliana, you ready?" Kia calls from the other side.

"Yeah, coming!" I shout back.

I give myself one last glance in the mirror, then flip my hair dramatically before heading for the door, ready to make my exit.

I step into the lounge and spot Kia on her phone. No matter how much effort I put into dressing up, I can never match her. Her blonde hair is partially pinned back, with a few loose strands falling down her face. She is wearing a soft blush pink that has a corset-style bodice with structured vertical seams. It has delicate shoulder ties and the skirt is flared with a layered and asymmetric hemline. She looks so pretty!

"You look so hot!" I squeal, practically bouncing.

Kia gives me her signature eye roll, the one she reserves exclusively for my compliments. "Yeah, yeah. I'm starving so let's go before I roast Catalina and have her for dinner," she deadpans.

Catalina, as if she somehow understood the threat, bolts straight into her cathouse only to miss the mark and smack right into the wall and I wince. Smooth move, cat.

Clearly,only disgrace runs in this family.

There's a beat of silence. Both of us just stand there, staring at Catalina, who stares right back at us with the kind of blank, accusatory expression that somehow screams, This is your fault. As if we personally guided her into the wall.

"Okay then! Let's go." I say while picking up my car keys.