CHAPTER 1

Chapter 1

Emily stood infront of her mirror, her reflection staring back at her made her smile, she was at peace with herself.

“The dress looks good on you! It fits you perfectly” she heard her companion say as she made her way towards the bed. She just saw her in the dress.

 The dress for the party that night, it was her last night as a student. She was completely a graduate now…or in a few hours time

“Thank you, I was opting for the red gown,but I think this looks perfect”she replied,stretching out her hands to close the zipper at her back

“Let me help you with that”Her friend stood up and helped her close her zip

Emily knew she was almost the woman she wanted to be, she couldn’t believe that her four years of tertiary education been completed,”how time flies huh” she chuckled,that night was their last night being a UCLA student 

It all felt like yesterday, she reminisced on how she was so excited to share the news of her admission with her father. Her father has been the only parent present in her life growing up, it has always been the two of them. They seldom speak of her mother, Emily’s last memories of her outrages her whenever they cross her mind. Memories she bitterly wanted to forget. 

She always wanted to attend the country’s best university, so her heart was filled with joy when she was accepted. She was aware that for her to become one of the best brand models in the country, she had to

attend the University of California, UCLA,they had so much to teach her and she was lived for every moment of it

She snapped back to reality soon enough, she still wore the smile on her face, Her delicate lips gently separated, revealing a glimpse of her pristine, pearly white teeth. She was so proud of herself, but she was more grateful for the fact that she had Ruby with her throughout the journey 

The leavers party for the just graduated class of 2022 was set for the night at  9 pm and she was sure it was going to be one of her best nights.

“I'm going to have the fun of a lifetime” she exclaimed,dragging the words slowly as if feeling its effect

*Ding dong*

They heard the doorbell rang, indicating someone was over at the door

“I’ll get it” Ruby shouted moving towards the door

She opened the door and she saw the mailman standing 

“Miss Ruby Montana” he asked, scanning her face for some verification 

“Yes, I am” Ruby answered back wondering what might be in the mail for her

“Here, sign here please,” the man said handing out a board with white paper on it

He then carefully placed a crisp white envelope into her outstretched hand, her name boldly inscribed in elegant handwriting on the front.

“Thank you” she spoke out while collecting the envelope 

She hurriedly opened it only to be caught surprised

“Ahhhhhuh!!! yesss!! I got it!” she exclaimed with clear obvious happiness in her voice

“What is getting you all excited up for ma’am” Emily asked with surprise on her face as she saw Ruby dancing and twirling up and down the hall 

“Look at this, this is my intern acceptance letter from the firm, the one I was always talking about. "The Mac Law Firm," she exclaimed with pure joy. Oh my Goodness, I'm so excited for you Ruby!”Emily responded, embracing her best friend 

 Ruby has always wanted to be a lawyer, even though her family was rich she didn't tell anyone about her applying for an internship at one of the best law firms in the city

The day was going well and nothing sort to ruin it for Emily.

“Emily, Emily, you’re still not done?”

“We are certainly going to be late for the party if you don't hurry up” Ruby shouted towards Emily’s room

I'm almost down! She shouted back

Less than 5 minutes and Emily was done, her dress looked so gorgeous on her 

“Oh my God, Emily! You look breathtaking” Ruby gasped

“Didn’t you say that like an hour ago, you look lovely as well” Emily responded,her face beaming with smiles as she playfully attempted the princess bow

Emily wore a stunning royal blue strapless gown with a fitted, mermaid silhouette. The back of the gown features a dramatic, cascading train that flows elegantly down the length of the dress. 

The gown's strapless design shows Emily’s shoulders and neck, while the fitted bodice brings out her curves. 

She felt glamorous and indeed was certain to have the best fun she had ever had in her young days

The two ladies drove off in Ruby’s Car, a silver Audi e-tron GT. The venue echoed with the sound of music as they made their way to the parking lot.

“You know, I can’t wait to have the best night ever”

“We’re certainly going to have a blast” Emily  giggled her response while carefully applying lipgloss to her already glossed lips

****

The party had already commenced when they arrived. Soon the awards were given out to their respective winners, and cheers and applause hung heavy in the air 

Everything felt so good and peaceful at the venue. People were dressed in glamorous outfits but Emily couldn't help but blush anytime she heard a gasp from anyone who laid eyes on her

In the soft glow of the party lights, her vibrant hazel eyes sparkled and captivated everyone around her. Ruby rushed onto the dance floor, allowing herself to be moved by the beats

“Come Em!, lets dance”

“No, not yet. I’m going to get myself a drink first” Emily responded 

“Okay, but remember to bring me a glass of cocktail” Ruby asked, planning her face while moving to music playing 

She found her way through the crowded parlor, reaching for the bar, desperate for a glass of drink. As she reached the counter, a tall, broad-shouldered figure stepped into her path, his eyes fixed on the bartender. She tried to squeeze past him, but he didn't budge

 In a rush, she burst out, "Excuse me!" 

However, instead of moving, he turned to face her, a hint of a smirk on his lips. Their shoulders collided, and his drink splashed onto the counter. "Watch where you're going!" Emily hissed, frustration boiling over. 

The guy’s eyes narrowed, but his voice stayed even, "No harm done, I'd be happy if you buy me another." 

“It was your fault, such arrogance,next time make sure to watch where you’re going!”Emily  scoffed in response and spun away, leaving him standing there like someone who had received an electric shock.

- at least that was what it seemed to him- his gaze lingering on her like a challenge. She could feel his eyes on her as she reached out for two glasses of cocktail from the bartender.

Without looking back, she hurried off to where Ruby was now dancing with a male figure whom she quickly recognized 

She didn't understand why this sudden encounter fueled so much irritation from her, She rebuked herself silently for drifting from having the best night possible 

She wasn't going to let a total stranger ruin it for her and all she knew at that moment was she never wanted to see him again 

“C'mon Em! Let's get wasted”

She whispered to herself