Chapter 2

I looked at the night city lights, breathing in the fresh air from the balcony. The music inside and the sheer number of people attending the company’s party overwhelmed me, which is why I went outside.

I took a sip from the glass of champagne I was holding as I leaned on the railing. The lights from the city amazed me. December had just begun, yet I could already see the Christmas lights and decorations hanging even in the distance. We were many floors up, but I could still hear the bustling sounds of the night market not far away from the building where the party was being held.

The cold breeze touched my bare skin, and I shivered, closing my eyes. I was wearing a long yellow-silk gown that shimmered like a moonlight, hugging my figure. Its soft, lightweight material gently kissed my skin. The gown’s cowl neckline draped gently over my collarbones, while the deep open back made me feel the night’s chill.

Lost in thought, I barely noticed the door opening behind me, revealing my co-worker and seatmate, Erica.

“Hey, Vera!” she greeted.

I smiled and turned to her. “Hey, Erica.”

“Not coming inside? The party’s main event is about to start,” she giggled. “Also, girl, it’s cold out here. I think it’s better to stay inside.”

I let out a pitch laugh then nodded. “I’m totally fine here. I’ll go inside soon.”

“Well… if you say so!” Erica said, heading back into the hall.

I gulped the last remaining drink left on my glass and followed her inside.

Scanning the room, I looked for familiar faces or at least anyone I could talk to. Not far away, I saw a hand waving right at me. It was Theo. He smiled warmly and gestured for me to come over

Theo wasn’t just a co-worker; he had been a very dear friend since our university days. We both graduated from the same school, under the same program. And had supported each other through different ups and downs. Aside from that, I had always had a crush on him.

Yes, I had always liked Theo. He was there whenever I needed help. We had hooked up a few times, shared subtle romantic gestures, but that was it. Perhaps we were both too afraid to risk and lose our friendship, and so none of us brought up the topic of being official. And yet, I had been silently waiting and hoping he would finally ask me out. I giggle at the thought of finally being together with him.

“Vera, you look so good!” Theo complimented.

I could feel the heat suddenly rising in both of my cheeks. He looked so good too. Just seeing his charming smile made my heart leap.

“Thank you,” I replied, trying to sound calm. “You look good either.”

“Thanks,” he said with a smile.

As we chatted, a tall girl with fair skin and straight blonde hair approached. She wrapped her hands on Theo’s waist. He seemed surprise, but a flicker of affection lit his eyes as he realized who she was

“Babe!” Theo shrieked, leaning in for a kiss.

The girl laughed, then turned to look at me. “Oh, hey! Are you Vera?”

I stood frozen, processing that Theo now had a girlfriend.

“Oh, Vera! Meet Sienna.” Theo introduced. “Sienna, this is Vera, my best friend.”

The words “best friend” suddenly struck me sharply. Right, he had always seen me as a best friend and a sister. It wasn’t because he was scared to risk his feelings on me and make it official—but it was because he had never seen me that way. My heart ached at the sudden realization that I’ve been foolish for holding onto hope all this time.

“Hi, Sienna! I’m Vera,” forcing myself to smile and extend my hand.

“Oh my! I finally met you!” she exclaimed. “My Theo has always talked about how he sees you as a sister! Right, babe?”

‘My’. I scoffed inwardly. Suddenly, I felt that the world was suffocating. Their lovey-dovey display in front of me made me want to disappear and go home. I hated myself for being this way and acting like this—it wasn’t her fault that Theo never liked me.

I excused myself and slipped away to the bathroom, leaving them alone together.