Chapter 2

Averie's POV

“You mean, Julian said all that to you?“ Lena, my dorm mate and best friend asked. Her voice was laced with a mix of rage and disbelief.

“Yes.“ I nodded, dabbing on my tears with the napkin she handed me earlier.

“That bastard,” she spat between gritted teeth, clenching her fists so tightly that her knuckles turned white. “I'm going to kill him.“

Before I knew what was happening, she was turning midway to the door but I quickly stood and grabbed her wrists.

“Lena.. no,' I said, my voice pleading. “He isn't worth it.“

I wasn't exaggerating. Lena can actually kill him if she wants given that she has a black belt in taekwondo.

“No…” She yanked her wrist free. “I should teach him never to mess with my best friend.“ She moved towards the door again.

“Maybe he is right?“ I whispered and that stopped her mid-step. “I'm bored….“ My voice broke as my tears started pouring again.

I sat back at the edge of my bed and she turned walking towards me. She sat beside me, her hands gripping my shoulders and leaning forward to look into my eyes.

“Boring. Seriously, Averie?“ Her voice softened. “How can you let someone like him make you doubt yourself? You are beautiful and unique—just the way you are.“

I nodded slowly, wiping my tears.

Then she stood up suddenly. “Alright. That's it. Let's go.“

“Go where?“ I asked, blinking up at her.

I know I just said you’re beautiful and unique, and I meant it… but…” she grinned, eyeing up down “—you definitely need a change of style.”

“I narrowed my eyes in disbelief. “Are you helping me or roasting me right now?”

“Oh, please.” She waved a hand. “You know I’ve always been honest. No more baggy jeans and oversized polos. You need to try skirts, dresses and maybe even a crop top or two.”

“No. Absolutely not.” I shook my head. “I hate dresses. They ride up and make my thighs stick together. It’s uncomfortable.”

“Hmm. Averie… beauty is pain and I have to get used to it. I mean look at me.” She turned around and I won't deny the fact that she looks so beautiful and sexy in the strapless body con dress that clung to her body like a second skin. “You have to make that bastard regret losing you and then when he comes crawling back, you're gonna be the one walking away.“

I was silent for a while. I wouldn't deny the fact that I needed to step up my style but Julian crawling back? He'd never do that. There are hundreds of ladies in Draycott who'd kill to have him. I had always thought I was lucky for him to date me.

Before I could respond, she crouched lower, her eyes pleading. “Just dress like I say for a week and if you still don't like it, I promise to stop talking about it.“

“Okay.“

She grinned and extended her pinky. “Deal.“

I smiled before hooking mine with hers. “Deal.“

“That's my girl.“ She grabbed her hand bag. “And guess what? You don't have to spend a penny.“

She held up her limitless bank card and wiggled it like a golden ticket. “All bills on me!“

“I bet you'd go broke when I'm done shopping,” I teased, trailing behind her as we made our way out of the room.

“You know that's impossible.“ She sounded confident, tossing her hair. “You forget I'm Senator Sebastian's daughter, babe.“

Sure, I know. Her dad could probably fund an entire faculty at Draycott without batting an eye.

We slid into her red sports car, and she pulled out of the dorm, heading straight for the most luxurious boutique in the city.

______

“Thank you, Lena,” I said, stepping out of the boutique with over ten shopping bags in both hands while Lena was holding some too.

She bought the most expensive and prettiest dresses. They were so sexy that I felt almost naked in them.

Presently, I had one on and this was the most uncomfortable I have ever felt in my entire life. It was strapless with my cleavage and my thighs exposed… but then I felt beautiful and confident.

“Now… let's hit the new clubhouse in town.“

I sighed in exhaustion. “Lena…. can I just—”

“No,” she cuts me off sharply. “I don't want you sulking over that loser while I'm out there having fun.“ She slid into the car.

“Fine.“

I didn't argue anymore since it seems she knows me too well. I dropped the bags on the backseat and slipped into the passenger seat.

She revived the engine and we were off again.

_______

Inside the clubhouse—Hops and Giggles was everything I hated. Red neon light. Loud music threatens to rip my ear drums. The stench smell of cigars and alcohol lingered in the air making it difficult for me to breathe.

It was sinful and secretive—we had to wear a mask to conceal our identity. I find it strange but Lena said it was because they had a lot of high profile customers that would want to have fun without the fear of being judged.

I turned to tell Lena to let her know I can't stay here, but she was already moving towards a guy which I believe was Bryan, her boyfriend. They pulled each other into an embrace and kissed.

I forced my legs forward, knowing I don't really have a choice now.

“Hi,” I whispered, waving.

“Hi, Averie,” Bryan replied, sitting down and Lena straddling his laps.

Bryan ordered some drinks for us. I threw down the liquid which burned down my throat.

I sat quietly, trying to avoid the scene of Bryan and Lena, all over each other like some sick love birds. And for a moment, my chest tightened again as I remembered Julian.

“I will be back,” Lena whispered with a wink. “We need to get something from Brian's car.“

I knew they weren't getting anything other than a quickie.

They turned without waiting for my reply and soon disappeared into the crowd.

Twenty minutes passed and they aren't back yet. Well, I had almost finished the bottle of wine. I was already feeling lightheaded and dizzy and most importantly, I needed to use the restroom.

I stood up, steadying myself and walked into the restroom. Inside, I stood by the mirror, removed the silver mask I had on and threw some cold water on my face.

I forced a smile at my sad reflection in the mirror, muttering, “Forget about that asshole, Averie.“

The door swung open. Startled, I quickly pulled the mask back on.

A guy walked in—tall, broad, and sexy as sin. Two buttons of his shirt undone, golden mask, intense gaze that immediately dropped to my cleavage.

I shifted uncomfortably, my cheeks flushed, heat pooling beneath me and for a moment it feels good to be noticed.

“This is the men's restroom,” he finally said.

Oh..“ I mouthed. “I didn't know.“

I realised I didn't even check earlier.

I swallowed hard and moved past him but his voice stopped me.

“You're beautiful,” he said.

A smile tugged on my lips as I turned. “Thank you.“

It was silent for a while.

Then Julian's words echoed in my ears. Boring. Innocent.

I stepped closer to the stranger, heart thundering. “Would you like,” my fingers trailing down his exposed chest, “to have some fun with me.“

He grabbed my wrist firmly but not enough to hurt me. “Are you sure, young lady?“ His voice was sharp, sending a chill down my spine.

I hesitated. “Yes… as long as you have a condom with you.“

He pulled me closer, my breasts pressing against his chest. “Sure. I always do.“ He trailed a finger on my cleavage.

I felt my nipples hardened, pressing against my dress.

He reached for my neck, lowering his mask—

And I froze.

“Jace!” I blurted, yanking my mask off.

“Averie?” he said at the same time, stunned.

We stood there, breathless and wide-eyed.