Chapter 3: A Charming Ass

The evening of the party had finally arrived. I was in my room, sitting in front of the vanity mirror, applying the final touches to my makeup. Just a bit more powder blush and some mascara, then I was good to go.

I was halfway through curling my lashes when my phone buzzed on the desk. I reached over and checked the screen and groaned instantly.

Seriously? Why is he calling me right now?

I picked it up and answered without a hint of enthusiasm. “Why are you calling?”

A soft chuckle echoed through the other end. ["Now that’s not how you greet your man, shorty.”]

I cringed and rolled my eyes so hard I was afraid they’d get stuck. “My man? You mean ex. Maybe get it right.”

He just chuckled, still as smooth and cocky as ever. [“Chill, shorty. Don’t you miss us?”]

I gagged, dramatically shuddering at the thought. “Oh, please, Izek. You’re giving me goosebumps.”

His laughter came louder this time, clearly enjoying himself. [“Damn. You never fail to make me laugh, LJ. It’s so fun teasing you.”]

“Haha. Very funny. I’m hanging up.” I said flatly.

[“No, wait—okay, okay, I’ll stop!”] he said quickly, still chuckling.

I sighed, setting my lash curler down. “Why’d you call, anyway? Make it quick, I’m literally in the middle of doing my makeup.”

[“Makeup? You don’t need that, shorty. You’re already beautiful.”] He said smoothly.

I smirked. “I know, right? That’s exactly why you fell for me back then, remember?”

He let out another laugh. “Right. Can‘t deny that.”

Of course he couldn’t. At least he’s honest about that one thing.

[“Anyway,”] he continued, [“I heard from Mom that you’re back.”]

“Yeah,” I said, putting him on speaker and setting the phone on the table. I pick up the brush and started applying powder blush on my cheeks. “But I’m only here for a month. What about you? When are you visiting?”

[“Why? You miss me?”]

I scrunched my nose. “Miss your face? I’d be totally fine never seeing you again, honestly.”

[“Ouch. That’s cold, shorty. I actually missed you.”]

“Don’t play with me, Izek. Knowing you, you probably had a whole lineup of flings to distract you. Last time I checked, you had, what—seven flings? Seriously? Was that like, one girl for each day of the week? Do you have them on a schedule now or something?”

He chuckled. [“What? Are you jealous?”]

“Ew! As if. I’m so over you, Izek. I don’t even know what possessed me to like you back in high school.”

[“Because I’m handsome and too hot to resist?”]

I paused halfway applying my mascara. Damn it. He’s not wrong. He really is hot. I hate that he knows it too.

I scoffed. “Yeah, yeah. You’re stupidly good-looking. You’re God’s most favored. Whatever. Happy now?”

[“Very,”] he replied smugly. [“And for the record, I’m not seeing those girls anymore. I’m a changed man now. I don’t do flings anymore.”]

I rolled my eyes. “Sure. I believe you. And I’m the next Miss Universe.”

[“I’m serious!”]

“Of course you are. Mr. Sincerity, right?”

He just laughed softly. [“Anyway, I don’t want to take up too much of your time. Just wanted to say congrats again on graduating, LJ. You got my gift, right?”]

My lips curled into a smile at the mention of his gift. He’d sent me a Louis Vuitton bag. Very extra of him, but I loved it. That LV bag was to die for.

“I did. Thank you! It’s gorgeous. I love it!”

[“Glad you do. And oh, say hi to my brother for me. Tell him to unblock me on social media already.”]

I couldn't help but laugh. “What did you even do for him to block you?”

[“Nothing! He’s just being petty.”]

I giggled. “Alright, I’ll mention it when I see him.”

[“Oh you will,”] he said with a cryptic tone. [“That brat won’t miss this chance.”]

I frowned. “What are you talking about?”

[“Nothing,”] he said, followed by a mischievous chuckle. [“Anyway, I’m hanging up now, shorty. I’ll call again soon.”]

“Yeah, yeah. Bye.”

The call ended.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror and sighed.

So... in case you’re wondering who the hell was that guy, allow me to clarify.

That was Izek. You might already have an idea, but yep, he's my ex. He was my first boyfriend back in highschool. We broke up when I left for college. Long-distance relationships weren't our thing, and we both knew it was going to be a hassle. So we ended things on good terms. No drama. No tears. No shouting in the rain kind of goodbye.

Since then, I've been single. Not because I was hung up on him—but because I just didn't have time for love. My life was a constant cycle of classes, assignments, and sleep deprivation. Meanwhile, Mr. Ladies' Man had no problem hopping from one girl to the next.

Not that I care. I'm not bitter. Definitely not jealous. But it does feel a little unfair, doesn't it? He gets to party while I'm cramming at 2AM, living on caffeine and anxiety.

Still, I get it. I do. He's attractive as hell. Ridiculously so. Women are drawn to him like moths to a flame. Tall, athletic, charming, rich—the whole damn package. The kind of guy who walks into a room and everyone notices. He would've been perfect if he wasn't also an arrogant, narcissistic flirt with an ego the size of the entire province.

And yet, I still fell for him back then. Why? Because I'm a sucker for pretty faces. Yep. That was all it took. Honestly, I hate myself a little for that.

But I won't pretend we didn't have something good back then. We were together for three whole years. That's right—three. Shocking, I know. We weren't even that serious at first. We were just having fun. I never expected him to stay faithful. But he did. Not once did he flirt with other girls while we were together.

Honestly, I was kind of proud of that. But then again, who would need to look around when you've got someone as stunning as me for a girlfriend, right?

Still... he's an ass. A charming one—but an ass nonetheless. I genuinely feel bad for the girls who fall for his smooth talk and killer smile. Poor souls. They don't know what kind of mess they're getting into.

Anyway. Enough about him.

I finished my makeup, gave my face a final check in the vanity mirror, and stood up.

I turned toward the full-length mirror, and I couldn't help but smile upon seeing my reflection. Gosh, I looked good!

I wore a white and blue floral crisscross dress made of light crepe. It hugged my figure just right—simple but cute. On my head was a white sponge headband, and on my feet were white flip-flop wedge heels. It was nothing too extravagant, but definitely party-ready.

With a quick breath, I grabbed my phone and headed downstairs.

Time to enjoy the night.

Or... survive it.

Whichever came first.