Chapter 05

“Do you really think acting like a brat is going to help you survive, Kaia?”

I was pulled out of my thoughts when I heard Aziel’s voice on the other end of the call. I rolled my eyes in pure disappointment.

“Didn’t you hear what I said earlier?” I snapped. “It wasn’t entirely my fault. The way I reacted was on her. I didn’t start anything. I was minding my own business in my room when she suddenly came at me.”

I brushed my hair back irritably as I stared at the road. Of all the things I could’ve left behind, I forgot my car keys. There was no way I was going back inside—not when my aunt was probably still fuming. I’d get them later, once she cooled down and stopped acting like the house wasn’t mine.

“So what now?” Aziel said. “Kaia, I’m in a mess right now. I want to help you, but I can’t. I’m stuck here. My dad won’t let me leave. I messed up pretty bad, and this is his way of punishing me—”

“Dude, what are you, sixteen?” I laughed. I took a deep breath and scanned the empty street. “Just tell me straight—are you picking me up or not? I’m getting eaten alive by mosquitoes.”

I heard him sigh heavily. I already knew how this would go. He’d come get me. He always did. And if he didn’t—friendship over.

“I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “I can’t, Kaia.”

My jaw dropped. “What?!” I shouted, earning a few looks from people passing by. I forced myself to calm down. “What did you say? You can’t pick me up? Why?”

He sighed again, and my frown deepened. This was a first. In all the years we’d been friends, this was the first time he’d ever turned me down.

“Wait…” I trailed off, one brow lifting. “Do you have a girl now?”

He didn’t answer right away.

My mouth fell open even wider. I dramatically covered my lips. “Oh my God. Aziel. Is that why your dad’s punishing you? Did you—oh my God—did you get someone pregnant?”

“I know how to use protection,” he shot back.

“Then what?” I pressed. “You’re not a kid anymore. Your dad wouldn’t freak out just because you brought a girl home. Come on. You’re just using him as an excuse so I won’t stay there. What’s really going on? I’ll only stay a few days, then I’ll go back to my house.”

Just then, a car sped past me—way too fast. I almost lost my balance, and my irritation skyrocketed. Seriously? Didn’t they know this was a residential area, not a highway?

“What happened?” Aziel asked.

“Some idiot nearly ran me over,” I muttered. “I was already on the side of the road. I swear, it’s like they wanted to hit me.” I glanced at the car driving away. “Shame he missed. Think he’ll try again?”

Aziel hissed at my joke. I shrugged and looked away. The car stopped not too far from where I stood, but I didn’t bother checking who was driving. I didn’t care. Honestly, a part of me was more annoyed that I was still standing.

“So?” I asked. “Is it really a no?”

He didn’t answer, but his sigh said everything.

“Fine,” I said. “I’ll just book a hotel—”

“No need,” he cut in.

I rolled my eyes. “Oh?”

“My cousin owns a bar near your place—the new one. He has a spare room there. You can stay for now. It’ll be easier for me to get to you.”

I frowned, then let out a short laugh. “A bar? You’re really going to make me sleep in a bar?”

“It’s not just some bar,” he said calmly. “My cousin’s loaded. You’ll be safe. He’s still in France, but I’ll tell him you’re staying there.”

I crossed my arms. “Are you sure I won’t wake up with some random guy in my room?”

“It’s safe, Kaia.”

I sighed and adjusted my stance. “Fine. When are you coming over? I really need someone to talk to.”

I wasn’t actually sad. Why would I be? The person I hated most had been out of my life for years now. If anything, I felt relieved. But I couldn’t exactly go around telling people I was happy my father was in jail. They’d think—like my aunt did—that I was the one who turned him in.

“I’ll come once I sort things out here,” Aziel said. “Hang in there. You can party if you want. I’ll tell my cousin’s staff to keep an eye on you.”

A grin spread across my face. “That’s what I’m talking about. See? This is why you’re my best friend. Just don’t forget—”

“I’ll come,” he interrupted. “I just need to deal with this woman first.”

My brow lifted. “Woman? What woman?”

He sighed, like he was debating whether to tell me. “Come on, Aziel. Don’t act like we’re not close. I won’t tell anyone.”

“Fine,” he gave in. “I met this girl about a month ago. She came up to me at a bar. She flirted, she was pretty… one thing led to another—”

“Okay, stop,” I cut him off. “Spare me the details. What’s the problem?”

I wasn’t naïve. I knew exactly what he meant.

“I just found out she already has a boyfriend,” he said.

I nearly fell over.

“Damn,” I muttered. “Were you even thinking?!”

He sighed again. Good. He should be frustrated.

“I know you hate cheaters, but—”

“But what?” I snapped. “You stayed with her even though she was taken? Aziel, I didn’t know you were this stupid.”

A motorcycle passed by, the driver staring at me like I was insane. I shot him a look and focused back on the call.

“For the love of God, break it off with her,” I said firmly. “I can’t believe this. You know how much I hate cheating, and you still—”

“Wait,” he cut in. “I didn’t know at first. If I had, I would’ve ended it immediately. You know I’m not that dumb.”

I exhaled in relief. “Thank God. End it now—before her boyfriend finds out. Or better yet, tell him. He doesn’t deserve that.”

He went quiet.

“…Did I say something wrong?” I asked slowly.

“I’ll explain everything once I fix this,” he said. “For now, stay at my cousin’s bar. I’ll come see you soon.”

I sighed. I knew there was more to the story, but I didn’t push.

“Call me once everything’s settled,” I said. “I’ll walk around for a bit, then grab a cab.”

“I really want to be there but—”

“It’s fine,” I cut him off. “Handle your stuff first. We’ll talk later.”

I needed someone to talk to, sure—but I wasn’t about to force him. We both had our own messes to deal with.

“I’ll make it up to you,” he said softly.

I laughed. “Buy me drinks. Okay, bye. Call me later.”

The smile on my face vanished when I noticed three familiar figures walking toward me.

I ended the call without realizing it.

They were the ones in the car earlier—the ones who almost hit me.

Their car was parked nearby now. They’d rung the doorbell of the house across the street, but no one answered.

“Hey. You,” a woman shouted.

I swallowed and glanced behind me—just to make sure.

No one else was there.

I knew her. Too well. And I recognized the two people with her, too. Famous. Powerful.

“Me?” I asked.

She scoffed and stormed toward me, her companions trying—and failing—to stop her. I raised an eyebrow as she practically ran toward me in sky-high heels, walking like she was in flats.

Unbelievable.

“You really thought we’d let this go?” she snapped. “How thick-faced can you be? Where do you even get the audacity?”

I straightened and met her glare. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know what you’re talking about—”

“You!” she screamed, reaching for my hair.

I dodged her hand instantly. “You shameless girl,” she shouted. “Why did you cheat on my cousin?!”

My mouth fell open.

I pointed at myself. “How could I cheat on your cousin when he’s not even my boyfriend?”

She froze.

Her eyes widened as realization dawned.

“Y-You’re not Dylan’s girlfriend?”