A

perated yet again. However, her relentless attempts to tame my

r head as if she had reached her limit with my childish behavior. "Tonight is a big opportunity for you. What did you do with the money I gave you to go to the salon and get

a frustr

at least temporarily. While I tried to understand her desperation, considering our difficult circumstances, it didn't mean I c

he wild curls away from my face. "I'm going to get myself a drink.

ist before I could reach the liquor sta

n't mean to be rude, but she was really

me to the supposed cream of the crop in the city. They all turned out to

to it, but our family had lost respect and credibility in society since we went bankrupt a year and a half ago. We didn't just lose our business, assets, and wealth; we also lost friends, re

e mingling guests. I ordered a glass of red wine whi

party venue was immense and sophisticated, as one would expect from a family of their stature, wi

would have appealed to me. But now, everything felt fake and un

princess to pauper. How's life treating you these days?"

yes and silently cursed my terrible luck. We used to be friends, but after Valerie's d

me. There were too many things happening, significant changes in every aspect of my life. It was difficult t

I replied, mustering a small, gentle

y?" Corali

you in times of need. And those who run away at the first

nd scowled at me. "You think you're

compliment," I replied, trying to sound genuinel

g cool will only get you so far. Be careful, Monr

bout me," I pouted, placing my hand over my heart. "B

ng another word. But not before purposefully bumping into

disappearing into the cro

some paper towels from the counter and attempt

use

eart skipped a beat upon

be that terrible. W

it in my mind. The sensation of his strong hands on my body, the warmth and deli

mn

rstly, because the agency I worked for had a reputation for its discretion, and secondly, why would he suspect anything? It was just a

n? Was I not good enough? Did he seek another escort because I could

n such thoughts. Why am

ll-practiced smile. I only needed to lift my gaze, and there he wa

plate the mysteries of the oceans and the universe with serene curiosity. Whether he wore a fitted three-piece suit or not, he exuded an undeniable charm. It was hard to believe someone his age cou

wrong. So, so wrong. It was wrong. Valerie would have been furious if she had known. T

e said, tilting his head slightly to th

te being the President of a multi-billion dollar corporation, he always made time for our gatherings and activities. He had

notice. There was a longing, an empty void that no one could fill except Valerie. He was likely contemplating how much she would have grown if

, as I attempted to tame a rebellious curl that fell acros

to flicker in his eyes before vanishin

e's your father? I can't see

father was seething with anger over my mother accepting the invitatio

e tucked his free hand into his pocket. "Well,

nversations. While he seemed to be having a great time, I was still reeling from our brief interaction. Almost ob

and stared at the sc

ten about the job I had

was runn