I let out a deep breath, stepping back from the mirror to run my hands through my hair. I was getting ready for this dinner tonight that I did not want to go to at all.

In the mirror, I saw Alisha pacing back and forth in front of the bathroom doorway. "Lish, what are you doing?" I asked and she abruptly stopped and looked up at me. "Trying to figure out how I can whoop Aiden's ass and get away with it," she said seriously.

I looked at her through the mirror for a while and then we both cracked up laughing. "You and I both. Can you believe this?" I asked and she stepped in the bathroom, coming closer to me. "No! And he has some fucking nerve insinuating you were going because of him! That bastard! I can't stand him. I didn't even like him in college," Alisha said angrily and I laughed at her.

"I'm serious! Remember that one time at 1Oak he tried to yell at you because you started dancing with the one, fine-ass Black guy from your leadership class?" Alisha asked and I nodded, laughing. "I remember you being drunk and literally telling Aiden, "This is why I never want you to come! And we all busted up laughing," Alisha added.

"Wait-wait, and then you went up to him and said, "Let her dance with him! She should've left your sorry ass a long time ago," I added, making me and Alisha laugh even harder. "I told you! I never liked him!" Alisha said through her laughter. I watched as Alisha laughed. "What?" she said, looking concerned. I shook my head, "I should've listened to you back then," I said quietly, putting my makeup away.

Alisha walked up to me and patted my back, "Hey, everything happens the way it's supposed to," Alisha said consoling me. "You're right. Gosh, I don't know why I'm getting so worked up over him. I'm over him, I really am, but seeing him and trying to get to an amicable place, it makes me feel some type of way," I said, letting out a breath.

"Ash, that's normal. He was your first boyfriend, first kiss, first everything, so in some way, unfortunately, he's going to run across your mind. You think I don't think about what would've happened if Marcus and I didn't break up?" Alisha said.

Marcus was Alisha's boyfriend from our sophomore year of college till the middle of our senior year. They made a great couple and actually were engaged to get married after graduation, but before graduation, Marcus got offered a job opportunity in Japan as a CFO for this huge company and he wanted Alisha to come, but she didn't want to. They broke up and ended their engagement. Alisha was crushed and I made it my job to be there for her, which is why I asked her to be a part of my team because I wanted to always be there for her.

"How is Marcus?" I asked. Alisha nodded slowly, "Engaged." I saw tears in her eyes, so I grabbed her and hugged her as tight as possible. If you ask Alisha about marriage now, she will say she never wants to get married or have kids, but a few years back, that was all she yearned for, so I know this hurts.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," I said, rubbing her back as she softly cried. I comforted her and slowly she pulled away, wiping her eyes. "Hey, it's okay. I know you're hurting, but you'll go on and find the man of your dreams and he'll make you feel like you're the only person in this world. And most importantly, he'll love you in a way that's so electrifying, you'll never want to even look at another man. Trust me, I know," I said, wiping her tears.

She nodded, giggling, "Oh I know. I see you and Michael," she said, making me giggle too. "You think that's me and Jackie Jackson?" she asked and I laughed, pushing her away from me. "You know what," I said pointing at her, "You never know. Those Jacksons are something else."

I helped Alisha touch up her makeup and soon after we were on our way to Restaurant Lasserre for dinner with Karl, Aiden, and other members from the production today.

We walked in and flashes along with erupts of chatter and my name being called were heard throughout the restaurant. I smiled at everyone, waving. I even stopped to take a few photos before we were escorted to where our party was.

As we passed one table though, I was stopped by a firm grip on my arm. Wes automatically saw and removed my arm from the lady's grip and tried escorting her away but she looked at me and smiled, "I'm sorry. I'm just a huge fan," she said and I put my hand up at Wes. "Wes, it's okay," I said and he released her, stepping back.

"Hi, it's so nice to meet you! I'm a huge fan," she said again and I smiled. She was a really pretty, Black woman. She looked a little older than me, but he was classy and she was wearing matching Chanel. She looked familiar, but I just don't know where. "Thank you, that means a lot to me to have your support," I said genuinely.

"Of course. Any magazine I see you in, I buy and even try to buy the brands you model for," she said gesturing to her outfit. I smiled, nodding, "That's very sweet. Thank you," I said smiling. "I can't believe I'm meeting you," she said in shock and I laughed. "What's your name?" I asked and she smiled, "Oh! Noelle," she said and I took note. "Pretty name," I said and I saw Alisha waving me over, "Well, it was nice meeting you, Noelle. I hope to see you around," I said walking away. "Oh, you will," she called out and I turned around to look at her. She had a weird smirk on her face that creeped me out.

"Devon," I said pulling my new security's arm, "Watch out for her please. There's something off about her," I said and he nodded, talking in his earpiece.

I approached the table and saw Karl making his way towards me, "Darling! I'm so glad you can make it!" he said, hugging me. "I came just for you," I said, giggling. "Aw, so you didn't come for me?" I heard from the left of me.

I pulled away from Karl and saw Aiden. I looked at him, biting my bottom lip, (not in a sexual way lol) "No," I said and he laughed. He pulled me into a hug, "I'm kidding Smiles, I know you have a boyfriend," he said in quotes. I patted his back two times to let him know to stop hugging me.

"Ma'am! No photos!" I heard Devon yell out and I looked to see Devon blocking the view of us from that Noelle woman. As I pulled away from Aiden, I saw her being escorted away from our section. I walked over to Wes, "She got a few pictures of you," he said and I nodded. "Yeah, I figured. Something was off about her, but I just can't put my finger on it," I said trying to think of where I had seen her.

"Yeah she creeped me out when she grabbed your arm. We'll do a security check around every 30 minutes or so to make sure she's not creeping around," Wes said, patting my back and I nodded. "Thanks Wes."

I turned around and walked into Aiden, "Jesus, Aiden," I said, putting my hand over my chest. "Sorry, my fault," he said. I looked at him and he smiled at me. "What?" I asked, giving him a look. He held up a lemon drop martini, "For you," he said, handing it to me. "Thank you," I said while taking a sip. He watched me, licking his lips.

"What are you trying to get me drunk?" I asked, smirking. "Maybe, maybe not," he said smiling, "I know how you can get. I know you remember?" I raised my eyebrows at him, "You knew me, key word knew, I'm a changed woman now," I said taking another sip of my martini.

"Oh really?" he asked, raising his eyebrows. "Yeah," I said confidently. He nodded his head and took a sip of his drink. "So, uh, where's your boyfriend that you've mentioned all day long?" he asked. "New york. He's working on his new album," I said, going to sit in my seat. He followed me and sat right next to me. Great, just great.

"Oh cool! I'm excited to hear it," he said and I gave him a look. "What?" he shrieked, "I was a fan just like you were. It's one of the reasons we even started being friends, remember?" I nodded, "I do," I said looking over the menu, mentally deciding to order the filet mignon. "I'm still a fan even though he stole my girlfriend," he said boldly.

I turned to him with widened eyes, "Oh, don't even start. He did not. Let's not forget what you," I said pointing at him, "you did to me. Girl in the bed, at our apartment? Ring a bell," I said smartly. He looked at me with so much hurt in his eyes and shook his head. "I'm sorry. I really am. I'm bringing up old feelings and anguish," I said sympathetically. He looked up at me, "No-no, it's okay. I understand. I really hurt you and I've regretted it everyday since," he whispered to me, locking eyes with me. I looked away from him and played with my hands in my lap.

"I'm sorry, again. I don't know how many different ways I can say it. I never should've treated you the way I did. You were always too good for me and I never deserved you in the first place," he said, placing his hand over mines, making me look up at him.

"It's okay, Aiden. It's all in the past and we've moved on," I said, giving him a small smile, thinking of Michael. "I haven't though," he whispered. I swallowed looking at him, searching his eyes. "I see you have though. I see your ring," he whispered again and I looked down at my promise ring, playing with it. I opened my mouth to speak, but he spoke again, "Promise? Or engagement?" he asked.

"Promise," I said, smiling down at it thinking about when Michael gifted it to me for our anniversary. He nodded and took a sip of his drink. I looked up and cleared my throat, "Um-," I started but he cut me off. "I'm sorry for getting all in your business," he said and I frowned up a bit, shaking my head, "No, it's okay, really."

The waiter came, thankfully, and so we got off the topic of us and my relationship with Michael. We made small talk with the entire table for the rest of the dinner and I had to admit, it wasn't so bad. It was actually a little fun. Alisha and I kept ordering drinks and I was sitting beside her, laughing every time she flirted with the waiter.

The restaurant switched to more upbeat music and Alisha pulled me out of my seat, "Let's dance," she said and I laughed, shaking my head. "Alisha! No! I'm shy!" I said and she gave me a look. "You know I gotta be drunk for this type of stuff!" I said looking around as everyone at the table looked at us.

"No, come on dance!" Alisha said, grabbing my arms as she started dancing with me. I shook my head, embarrassed. "Show me what you got, baby!" Karl yelled out and I face palmed. I removed my hand from my face and poked my cheek with my tongue. I looked and saw Aiden watching me with a smile. He winked at me and I turned away laughing, starting to dance with Alisha.

We danced to a few songs, ordering more drinks in between. I danced with Karl as Alisha danced with the waiter and I felt a tap on my shoulder. Karl smiled and I turned to look at who it was to see Aiden. "Can I have a dance?" he asked and I pursed my lips at him. "Take her! I need another drink," Karl said, letting me go.

Aiden held out his hand and I stared at it. "Just one dance," he said pleadingly. "One," I said sternly, holding up one finger for emphasis. "Okay," he whispered, leading me to the dance floor. He put his arms around me and I gave him a look, "watch it," I teased. "I've seen it already," he joked and I hit his chest. "We'll it's not yours to see anymore anyways," I said back smartly. "Are you sure about that?" he asked. "Positive," I said confidently, "For Michael and Michael's eyes only."

He rolled his eyes and I laughed, "That's what you get for going there," I said as he spun me around. "You're not married to him," Aiden said smartly and I laughed. "Funny. He used to tell me the same thing about you. Look at us now," I said smiling and Aiden breathed out and I knew I was getting to him.

I giggled to myself and I saw him check me out. "You look beautiful as always," he whispered. "Thank you," I said shyly. "You were always the most beautiful in the room wherever you went," he said, "never failed. I remember feeling so lucky because all heads would turn and you were always mine." I looked at him, searching his eyes and I saw the truth in his eyes. "What are you trying to do?" I asked, feeling my throat get dry. He just smiled at me as the song went off.

I removed his hands from around me and took a bathroom break to compose myself. When I came back, the restaurant started to close up. We took a few group photos, savoring the moment. I was putting my coat on, when I felt someone helping me. I turned my head and saw it was Aiden.

"Just helping," he said, raising his hands in defense. "Sure, Mr. I can't get over you," I teased. He scoffed, "I was real when I opened up to you and said that," he defended and I laughed.

I walked away from the table and made my way to Wes with Aiden following close behind. "If Joker was here, he'd tear you to shreds," Wes teased Aiden who was still following me. "Who's Joker?" Aiden asked. "Michael," Wes and I said simultaneously. "I put up a good fight," Aiden said and Wes and I both laughed. "Do y'all really think I'm scared of him?" Aiden asked, scoffing.

"You don't know him son. Especially when it comes to her," Wes said thumbing at me and I smiled. "He's a bit protective," I said, patting his shoulder as we walked out. "I'm up for a challenge," Aiden said as Devon opened my door.

"Boy, move," Alisha said, pushing Aiden's head so she could get in the car. I turned to face Aiden, "There is no challenge. I'm happily in love with Michael," I said smiling and Aiden played with his tongue.

I smiled at him, "Goodbye Aiden," I said getting in the car, but Aiden grabbed my arm, "Maybe we could hang out sometime? I didn't try anything, yet," he said under his breath. "I don't think Michael would like that," I said honestly. "Aiden give it up!" Alisha yelled from the car and we both turned to look at her, "She's practically married and Michael will make you disappear," she said and I laughed.

Aiden pulled me closer to him, "As everyone keeps saying," he said before he closed the door some. I looked at him with my eyebrows raised. "So," he whistled, "What do you say?" I sighed, "I don't know, let me think about it," I said and he smiled.

"Goodbye Aiden," I said, opening the door. "Goodnight Smiles," he said, closing the door for me. "You better tell Michael everything," Alisha said and I nodded, "I know," I said through a sigh.

I tapped my nail against my wine glass waiting for someone to show up. I took a sip of my wine looking out towards the glass window that showed a view of the Eiffel Tower. "Ma'am your guest is here," the waiter said. "Send him in, please," I said, smiling at him.

I waited a few seconds before my guest arrived. I watched as he sat down, "Hi Aiden," I said smirking. "Hey," he said, smiling at me. "How was dinner?" I asked taking a sip of my wine.

"Great. She opened up to me more. She's warming up to me again," he said. I nodded, "Good. Good. And Michael?" I asked. He sighed, "She talked about him all day. Never let me forget him. She's in love with him and there's a ring, so the real one might be coming soon."

I licked my lips in thought, "No, because we'll stop it. They'll break up and you'll get her back and I'll get him back," I said and he nodded. "I got some pictures of the both of you tonight, so we'll use those if we have to."

He nodded again, "Have you sent any more letters?" he asked. "Don't worry about that. That's not your area. You just stick to getting closer to her."

"Okay, but what are you saying in the letters?" he asked. "Don't worry about it," I said and he looked away towards the window. "Don't worry," I said, placing my hand over his shaky one, "You'll get her back. Leave the rest of the work to me. I'll do whatever it takes to break them up."

He looked at me scared, "You're not gonna hurt her are you? I don't wanna be in this if you're going to hurt her. Physically. Michael included even though I don't care too much for him. I'm not that cold-hearted. I do consider myself a decent person," he said wearily. "A decent person who wants to break up his ex-girlfriend's relationship where she's happy?" I questioned. He looked away from me.

"But to keep you sane, no," I said lying to him, "of course not." He sighed and I smiled while sipping my wine.

It was almost midnight and I was on my way to Neverland from LAX. Michael was under the impression that I wouldn't be home till tomorrow night, but I'm surprising him. And also, because I missed him so much. I hadn't seen him in almost a month. And yes, I know we talk everyday over phone, but nothing compares to the physical connection when you reunite.

It was funny because I was literally on the phone with him and he had no clue I was down the street. "I'm so excited for you to come home tomorrow," he said softly and I laughed. "I'm excited too. I've missed you too much," I said as Devon drove down to the main house.

"What time does your flight get in?" he asked and I looked at the main house and most of the lights were out, which meant he was either in the studio, dance studio, his office, or his bedroom. "Almost midnight," I said lying to him. I heard him groan, "That means I won't see you till almost like 3 in the morning," he said annoyedly.

I chuckled, "Hey, at least I'll be home!" I said happily and he sighed, "Yeah, you're right." I whispered a thank you to Devon as he helped me out and grabbed my little luggage I had. The rest was taken to my house by Wes.

"What are you doing?" Michael asked as he heard all the commotion in the back. "I'm just getting back to my hotel," I said walking up to the front door. "What are you doing?" I asked. "In my bed, missing you and your body," he said slickly and I knew exactly what he meant.