"I would never betray a friend, Claire. Never!" the sternness in my voice caused her to fall into silence. "But..." I paused briefly, my tone sharp and stern. "I would never have a second thought dumping one when I felt like I've been sold down the river by my trusted friend." I finished.

"Of course," Claire chuckled. I sensed no remorse, no fear, and I shut my eyes briefly, my teeth clenched.

"I'll see you when I get back to New York, Claire. I hope you have a good rest back in Greece. Please send my regards to your family," I said in a dismissive tone.

"Sure. Thanks, Boo."

I hang up and sat on the couch, feeling burnt out.

Alex sauntered back to the living room, looking imposing in his pinstripe gray suit. His Armani trousers that matched his coat did little to hide his muscled thighs.

"I'm just meeting an investor. I should be back before dinner," he said, like a husband to his wife. "Will you wait for me then?" he asked, fixing his dark blue tie as he spoke, his eyes holding my gaze.

I let out a sigh.

Alex is the kind of man who doesn't turn down a challenge, and he was challenged by me.

I just lifted my shoulders into a half-shrug. Not really committing myself to him. "I take that as a yes," he said before narrowing our gap and then stood in front of me. His shin against my knees.

"Don't go out, alone," he said, and I watched him awe-struck to my disbelief, and before I could move, he leaned in, my eyes following him like a puppet and his lips met the top of my head. "I won't stay out long," he said as he stood upright.

My face crumpled from what just happened, but I couldn't deny the fact that it brought warmth to my heart.

Why is he acting like that now? Why can't he just be the arrogant, assholes Alex?

I stared at my phone, heart sank in disappointment. Alex was acting like a boyfriend now and I don't like the idea of him ordering me around like his submissive woman, the fact that it won't ever happen.

Brittany probably boarded the plane. I need company today as I don't have plan to wait for him like an obedient girlfriend.

But I wasn't his girlfriend! I reminded myself.

I contemplated who's here that could lighten my mood. Then Tammy flickered in my thoughts. She's easy and bubbly, she's perfect for a company as my friend were in different states.

I dialed her number.

It didn't take long for the line to connected.

"Hello," she panted.

"Hey, Tammy. I was just wondering what are you up to this afternoon?" I asked, pulling myself up to my feet, then plodded towards my bedroom.

"Just about done working out," she answered, breathing heavily.

My hope dropped and I let out a soft sigh. "Oh, I'm sorry. I'll talk to you—"

The sound of a machine stopped. "It's alright, Clara Bell!" she cut through my words. "What's up?" she asked, her voice light and warm.

I felt suddenly shy to ask her company. She had asked me many times before, and I politely declined it.

"I'm just bored," I said, stopping in front of my door, then slowly pushed the door wide enough for me to walk in.

"Great! The crew are going out tonight. We'll have dinner first at Shoto Boulod. You more than welcome to join us?" she asked, her excitement didn't escape my senses.

The thought of Alex coming here without me waiting for him like an obedient fool made the idea even more appealing.

"Well, I think I would go this time," I decided, and Tammy let out an elated squeal.

"Oh, finally!"

I smiled.

"Would you like me to come pick you up?" she asked.

"If you don't mind?" I replied with a little hesitation.

"Of course not! I'll pick you up at five-thirty. Our reservation is at six." She added.

"Got it," I replied, then I thanked her and hung up.

I paced across my room as I thought about Claire. Her words, Alex's words, and my father's reeled in my head. My instinct nagging me that she's not telling me the truth.

But if she's not telling me the truth, then it is her right. I maybe her best friend, but there are things, confidential things that even a best friend should know about it. That's what they call it privacy. I have some secrets that I can't tell her either, and one of it is that Alex is pursuing me.

Should a best friend tells everything? Even the most sensitive matter?

For me, I think it is not.

Like about Alex. Because I don't want to hurt her further. Alex already did. I know there are secrets that won't stay long hidden, but at this point, the pain of losing Alex is still raw. Perhaps by the time she learned about it, the pain is less if it's not gone.

And if I found out about her secrets, would I still hate her? Am I to judge her like the others did?

She didn't judge me when I was framed up, actually she fought for me.

My mind wandered several years back, when our friendship all started...

A photo shoot for the direct campaign of Victoria Secret for the summer catalog held at one of the most elusive billionaires' penthouse in New York, with amazing views. We were all outside for the photo shoot instead in the studio, enjoying the summer sun. Each of the angels including me wearing its pair of beautiful lingerie with summery colors. When the shoot was over, we all scrambled back to the spacious living which was set as dressing room, then to my table where Tammy was waiting patiently.

Then all of a sudden, the excited voices of the angels as they got dressed was cut by a shrilling shriek.

"OH MY GOD! SOMEONE STOLE MY WATCH!"

In an instant, the whole room fell into a deep silence. All eyes stared at one direction. Tabitha was glowering at each one of us. Her scrutizing gaze swept the room in outrage.

"What kind of watch, Tabitha?" the manager asked as he stepped forward, and she told her the brand. She said it was given by her mom last year.

The manager told her to check each and everyone's purses, and then we all stepped back from our stuff as per the manager order. We all stood aside as she and some crew went to our stuffs. My mind was wandering I didn't notice one of the photographer was already rummaging through my purse.

Just then I was pulled out of my thought when every eyes directed at me, in contempt.

Sammy, another photographer lifted the gold Bulgari watch resembling a snake that must have cost fifty gran or more and dangled it in my face. The forty years old man looked at me in an oddly way, his face crumpled.

I gave him a questioning look. Thinking he really thinks of me as a thief. For an ugly watch that cost barely a quarter of the watch dad gave me three years ago which was just sitting in my jewelry closet back in our estate among other watches which I received in the past from my kins. One was an Audemars Piguet, that cost more than 350 thousand, ridiculous for such very simple watch.

"I don't think Clara Bell would stole her watch!" Claire jumped in to help me as her eyes swept everyone in the room. "It's absolutely ridiculous to accuse her of such when we all know where she came from," she added.

I was rendered speechless since she was called as selfish and cold. I didn't expect her to come for my aid. I can protect myself to be honest, I was just surprised that she stepped in. We were not friend nor anything close, yet she acted like we were best friends.

Most of the heads nodded in agreement. Tabitha's face was red in rage. "Then my watch suddenly grew legs and wandered off to her purse?" she sarcastically ground out.

I opened my mouth to say something but Claire beat me. This time, her tone was firm. "And why would she stole an ugly watch? We knew she can affored more than your ugly watch?" Claire faced Tabitha, her hands crossed over her chest, challenging her.

Tabitha smirked, crossing her hands imitating Claire as she jutted her chin up. "I've known a few who are well off who likes to steal rather than buy it. They call it kleptomania if you ever heard about it," Tabitha retorted with dripping mockery. She even inclined her head to stress her point.

"Enough!" The manager spoke causing everyone to swallow their voices back.

I was still standing there, frozen and speechless. Never in my life I've face such embarrassment. Calling me a thief no less.

"Tabitha, stop fussing about it. We found your watch, and I hope this won't leak out!" the manager reprimanded as she turned her sympathetic gaze to me. I just gave her a nod. I didn't like that look of sympathy.

I didn't do anything. I was framed up, but I didn't say anything. I don't want to stir scandal even if my whole being was on fire, consuming rage building in my core.

Tabitha nodded hesitantly, and everyone went back to their routine like nothing happened, but Tabitha occasionally threw me a sharp glare.

And from then on, Claire and I became friends.

.

.

Quarter to six when Tammy called she's waiting at the entrance of the building. I quickly grabbed my Prada's black sling purse with a gold strap, then hoisted it on my shoulder as I rushed to the door.

I just wore a classic short sleeve black dress that barely reached my knees, completed it with my floral Valentino pumps.

"Miss Valiente," the guard tipped his head lightly in acknowledgement before opening the door for me. I just gave him a small smile then walked past him. Tammy's red Mercedez was waiting at the main entrance. The valet was standing next to her car talking to her I believed while waiting for me. He stepped back and greeted me when I got closer.

He rounded the car and opened the passenger door for me.

"Thank you," I said as I slid in.

"Have fun, Ms. Valiente and Ms. Tammy," the young valet brought his hand to his temple in a brief salute before he rounded the car and back to his post.

Tammy and I arrived at the place just before six. Austin and his nephew was already waiting for us, with other few models; Josh, Payne, and Cassandra.

"Hey, guys!" Tammy greeted as soon as we got to their table, and everyone rose from their seat to give us a brief hug. Just as I was about to hug Austin, my eyes landed to Alex's scorching eyes. His jaws was tight and his sharp features became very prominent as he stared darkly at me.

Our table was next to theirs I realized. The woman sitting across him was also staring at us.

....

I'm sorry guys it was slow update. I wasn't feeling quite well these days. Yesterday I collapsed I had to see my doctor. Nothing severe I'm glad. I'm just dehydrated and tired.

Thank you for standing by!

ENjoy!!