"Kay, I'm not going to that party." I tell Kayla for the God-knows-what time.

"Come on, girl. Look at the dresses Shawn got us, don't you just find them lovely?" She pouts, chasing me around with the dresses.

Kay packed about six dresses and brought them to my apartment just so she could convince me to go with her to the party. I mean, just look at that.

"Let's show some love to these dresses, honey. Let's go to this party, please?"

"Take those freaking beautiful dresses away from me, Kayla. I'm not attending any party and that's final." I did look at the dresses while Kay was pouting, closing her eyes like a baby and man they do look amazing.

"What exactly is preventing you from going? Just tell me already." She fold her arms, waiting for my reply impatiently.

"Oh, that's quite a very good question." I state. "Last time your boo, Shawn took us to Wild Cats you remember what happened to me? I bet you do and now you are telling me he invited us to a party, as in him again? Who knows just what will happen this time? Look, Kay I'm not interested so leave me alone please."

"Ria, but that was weeks ago. I can't believe that's your only reason for refusing to attend this party." She exclaims, throwing the dresses at me. "We are going to the party and that's on period."

"Says who? I'm not going." I fold my arms around my chest.

"Don't test me, honey." She smirks.

"For goodness sake, do I really have to go?" I whine like a baby deprived of sweets. I'm so tired of the whole conversion.

She nods, giving me the puppy eyes.

Oh boy!

Party starts 8pm, we are ready by 7:50pm. Kay is such a pain in places that shouldn't be discussed in public.

The dress code is Ladies in red and Men in black. Kay wears a sleeveless red beaded embellishment, a long gown with open back and plunging V neckline. She looks amazing, looking every inch of royalty. I on the other hand, I'm dressed in a red high-neck, backless, floor length gown with a side high slit.

"Shawn just called, said he'll be here in few minutes." Her lips curve into a broad smile.

"Hmm okay." I force a quick reply.

I keep having this weird feeling that something huge is about to happen.

The doorbell rings meaning Shawn has arrived. We all make our way downstairs and into the car. Immediately the car roar to life, I know there's no turning back. I silently pray to God that something bad won't happen this time.

As we get to Royal Hotel, I see big cars and influential figures everywhere. We get down from the car and the valet service drives the car away. The hotel is really huge and beautiful. The inside looks so bright, thanks to the really expensive looking chandeliers. People are busy doing their thing. Some exchanging pleasantries, some having drinks while some dance to the different songs playing. Rich people do have even a different taste in music I must say.

Shawn take us to a table of four where we all sit. The atmosphere at the party is entirely different and I call it the money atmosphere. With all these rich folks in the hall, I must admit we look just as glamorous thanks to Shawn who got us really nice dresses. My eye shadow and entire makeup is subtle apart from the red bold lip which I love by the way. My hair is done in a messy up-do. I look like a million dollar heiress if I must say myself though my bank account sees differently regarding the idea. In reality, I have no six figures in my account.

The event is extremely big no doubt. Shawn signals to one of the waiting staffs, ordering him to get us drinks. I feel really different like I just don't belong among these people. I mean, LA's most influential people and I are together in the same room. People I've seen in magazines, read about online and those I've even watched on the freaking TV. For some really odd reason, I feel extremely nervous.

What if I accidentally spill drinks on an heiress or some famous supermodel and I wind up in jail? I shake my head immediately, bringing myself back to my senses. The thought has totally drained color off my face.

"Ria, you okay?" Shawn asks, worry evident in his tone.

"Yes sure, I'm okay." My voice comes out louder than I expected.

"Honey, are you sure?" Kay asks, worried as well.

"Of course, I am." I keep nodding like a bull preparing to attack.

And I know the excess smile is quite unnecessary too but I still did it anyway. Kay smiles tightly, she sure is just as nervous as I am. The only thing keeping her shit together is probably her boyfriend who already fits perfectly in this world unfamiliar to the both of us. Shawn is a really good man and I sincerely hope he and Kayla would last.

The lights dim all of a sudden and the song changes to a slow rhythm. The view, the music, is amazing. It's actually one of the most beautiful things I've laid my eyes upon in this life.

"Hey, buddy." Shawn waves, gesturing someone to come over.

I didn't bother looking since the person is coming over to the same table anyway.

"There you are, I've been looking for you everywhere." A guy whom I presume is a friend of Shawn joins us and I look up to take a glimpse.

He and Shawn bro hug, big smiles on both their faces. They seem pretty close.

"Ladies, let me introduce you to my very good friend, Ashton Lazer." Shawn makes a mini introduction.

"Ash meet my beautiful girlfriend, Kayla Garrette and her best friend, Ria."

"It's really nice to meet you beautiful ladies." He flashes us a megawatt smile.

I really have to admit that Ashton Lazer is one hell of a handsome man.

"Ash, we have a lot of catching up to do but first, I need to ask this beautiful lady something." Shawn says, directing his attention to Kay.

OMG! Is he about to propose?

"Babe, can I have this dance?"

Oh.

"I thought you wouldn't ask." Kay blushes.

Shawn takes her hand in his and the both of them hit the dance floor. Leaving sweet little me behind with handsome Ashton Lazer.

"Wow, I just got dumped by my best friend." Ashton jokes.

"Well, what can I say? It's an everyday event around here." I shrug playfully. "Welcome to the club."

"Maybe we should go dance too?" Ashton asks, biting his bottom lip.

Okay Ashton Lazer is really hot... almost irresistible.

"Me? Dance? Trust me when I say I can't dance to save my own life." I laugh.

"Will it make you feel better if I told you am just the same?" He gets up from his seat and offers a hand, asking me to dance.

"Alright game." My lips break into a big grin.

We did dance and I enjoyed every bit of it. Apparently, Ashton lied about not knowing how to dance. He really is such a great dancer. The songs during the live performance changed a couple of times but he guided me all through. He is a complete gentleman. I thought dancing with him was going to be uncomfortable but it was quite the opposite. We talked while we danced and I learnt a couple of things about him. Like the fact that he is a pilot by profession and is actually an only child. Also, he lost his parents to an accident when he was little. He was raised by his grandparents. He mentioned he's quite single too, not that it was necessary though. Okay, maybe a little.

"I need to use the powder room. I shall be back before you know, my lord." I did a curtsy, grinning from ear to ear. I just went back in time to the 90's.

Ashton shakes his head unbelievably, laughing heartily.

"And I shall await your return, my lady." He bows, getting into character himself.

What a cutie.

I didn't know finding the restroom at this huge hotel would be this difficult. I've been having quite the trouble finding the restroom for about ten minutes now and to make matters worse, I can't remember the turn I made to where I am. I'm about to take the stairs to the second floor when I hear voices coming from below the stairs.

Finally, I can ask people for directions. Kay, would make fun of me when she finds out I got lost. That wicked girl.

I follow the voices coming from the stairs and see two people having a conversation. Actually, a man and a woman. I can't see the man because his back is turned to me but I can see the woman and she doesn't seem too pleased with the man. Her expression says it all and I don't mean to interrupt but this is urgent. Honestly, whatever their problem is has nothing to do with me so I clear my throat multiple times before finally getting their attention.

The two of them focus on me but something else catches my attention. The man beside the not so pleased woman... his pair of grey eyes seems oh, so familiar.

Oh, God! It's him.

Color drains from my face and anger contorted immediately realization hits me like a truck.

"Hello, Mr. Stranger." I speak confidently.

I see his face all too vividly this time unlike when I was drunk and couldn't make out his face. God, it tears my heart apart to say this but I got to give it to him... he is extremely handsome and my God, I am not kidding. Even the word handsome should be an understatement.

I fold my arms around my chest, preparing myself for what is to come next.

"Hey, honey where have you been?" He asks me.

Me? Okay, this is not what I expected.

"Oh, really now?" I scoff in what would be deemed an unladylike manner but honestly, I could give zero fucks.

"I'm deeply sorry, Amore mio (my love). You have no idea how sorry I am." he flashes me a breathtaking smile, showcasing his perfect set of teeth you would think he's a Closeup model.

I freeze on the spot, a croak escaping my throat. He smirks. He knows exactly what he is doing! Why did I have to sound like a starved chicken though? Ria, why? You're serving him the upper hand on a freaking gold platter. My cheeks are literally on flames. This is totally embarrassing. If only the floor can open and swallow me whole, at least that would be a lot better than this-

He throws me off guard by walking closer, his arm wrapped around my waist. What manner of electric spark is cursing through my body right now?

Oh No! Why am I a sucker for beautiful men?

"Hey, what's going on?" The not so pleased woman he was with, as if she read my mind goes ahead to ask the exact question I've been dying to ask.

"Ana look, you will have to excuse me and my fiancée. You probably don't know this but she's quite the jealous type and probably won't hesitate to have both our necks." He gives the woman a fake nervous smile.

My lips form an O in its own volition, I am that shocked. Fiancée? Did I just hear him say the jealous type?

The already angry woman probably thinks I'm some psychotic bitch that would kill for a man without thinking twice. He is totally into character and I have to admit that he's quite a good actor. But did he really have to go this far? He can just let the woman know he doesn't want her and that will save the three of us from all this mess. I mean, why go to such extents just to get one woman off his back? I thought he was smarter than this. Well, he probably have his reasons.

Hey! Why am I supporting him?

"I'm sorry, Ana but I want my head to stay right where it is, connected to my body."

"I hate you." The angry woman shouts before storming off.

That was quite a show.

Immediately the angry woman left, Mr. Stranger removes his arm from my waist and turns around to take his leave.

"And where do you think you are going?" I scoff.

In his head, he probably thought the show ended. Well, he is so wrong because now it's real Showtime!

"Excuse me?" He raises a brow.

"Will you please quit playing dumb already?" I raise my voice a bit to show him how mad I am.

"Who the hell do you think you are? You left me all alone in your freaking mansion and you couldn't even leave a note. Was that so hard for you to do? That was so disrespectful."

"About that, I'm sorry." His voice seems cold and without an ounce of sincerity.

"That's all?" I couldn't believe my ears.

He thinks he can throw some insincere apology my way and I would accept it just like a fool? The funniest thing is, I don't even know why I'm this mad at him in the first place. I can't even look at him without getting angry.

"Am I supposed to apologize for something else?" A crooked smile play on his lips, the devil himself.

He is really enjoying the whole thing but I can't say the same because my blood is boiling with so much anger. I know he wants to hear the words directly from my mouth. It is just too obvious with the playfulness in his eyes. To him, this is all a joke.

"Oh, God I feel so molested." My voice comes out in a low groan. I start to bite down my nails.

If killing wasn't illegal, this jerk would have long been dead. By now, I had already lost all confidence. I wonder how Kay would have handled this situation if she were to be in my shoes.

"Can we please make this snappy?" He gently taps on his expensive looking wristwatch.

Ah, Rolex. What a show off.

"You know what they say, time is money."

"You took advantage of me." I bite out, closing my eyes tightly when I realize the words flew out of my mouth.

"Excuse me?" He laughs between his words.

"You heard me." I give a firm reply.

And he's even more annoying now.

"Look here signorina, I was drunk." He points at himself.

"You were drunk." then he points at me. "As a matter of fact, you took advantage of me because you got me drunk in the first place."

"But it's okay. We are both adults and we both know it was a one night thing."

Did he just say that?

"What did you-?" My voice comes out small this time.

"Why act so serious? It's not as if I was your first." He says as a matter of fact.

"In fact now that I think of it, you probably knew who I was in the first place so you planned the whole thing. But like I said, it's okay. It doesn't even matter."

Immediately he concludes his statement, I punch him straight in the face. My eyes brimming with tears already. For the first time in my life, I feel worthless and it has to be him who made me feel that way, out of all the citizens of earth.

Who the hell does he think he is?

"Look, I know you are a jerk. You made that very clear but you don't have to keep making it so obvious." I utter, looking him straight in the eyes.

I'm not going to cry, especially not in his presence.

I feel like an idiot, walking as far as my legs could carry me. I need to get away from him, anywhere as long as it's far away from him. The tears are starting to escape from my eyes now. At least, he didn't see you cry so that's a bonus, Ria. Seeing me cry would have been a boost of ego for that coldblooded jerk and that is the last thing I want.

I finally found the stupid restroom that caused the whole ruckus in the first place. Just maybe if I didn't go looking for the restroom, I would still be laughing and having a great time with Ashton. Maybe, I wouldn't have met the devil.

When I enter the restroom, I lock the door and let the water from the tap run before breaking down completely. I cry, hot tears rushing down my cheeks. I feel so humiliated. How I wish I had listened to my gut and refused to attend the party until the very end.

But hey, I'm Chandria Lee and with me, disasters are just bound to happen.

Whether I'm drunk,

or not.