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In Party Hall
The music and laughter in the grand party hall dimmed when Alice quietly walked toward her mother, Angela. Angela was busy speaking with a group of investors, her radiant smile masking the storm about to unfold. She caught sight of Alice's gloomy face and immediately excused herself.
Angela gently touched her daughter's arm.
"What happened, Alice? Why do you look so upset?"
Alice bit her lip, tears trembling at the corners of her eyes. She leaned close, whispering into Angela's ear, "Mom… it's about Rico…" Then she revealed everything, her voice breaking.
Angela's smile stiffened, her eyes darkening with fury.
"Don't worry, my dear," she said in a low, determined tone. "I'll handle this. Leave everything to me."
Without hesitation, Angela marched across the hall. She stopped near Clara, who was happily chatting with guests, and pulled her into a quiet corner.
"Clara… tell me something. You are still my friend, right?" Angela's voice was oddly sharp.
Clara blinked, confused. "Why are you suddenly doubting that? Of course, Angela. Since childhood, you've been my only best friend."
Angela's lips curved into a smile, but her eyes gleamed with something else. "Then prove it. What I decide, you must accept."
Clara frowned. "What… what do you mean?"
"You'll see," Angela replied cryptically.
Before Clara could respond, Angela took her hand and led her to the center of the stage. Grabbing the microphone, she addressed the crowd with a practiced smile.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am overjoyed to celebrate my dearest friend Clara's success tonight. But I have one more happy announcement to share with all of you…" Angela's voice carried across the glittering hall. "Today marks the engagement of my daughter Alice… and Rico!"
The audience gasped. Cameras flashed wildly as media reporters shouted questions. Clara froze in disbelief. She grabbed Angela's arm and whispered urgently, "Angela, what are you doing?"
Angela only smiled wider, ignoring her.
Reporters swarmed Alice instantly. "So Rico's rumored girlfriend is Alice, right?"
But before Angela could answer, a sharp voice rang out.
"No."
Everyone turned. At the doorway, Rico stood, his eyes cold as ice. He strode toward the stage, his tall figure cutting through the murmurs.
"She isn't my girlfriend," Rico declared. His voice carried a finality that silenced the room. "And I won't marry her. Because… I already like someone else."
The hall erupted in shock.
In the crowd, Ameya and Jenna's eyes widened. Rico's gaze locked onto Ameya—intense, burning. Ameya's heart pounded, her breath catching at the raw emotion in his stare.
Angela's face twisted with anger. Alice's tears threatened to fall. Clara was left utterly speechless, clutching her chest in disbelief.
Reporters clamored louder. "Who is she then? Who's the girl Rico likes?" Cameras flashed, but Rico only smirked faintly and turned away without answering.
He stormed out of the hall. Media tried to follow, but Michael signaled his bodyguards, who blocked their path.
Ameya, shaken yet determined, ran after Rico.
---
On the Terrace
The night air was cooler, stars scattered across the sky. Rico stood at the edge of the terrace, hands clenched.
When he turned, Ameya was there. Without a word, he pulled her into a desperate hug.
"I'm sorry…" His voice cracked against her ear.
Ameya blinked, confused. "Rico?"
He cupped her cheeks, his eyes glistening with restrained emotion. "I wanted to tell everyone you are my girlfriend. I wanted the world to know. But I didn't… because I knew it would affect your career as an idol. I thought I was protecting you… but are you upset with me?"
Ameya's lips trembled. Then she smiled softly, tears glimmering.
Before Rico could process, she leaned in and kissed him—gentle at first, then passionately, pouring all her feelings into it. Rico froze, stunned, before melting into the kiss.
Pulling back, Ameya whispered, "You stood up for me. That's enough. I don't want anything else."
Rico's heart swelled. He smiled, lowering his forehead to hers, ready to kiss her again—
But a voice cut in. "Wait, lovebirds. Don't continue here. Paparazzi are still searching for you."
Startled, they turned to see Jenna and Michael standing nearby, both smirking playfully.
Michael tossed his car key to Rico, who caught it effortlessly.
"Go somewhere private. I'll handle things here," Michael said.
Ameya blushed deeply, hiding her face against Rico's chest. Rico chuckled softly, wrapping his arm around her.
"Thanks," Rico said simply, and with Ameya by his side, he walked away.
Jenna and Michael watched them leave.
"Is your sister alright?" Jenna asked quietly. "She looked so broken after hearing the truth."
Michael's smirk deepened. "Don't underestimate her. Alice isn't as weak as everyone thinks." He placed a steady hand on Jenna's shoulder. She looked up at him, a flicker of warmth in her eyes.
---
Back in the Party Hall
Meanwhile, chaos raged. Paparazzi surrounded Alice, hurling relentless questions.
"How do you feel about being rejected in front of everyone?"
"So the earlier engagement rumors disappearing online—was this the real reason?"
Alice's face crumpled, on the verge of tears.
"Enough!" Angela snapped, shielding her daughter. At her command, bodyguards escorted both of them away from the relentless media storm.
---
In Angela's Room
Behind closed doors, Angela finally confronted her daughter.
"I didn't expect Rico to go this far…" she muttered bitterly.
But Alice pulled away from her grip, tears spilling freely. "It's not his fault, Mom. It's yours! Why did you announce that engagement without asking me?"
Angela stiffened. "Because I wanted your happiness. That's why I decided quickly—"
"Happiness?" Alice's voice shook. "Look at me now! I'm humiliated in front of everyone!"
Angela reached for her hand, but Alice jerked away. "Don't follow me, Mom. I need time alone." With that, she stormed out, leaving Angela shattered.
Angela collapsed onto the bed, clutching her chest. The door creaked open, and her eyes lit with hope.
"Alice? I knew you couldn't hate me…"
But it wasn't Alice. It was Clara.
Angela's face darkened. "Are you happy now? Your son humiliated my daughter in front of the world."
Clara froze. "What are you saying?"
"Don't pretend!" Angela snapped coldly. "This is your fault."
Clara shook her head. "No, Angela. This is the result of your rash action. You never consulted me before announcing it."
Angela's eyes narrowed. "Are you blaming me?"
She pulled out her phone, showing Clara a picture—Alice hugging Rico backstage, while Rico looked stunned.
"This was taken by paparazzi. That's why I rushed to announce the engagement. To protect our children's dignity before rumors spread."
Clara whispered, shaken, "So… did Rico like Alice after all? Then why did he say he liked someone else…?"
Angela's voice turned sharp. "Why didn't you stop your son from speaking in front of the media?"
Clara sighed. "Do you think Rico would listen to me? He never does…"
Angela's lips curled into a bitter smile. "So your own son doesn't obey you. Not surprising—he's already disobeyed before."
"Angela!" Clara shouted, her voice breaking.
"You promised me, Clara. You swore my daughter would become your daughter-in-law. Where is that promise now?" Angela's voice trembled with rage. "Did you forget what your husband did to mine? He betrayed my husband. And you—" her eyes burned red, "—you are just like him."
Clara's heart cracked. Tears filled her eyes as she whispered, "Yes… my husband made mistakes. But I never betrayed you. You're still my best friend… then,now and always. How can you say this to me?"
Her breath grew shallow, faster and faster.
"Clara? Clara!" Angela panicked as Clara suddenly collapsed onto the floor. She dropped to her knees, shaking her. "Clara, wake up! Clara!"
The room echoed with Angela's desperate cries.
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