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DAISY POV
The next day, Daisy was outside checking the decorations when a familiar car pulled up. A girl stepped out—blue short skirt, cropped blue shirt that showed her stomach, white sneakers, and striking light-blue-black hair.
"Mina!" Daisy's face lit up.
Mina was her childhood best friend—the only one who matched her energy. To others, Mina acted sweet and innocent, but Daisy knew the truth: beneath that mask, Mina was sharp, mean, and loved to bully people. Just like Daisy. They both hated maids, always finding them "dirty."
Mina spotted Daisy and ran over. They hugged tightly.
"Girl, I missed you."
"I missed you too. It's been forever," Daisy said with a grin.
"Ugh, I know, right?" Mina nodded. Then she snapped her fingers at a guard. "Hey, fool, bring me that box."
The guard hurried, retrieved a large gift box from her car, and handed it over.
"You can go now, idiot," Mina waved him off. He left in a rush.
"This is for you," Mina said with a smirk.
Daisy opened it, gasping. "Wow! I love it. Thank you so much."
"You're welcome. Now let me see how this decoration is going."
They went inside. Mina looked around and whistled.
"Girl, this is gorgeous. Hey! You—design those glasses in the latest style," Mina barked at a maid.
"Yes ma'am!" the maid scrambled.
"You've got such good taste," Mina said, impressed.
"Thanks," Daisy smirked.
"So… how's you and Daniel?"
"It's great." Daisy tried to hide her blush.
"Wait—don't tell me you still haven't confessed that you like him?"
"Well… not yet. I was planning to do it today."
"You better! Sooner the better." Mina nudged her.
Daisy's cheeks flushed. Mina giggled. "I can't wait to see you as his girlfriend… or wife. You two should already be kissing." Daisy blushed harder and quickly changed the subject as they headed to her room.
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DANIEL POV
"That wicked soul…" Daniel muttered, thinking of Daisy. He couldn't tell if he was just annoyed by her—or if he was actually attracted to her. Either way, he needed to confirm it soon. With that thought, he fell asleep.
By morning, the doorbell rang. He opened the door and saw Tiffany—alone.
"Where's Tracy?" he asked.
"Um… I don't know. She probably left on her day off. We had two days off, maybe she went somewhere," Tiffany replied.
Daniel felt a strange sadness. Why did her absence bother him so much?
"Why didn't you leave?" he asked.
"I, uh—" Tiffany blushed. "I… stayed to help."
"You can continue," he muttered.
She quickly cleaned the room, stealing glances at him whenever she could. When she was done, she left. Daniel sank into his chair, lit a cigarette, and stared at the smoke curling upward. For some reason, that strange sadness lingered in his chest.
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LUCIAN POV
Lucian had been awake for hours, his mind tangled with too many thoughts. He lit another cigarette, hoping to clear his head.
The door opened. Marcello walked in, holding a box.
"What's that?" Lucian asked, voice flat.
"It's for Miss Daisy. She ordered it—for you to wear to her party."
Lucian's jaw tightened. "Hmm. Drop it and go."
"Yes, sir." Marcello set the box down and left.
Lucian walked over, flipped the lid, and pulled out a suit. He hissed under his breath.
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