Serenity believed Lavinia was a genuine friend. From the moment they met, Lavinia had shown concern for her well-being. Yet, beneath the surface, Lavinia's jealousy simmered, refusing to fade. Meanwhile, in Alex's and friend's modest apartment, Alex lay awake in his bed, his mind tormented by thoughts of Serenity, a lingering fear clenched his heart. Flashbacks Alex replayed the scene where he witnessed Suyoshi's dark reality - a crumpled figure of a woman carrying a child chasing him down the bustling streets, tears staining her cheeks as Suyoshi callously left her behind. Alex knew the truth about Suyoshi's deceit, he tried to warn Serenity about it but he doesn't have a chance to be close to her. He knew that revealing Suyoshi's true nature would shatter Serenity's trust in him.
"Can't you sleep?" Mel said, as Leo was snoring loudly on the other bed. Alex confided about his fears for Serenity. "I'm so worried about Serenity. Her contract will end soon, and she'll go back to the Philippines. She needs to know the truth about Suyoshi—he's married and has a child," Alex said, his voice heavy with concern. Mel listened intently before responding. "I know, but how do you plan to tell her? She probably won't believe you." "And, Alex," Mel continued cautiously, "don't forget, courting a fellow worker is against the rules. If they find out, they'll not give your salary and send you back to the Philippines. Remember, we're overstayers here?" Mel said. "I know, but what can I do, I love her?" Alex replied, frustration evident in his tone. "You're still lucky you look Japanese, even if you wander around, no one will think that you are a 'gaijin' (means foreigner)" Mel sighed. "Unlike me and Leo—we look too Filipino. It's easier for you to blend in with the Japanese people." Mel stated. "But still, I have no visa," he replied. "Just be careful with her boyfriend, okay," Mel said as he rolled in bed and went back to sleep. Alex recalled the first time she saw Serenity, when she stepped onto the stage alongside her fellow performers, Lavinia and Candy, her grace and poise mesmerized Alex, from the moment his eyes met Serenity's, something shifted within him, a feeling he couldn't quite explain. Night after night, he found himself captivated by Serenity's charm. Despite the allure of other talents in the Paradise club, it was Serenity who held Alex in thrall. Next day at the bustling Paradise club, the air was thick with the scent of perfume and the energetic pulse of music. Most customers were eagerly requesting Serenity, whose graceful movements held a magnetic allure. Lavinia sat at a table, as she observed Alex's eyes fixed on Serenity singing on the stage. "I can't bear this any longer. I need to change the game. I want to shine in this club," Lavinia whispered to herself, her mind swirling with plans, and her eyes settled on their manager, Tencho. A devious idea formed in her mind. "I will seduce him, make him mine, and use his influence to elevate myself to stardom," Lavinia resolved with a steely glint in her eyes. With a newfound sense of purpose, she embarked on her treacherous scheme.
Approaching Tencho at his counter, where he was engrossed in sorting bills, Lavinia feigned illness. "Tencho, I'm feeling unwell today. Could you accompany me to the clinic?" she pretended, her voice laced with feigned fragility. Tencho hesitated, torn between duty and concern. "But we're in the middle of work..." he began, unsure. "Please, just take me to the dressing room and give me some medicine instead," Lavinia implored, affecting a fragile demeanor. Unable to resist her plea, Tencho reluctantly acquiesced and led her to the dressing room. As Tencho fetched a tablet of medicine for her, Lavinia seized the opportunity. She enveloped him in a sudden embrace, her voice quivering with feigned emotion. "I've harbored feelings for you, Tencho. I'm in love with you," she breathed. Tencho, taken aback by her unexpected confession, felt a surge of desire stir within him. "Really?" he questioned, his eyes meeting hers with a glimmer of hope. "Yes, I can no longer contain these emotions," Lavinia declared, her lips hovering expectantly. Gritting her teeth against revulsion, she pressed a kiss to his lips, her mind consumed by the selfish pursuit of her ambitions. Stirred by her boldness, Tencho Takumi responded in kind, his actions bordering on the line of professionalism. Interrupting the escalating tension, he drew back, mindful of their surroundings. "Lavinia, falling to each other in this club is forbidden," he sighed. "I know, but no one will know," she mused. "Well, we should continue this after work. Let's meet later," he suggested, a flicker of anticipation in his eyes. Lavinia, her heart pounding with gratification at her successful manipulation, flashed a coy smile in agreement. Behind that facade, a sense of triumph brewed as she realized the power she held over Tencho, regardless of his marital status. That night, after the work finished. Lavinia moved gracefully through the dimly lit club, her heels clicking against the polished floor. Tencho was busy counting the night's earnings at the bar when she approached him, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Are we going out tonight?" Lavinia asked, her voice filled with a hint of excitement. Tencho glanced up from the piles of cash, his expression conflicted. "Some other day, Lavinia," he replied in a hushed tone. "My wife is waiting for me, I need to make plans for our date." Lavinia's smile didn't falter, but there was a flicker of disappointment in her eyes. "Okay then, I'm just right here, anytime," she said, the disappointment masked by her easy demeanor as she hurriedly made her way out of the club into the cool night air. The next morning, the sun slowly broke through the city skyline, Lavinia, Serenity, and Candy strolled to the nearby supermarket, their laughter carrying on the gentle breeze. They navigated the aisles, picking out fresh produce and essentials for the week ahead. After paying at the cashier, Serenity took hold of the heavy bag filled with groceries, but Lavinia quickly intervened, a determined glint in her eyes. "Leave it to us, Serenity. You don't need to carry these," Lavinia insisted, her voice gentle but firm. "But why? I should help too," Serenity insisted, trying to distribute the weight evenly among them.
"No, it's okay, Candy will carry this," Lavinia said, as she looked afar seeing Candy in the telephone booth making an international call to her family in the Philippines. Lavinia shook her head, her fake smile unwavering. "You are the star of the club, you don't have to carry this," she said, effortlessly taking the bag from Serenity's hands before she could object further. "Lavinia, it's nothing to do with being a star for this, let me take that," Serenity insisted. "Candy will help me here, I think she's finished her call, you may go home now," Lavinia insisted. "Okay then, I will clean the kitchen, so that when you come home, it will be cleaned," Serenity replied. "Just go home and do nothing, you are the star," Lavinia again said. "No, I will clean the kitchen, see you in the apartment," Serenity said and she hurried home. As Lavinia made her way back to their apartment, Lavinia's burden seemed to grow heavier with each step. Candy suddenly came, and noticed the strain on her friend's face and spoke up, concerned about lacing her words. "Why are you the only one carrying it? Give the other bag to Serenity," Candy suggested, reaching out to lend a hand. Lavinia halted in her tracks, a hint of frustration flashing in her eyes. "Serenity went home! She left me struggling with these bags, that's okay she's the star like what she said," she scoffed. Candy was irritated. "Oh my, Serenity is so inconsiderate. Let me help you," Candy offered, her sympathy shifting towards Lavinia as she took the other bag, her frustration simmering beneath the surface.