Liana's POV:
I was still in a daze from what happened in the kitchen when Char walked into my room. I blinked a few times and cleared my throat. Crossing my arms, I leaned back against the headboard. "Knock before you enter," I muttered.
She rolled her eyes and plopped down on the bed with her legs crossed. She held her phone out toward me, signaling me to read the article. "See this… Remember that acid attack? The company tracked the culprit, and the police arrested him."
I grabbed the phone and started scrolling through the article. A video caught my eye, so I played it, watching silently while Char stayed quiet beside me.
When it ended, I put the phone down with a long sigh. "Did he say anything?"
Char shook her head as she took the phone from me. "No… They're trying, but he keeps saying he doesn't know. Apparently, someone just sent him cash and a letter to do it."
She hesitated for a moment, then added softly, "Everyone's assuming it's Alex."
I closed my eyes at the sound of his name. That one word hit me like a stab in the chest. No matter how much I pretend I don't care, remembering the good times with him always stings.
I trusted him like a brother, a guide, a bodyguard, a best friend. I never imagined he could do something like this.
Char placed her hand over mine, and I opened my eyes slowly. "It's fine… everyone makes mistakes. Don't blame yourself," she said gently.
I cleared my throat and inhaled sharply. "I know… but I want to know one thing. Why did he do it? If he needed anything, he could have just asked me."
Char smiled softly and cupped my cheeks. "Don't overthink. We'll ask him when we see him."
I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice from shaking, "But..."
"No buts," Char interrupted and stood up. "Now shut up."
"Oh! And another thing..." She sat down again and continued, "your manager called me. They're thinking you should make a grand entry at the next concert."
With a frown, I leaned forward, "What do you mean? When?"
She grinned, leaning back on her hands. "What do I get if I tell you?"
I smirked and rolled my eyes. "Nothing. I'll find out anyway."
She huffed and stretched before getting out of bed, "You're no fun. Hmph."
I laughed as she walked toward the door. She paused there and glanced back before adding, "Come on… we're all down. Your parents too."
I jumped out of bed and trailed after her. "Come on, tell me!" I poked her side, only for her to flinch and shoot me a glare. Yes, she is ticklish, and I love it.
"Don't you dare," she warned, laughing as she swatted my hand away.
I grinned and stepped closer, "I will."
She didn't wait and bolted toward the living room. I chased her, wiggling my fingers teasingly.
She flopped onto the couch, clutching Laura like she was a shield. "Help me…" she squeaked, kicking her legs.
I tickled her, and Laura joined in, holding her hands. We all burst into laughter, forgetting the world outside.
After a few more moments, Laura finally held my hands and said, "Okay, okay… done. Her face is all red." She was still panting from laughing herself.
I chuckled and sat down beside Char, sandwiching her between Laura and me. We exchanged mischievous looks while Char sulked with her arms crossed..
"Traitors," she muttered, pointing at us.
We raised our eyebrows and hugged her tighter. "Awww…Baby is sulking," we cooed.
Mom cleared her throat and chuckled. "Okay, stop it. Feels like you guys are the toddlers, not Alena."
Char uncrossed her arms and grinned. "Aunty… when have we ever behaved like adults?"
Mom tilted her head and sipped the juice, "When you are around beautiful girls."
Char's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, while Laura and I burst out laughing even more.
The evening passed in laughter and playfulness, and finally, I got to spend a little time playing with Alena. I'd missed her so much…
Around midnight, Laura sneaked into my room. Honestly, I didn't mind; I wasn't sleeping anyway. Of course, I gave her the classic "knock-before-you-enter" look, which she just shrugged off.
I leaned against the couch and hummed, "What's with you, huh?"
She chuckled and sat beside me. "I heard there's a club here… just for women?"
I raised a brow at her suggestive tone. "Why are you asking?"
"I want to visit," she said with her hopeful voice. And honestly, that huge grin on her face was lighting up the room more than that damn lamp.
I sighed and nodded. "Fine… tomorrow evening."
Crossing her arms, she pouted cutely, her puppy-dog eyes making it impossible to resist. I rolled my eyes. "What do you want then?"
That mischievous grin returned as she grabbed my hand and pulled me up. "Let's go now… we'll sneak out and have fun."
I stood, crossing my arms. "Okay, but we're taking Char too." I looked at her, daring her to disagree.
She pouted even more and poked my cheeks. "No… just us… please?"
I was about to argue, but she made her face even cuter. Honestly, I could do nothing but huff and nod. "Okay… fine…"
As soon as the words left my lips, she jumped and clapped with glee.
It was silly and beautiful at the same time, and it made me smile. Laura could be difficult and playful, but beneath it all, she was pure and too good for this world.
Yes, she might act like a villain sometimes, but she's also the most honest person I've ever met. She says what she feels and does what she thinks is best for the people she loves.
Somehow, that habit of thinking of others before herself made her special to me. I may not love her romantically, but she'll always have a permanent place in my heart for being there when I was hiding from myself.
She shook me and snapped her fingers in front of my face. "Hello… come back!"
I hummed and she added, "I'm going to change, you change too, and…"
I raised a brow at her dramatic pause. "What?"
"Wear something comfortable so if anyone recognizes us, we can grab our heels and run like a marathon," she winked, and darted out of the room.
I chuckled and walked to my closet. "Okay then… trousers and… top?" I ran my hand through my clothes and settled on a simple red top and black trousers. Simple, but perfect if we needed to make a quick getaway.
So, I slipped into the outfit. Honestly, who cares what people think? It's not like I'm going to a press conference, airport, or gala. I tied my hair into a ponytail and checked my reflection.
Why does it look like I'm heading to college, not a club? Whatever… I still look good.
I put on my shoes, grabbed my mask and phone, and stepped out of my room. Laura was already waiting at the end of the stairs, signaling me to hurry.
I raised a brow... she looked stylish, but… why did it feel like we were matching?
She smirked as I approached. "Wow… red and black? We're twinning."
I chuckled. "That's an old thing." She kept whining about something as we tiptoed out of the house.
"Shhh…" I pressed a finger to her lips. "Quiet, broken radio. You look beautiful, happy now?"
She gave me that adorable gummy smile. I can't help but notice how her eyes crinkle. "Babe... you don't look bad yourself."
I raised an eyebrow and opened the car door for her with a mock bow. "Thanks, princess."
We both giggled as I slid into the driver's seat, and the engine purred to life. Maybe things were finally falling into place. But honestly, I just want Laura to find someone for herself… hope she will, soon.