Prologue

"Feliza, I told you that I'm going to be busy tonight and I don't have the time to celebrate." I said as I sat down on my swivel chair just right beside my table.

"Why are you saying that like it's not a big deal?" Feliza asked.

And I replied, "Uh, because it's really not a big deal?"

"Not a big deal? Can you hear yourself, Genevieve? Come on! Even for just one night? Can't you take work off of your mind even for just one night?"

I tried to ignore what Feliza said as I focused on the screen of the monitor. I'm trying to be practical and rational here. I'm trying to save time. And anyway, what's the use of celebrating? I'm not a little kid anymore. I'm a grown up, and a grown up is meant to work, work, and work.

"Genevieve, please."

I once again ignored her even if I know that she doesn't take 'no' as an answer. I acted like I'm busy with what I'm currently working on; looking what's inside of every white folders on my table, and typing every word on the keyboard with my eyes carefully looking for errors on the monitor.

Feliza Allyn is my only close friend. And sometimes, she can be really irritating and annoying. But on top of it all, is her amazing ability of being persistent like a child.

"Genevieve, hear me on this one."

I sighed.

How can she remember what's with today? I'm the one who should be asking her to celebrate with me. Yet to me, it doesn't look like that base from what's happening right now.

"Genevieve Cloepfil, hear me out." She said in a sing-song voice, and then she plastered out a gummy smile right after.

I finally gave up and looked at her instead. She's still smiling while I was thinking of ways to divert her attention.

"I don't have a huge amount of money to celebrate, Feliza. I can't afford to—"

"I never told you that you should have a huge amount of money," She almost rolled her eyes. "All I ever told you is that you should come with me tonight. That you should celebrate your 27th birthday with me."

Right, right. It's my 27th birthday. But why do I need to celebrate it? It's just another normal day. It's just, 27 years ago, my biological mother had me and brought me out of her beautiful body to finally see the world. But instead of raising me, she gave me to her sister, to my aunt.

"Please don't think that we shouldn't be celebrating your birthday. Plus, I already reserved a table for two, Genevieve. It's going to be a complete waste of money if you are going to refuse my offer. I'm telling you that."

I sighed again, and I lost count on how many times I did that for today. To be honest, I really don't have the time to celebrate my birthday. And I feel like I don't have a reason to celebrate it too. I should be working on what I need to write for the part of the magazine that I am assigned to. As a magazine journalist, I should always prioritize that. And celebrating my birthday tonight is not going to do me any good.

"I promise that you will have so much fun. And that you will never forget this night for the rest of your life." Feliza covered half of her face with her hand, like something naughty suddenly appeared in her mind that she doesn't have the power to prevent.

I rolled my eyes at her, "Fine, I will—"

"Yes!!! That's the Genevieve I know! I'll pick you up later from your apartment. 9 PM, sharp. Wear something sexy and attention-grabbing. Bye!"

With that, my only close friend, Feliza Allyn, disappeared.

It's probably because break time is over and that their manager is going to scold her again for being here in our building. She belongs to the other building; just right beside where I belong to. And I'm more than certain that it's going to buy her more than 15 minutes to get there.

Sure as hell, she's going to get another pep talk from their manager. And that's one of the things that she hates the most.

As for me, I continued working and reading to finally be able to write something. It's been 5 hours now, and I still can't think of how I am going to tell this story on a magazine.

Well, I'm certain that writers do sometimes conquer this kind of unbearable block out. Maybe it's because I'm forcing myself to write? I believe that it's better to write if you're in a good mood or not feeling lazy at all. But how am I supposed to do that? The deadline of this paper is the day after tomorrow. I don't have the time to wait for my system being in a good mood just to do my work. So, it leaves me in a situation wherein I have to force myself to write to be able to accomplish it.

That's my whole world for 3 years now.

Back when I just started, I remember being a hopeful and a dreamer kind of a young woman. Well, I was 24 years old that day. And now that I'm on my late twenties, all I remember is that I suddenly just felt burnt out of everything. Sure I'm sure, I'm passionate about my job; about writing. But I'm stuck in this phase, in this cycle that I badly want to end and quit.

I mean, don't get me wrong. I also fell in love with my job, with being a magazine journalist. Since the day that I set foot on the floor of this building, I knew that I'm one of the lucky ones that made it.

This publishing company is not just any publishing company.

It's one of the most recognized publishing company across the globe. And it is named after the CEO of the company that is a son of another business icon.

The one and only, Conrad Easton.

"Good afternoon, sir."

"Good afternoon, Mr. Easton."

"You look ravishing as always, sir."

"Indeed, gorgeous just like his father."

I grimaced when I heard some of my co-workers greeting and complimenting our boss, the CEO. I can't tell if they're doing it genuinely or they're doing it to get a raise for their salary.

Everyone is hungry for a raise these days, and that's a universal fact.

Just like every normal day, he passes by my cubicle and the other's on his way to the elevator whenever he enters and exits the building. It happens every morning, noon, afternoon, and even on the evening when he's still around employees on overtime.

I lost my focus when I heard Mr. Easton talk.

"Good afternoon." His voice was throaty. It sounded extremely formal.

Simple, yet enough for my eyes to stop reading and look up. And as if it was a movie, the moment that my eyes look up, was also the moment that he passed by my cubicle. Flashing a small smile that is genuine and radiant.

I was taken aback.

I never saw him smile to anyone. Specially to an employee. And if he ever smiles, it's probably in front of flashing cameras. Or a photoshoot of him in the making; his picture about to be on the front page of a magazine.

His reputation is the only valuable thing to him that is worth smiling for.

And sometimes, I even wonder how he became the CEO of this company. He's not that talkative, not that good at entertaining people and his employees. Awful with his interpersonal skills. I see nothing else, but a man with knowledge towards business, and a man that is not fond of socializing.

Or maybe I'm just giving nasty prejudice? Am I bad for being like that?

I bet, I am.

I don't even know him personally, yet my judgements are over the limits.

I shook my head and focused on working anyway. I shouldn't be wasting time. If time is everybody's enemy, then, I shouldn't treat it the same way. Time should be my ally.

I spent the rest of my afternoon just like how I always do.

Working.

Reading files; searching details and articles related to the topic that I'm writing about. And somehow, I was able to write lengthy statements that are enough to fill up a column. I was able to finish writing until working period was done.

On my way home, I took a bus because my car is still under maintenance. It's been a week now, and my baby is still not in a good condition. Led me to a situation wherein I have to commute going to work, and coming home from work.

As I enter my condominium, I took off both of my sneakers and I went to my bedroom. Without hesitations, I laid my body on the soft mattress. I closed my eyes for a moment as I realized that I have to get ready. It's already 7:30 PM, and I have to groom myself for the so-called "celebration".

Yeah, right.

I'm 27 now, yet it doesn't feel like it.

Oh, well. At least, I'm still alive.

I shrugged my shoulders as if someone was looking at me. After a couple of minutes, I stood up and directly went to the shower room to bathe myself. I took my time, and I didn't rush. I realized that I should be at ease or be relaxed even for just once; even for just today. I'm giving myself the opportunity to enjoy everything that surrounds me for just one night.

It's just for a night though.

Just one night.

Just like what Feliza said, I wore a sexy black dress. It's backless, and it perfectly hugs my curves. It fits for my porcelain-like skintone. I applied body lotion, and also other essential creams on my face. Sprayed perfume on myself, and then applied a little make up.

I smiled when I saw my reflection on the mirror.

"27, my ass." I laughed on my own before putting on lipstick; crimson red, my favorite shade.

I also curled the ends of my straight black hair, and decided to wear a pair of gold earrings that matches my bracelet. Just a little jewelry on the side, and I'm all set.

After getting ready, I took my phone and texted Feliza.

"I'm all set." I sent,

It didn't take her a while to reply on my message.

"Great! I'm on my way. But before the drinks, we're going to have dinner first."

I smiled after reading her reply.

So, it's going to be a night drinking liquors at a club, huh? I think, I'm going to like that.

I decided to wait for Feliza in the parking lot of the building that I live in. And she wasn't lying when she said that she was on her way.

"Wow, you did wear something sexy."

I spin myself in front of her like a little girl happy to wear her new floral dress. And her eyes trailed every detail of my appearance.

"Hop in, birthday girl. You're going to like my surprise; I'm certain." Feliza winked at me and I immediately took that as a warning.

She's up to something. I can sense it.

I squinted my eyes at her with my arms crossed. "What are you up to?"

She grinned, "Oh, nothing."

I shook my head and decided to just ignore it instead. I sat on the passenger's seat as I buckle up and got my eyes focused on the outside view. Feliza was silent the whole time while I was busy thinking that I'm one of the luckiest people in the world to live in Las Vegas.

And for years and years of dreaming and striving, I finally achieved what I've been yearning for since I was seventeen.

So, it's been a decade now.

A decade since a dreamer got what she's fiending for.

"We're here." Feliza announced as she unfastened her seatbelt. I did the same thing as my eyes roamed outside.

"Wow, Clara's?" I asked with a hint of shock that can be heard by my voice.

Feliza just nodded and got off of the car.

'Clara's' is a popular restaurant across the globe owned by a well-known chef, Clara Lucille Imorgen. She's from Illinois, but her restaurant is freaking everywhere.

And of course, her restaurant is one of my favorites.

I got off of Feliza's car, and I followed her when she entered the restaurant.

There, we ate dinner, we conversed, and we giggled and laughed about a few things that we remembered about other employees at work that are so sour and bitter about their peers's success.

We spent a few hours in the restaurant. And the last thing we ate was a medium-sized rectangular chocolate cake that has a message on it dedicated for me.

"Happy 27th birthday to your ass." I read,

"Wow, Feliza. I appreciate it so much. Thank you." I said with pure sarcasm on every syllable.

Feliza just laughed at me and my sarcasm that she probably saw coming. I gave her a deadpan look, and that made her laugh even more.

"You know what? You're no fun." I complained. And just like the Feliza that I know for years, she just made fun of me. "No, honey. You're going to take that back. I am all about fun. You know that." I rolled my eyes at her, and I pushed her out of her seat. Causing her to stand up immediately when she fell on the floor.

But guess what, she just laughed her ass off.

"Okay, I'm going to stop now." She exclaimed, running after her breath due to laughing too much.

"Good then." I said, sounding like I'm giving her warning of consequences that she won't like if she continues laughing.

After we settled on the payment of everything we ate, Feliza and I got back in her car.

She's driving us to somewhere she calls, 'the ultimate surprise'.

She gave me a hard time believing that. What could the ultimate surprise be?

I wondered the whole time we spent on the car. And when the car stopped, I realized that we're at the Fremont Street.

Confused, I looked at Feliza who's unfastening her seatbelt in an excited manner.

"What are we doing here?" I sounded like a scaredy cat; afraid and intimidated by the number of people outside.

"Trust me." That was all that Feliza said with her eyes wide open and still being excited about something that I'm absolutely not aware of.

Even though I have doubts, I trusted my only close friend and followed her when she eagerly told me to. I became hesitant, and I started feeling off about it. I started to think about negative thoughts that are beyond my imagination because I know how boring my life is.

Reminded of that, I decided to just trust Feliza.

That's how boring my life is. You will believe that nothing absurd will happen.

With that, I focused on my surroundings instead. I've got too much thoughts in my head that I failed to pay attention to the countless of neon lights here in Freemont Street. Innumerable people are also everywhere. Enjoying and roaming, savoring the Freemont Street experience.

God, I'm grateful that I live in Las Vegas.

Feliza took my attention when she grabbed my hand. "Keep up, Genevieve. We're not here for the Freemont Street experience." She pulled me by my hand to continue following to somewhere that I'm not familiar with.

After countless steps, I found myself inside an expensive looking building with Feliza. She's really excited, and she's really making me think of possible reasons why she's acting that way.

The building has a Rococo interior design that rose around the 1700's.

We took the elevator all the way up to the 20th floor. The floor, I believe is second to the last one up, and we waited for quite some time to arrive to our desired destination. Feliza fixed herself, and I did the same thing too. This whole 'ultimate surprise' is making me anxious that I'm doing whatever she does first.

When the elevator finally opened after an eternity of waiting, Feliza shrieked and she squeezed both of my hands that she eventually let go 'cause she went out before me.

We were inspected by two guys with well-built bodies that I believe are security guards. I even had to open my bag 'cause they were just 'doing their job'. The security guards were guarding a french door with a shade of gold and with heavily tinted glasses.

It is indeed heavily tinted, but from where I am standing, I can see different lights that are coming from the inside as if a lively party is happening.

"Here, I made reservations online." Feliza calmly said to one of the guards, and she handed two black cards to him. The security guard accepted it and said, "Were you invited? How were you able to find this place?" The security guard sounded very formal as he dealt with Feliza with no emotions at all.

"I have a friend that works here." She politely answered. The security guard took one final look of the cards that Feliza handed him before finally allowing us to pass the inspection. He nodded to Feliza before opening the one side of the door for us.

I turned to Feliza when I felt her squeezed both of my hands with hers.

"I hope you won't hate me. Happy birthday."

My attention was taken away by what's inside the opened door. And my jaw dropped when I saw women partying inside and recklessly shrieking. "Toxic" by Britney Spears is playing, and women are feasting on the performers onstage.

No way...

Feliza got to be kidding me.

Are those... male strippers?