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After closing the glass door of the room, Vivienne gave a last look to Noah's sleeping figure before decisively turning her head around to leave. She was glad that Noah's bedroom had this separate way out which allowed her to escape without having to find her way out of this mansion. But she still didn't dare wear her heels just yet. Only after going down the stairs did she wear her heels and sighed in relief.The cool morning air brushed against her skin as she made her way down the gravel path towards the road. The sky was the canvas of pink and orange hues, the world still quiet and untouched by the day's hustle. She walked briskly, her mind racing with thoughts of the night before and complicated feelings that now entangled her heart. Suddenly, she felt water droplets falling and raised her head to see if it was raining. That's when she came across a woman who held a water hose and apologized, "Sorry, I didn't see you there."Vivienne wiped the water droplets from her face and sho
When Vivienne finally reached her hotel, she felt a wave of relief wash all over her. The doorman nodded politely as she entered, and she hurried through the lobby, hoping to avoid any curious glances. The elevator ride felt interminable, each floor a reminder of the distance she had tried to put between herself and Noah.But she seemed to have crossed all that distance within one night and came so close to Noah that she didn't dream of it before. She used her key card to open the door of the presidential suite she had been staying in. Once inside the room, Vivienne leaned against the door, taking a deep breath. She changed her shoes and put on the hotel-provided slippers as she entered the suite. She strutted in and opened the door of the bedroom. The untouched and pristine bed reminded her of the tangle of sheets that she had left behind at the mansion. The events of last night played through her mind like a film reel: the intensity of Noah's gaze, the heat of his touch, the undeni
The restaurant atop the five-star hotel was a haven of elegance and tranquility, perched high above the bustling city below. As the elevator door slid open, guests were greeted by the breathtaking panorama of twinkling city lights stretching to the horizon.The restaurant itself was an architectural marvel, with sleek glass walls that provided unobstructed views from every angle. Soft, ambient lighting casts a warm glow over the space, highlighting the modern, minimalist decor. Tables were elegantly set with crisp white linens, fine china, and sparkling crystal glassware, each adorned with a simple yet sophisticated floral arrangement.Looking at the serving of Grilled Filet Mignon in front of her, Aurora sniffed the tantalizing aroma and grinned, "Ah! This is what I have been craving."Vivienne's smile was warm when she looked at her best friend's expression. She also picked up her knife and fork to eat the pan-roasted Chilean sea bass that she ordered as her main course. "Stop sniff
The centerpiece of the restaurant was a stunning infinity pool, its water shimmering under the starlit sky. Surrounding the pool, plush lounge chairs and cabanas offered intimate spaces for guests to relax and take in the view. A gentle breeze carried the subtle scent of jasmine from the meticulously maintained rooftop garden, adding to the serene atmosphere.At one end of the restaurant, a stylish bar crafted from dark wood and marble beckoned with an array of top-shelf spirits and expertly crafted cocktails. The bartender moved with practiced ease, mixing drinks with a flourish while engaging guests in friendly conversation. Soft jazz music played in the background, its soothing melodies mingling with the sounds of clinking glasses and hushed laughter."Cheers to our boss!"On the side of the bar, a group of people were clinking glasses as they seemed to be celebrating. Noah looked at this group of people who kept cheering but he didn't stop them either. Tonight, he brought these peo
Noah was actually quite amused by her denial right now as he could see her eyes rolling around, trying to avoid his gaze. She wasn't that good at lying. What he didn't know was that Vivienne was actually a very good liar and also had complete control over her facial expressions. But as always, she seemed to stumble in front of him.Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Vivienne said to him, "Why don't you sit down? My neck is gonna get a cramp looking up at you like this."Noah also agreed with her words and sat down on the chair which Aurora had been occupying earlier. "Are you gonna tell me now?""What?""Why you left without a word?""Why can't I leave? I had something to do, so I left without waiting for you to wake up. Besides, was there a need for me to stay there? Won't it be awkward?"Noah observed her expression carefully trying to see through her meaning. "Why would it be awkward? Just because we slept together? I think I felt more awkward seeing you after ten long years.""I
"You're being unreasonable by acting out," stated Noah as he stood up to face Aurora. He had to match her momentum since her stance made it clear that she was in the mood for a fight right now. "When have I been reasonable with you in the past decade?" retorted Aurora, not at all feeling like she was in the wrong. Yes, her dissatisfaction with him was ludicrous but it did not stop her from being disgruntled. Noah did not want to squabble with her right now, so he turned his gaze toward Vivienne to look for a peacemaker. "Would you like to say something about this friend of yours who had been taking out your anger on me for so long even in your absence? I am unable to understand how someone with your peaceful temperament managed to make a best friend with a fiery temper.""Every calm friend needs a protective feisty bestie," was Aurora's answer to him. "What do you know?"Vivienne had a helpless look on her face as she stood up and held Aurora's hand saying, "Rory, let's stop here. N
Aurora kept silent for a while and just stared at Vivienne's face, trying to decide whether to speak out her thoughts or not. She knew that even if she didn't say it, Vivienne would still be able to understand her thoughts because if she couldn't even do this much, they really would have to re-evaluate this friendship between them."Don't you know already?" Asked Aurora. "Do you want me to spell it out for you now?"Vivienne raised her brow at Aurora, "I just want to understand your thoughts better so I can clear whatever misconceptions you have.""I don't have any misconceptions," was Aurora's answer in a serious voice. She called for the server to bring the bill and faced Vivienne once more as she went on, "I know you changed a lot in these ten years. You are definitely not what you used to be. And yes, I also knew that telling you about Noah's breakup won't make you hopeful to have a chance with him either. But at the same time, I also know Noah means to you. I have seen your strug
What kind of a person Noah was, Vivienne was well aware. She had spent hours just learning about all his habits, likes, and dislikes. No one might be able to understand Noah like she did. So, there was no doubt that she knew Noah wouldn't have been impulsive under the influence of alcohol. And even if she had such a doubt even for a second, it was gone tonight when Noah met her. She could see that he was truly attracted to her.It was quite ironic though.She didn't think he'd be attracted to her after all this time."Rory," called out Vivienne in a calm voice. "Noah and I belong to two different worlds. We always did. When we were young, there was a distinct line dividing our worlds but now, that distinct line has turned into a raging ocean that is difficult to cross. He belongs to light. He always did meanwhile, I was always living in the darkness. No matter how greedy I had been for the light, I couldn't catch it back then and I don't dare to get close to it now in fear of being bur