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
"How do you like the interior?" The man settled his glasses on the bridge of his nose as he looked at Vivienne. But when she turned her head to look at him, for some reason, he lowered his eyes, not daring to meet her gaze. There was no other reason except that he always got flustered around this client. He wasn't even an inexperienced young man, he had been working in this society for over six years now. And he had worked for all kinds of people. After all, Los Angeles didn't have a shortage of celebrities or affluent people. However, when he first had a meeting with Vivienne over the video call, he was momentarily lost.And it somehow worsened when he met her in person for the first time. He was even clumsy enough to spill the coffee on his suit. Fortunately, it was cold coffee or he'd have really suffered.Vivienne had looked around the place and she had a satisfied look on her face right now. Just thinking about having her own nest made her feel excited. Although this nest was a
Vivienne found herself in an endless hallway, its walls narrowing as she moved forward, the ceiling lowering ominously. The air seemed to be so thick with an unknown pressure that it made her breath laborious. Dim, flickering lights cast eerie shadows, distorting her perception and heightening her sense of dread. The surroundings were so silent that she could only hear the sound of her own footsteps echoing unnaturally.She wanted to leave but when she turned around, the hallway behind her vanished, replaced by the impenetrable darkness. Panic set in, her heart racing as she realized that there was no way to escape. Since there was no way back, she pressed on forward, her steps quickening despite the growing terror within her. Doors lined up the hallway, identical and closed. She reached for the nearest one, her hand trembling as she twisted the knob.The door swung open to reveal a scene from the past, one she had tried desperately to forget. She found herself standing in a dark fore
The day of the housewarming party soon came and Vivienne had been planning for it since the day she moved in. She could have hired a catering company or even house help to deal with this small but intimate gathering but she didn't want to do so. She'd rather do these things herself as it would seem more sincere to her guests and she'd be able to keep herself busy with physical labor, refraining her mind from being too active with chaotic thoughts.Vivienne was bustling through the kitchen and the pantry when Aurora came over. Since Vivienne had already told her the passcode for the door, she entered on her while looking around with an exaggerated and complicated look. She didn't know what to say to Vivienne about her choice right now."I thought you'd look for a cozy place," commented Aurora as she put down her duffle bag which showed that she came with the intention of staying over. "At least, you could have designed it with a homely feeling. It seems too lifeless just like your eyes