I peeked into my room at the door, with Andria behind me; I do it just to make sure the room can be occupied by humans like her. I'm shocked to see it spotless. Everything was arranged in its place. I pushed the door wider and ushered her in. She looks around my room, impressed. I wanted to go check the wardrobe just to see if my clothes are all clean, but I played it cool.
Andrianna grinned at me, breathing in deeply."Your mom is an Angel. Who would have thought this room could look this good" she flopped onto the bed, making a blanket angel."I did all this!" I lied through my teeth. The look she gave me was all too knowing. "Alright. Alright. I'll try to be cleaner so stop fussing already" I flopped to the floor dramatically. I was so exhausted."There's a new bet on campus. Guess the amount" she told, sitting up, her eyes afire. "I curled in on myself. "Do I have to... I'm not a gambler" I whined, before uncurling to look around for my snack bag. Is this how it feels to be hungry for three hours. I regretted not taking Andria's offer to buy me food. Oh, why do you always have to make yourself suffer?."Well, it's fifty thousand dollars".I choked on my spit as I tried to swallow. A fit of cough followed it up until my eyes are dripping.Andria does not do anything. That was how you got when you had maids attending to your every need. She just looked on apprehensively as she willed me to calm down with her eyes. It does not work, in case you were wondering.I finally calmed down enough to gasp out "shut the front door! On what? If Jenny would make an A grade in maths and not an F".Andria rolled her eyes "not even close. It's on the new guy that just came to the college this morning. The girl who's able to get him as a boyfriend gets all that money. Isn't that great?"I'm pretty sure I had an idea who the guy was. The Greek God whose car was parked at Andria's spot. It was an expensive-looking Ferrari. I already washed my hands off that case. I shrugged."Whatever. You know I don't care about those things anyway".Andria Snickered "of course you don't. You can't compete because you're broke, and stand no chance of winning".Was that toxic? A big fat yes. Was I angry at her toxic ass? A little bit. Not everyone loved to be reminded of how broke and ugly they were. I wasn't ugly.Mind you I could get that guy if I wanted to at a snap of my finger. I just choose not to gamble on a person like he's an object"That's not true" I got out, standing up, and glared down at her. She doesn't look repentant at all.I was very much aware of how many guys I'd approached in high school, and how I was rejected each time, but that never stopped me from confessing if I found someone else who caught my fancy but It was different with this new guy. I shouldn't even try because I know I don't stand a chance. Andria didn't have to rub it in my face tho."If you can get him as you say, then I dare you to join in on that bet.. ""What?" I spluttered, staring at her like a fish out of the water. Why was she pushing this? Was she in on the bet? She loved to win anything we both competed in."I dare you to join in on the bet." She repeated with an evil smirk. "What? You know you can't win right. You're all talk, and no action" she mocked, twirling her diamond ring.Was this how she wanted to play this? Fine. I'll take the stupid bet then. How hard will it be to make a guy fall for me? A playboy at that."Fine then. I'll join the stupid bet. Fifty thousand dollars is no joke anyway. Just think of what I could do with such an amount once I win. God knows I need that money."Andria scoffed. I turned to face her, hands on my waist. "Now what?"She gave me an obvious look. "It's because you're being hilarious. Zach wouldn't even notice you" she said giving me a once-over. So pretty boy's name is Zach. I still couldn't figure out why Andria was being so toxic."Watch me then Andria. Zach will be mine. That money will also be mine. I'll draw up the perfect plan" I stated, taking out my marker board. Yeah, I kept one just in case I felt the urge to solve a murder case or something... Sue me.Andrianna shook her head, watching me warily as I wrote down ideas for getting the hot new guy_aka Zachy Zach.I finished up, placing it on my desk with a flourish. Andria's eyes moved reluctantly from her phone to the board. She raised an eyebrow as she read through the plan before snorting."That's the plan?""Yes, this is the plan. I'll explain to you since I think you're a little slow today" I said, making sure she knows I'm being mean on purpose. She pursed her lips."Step 1" I shout making her jump. I laughed before I continue, ignoring the nasty glare she shot me. "show up in places he'll be. Do you know why? So that I'll be the only face he remembers... It has to be unique circumstances too, cause it would be a waste of my time if thousands of other girls are doing the same thing"."That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. You might have not noticed because you have this weird high self-esteem, but your face is not striking".I swear to God, I'll hit her across the face one of these days if she kept throwing her snarky comments like freebies.I took a deep breath, making pleading hands in front of me."It's going to work. You just have to trust me. Step 2: Ignore him when he finally notices me. Don't get charmed by his look... Treat him like he's just an average guy that you wouldn't date even if he wooed you".Andrianna stared at me like I was out of my mind, before getting off the bed."That is such an awful plan, Vega." She poked through my stuff until she found my snack bag. She pulled out my pack of Cheetos.The nerves of hers."Step 3, find ways to argue with him. Guys always love a good fight, then the final step, go for the bullseye and confess your feelings. How do you like it? " I asked enthusiastically.She gave me a hopeless look. "Give it up Vega. I'm not even competing because Arielle is prettier than me, and she has her sight on him. Zach also happens to be the son of Antonio. The rich tycoon, Antonio Sergio Dante, so you and him, you're not in the same class at all. "I gasped, covering my mouth in shock, eyes widening."No way. The almighty Dante. I didn't know he had a son"."He just got back from his vacation to Vegas. That's the news. But we all know what went down was something different. He's here to complete his studies. He does modeling on the side because he's ridiculously good-looking... You follow" she asked, trying to drive her point across. It still doesn't explain her nastiness towards me but I'll wave it away since she won't be competing."Well I'm not going to back out from a dare, my dear friend. I'll win that money, after that, I dump his ass and if Arielle still wants him, then she can have him". Arianna burst out laughing, almost choking on the Cheetos."You're just so hilarious, you know that right. You couldn't even get one boyfriend in high school, and you're talking about dumping Zach Dante. You're going crazy."I heaved myself towards the bed, curling into myself. Andrianna didn't need to be mean. She had Ray, even if I knew they were both drifting apart. She doesn't even talk about him anymore."Do you think I can win?" I asked in a quiet voice, seeking assurance. I should have known better than to ask her."It's a Capital No".I don't even know why I bother at this point."You shat it out, but I can't hear a word you say. Screaming loud, not saying much" I giggled as I sang the wrong lyrics again, I watched it on F******k, and it was so funny that it popped into my head at random times throughout the day. It was so fun to do, so sue me. No one was innocent in this aspect.I'm in a fair mood this morning cause it's day one of my covert operation. I parked my hair up as I stepped out the front door.Andria stood beside her car, waiting for me. She managed to look impressed with my new outfit. I was pretty satisfied myself as I stared at myself in the mirror. I wore a black loose top with jeans and black boots."What's the occasion. You look better than most days". She complimented but pointed at my outfit dismissively."Can you be nice just for two minutes? Gahhh. Not that you asked, but it's day one of operation get Zach Dante. I shouldn't look too bad right?" I batted my lashes prettily. Andrianna faked gag "I don't have the stomach for this. We're get
I give up. I knew it has been like a day but everything just seemed so bleak. First off I found out this betting shit had some ridiculous organizers, just so everyone gambled legally. The number of girls willing to join in increased until the bet was raised to one hundred thousand dollars. It was huge, hence why I was giving up. Can I even compete with those rich girls? I mean look at my plain ass. Once I sign those documents, my money is never coming back. If I lost, that was it. No refund, no nothing. Taking out money from my savings was going to bite me in the ass. Literally."You've been sighing nonstop. It's irritating " jake complained picking up an empty can behind a tree."Oh my bad. Me overthinking the stupid bet and stuff is making me sigh so much, so excuse me for making you feel miserable with me".He regarded me skeptically. "You're in a sour mood, I see" he pointed out and I gasped."Omg, you noticed. And here I thought I was being subtle about it."Jake rolled his eyes,
I set to the task the next day because I had to win this come rain or shine. Thunder rumbled overhead, making me flinch."Jeez, I was just kidding. Chill already" I muttered at the dark cloudy sky. Why the weather chose to be so gloomy was beyond me. Was this an omen or something? Maybe I should visit a shaman, and confirm if I'm on the right path. Oh wait, I don't believe in those things. Haha, forgot for a second there.Appearing in places he was, was way easier than I expected. I was at the sports center during his practice and I almost squealed as we made eye contact. The upside of this whole stalking job that I'd gotten myself was that he was rarely alone which was not surprising. I mean, he's Zach freaking Dante. If he was alone, that's when I'd be worrying. But I needed him alone for my plan to work tho, so it was getting frustrating.I got my chance in the library. He came there to relax, cause the dude didn't pick up any book. He was bored with all the attention I guess.I mad
Vega POV.I trudged towards Andria's car, my eyes were red-rimmed from not sleeping well. Why does every day have to be so difficult? I buckled my seatbelt once I sit, finally getting the hang of it?Andrianna watched me skeptically."Now what's wrong?"."I had a horrible nightmare. Zach proposed to Arielle in front of the whole school, she looked straight at me after saying yes, then cackled like an ogre. " I shuddered, as I recalled the events. If it was possible to have a heart attack during a dream, I would have. Andrianna shook her head, clicking her tongue."Told you that was gonna happen. You just don't compete with Arielle. She's already won in your dream. How hard or long is it gonna be in real life? Today maybe?".I'm shooting lasers out of my eyes right now, so why isn't Andria melting in her seat. Andrianna acted like an angel but she spits like Satan's daughter. "She's. Not. Winning" I gritted through my teeth then took a deep breath, thinking only happy thoughts before
Arielle pulled closer to Zach, grabbing at his shirt and staring at him from underneath her lashes."Thanks for helping me against that girl Zach. She's a bully, and she's always looking for a fight just to get attention. She made up those stuff about Jake, 'cause that's just how she is... I had never in my life even had a conversation with him" She got out, watching him for any hint of anger or jealousy. He patted her hair, smiling."Don't worry about that. I believe you." He stared at her intently "You're cute when you're nervous" he took her hand. "Call me if she bothers you ok".Arielle smiled, squeezing his hand. "Oh my gosh, really?. You're so cool Zach." Zach tilted her chin up, pressing a kiss to her cheeks. She blushed, squirming in his hold."I'll head off now. Be a good girl while I'm gone ok" she bobbed, smiling brightly. "See you later then. Ariana".Arielle's smile dropped, confusion marring her feature."It's Arielle" she corrected, trying not to sound offended. She a
Vega POV.I know everyone expected a bomb ass makeover session where I turned out looking like a drop-dead gorgeous vampire, having long wavy hair that rivaled the wind as it flowed around me, or rose-colored cheeks and cherry red lips, but nope, it didn't happen. The makeover was a disaster because we could hardly get to focus on one thing without a fight breaking out between Andria and Jake. I was part of that equation at some point, due to being frustrated with trying to keep the peace. This was what I got for having two hype friends who loved to get their way in everything. Jake wanted me to keep my curls, and Andria wanted them long and straight. Jake wanted light makeup, Andria wanted dark and mysterious, Jake wanted me in pretty long gowns, Andria said the shorter, the better... I watched them argue back and forth until I thought I was going to pass out. Every place we visited was almost glad to see us leave.And that was why we were all sitting at the cafe trying to enjoy our
Vega POV.If there was ever a time the slow-motion music walk should be used, this was it. I could already hear that song "I'm so fancy" playing in my head.I made a show of getting out of Andrianna's car cause why not. The makeover had turned out great. I kept my curls, detoxed, got my nails done, and got new clothes and shoes, the weather was looking great, and I could already see myself winning the money. Facts. I was wearing a black crop top, with black shorts, and high boots. I preferred the getup because being in a dress just didn't work for me, except if it was a very formal gathering. Andrianna grinned as she took in our audience, she was in a yellow print dress, a darker shade of heels in the same color, with a purse to match. Jake was the last to come out, but he came out looking like a billion dollars CEO, and all smooth edges. I think we made an awesome pair. The crowds kept staring at us, and it was a new sort of attention that was a bit unnerving, I didn't think I chan
VEGA POV.Is this how it feels when you gloat in the face of an enemy. If it is, then damn I feel good. It's almost like a high at this point. Andria watched me with amusement on her face, while Jake proceeded to be all lovey-dovey with Markus, AKA the hot_I wish he was my boyfriend instead. Kidding!. If he's cool with it then that'll be icing on the cake. I'm still kidding.My lips stretched in an eerie smile, as Andria relayed what happened for the thousandth time and I loved how she managed to make the whole encounter more hilarious than it was."Did you see the look on her face... It was and is my favorite thing in the world now. She tripped on her own feet, how stupid" I said, recalling my favorite part of the whole drama. Andria bobbed her head In enthusiastically. "You can't forget about it if you tried hard enough. It was so hilarious. I'm so proud of myself". She said, batting her lashes, and choosing to ignore her ice cream that was melting. Ugh, she wasted everything. Jake
Zach POV. I groaned as the black mask placed over my face was ripped off, the bright light in the room making me wince, while Andrianna cursed beside me, as she struggled around in her bonds. I took in the situation, tested the strength of the binding and when it gave a little, I knew a little work on the knot would get it to loosen in time, that was if I didn't get shot before. Andrianna and I must have had the same thought as Arielle spilled everything she knew to us because we both rushed off to look for Vega, thinking that Ray was going to go for her. We had been searching everywhere when someone called to say they had her and I had gotten so furious and scared that they were going to hurt her that I didn't think everything through as I followed their instructions to a T. I glanced around the room, searching for Vega, my heart pumping erratically in my chest. I couldn't bear it if I saw Vega slumped over somewhere, hurt or dead. I inhaled deeply when I noticed that it was only
Vega POV."I'm just glad you look so happy Vega, I was so worried about you back then but I didn't want to say anything, I didn't want to risk hurting your feelings more than they already were." Mom said and I smiled."I know, and I'm fine now. We just got back together and I know it's going to work out this time"."I'm sure it will. I'm just glad you both worked out your differences, and that he came back for you. My baby is one lucky girl, that guy is freaking gorgeous but I have to tell you that your father was way more handsome than him"I laughed. "I'm not even going to fight you on that".She burst into a laugh. "You better not, 'cause you'd be fighting a losing battle. I can be a very good lawyer when I have to be, especially for sacred causes".She was freaking killing me. "I got it ma. I wouldn't dare go against you in court, cause you being a lawyer, the case is already a done deal." I said, choking back a laugh as she chuckled. "I've got to go back to the party, I need to
Andrianna POV."What do you think they're talking about, I think they're taking too long," Vega asked, looking worried as we waited for Markus and Zach to finish talking, wherever they had gone to talk, which was absurd. They could have just moved a bit away and chatted, but Markus was dramatic and here we were. Jake crossed his arms, then smirked as if he knew something we didn't."Ok, spill it out, you're looking too smug to not know what they're talking about"."I don't. It's just that I know why Markus is acting that way" he said leaning closer."Pray to tell us, why is he suddenly acting like he's Vega's father"Jake smirked, his voice dropping lower. "I and Markus have been roleplaying, you know where I'm the brat and he's the big daddy that punishes me for being bratty" he whispered with a wink. "But I've got to say, he's taking the role of Daddy way too seriously".I had not been expecting that, and judging from the horrified look on Vega's face, she wasn't either."Jake! Too
Zach's POV.I kept my gaze on Vega, too afraid to blink in case everything that had happened was just a dream and I was slumped off somewhere, surrounded by people trying to resuscitate me. It was surreal, but I wanted the moment to last forever. She'd bared her soul to me, given me her body without holding back and I felt unworthy because I didn't deserve such honesty, not after everything I'd done to her. It was the first time that someone hadn't let me go, even though I deserved it, even tho I pushed her away, even tho I'd hurt her with my words and actions. It was the first time that someone had fought to keep me, and it made my heart swell so much that I thought it would burst out of my chest.The feeling was mind-blowing because all the hate and the ache I'd felt for the past few years seemed to be a thing of the past and as I stared at her, I wanted to lock up the moment forever, with just me and her and the precious gift she'd given me. Her love made me feel as if I was soa
Ray stepped into the hall, his eyes scanning through the crowd of people having fun as they mingled and danced the night away, but he wasn't interested in them, he was only there for Andrianna. He would talk to her and try to get her onboard the marriage because, without her and the land deeds, there was no way that his family could ever rise in the ranking. His phone rang in his pants pocket and he cursed, muttering under his breath as shoved his hand into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He answered the call with a snap. "What do you want""No need to be so annoyed, I'm just trying to make sure everything is moving according to plan. I waited for you to call and update me about what progress you were making but you didn't, so I decided to check up on you"."I don't need you watching my fucking back Jenny. Just do as you are told. I already said I had this under my thumb, so I don't have to call you every damn second to give you a report. I told you that I could handle everythin
Vega POV.The standoff was nerve-wracking, so I subtly pulled out of Zach's arm with a nervous smile, my face burning. "Can we talk for a minute?" I asked Zach and he nodded even though his gaze was pinned on Ryan who was trying to match his stare and not tremble. "Excuse us then," I said and took his hand. It was almost on reflex but I didn't want to let go once I did, so I pretended that my heart wasn't hammering against my ribcage as I pulled him through the guest that was milling around. The camera flashed, and I knew this would be made into a ridiculous headline tomorrow.It was also surprising that Zach didn't try to tug his hand free from my hold. I looked around, trying to get a free space where we could talk but everywhere I looked, I saw people already occupying most of the spots. He suddenly grabbed my hand that was holding his and then he was tugging me toward the elevator. We stepped into it and as soon as we did, he punched in the number to the floor for his office."We
Vega POVJake came up to me holding two glasses of wine, with an eyebrow raised as he noticed me staring at Zach as he made his speech."Keep your mouth shut about it" I hissed as I took the drink from him.Jake grinned. "I didn't say anything""But you were about to, and I'm sure it was going to make me mad"."I basically live to annoy you don't I"."No, you live to save me from all my problems". I sighed, then sipped the wine."You look amazing by the way, but the way you keep sighing is not going to get you a man tonight, or maybe you don't need a man since you've already set your eyes on that brooding male on stage," he said, his chin pointing towards Zach Dante."It's not going to work. He's here for his revenge". I wished he wasn't. Jake paused, turning to face me. "What do you mean revenge, for what exactly"."The whole thing that happened in college"."He's still not over that. I thought he said it was all a game for him. Look, you deserve better than him ok. You should just
Arielle sat in her room, talking to the cops through her Ipad as they updated her about the case of Jenny and what they had turned up so far. It was the first time they were telling her something positive In five years and she could help her face-splitting grin. "That's freaking epic, I gotta say I wasn't expecting such good news from you, I'm glad you didn't let all the money I paid you to go to waste. I hope in a few weeks we'll finally have her behind bars"."You don't have to worry Miss Arielle, we're going to make sure you're satisfied with the result of this case. Jenny might have changed her face and her last name, but she's in the country and we'll have her in no time"."I'm glad to hear that. As I said, I'm just happy to know all those millions I spent didn't go to waste. Well thank you for the update"."It's no problem, I'll be calling at the same time next week"."Of course," she said and ended the call, a smile of satisfaction on her lips. Jenny was going to get what she
Zach POV.Today was the inauguration, and as I walked around, waiting for my family to get ready, the house I had grown up in felt almost foreign to me. I'd always been couped up in my room half the time for fear of running into my dad or mom, so some of the rooms in the mansion felt like a maze to me.I took a turn down to father's office, it was a more familiar territory since I'd been called there a lot after I did something wrong. It was also the same place I had told him to let me be with Vega, that I loved her and that I was not going to leave her. Well, we all knew how that turned out. I got to his door, going to push it open but pausing when I heard his raised voice."Don't ever call me Ray, we've talked about this five years ago and my answer is still the same as it was before… don't be ridiculous, why will I do such a thing, I'm an honest businessman… Well if you know all that then you should stop pushing for this. I co-own that property with Franco Vandenberg, you're never