Despite the feud between their families, Anastasia Caradine finds herself saving Giovanni Hendrix. In doing so, the two find themselves falling in love with each other. But in this game, loving someone under their circumstances proves to be dangerou...
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November 8, 2023 Virginia Beach, VA
"I can't believe you're working for him." Anastasia groaned as her and Kimora walked through the mall.
Kimora was just telling her how she had accepted Giovanni's offer to work as the public relations specialist for the club he's opening. It was something Anastasia didn't know about until Kimora spilled the beans about the project. She had put two and two together and came to the conclusion that the club was what he couldn't talk about with her when they first met up.
"I thought y'all were cool now. I didn't think it would be an issue." Kimora said.
"It's not an issue, babes. It's just unexpected." Anastasia told her, not wanting her to think she was upset. "I will never get in the way of your business ventures."
"I know it. I told you because I wanted you to be aware. My loyalty is to you, Stasia." Kimora linked her arm with Ana's as they continued walking. "But what's going on with y'all. Have y'all talked since the other day?"
"Nope." Ana sighed.
"I hope you didn't tell him you liked him." Kimora looked over at her friend, who had her eyes averted elsewhere. She released her grasp on her arm and playfully hit her. "You were not supposed to do that, Stasia."
"I know." She whined as she covered her face.
"You know their grand opening is in a week. I'm on the VIP list, so you can be my plus one." Kimora happily clapped her hands. "Then you can confront that negro."
"It's not that serious, Mo. I have other shit to worry about than Giovanni Hendrix." Anastasia said with an eyeroll.
"Having that feeling again?" Kimora asked, knowing something was bothering her friend.
"I just feel empty." Anastasia shrugged. "I hate that my dad isn't as understanding as yours. I wasn't given a choice on whether I wanted this life or not."
"Have you tried talking to him again?" Kimora asked and Anastasia shook her head. "It's still that bad?"
"He not listening to shit I'm telling him. I am twenty-eight years old and he's treating me like I'm a fucking child. I gave up so much because of him."
Kimora could see she was getting emotional, so she escorted her to the closest bathroom in sight. She locked the door behind them, and Anastasia broke down crying.
"I'm tired, Mo. I need an out." Anastasia sobbed. She leaned against the sink with her head lowered as she continued to cry.
"Just let it out." Kimora came behind her and rubbed her back in circles. She hated seeing her friend miserable, and that's exactly how her life had been since her father forced her into the 'family business.'
Kimora's phone buzzed in her pocket. She chose to ignore the call, feeling that her best friend was more important than whoever was calling. Since they were younger, the duo had prioritized each other as if they were blood relatives. Whether it was work or school, the two made sure to be there for each other no matter the circumstances.
