After The Storm

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Ammielle left for the university without even waiting for me. Her actions lately have been confusing. Sometimes we're good most of the time we're like oil and water.

The rest of the day was filled with classes and updates on the upcoming shoot. The night was young, so I decided to visit the gallery I'd been meaning to make time for. In this generation where fame and power often seem to be all that matter, it's rare to find appreciation for the beauty in life.

When I reached the gallery, I was welcomed by the artist herself, the one and only Valerie Armstrong. Valerie isn't just in the circle of elites; she's also my trusted friend Nam's sister.

Nam is my only true friend. I have many acquaintances, but Nam is the one constant in my life. She's in law school and involved in her family's business. Not just any business, but a rival company. Despite the business rivalry, we don't see ourselves as competitors. We find no happiness in being at the top in business; our friendship is what truly matters.

When I walked into the gallery, the atmosphere immediately shifted. The walls were adorned with Valerie's masterpieces, each one a testament to her incredible talent and vision. Valerie greeted me with a warm smile, her presence exuding confidence and grace.

"Alexa, it's so good to see you!" Valerie said, pulling me into a friendly hug.

"It's great to see you too, Valerie. Your work is stunning as always," I replied, genuinely in awe of the pieces around me.

"Thank you. I'm glad you could make it. How have you been?" she asked, her eyes reflecting genuine concern.

"I'm always better, thank you," I said, the weight of recent events lingering in my mind. "but I'm hoping this visit will be a nice escape from my usual."

"Well, you're in the right place," Valerie said, her voice soothing.

As I stood before one of Valerie's paintings, at I felt a renewed sense of clarity. Bryan and the pressures of possible fame made things harder, but there were also moments of beauty and friendship that made it all worthwhile.

"Never thought I'd find you here," Bryan whispered in my ear, his hands roaming over my waist. I felt harassed, taken advantage of.

"Bryan, stop!" I said in a stern voice, trying to distance myself from him. My heart pounded with a mix of fear and anger as I struggled to break free from his grip.

He ignored my plea, tightening his hold. "Come on, Alexa. Don't act like you don't miss me," he said, his voice dripping with entitlement.

"The last thing I want is to get close to you!" I snapped, pushing him away with all my strength. My body trembled, but I refused to let him see my fear.

Bryan's face twisted with frustration. "Don't be like that," he said, grabbing my arm and pulling me closer. "You know you want this."

I yanked my arm free, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. "I don't want anything to do with you, Bryan. Leave me alone."

Before Bryan could react, Ammielle appeared, her presence instantly comforting.

"Baby, why didn't you tell me you'd be here?" Ammielle said, striding towards us. Bryan's face registered shock, while I could feel my eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Crap.

She gently held me by the waist and kissed my temple. "What's wrong, love?" she asked softly.

Without hesitation, I quickly threw myself in her arms, seeking comfort and security.

Ammielle had saved me tonight. Her sudden appearance and confident demeanor were like a lifeline, pulling me out of the dark, suffocating grip of Bryan's harassment. I couldn't believe how quickly and smoothly she had defused the situation. There was something undeniably good in her, something that made me feel safe and valued. For all her confusing actions lately, tonight, Ammielle was my hero.