𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 | 𝐉𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐦

EPISODE 6

AARYA P.O.V

I quickly got ready, feeling a flutter of excitement in my chest. The party was in full swing downstairs, and I had been looking forward to this all week. After finishing up, I dashed out of my room and made my way to the grand staircase, peering over the railing at the sea of guests mingling below.

My eyes searched eagerly through the crowd, scanning for the familiar face I had been waiting for. Then, as if the universe decided to play a little trick on me, I heard a voice whisper right behind me.

"Looking for me?"

I jumped, my heart racing as I turned around. There stood Jake, a mischievous grin on his face.

"Oh my—gosh," I stammered, and without thinking, I gave him a playful shove. He just laughed, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"You were looking for me, right?" he teased, leaning closer.

"No," I replied, trying to sound casual. "Why would I?"

Jake's grin widened. "Oh, yeah? Who were you looking for then?"

I started to look around, my cheeks heating up. That's when I spotted him—Vicky, my best friend from university. My face lit up with joy.

"Vicky!!!" I squealed, unable to contain my excitement. I dashed downstairs, practically floating on air.

"Aarya!!" Vicky called out, his voice full of warmth.

We collided in a tight embrace, holding each other as if we were afraid to let go. My heart swelled with happiness. While I was still wrapped in the comfort of Vicky's hug, my gaze shifted to Jake, who was standing at the top of the stairs, arms crossed and his expression darkening.

I suddenly realized the awkwardness of the situation and quickly pulled away from Vicky, my cheeks flushed.

"What happened?" Vicky asked, looking concerned.

"Nothing! Nothing..." I said, adjusting my dress and glancing up at Jake, who was clearly not pleased. "I-I'm glad you made it."

"Of course," Vicky said, pinching my cheek affectionately. "How could I say no to you?"

Before I could react, a hand swooped in and swatted Vicky's hand away. I turned to see Jake standing there, looking rather irritated.

"What the—" Vicky started, but Jake cut him off.

"Sorry. There was a fly," Jake said, with an innocent shrug.

"Sure," Vicky replied, clearly unconvinced. I could see the tension simmering between them.

Trying to defuse the situation, I interjected, "Let me introduce you guys. Vicky, this is Jake—the guy from Australia I told you about."

"Right," Vicky said, nodding in recognition.

"And Jake, this is Vicky. My friend from university."

Jake's eyebrows raised slightly. "Just friend?"

"Best friend. Just best friend," I clarified quickly, trying to reassure him.

Jake turned away, his mood evidently sour.

"Anyways," I said, desperate to shift the focus, "Vicky, you should go have some snacks."

"Right. Let's go together. C'mon," Vicky said, grabbing my hand with enthusiasm.

I glanced at Jake, who looked increasingly displeased.

"N-no," I stammered, pulling my hand back. "I've already had some. You go."