BANE OF HIS EXISTENCE

Chapter 23: MISERY BECOMES ME.

MAYA.

"Shopping 101: you're supposed to buy something, not just try on the entire store," I said sarcastically and Sasha smirked, launching a dress at me like a projectile. I caught it mid-air, narrowly avoiding a face-full of fabric, and shot her an exasperated look. Sasha just chuckled, lounging on the couch like a queen, while I let out a deep sigh – my hundredth of the day, courtesy of her shopping spree antics.

Sasha's expression softened, her brow furrowed with concern. "Maya, what's going on? You can talk to me, you know that, right?" Her voice was gentle, inviting, but I just sighed again, feeling the weight of my emotions bearing down on me.

I'd thought a day out shopping would be the perfect distraction, a chance to clear my head and shake off the lingering tension. But now, surrounded by the chaos of the mall, I realized I'd been mistaken. The noise, the crowds, the constant stimulation – it was all just exacerbating my frustration, making everything feel worse.

Sasha's eyes locked onto mine, filled with empathy. "I'm sorry if this is too much for you, Maya. I can tell you've got a lot weighing on your mind." She reached out, taking both my hands in hers, and held them gently, offering a comforting warmth.

"Is it because of your father?" she asked, her voice soft and intuitive. "Are you worried about him being there tonight?" Her gaze was piercing, as if she could see right through to my concerns.

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal, before nodding slightly. "Yeah, something like that." Sasha's perceptiveness caught me off guard – she'd clearly picked up on my simmering anxiety about tonight.

"I've got your back, Maya," Sasha declared, puffing out her chest with a fierce determination. "He won't even get within five feet of you. Eric and I will be glued to your side all night if that's what it takes." Her words were infused with a protective fervor that made me smile.

For the first time since waking up that morning, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. A sense of relief washed over me, and I laughed, feeling a deep sense of gratitude towards my friend.

"Thank you, Sasha," I said, my voice was sincere. "I honestly don't know what I'd do without you and Eric. You guys are my rock." Sasha's face lit up with a warm smile as she wrapped me in a tight hug, kissing my cheeks with affection.

Sasha's enthusiasm was infectious as she dragged me into the dressing room. "Now, let's find you a show-stopping dress that'll make jaws drop tonight!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. I couldn't help but laugh at her dramatic flair.

For context, tonight's the night of the highly anticipated party at the family villa, celebrating Mrs. D's birthday in style. She opted for an intimate gathering with her closest friends and loved ones, which, of course, means the crème de la crème of high society will be in attendance. My nerves are on edge, though, since this will be my first encounter with Mrs. D and my father in two weeks – and after everything that went down the last time we met. And, to make matters worse, Andrew will be there, his piercing gaze sure to make my skin crawl.

Facing him tonight feels like an insurmountable task. The memory of his intense gaze from last night still lingers, haunting me. What was behind that piercing stare? I'm still trying to decipher its meaning.

Everything was perfectly fine, or so I thought. Our arrangement had been working seamlessly, a delicate balance where everyone's needs were met. But then, my intoxicated self had to go and shatter the fragile harmony. Now, I'm consumed by the fear that things might never revert to the way they were.