In Love: Against All Odds

How to Handle a Drama Queen in Heels

Delicate – Taylor Swift💙
"This ain't for the best, my reputation's never been worse, so... you must like me for me."

——

The music pulsed through the backyard, blending with laughter and the occasional off-key singing of people way too hyped on sugar and caffeine. The glow of fairy lights strung across the trees cast a soft golden hue over the party, making everything feel warm and alive.

Patrick and I swayed to the beat, my hand securely wrapped in his as we moved together in sync. The night felt perfect, like something straight out of a movie. His grip on my waist was firm yet gentle, and when I leaned into him, I could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat over the music.

"You look amazing tonight," he murmured, his voice just for me.

I tilted my head up to meet his gaze, feeling the corners of my lips curve into a small smile. "So do you."

His eyes flickered down to the necklace he had given me, the one I had admired in the shop but never bought. It glinted under the lights, catching on the silver chain as I moved. He opened his mouth to say something, but—

"Patrick!"

I stiffened instantly. Of course.

I knew Olivia was already here, mingling, laughing, probably plotting, but she had been minding her own business—for once. Now, she was strutting over again with her bright, look-at-me smile, sliding back into the conversation as if she hadn't just been chatting with him fifteen minutes ago.

"It's been forever! I've been dying to catch up since I got back. There's so much to tell you!" she gushed, her voice practically dripping with excitement.

I swear she had a radar for ruining perfectly good moments.

Patrick tensed slightly, offering her a polite nod. "Oh, hey, Olivia."

And just like that, I didn't exist anymore.

"Patrick, you have to hear about this art gallery in Paris! It was so your vibe. And I brought you something!" she added, flipping her hair with a little too much enthusiasm.

I inhaled deeply, trying to remind myself that violence was probably not the best move at Adri's birthday party. Adri had warned me about Olivia's habit of appearing exactly where she wasn't wanted, but this was just too much.

Patrick glanced at me, obviously picking up on the shift in my mood, but before he could say a word, Olivia latched onto his arm.

"Come dance with me!" she grinned, tugging him before he could even react.

Oh, hell no.

I felt the moment my patience snapped.

Adri and Brailey must've sensed it too because, within seconds, they materialized at my side, Adri already rolling up the sleeves of her very expensive red gown.

"Oh, hell no," Adri muttered.

Without hesitation, she strolled right up to them, her smile way too sweet to be genuine. "Excuse us, Olivia, but I think Patrick's had enough of your company for tonight."

Olivia blinked, completely taken off guard. "I—"

Brailey, arms crossed and very much over this whole situation, cut in. "Maybe you should find someone else to cling to, Olivia. Patrick's here with Katherine."