Tension

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏: 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐭

I grew up in luxury. I never experienced that "struggle" ever. My parents always made sure to provide me with a better life. Growing up, I knew my dad did some horrible shit—things no one in their right mind would speak of. I knew the reality of it all. My house is enchanted with enrichment. The marble floors gleamed under chandeliers that's worth more than most people's lives. Men in black suits posted 25/8 in every corner, by every door, a firm expression on their faces. My dad's rules were crystal clear. No questions were ever asked. Those who disobey have never seen the sun's beautiful daylight ever again.

It was around midnight when I heard a knock at my window. It was Xavier, my childhood friend.

I opened the window as I smiled. "It's so cold out there. What the hell are you doing on the roof?" I whispered, grabbing his arm to pull him inside.

"I wanted to come and check on you. What the hell are you doing up still?" He chuckled as he sat on my bed. "I don't know! I've been thinking a lot lately... I really need a drink." I replied as I sat next to him on my bed. "There's a party tomorrow night at seven, want to go?" he asked looking at me as his eyes shimmered in the darkness of the night. "Is that even a question?! Hell yeah i want to go." he raised an eyebrow. "Loria, don't make me regret this

"Right, I'll call Layla." Xavier said casually, leaning back in my bed like it was his.

Layla was Xavier's first love. His only love. Their relationship is so complicated. She's my best friend and so is Xavier, but they are both so off and on it confuses me a lot.

"You two are back on now?" I asked, raising an eyebrow as are crossed my arms. He smirked, "Something like that. You know how it is with us."

I knew exactly how it was. One week they're inseparable, next week they're almost killing each other. Late-night arguments, and cheating. I loved them both, but it's so exhausting. They're both not going far with their relationship.

"You should marry her, Xavier, and put us all out of our misery." I said firmly, looking into his eyes.

He laughed softly, shaking his head. "You sound exactly like her."

I blinked, confused. "Like her?"

The next day, I counted down every minute, every second until the party. I started getting ready. I put on this very expensive dress, the fabric smooth like silk against my soft brown skin. The dress was short, and hugged my figure perfectly, a whispered elegance and power with every step I took. I looked unrecognizable. My dad forced me to take his bodyguard as he drove me to the club. I saw my friends immediately.

Later into the night I realized I had forgotten my fake ID at home. "Fuck..." I muttered, my breath catching in my throat as I felt his warm breath feathering over my neck, his hands firm on my waist. A voice, smooth, deep, and rich, whispered close to my ear. "Need help buying something bellissima?"