Putting on my dark shades because the last thing I needed was paparazzi, I alighted from the obsidian Mercedes Benz S-class S 580. Lanke flanked my side as we made our way to the entrance.

In haste as to not get discovered, I didn't stop to admire the dramatic, cantilevered roofline and the gleaming chrome-coated porte-cocheré that marked the hotel entrance.

That changed when I stood in the lobby. It wasn't my first time, but I couldn't help but admire the decor. The sight always has me tranced no matter how many times I see it. High-ceilinged with a vast crystal chandelier that refracted light into a kaleidoscope of colors, which appeared dark with my shades. The dark marble floors polished to high shine and the walls, painted with murals and scenes from Greek myths and clouds with cherubs spanning the endless blue.

Cream colored plush sofas were arranged in pairs each facing the other and divided by a circular marble table of the same hue.

Lanke stalked off to speak with one of the receptionists, and once again I was reminded that I needed a personal assistant. That was another job area people don't have the patience and humility for. The worst part of it was that these people need the pay and heaven knows I'm more than generous Yet they leave after a few months of employment, most times, days. It was a simple job, do all I tell you to do exactly how it's specified and never get on my nerves. But they always just have to ignore the last part. They always have to do something wrong.

"As I live and breathe, if it's not Raky

Richy"

By gods, how I abhorred that name and worse the voice uttering it. Muttering a curse, I turned to face Lindsey.

"Hello Lind" I said, masking a smile.

" You know I hate it when you call me that…"

" Likewise" I retorted before she could say more.

Waving off my statement, she continued in that squeaky voice I have come to hate,

"Anyway what brings you here, business or pleasure, you know I can always join you if it's the latter" she ran her manicured fingers down the length of my arm.

Something rose at my throat at the thought of doing anything with her again. When I met her that night at the 'Suns Arts Auction' staring at the painting of swirling colors on a dark background captioned 'Dream'. I had wanted nothing, but to fuck her until she saw all those colors and I did a few hours later. After a nice long conversation where she had given me the name "Raky Richy". But after, as I stared at her snoring beside me I just wasn't feeling her anymore.

Don't get me wrong, Lindsey was beautiful with short straight brown hair, gunmetal eyes- which had been what had attracted her to me. The way those colors of the painting created a mesmerizing art within her lashes. A full red lips and a petite body. But I remember feeling disgust as I watched her sprawled beside me.

When people stared at the person sleeping next to them especially after rouns of raw fuck, it's usually to memorize their beautiful features, but as I stared at her, I noticed that her nose was slightly crooked, freckles surrounded it, her lips weren't so perfect and from the slight opening between them, I saw that one of her front teeth was mismatched. I had asked myself why I didn't notice all these things before fucking her and for fear of noticing more, I remember dashing out of there at 2 am.

Holding her hand away from me, I gritted, "Nice seeing you, Lind, but I have to run along now"

She grabbed my hand as I made to leave, leaning close, she whispered nibbling at my ear,

" You know I haven't forgiven you for that stunt you pulled leaving me all alone in that hotel room or for ghosting and blocking me after on X, Facebook, hell blocking me everywhere, but gods have I missed you and that beast" in spite of myself I felt the beast in question reacting to her hot mint breath on my ear.

"Oops, looks like he missed me too" she moaned, biting harder as her palm rested on the bulge beyond my fly.

"Eh hehm" Lanke coughed from behind me.

Stepping away from Lindsey, "A pleasure to meet you, Lind" I brushed a kiss on her hand and followed Lanke.

"I will be expecting your call, Richy!" She called after me.

People stared, boy, was I glad she hadn't called me by my full name. It seemed none had recognized me yet. Holding my phone before the bulge, I quickened my steps.

"Sir, you look uncomfortable" Lanke joked as we followed a staff to the gold elevator.

" Not one more word, Lanke" I emphasized with a raised finger. He had kept his cool until the elevator dinged shut, that was when he burst into laughter. A deep throaty sound I rarely hear, and hella infectious cause I found myself laughing too.

Bright lights greeted us as we stepped out of the elevator to a sprawling open-plan living area with a baby grand piano and a fireplace.

"Money is good", I heard Lanke whistle as he took in the penthouse my friend lounged. The glass-enclosed balcony offered a 360 degrees view of the city. The bed that could house 6 hefty men comfortably. Artworks from contemporary times adorned the space, highlighted by the subtle glow of the crystal chandelier hanging above like shards of gold ice.

Everything was up to VIP standards, even the very floors we walked on, gold and dark ties spanned the space. Together with the lights, it was not just an enrapturing sight, it was comfy.

I could see why Chad chose this place. Except for the fact that he could have easily accessed any of his family hotels, this penthouse in Falling Stars offered comfort and relaxation that most other establishments couldn't rival.

"What is it, again? I told you guys that my friend is coming, can't you give a guy some peace?

Walking towards the sound of the voice, I saw my friend curled up by the side of the bed or what's left of him.

Chad's eyes were reddish and rimmed with a purplish tint. His face was swollen and had red blotches, his lips were a fading shade of fuchsia as if he was dehydrated. Simply put, he looked like shit.

"Hey Chad, it's Rich. I'm here" I squatted to his level as he raised his hands to my face as if he was finding it hard to believe it was really me.

"Richy, is it really you?" I answered with a nod, not trusting myself to say anything as tears brimmed at my eyes.

Another fact about me is that I tend to get very emotional at times. Maybe it's because of my heart condition, being weak and all. I always try to hide it, layer it all underneath rage, but it's there no matter how much I try to hide it.

The thing with hiding stuff is that the more you hide them, the better you become at doing it. Sniffing the tears back, I held my friend as his, flowed.

"I know you hate seeing me like this. Weak. Crying like a child and shit. It's pathetic, I know, but this shit is hard. I try to stay strong, to get her out of my mind. Even fuck other bitches, but she's always there, haunting me like a fucking ghost" he had said in between sobs.

Shushing him, I said, "It's alright, I may not understand what it feels like, but I've got you" aiming for some relief, I added, "just happy you didn't come with all your cards though, cause I won't say the same against your ass-whooping mama"

"Oh, shut up" I felt the quiver as he chuckled.

Truly, I hated seeing a grown-ass man reduced to a cry-baby, all for something as wack as love. And I know for damn sure that this will never ever be me any day, not in the future and most definitely not in another lifetime.

Tossing my phone with my left hand, I mouthed Lanke to call Aaron to see what's keeping him. Cause clearly I really needed extra hands on Chad's situation.

By the time I was done with the accursed tile, I was thirty minutes late.

And now, I have to pick through my drawer for something else to wear. And so far, I haven't been lucky.

One of the things that made me stand out during my internship at Bogue was my idea of individuality in fashion. I believe everyone should have a style that's uniquely customized to them. Even when one wears a popular brand like 'Wellington' or 'Frada' or even 'Access', there should be something about the outfit that's simply just you.

Whether it's a piece of jewelry, a pin, a deviation from the original style of a wear, a shade, or even a hairband, something of one's attire should really just speak of his personality.

That would be my main concept when I start my own brand 'U-nique', but with the way this morning was going, that dream appears farfetched.

The irony is that a fashion enthusiast such as myself couldn't even find something decent enough that says "Sofia Blake, a dreamer". That was what my last attire said until Alicia and her cruel daughters reduced it to exactly what I am now, "Sofia Blake, a mess".

'What am I even doing?' I thought as I held up the slightly wrinkled gray crop-shirt and blue high waist jeans. Just looking at it, I could read what it says "Sofia Blake, the minx".

It really wasn't that bad. But it was in no way what one is expected to wear for an interview for the position of a clerk. Unlike Annabel and Mirabel, who had bulging wardrobes, with clothes for every occasion. I was seriously lacking clothes.

Even the few I got after my internship. Alicia collected them before I could cross the threshold.

People wonder why I haven't fled from the house. Believe me, I've tried, but each time Alicia always finds me. As a popular woman, a phone call is usually all it takes. And of course, she also had a collar on my neck.

If I flee and after three days, I haven't been found. She would accuse me of stealing her money and belongings. Then she would let the world know that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, by making known whose daughter I was. That was the collar she had latched to my neck.

I once stayed unfound for two days, daring her to expose me and expose herself. Then I remembered how cruel she can be and what a great actress she was.

One time, she had cried when a group of men denied us entry for a function on the basis that children weren't allowed. She had cried and wailed until they were left with no choice, but to let us in. I remember her wiping away those fake tears and cooling her face back to the stoic mask I was used to.

If it came to her words against mine, I have no doubt who people would believe. After deliberating on all these, I had started trekking back to the house that night. In spite of the cold and how dangerous the streets were, I marched on. Hoping to get home before she decides to act on her threat.

It was around 2 am, when I knocked on the oak doors of the Blake mansion. And it took consistent banging that made my palms and knuckles bleed, for me to be granted entry thirty minutes later.

Time wasn't on my side, I was already 40 minutes late. I should probably give up, but I couldn't. I rather go there and be told that it's over, than decide at home that it was.

Donning the shirt and jeans, I complimented it with the hand-woven straw belt I made. A pair of fading gold dots as earrings. My caramel hair remained loose in curls, running down the length of my back. A light makeup, accentuating my rose cheeks and my cherry lips. And aiming for a touch of decency, I wore one of my coats, the light brown one with a customized belt.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I was beautiful. I have always known that fact, but also found it hard to accept. I mean, what's the use if this is the life I'm subject to live? Lacing my white Nike sneaks, I grabbed my brown handbag and stood up to check how I looked once again. A sneer twisted my face as I took in my appearance. I looked like someone heading to the club and not a business interview.

Waving off that concern, I headed downstairs. After checking everything and getting goodluck wishes from the staff, I left.

The morning air whipped at me. The sky was beautiful with patches of white and gray clouds as the sun made its way to the top. Making my way downtown, I drifted with the smell of baked goods, cakes, bread, buns and other confectioneries. My stomach growled at them as I realized that I hadn't eaten.

I walked by a man in a brown suit, a styrofoam of steaming coffee on one hand and a bagel on the other. And for a second the thought of robbing him took form in my mind as my stomach growled in agreement.

Of course, I couldn't do it no matter how successful my mind made it seem. Hurrying along past people walking their dogs, a couple that can't seem to let each other go even though they must part ways, a school boy with his graffiti skateboard, a trio of girls gossiping on their way to school, convenience stores, malls, bodegas, even Charlie's Vet.

"Sorry", the words left my lips even before I managed to regain my footing.

"Watch where you are going, asshole!" The girl I stumbled into yelled after me.

Deeming her not worthy of my time and attention, I continued on my way neglecting her curse. I didn't actually blame her, with how shitty my life was, hers could be worse.

Pacing and cursing inwardly as the fifth taxi sped across me, I groaned in frustration. I've been here ten minutes already and yet to get a cab. So in estimate from the time I left the house, juggling my way to this spot and ten minutes without a cab. I was about 55 minutes late. Five more minutes and I might just kiss that interview, goodbye.

In a city where private cars could be used for taxi or Uber, I was glad when the black Mercedes car screeched to a halt inches from where I stood. As I approached it, I realized that it looked too fancy for an Uber. It was glossy with tinted windows.

Running a hand on my hair and smelling my breath, I walked, confident that the driver must've taken a look at me and my dressing, and decided to help a beautiful girl with a lift.

I hated doing this. But desperate times call for desperate measures.

"Hey" I said standing by the back seat door as a man with shades alighted from the driver's seat. His blond hair was faded at the sides.

"Are you looking for someone or something?" He asked, not even looking at me. I was still waiting for him to be a gentleman and come and open the door.

He continued, "Wait, don't tell me that you know me. I mean, I know I got it and all that, but you guys should just lay off my back. Like the fuck!"

His outburst took me by surprise, what was happening? Embarrassment flushed my cheeks as I realized my mistake.

"My bad, I'm sorry" I was saying as he gathered his things. His wallet. His phone. "I thought you had pulled over for me, I…"

Cutting me off as he began pocketing said items, "Does this look like a fucking Uber, what even made you think th…"

He looked… really looked at me and for a while he was speechless. Yeah, I was that gorgeous.

"Hey, um… sorry, I didn't mean to be that harsh. I just didn't realize that you…"

"That I'm drop dead gorgeous" I supplied. "Yeah, too bad you didn't. I know I made a mistake, but you didn't have to be a prick about it. Good day"

"Hey, I'm really sorry. Come back, let me drop you off" He called as I began walking away.

"Go fuck yourself" I retorted.

Waving at the coming cab, life in its cruelty after my embarrassment, decided to let me be as the cab screeched to a halt.

My phone has been buzzing for five minutes now. Vera just doesn't know how to give up. "Maybe it's about time I fire her ass" I thought as the phone kept ringing.

Vera was my secretary and she ought to know that if I don't pick up when she's calling, certainly I must be busy. And yet, she kept calling again and again.

"God damnit! Just answer the fucking phone, man. I can't take it anymore" Chad said.

Sliding the ring icon to the green bar, I began in a voice I didn't bother to mask the rage layering underneath, "I swear this had better be very crucial, Vera. If not better leave your resignation letter on my desk before I get in"

"Truly sorry, Sir. I just got worried when you didn't pick up the first time as you usually do. I thought something bad had happened, that's why I kept calling. And also, it's 10 am already and you are yet to be here with no calls about the delay, which is very unlike you. Claire was also here, she came to drop off your salad and was worried when she didn't see you, but I assured her that everything was fine. That you just had an errand to run. But honestly Sir, where are you? The interview applicants are already murmuring and I'm running out of excuses…"

Running a palm on forehead in frustration, I listened as she rattled on and on. I had almost forgotten how loquacious she can be, especially when stressed. We had a history and though I've moved on, she clearly hasn't.

I would have fired her ass long ago, mostly after I grew tired of her. But she was the daughter of my mother's friend and Claire considered her a daughter, so she stayed.

I was glad I wasn't there to meet Claire, after the way I spoke to her before leaving the house. She must have come to apologize and I hated feeling guilty. Not to mention the salad. I truly appreciate her motherly care and everything, but she was doing too much.

Everyday she prepares this salad and brings it herself to the office. I hated it. How can someone stick to just fruits and vegetables as a meal?

And more annoying, she stays to make sure I get a few spoons in before leaving. I get that she was worried about my health, but she had to back off. And Lord knows what she meant by "Besides, I'm already planning something." I doubt it would be something good.

At the mention of our third biggest client, I was forced to keep listening,

"...Madame Dame also called requesting to speak with you and I lied telling her that you were with another client. She was kinda pissed after that. But can you blame her, she's like our third biggest client. And Sir, you will have to do something about it when you get back, I've already taken the liberty to order a bouquet that will be sent to her. Away from that, right as I'm speaking to you, an applicant almost left and if word gets out that we don't keep appointments, I fear what that would do to our publicity…"

"Oh shut it already Vera!" I snapped, my patience, extinguished. "Can't you just do your fucking job? You covered for me and so? Isn't that what I pay you to do? Oh wait, were you expecting a 'thank you'? Just thank your lucky stars for Claire, cause without her you wouldn't be in a position of yapping all these bunk. Some secretary you are, you can't even handle applicants" sucking in a breath, I finished, "Just get Harry or Sally, or fucking anyone to keep them busy. Be it a damn tour or a fucking trivia, do something. Be creative. For once, use that brain of yours."

I caught a nervous gulp of " Yes Sir" before I ended the call.

" Don't start," I said as I turned to face a grim-faced Chad. He believed in the same pathetic notion that I should try to treat people better. Even Lanke kept his gaze away from me. "Like hell, l care," I muttered as I walked to the balcony for some air.

My heart was already acting up again. I could feel pain tightening in my chest. Gripping the glass rail of the balcony, I tried to regulate my breath and keep myself from slumping as fatigue washed over me.

"Get. The. Fuck. Away. From. Me" I managed through clenched teeth, white knuckles and gasps of air, as Lanke's shadow appeared beside me.

"Believe me Sir, I know better. Just wanted to inform you that your friend is here" he said departing.

I stayed there nursing the pain in my chest, the weight of tiredness pressing down on me and gasping for breath. I hated it when this happened. Being reduced to frailness.

It took longer this time. Aaron and Chad's voice felt far away as I shut my eyes tightly against the pain. I don't know if it was thirty minutes or longer before the pain subsided, my breath returned to normal and I could stand on my feet again.

"About fucking time" I pronounced as I walked in.

"Could say the same of you", Aaron answered.

Chad sat on the bed devouring a tray of freshly baked bagels and a steaming mug of black coffee. Lanke stood by the corner trying his best not to look at me. Though he was doing a shitty job at hiding the concern that furrowed his brows.

"I would've gotten here sooner" my blond friend began, "but I had to make a quick stop. And then I met this gorgeous girl that practically offered herself on a silver platter. She had been waiting for a cab and when I pulled over she thought it was on her behalf. In my stupidity, I cursed her ass without even looking at her. When I eventually did, I couldn't believe my eyes, she was a fucking goddess."

Slumping on the other side of the bed, he ran his hands on his gold hair and went on, "A girl like that, is a rare find even though she was kinda bitchy at the end. And I fucking let her slip through my fingers" he emphasized with a flick of his thumb against his index.

"As much as I applaud your frivolities, aren't you just coming from a girl's bed? After dumping her ass I might add, and already you are talking about another girl already. Now is neither the time nor is here the place, can't you take pity on our friend" I pointed at Chad, who froze with a bagel inches from his mouth.

"Pity!" Aaron laughed. He was a tad more spoiled than the two of us, and at times that affected his reasoning. Well, at least to the point that he doesn't seem to know when to be serious and when to joke about things.

After laughing his face off, he held up both hands and said to a raged Chad,

"No offense, Chad, but the rule has always been clear. 'Never fall for these bitches'. But I guess you've learnt your lesson now", another round of laughter.

"That's it, there he is. I was beginning to wonder if it would take all day to bring you back"

Standing between them, as Lanke held a charging Chad away from where Aaron sat cross-legged, a grin on his face, I appeased.

"Hey, hey, it's alright Chad. I'm sure he didn't mean it like that and you, Aaron, can you quit behaving like a child. You have to apologize to Chad, then take him home. I've taken care of the debts and now I need to start heading to the office."

"Why do I have to be the one to apologize, we warned him didn't we? As far as I'm concerned, he owes us an apology for breaking the rules. Besides, aren't you glad to see our boy back " Aaron whined.

"I've said all I want to say, Lanke you can let go of him. If they wish to kill themselves, then let them have a fucking go at it."

For a moment, as Lanke let Chad go, it felt like he was actually going to have a go at Aaron. But then, he sagged beside him and returned to his wallowing. This time, Aaron held him though his expression said "I wish I could punch the sense into him."

As I walked to the elevator, he mouthed,

"Please don't leave me with him"

"Goodluck with Mrs Helen!" I called just as the door dinged shut.