"Do you really think acting like a brat is going to help you survive, Kaia?"

I was pulled out of my thoughts when I heard Aziel's voice on the other end of the call. I rolled my eyes in pure disappointment.

"Didn't you hear what I said earlier?" I snapped. "It wasn't entirely my fault. The way I reacted was on her. I didn't start anything. I was minding my own business in my room when she suddenly came at me."

I brushed my hair back irritably as I stared at the road. Of all the things I could've left behind, I forgot my car keys. There was no way I was going back inside-not when my aunt was probably still fuming. I'd get them later, once she cooled down and stopped acting like the house wasn't mine.

"So what now?" Aziel said. "Kaia, I'm in a mess right now. I want to help you, but I can't. I'm stuck here. My dad won't let me leave. I messed up pretty bad, and this is his way of punishing me-"

"Dude, what are you, sixteen?" I laughed. I took a deep breath and scanned the empty street. "Just tell me straight-are you picking me up or not? I'm getting eaten alive by mosquitoes."

I heard him sigh heavily. I already knew how this would go. He'd come get me. He always did. And if he didn't-friendship over.

"I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I can't, Kaia."

My jaw dropped. "What?!" I shouted, earning a few looks from people passing by. I forced myself to calm down. "What did you say? You can't pick me up? Why?"

He sighed again, and my frown deepened. This was a first. In all the years we'd been friends, this was the first time he'd ever turned me down.

"Wait..." I trailed off, one brow lifting. "Do you have a girl now?"

He didn't answer right away.

My mouth fell open even wider. I dramatically covered my lips. "Oh my God. Aziel. Is that why your dad's punishing you? Did you-oh my God-did you get someone pregnant?"

"I know how to use protection," he shot back.

"Then what?" I pressed. "You're not a kid anymore. Your dad wouldn't freak out just because you brought a girl home. Come on. You're just using him as an excuse so I won't stay there. What's really going on? I'll only stay a few days, then I'll go back to my house."

Just then, a car sped past me-way too fast. I almost lost my balance, and my irritation skyrocketed. Seriously? Didn't they know this was a residential area, not a highway?

"What happened?" Aziel asked.

"Some idiot nearly ran me over," I muttered. "I was already on the side of the road. I swear, it's like they wanted to hit me." I glanced at the car driving away. "Shame he missed. Think he'll try again?"

Aziel hissed at my joke. I shrugged and looked away. The car stopped not too far from where I stood, but I didn't bother checking who was driving. I didn't care. Honestly, a part of me was more annoyed that I was still standing.

"So?" I asked. "Is it really a no?"

He didn't answer, but his sigh said everything.

"Fine," I said. "I'll just book a hotel-"

"No need," he cut in.

I rolled my eyes. "Oh?"

"My cousin owns a bar near your place-the new one. He has a spare room there. You can stay for now. It'll be easier for me to get to you."

I frowned, then let out a short laugh. "A bar? You're really going to make me sleep in a bar?"

"It's not just some bar," he said calmly. "My cousin's loaded. You'll be safe. He's still in France, but I'll tell him you're staying there."

I crossed my arms. "Are you sure I won't wake up with some random guy in my room?"

"It's safe, Kaia."

I sighed and adjusted my stance. "Fine. When are you coming over? I really need someone to talk to."

I wasn't actually sad. Why would I be? The person I hated most had been out of my life for years now. If anything, I felt relieved. But I couldn't exactly go around telling people I was happy my father was in jail. They'd think-like my aunt did-that I was the one who turned him in.

"I'll come once I sort things out here," Aziel said. "Hang in there. You can party if you want. I'll tell my cousin's staff to keep an eye on you."

A grin spread across my face. "That's what I'm talking about. See? This is why you're my best friend. Just don't forget-"

"I'll come," he interrupted. "I just need to deal with this woman first."

My brow lifted. "Woman? What woman?"

He sighed, like he was debating whether to tell me. "Come on, Aziel. Don't act like we're not close. I won't tell anyone."

"Fine," he gave in. "I met this girl about a month ago. She came up to me at a bar. She flirted, she was pretty... one thing led to another-"

"Okay, stop," I cut him off. "Spare me the details. What's the problem?"

I wasn't naïve. I knew exactly what he meant.

"I just found out she already has a boyfriend," he said.

I nearly fell over.

"Damn," I muttered. "Were you even thinking?!"

He sighed again. Good. He should be frustrated.

"I know you hate cheaters, but-"

"But what?" I snapped. "You stayed with her even though she was taken? Aziel, I didn't know you were this stupid."

A motorcycle passed by, the driver staring at me like I was insane. I shot him a look and focused back on the call.

"For the love of God, break it off with her," I said firmly. "I can't believe this. You know how much I hate cheating, and you still-"

"Wait," he cut in. "I didn't know at first. If I had, I would've ended it immediately. You know I'm not that dumb."

I exhaled in relief. "Thank God. End it now-before her boyfriend finds out. Or better yet, tell him. He doesn't deserve that."

He went quiet.

"...Did I say something wrong?" I asked slowly.

"I'll explain everything once I fix this," he said. "For now, stay at my cousin's bar. I'll come see you soon."

I sighed. I knew there was more to the story, but I didn't push.

"Call me once everything's settled," I said. "I'll walk around for a bit, then grab a cab."

"I really want to be there but-"

"It's fine," I cut him off. "Handle your stuff first. We'll talk later."

I needed someone to talk to, sure-but I wasn't about to force him. We both had our own messes to deal with.

"I'll make it up to you," he said softly.

I laughed. "Buy me drinks. Okay, bye. Call me later."

The smile on my face vanished when I noticed three familiar figures walking toward me.

I ended the call without realizing it.

They were the ones in the car earlier-the ones who almost hit me.

Their car was parked nearby now. They'd rung the doorbell of the house across the street, but no one answered.

"Hey. You," a woman shouted.

I swallowed and glanced behind me-just to make sure.

No one else was there.

I knew her. Too well. And I recognized the two people with her, too. Famous. Powerful.

"Me?" I asked.

She scoffed and stormed toward me, her companions trying-and failing-to stop her. I raised an eyebrow as she practically ran toward me in sky-high heels, walking like she was in flats.

Unbelievable.

"You really thought we'd let this go?" she snapped. "How thick-faced can you be? Where do you even get the audacity?"

I straightened and met her glare. "I'm sorry, but I don't know what you're talking about-"

"You!" she screamed, reaching for my hair.

I dodged her hand instantly. "You shameless girl," she shouted. "Why did you cheat on my cousin?!"

My mouth fell open.

I pointed at myself. "How could I cheat on your cousin when he's not even my boyfriend?"

She froze.

Her eyes widened as realization dawned.

"Y-You're not Dylan's girlfriend?"

"You're n-not Dylan's girlfriend?"

I arched my brow and lifted one shoulder in a lazy shrug. "Do I look like his girlfriend?" I said, deliberately sarcastic. I noticed her expression darken at my answer, but I brushed it off like it didn't matter.

"Danielle, I already told you... that's not Brielle," the other woman scolded. If I wasn't mistaken, she was Maurice Fontanilla. I'd met her once before. I was close to her mother.

Danielle clicked her tongue, clearly irritated. "How was I supposed to know? They look alike!"

My brows shot up at that. I cleared my throat, drawing their attention, then straightened and pointed at myself. "Are you saying I look like Brielle Clarkson?" I asked as disbelief dripped from my voice.

"You know who Dylan's girlfriend is?" Iverson Fontanilla asked as if he's studying me carefully. I met his gaze without flinching.

I shrugged again. "Of course. Your family's well-known, and Brielle Clarkson's from a business family too. I know who she is," I said, then looked away.

"W-We're really sorry, Miss," Maurice began nervously. "Our cousin was furious, so she thought you were Brielle. You just kind of look like her-"

"Excuse me?" I cut in dramatically, snapping my gaze back to her. "I look like Brielle Clarkson? Absolutely not."

I swept my hair back and let out an exaggerated sigh. This wasn't the first time people had said that. Even coworkers mentioned it sometimes. Sure, we looked a little alike. But no. Hard pass.

"I'm way prettier than her. Come on. Are you all blind?" I rolled my eyes.

They exchanged looks before shaking their heads and laughing quietly. My brows knitted together. "Are you laughing at me?" I challenged them, since they didn't seem to be stopping.

To my surprise, Danielle, who had been glaring at me earlier, tapped my shoulder while laughing like I was some kind of stand-up act. What the hell?

"No, no... don't be offended," she said between laughs. "You're right. Guess my eyesight really is bad."

That, at least, made me feel a little better.

I cleared my throat and fixed my posture. "As it should. That was an insult, you know."

If they hadn't been furious at that woman, they probably would've thought I was full of myself, but I was just telling the truth. I'd known Brielle Clarkson since high school. I was a freshman; she was a junior. I knew how she was back then, and from what I'd seen over the years, she hadn't changed at all.

I shook my head. Dylan Fontanilla was unbelievably unlucky. His girlfriend already had a terrible personality, and she still cheated on him? Damn. When misfortune rained down, he must've been standing right under it.

"Anyway, I should get going," I said, glancing at the house they'd been ringing for a while now. "I noticed she's not letting you in. She's inside, probably just avoiding you. I saw her come home this morning while I was jogging."

They all turned toward the house.

"If she won't open the door, we could just throw a rock at the window-" Danielle started.

"Danielle," the others cut in at the same time.

I sighed and crossed my arms. "There's a back entrance. She used it this morning. There's a spare key hidden under the smallest plant pot."

Maurice frowned at me. "I'm sorry to ask, but... how do you know that?"

"I saw it while jogging. She probably thought no one was around and got careless," I explained calmly. "Don't worry, I'm not a thief. I live in this neighborhood too."

I hadn't spoken to Brielle much despite living nearby. She rarely went out. I'd only noticed the key by accident.

"Then why help us?" Iverson asked. "You could get in trouble if we do something bad."

I looked up at him. His expression had shifted as if he was serious and intent. Like he genuinely wanted to know. Was he suddenly interested in me?

I shrugged. "You said she cheated on your cousin, right? Whatever you do, she deserves it. Cheaters need consequences."

I smiled sweetly.

He didn't reply after that, just looked away. I couldn't help chuckling.

"Well, I'll be going. Good luck with whatever you're planning," I said. "Make sure she gets what she deserves."

I winked, turned, and walked off.

I hadn't gone far when Danielle called after me. "Wait! what's your name? You never introduced yourself. Maybe we could hang out sometime."

A soft laugh escaped me. I didn't expect that.

I shrugged over my shoulder. "Nah. I don't think my name matters. Let's just keep it a mystery."

I flagged down a cab shortly after. I was curious about what they were going to do, but not curious enough to stay. Besides, I had bigger problems. Like where I'd be staying the next few days.

Right on cue, my phone buzzed. Aziel had sent an address not far from where I was. I considered walking, but it was getting dark, and I was alone.

Before getting in, I caught sight of the cousins heading toward the back of the Clarkson house. Not that I cared... I just hoped they wouldn't do anything illegal. I didn't want to get dragged into it. At least they didn't know my name.

I showed the driver the address and settled into the seat. Only then did I finally breathe out.

I leaned back, staring out the window.

As much as I thought the Fontanillas were decent people, I knew they'd never be comfortable around me. Iverson's father, Attorney Damon Fontanilla, was the prosecutor in my father's case. I met him last month. He seemed kind... though I didn't know if it was genuine or just an act to get me to testify.

Either way, I didn't care.

What mattered was that my father went to prison.

And Dylan Fontanilla, the eldest cousin, was the lieutenant handling the case.

I shook my head, cutting off my thoughts.

I still couldn't believe Brielle cheated on him. For what reason? He was practically perfect. No wonder his cousins were furious.

"Ma'am, we're here."

I snapped out of my thoughts and looked outside. This was the bar Aziel mentioned. It looked... nice.

I paid the fare and stepped out. The place was brightly lit, already busy despite the night. My brows furrowed.

Was I really supposed to sleep here?

I straightened and walked toward the entrance... only to be stopped by a guard.

"Sorry, ma'am. No minors allowed."

I looked at him flatly. "Do I look like a minor?"

To my disbelief, he nodded.

My eyes widened. Me? A minor?

"I'm twenty-six. I've graduated college. I'm not underage," I said, keeping my voice calm.

He scanned me anyway, then shook his head. "Do you have an ID?"

I sighed and opened my purse. Then I  froze.

"Shit," I muttered.

"I need to see your birthday, ma'am."

I closed my purse slowly and looked at him apologetically. "I... left my ID at home."

"I'm sorry, but I can't let you in without one. I don't want to lose my job."

I stomped my foot lightly, frustrated, running my fingers through my hair. Going back home meant another lecture. I couldn't go to Aziel's either.

"I know I look young," I pleaded, "but I'm not. I just forgot my ID. I even know the owner-uh-what was his name again?"

I frowned, digging through my memory. "Ugh. I forgot."

Why hadn't I listened earlier?

"I know her."

That voice.

I turned around instantly and my eyes widened.

It was him.

"She's a minor," he said coldly. "Don't let her in."

"What? I am not a freaking minor!" I snapped.

He raised a brow. "You look like one."

Then he walked past me and disappeared into the crowd.

Before he vanished completely, he glanced back just for a second. There was something in his eyes. Anger? Or was I imagining it?

My lips parted.

Was he angry at me?

"Oh. Right," I muttered. "He got cheated on."

I clenched my fists as I turned away.

"Dylan Fontanilla," I whispered bitterly, "you really are trouble."

"I was so humiliated, Aziel. Damn. I don't think I've ever felt that kind of embarrassment in my entire life," I complained as I rushed out of the house.

Aziel let out a deep sigh on the other end of the line. "You don't even know how to feel shame," he muttered.

I stopped walking and forced myself to breathe.

"Okay, fine. I've buried shame somewhere deep in my system a long time ago but last night was different. I wanted the ground to swallow me whole. Do I really look like a fucking minor to you?"

I slid into my car and glanced back at the house. It looked quiet. Aunt Aurora was probably still asleep, so I wasted no time pulling away before she could wake up and stop me again.

I started the engine, rolled down the window, and gestured for the guard to open the gate. They complied reluctantly. As if they had a choice.

I placed my phone on the holder and switched it to speaker.

"You just look really young-"

"Wow, Aziel. Wow," I cut in sharply. "Thanks for the fucking compliment."

The gate finally opened, and I drove out. "I'm twenty-six years old. How exactly do I look underage?"

"The guard was just doing his job. What can you do if that's how you look to him? And you should've brought your ID. If you had-"

"I forgot it at home, okay?" I snapped. "I was in a rush. I didn't even think to check my wallet. And I didn't expect anyone to think I was a kid. I was so embarrassed. People were staring at me last night."

I drove faster than I should have.

"And then some random guy walked up to the guard and said he knew me. He even told him I was a minor so the guard completely shut me out!"

Aziel burst out laughing.

I rolled my eyes. "If my humiliation is entertaining to you, then screw you."

He laughed again. "Maybe you were just unlucky yesterday."

I didn't reply. Because he was right. I was unlucky.

Was it karma for helping those people do something questionable? But why me? I didn't trespass. I just helped.

"When I got home, Aunt Aurora was still awake. She lectured me again, said I'd just come crawling back anyway, so I shouldn't have acted stubborn in the first place. She even said I wouldn't survive without her or Dad. The audacity."

My grip tightened on the steering wheel.

If Dylan Fontanilla had just told the guard I wasn't a minor, I wouldn't have had to go back home at all.

"What if they're right-"

"Finish that sentence and we're no longer friends," I cut him off immediately.

He sighed. "Okay, okay. I'm sorry. I know you can survive on your own. So where are you going now?"

I sighed. "Where else? The bar you mentioned. I'm going back there and proving to that guard I'm not a minor. I can stay there as long as I want, right?"

"Atlas won't be home for a while, so you can stay there. Just don't cause trouble, Kaia. I haven't fixed the mess I got myself into yet. I can't help you if anything happens. Stay out of trouble."

I hesitated.

Does that include staying away from Dylan Fontanilla?

"Fine," I muttered. "And when exactly is this mess of yours going to end? You didn't know that woman already had a boyfriend. This isn't your fault... it's hers."

"I don't know what to do anymore," he said, frustration seeping into his voice. "Neither my dad nor her father will listen to me. I was dragged into this bullshit-"

"Then do your best to stay out of it," I cut in. "I'd hate for my friend to be labeled as the other man."

He scoffed.

I shook my head. I couldn't even give him advice. I had zero experience with situations like that.

"I'll come see you once everything settles down," he said. "For now, just stay out of trouble. I'm warning you, I won't be able to help-"

"Yeah, yeah," I interrupted. "I'm close to the bar. Isn't it weird going to a bar this early in the morning?"

He chuckled and I felt a bit lighter.

"I already told Atlas to inform the staff you're coming. They won't be surprised if you show up early."

I groaned. "Can you also tell your cousin to give their guard a raise? He did his job well even if he mistook me for a minor."

"You were pissed earlier, and now you want him promoted. You're weird... but fair. I'll pass it on."

I nodded even though he couldn't see me.

I parked at the bar and grabbed my phone and keys. I took my suitcase from the trunk and ignored the few curious stares as I walked in with my head held high.

A guard stopped me but it wasn't the same one from last night.

I smiled. "Do I really look like a minor?" I asked, amused.

He cleared his throat and nodded.

I let out a small laugh and pulled out my ID. His eyes widened when he checked it.

"You're... twenty-six?" he asked, clearly surprised.

I chuckled. "Do I look seventeen?"

He scratched his head, embarrassed. His gaze dropped to my suitcase. "Ma'am... this isn't a hotel."

"Atlas already gave you a heads-up," I said. "I'll be staying in his room for now."

His eyes widened again. "You can call him to verify-"

"No need," another staff member said. "We just assumed Kaia Clemente was older."

I blinked.

Was he implying my name sounded old?

Before I could respond, he smiled and handed back my ID. "Your room's ready."

He took my suitcase without asking.

Inside, the bar was too quiet. Staff members were cleaning up from the night before. The smell of alcohol lingered, making my head throb.

"Your room's on the third floor," the guard said.

I nodded but my attention drifted.

Two waitresses and a waiter were trying... or let's just say, failing... to wake a man slumped over a table.

I licked my lip  then laughed softly.

Of course.

What a coincidence.

"I'll head up later," I said. "Third floor, right?"

"The room at the far end."

I nodded and walked toward the man instead.

Each step felt heavier. The staff were still trying to wake him.

"Sir? It's morning now."

He didn't move.

I sighed.

"Excuse me."

They all turned to me.

"I'm the one staying in your boss's room," I said calmly. "And I know him."

"Is he your boyfriend?" one waitress asked.

I smiled but didn't answer. "I'll handle him. You can go back to work."

They hesitated but they still left.

I stepped closer.

"Aziel told me to stay away from trouble," I muttered. "But you're really unlucky."

I reached under the table for his coat because his phone was probably there.

Suddenly, his arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me down onto his lap.

My eyes widened as he rested his head on my shoulder.

He smelled strongly of alcohol.

I held my breath and grabbed the coat. His phone was inside.

As I tried to stand, he tightened his grip.

"Bri..." he murmured.

That was enough.

I stood up abruptly. He nearly face-planted into the table.

I clicked my tongue.

Is this what heartbreak does to people?

I found his cousin's contact and typed instead of calling.

To: Iverson (Ugly)

Your cousin's with me. He passed out last night and is still asleep. He's at the bar near his cheating girlfriend's house. He smells like alcohol and I can't stand it. Pick him up before I leave him outside. Bring an air freshener.

I looked at Dylan Fontanilla one last time.

"Get up," I said quietly. "You still have a lot to do, Lieutenant. She's not worth your tears."

Then I walked away.