chapter 3
993 Words
☆☆☆☆
[𝑭𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑬𝒏𝒅𝒔]
(𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆)
The doorbell rang, interrupting Lovella’s thoughts, someone was here. She checked the time: past six.
"I’m sorry I’m late!" Kimmy ran inside, clutching a package, breathless.
Lovella stared at her blankly.
"Your outfit’s here. It’s the exact one you wanted. You have just one hour to get ready," Kimmy said.
"It’s okay, I wasn’t planning to be early anyway," Lovella replied, rising from the couch.
"Oh… okay," Kimmy muttered, watching her ascend the stairs, then following gently behind.
༆
[8𝑷𝒎, 𝑳𝒖𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒂 𝑨𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒓]
The party had started an hour ago, and as expected, the venue was packed. Who would even miss a Lunora event?
Guests included celebrities, models, actors, influencers, and wealthy business owners—the only people capable of wearing the brand anyway.
The party room spanned three stories; everything screamed luxury, from the lights to the decorations. Tables overflowed with tempting meals, some guests eating, others mingling and greeting.
"I’ve not seen that b***h," Lexine smirked from her seat.
"Lovella?" Joyce asked, and Lexine nodded.
"We all know she’s always late, always craving attention… such a b***h," Joyce chuckled.
"Isn’t that… Roderick King?" Joyce suddenly gasped.
Lexine turned instantly. Not just them—everyone in the party shifted their gaze as he walked in. Jane immediately ran to him.
"I never expected him to show up at all."
"Someone tell me this is a dream, please!"
"I’m seeing Roderick King live??!!"
"f**k, he’s not human."
"He’s insane hot, I’m dead!!"
"Oh heavens, he’s a blessing."
All eyes glared at Jane as she kissed him and held his arm, walking through the crowd and thanking everyone for coming.
"Show-off," Lexine muttered, rolling her eyes.
"You could say that again. But honestly, I’d do the same if I were her. Just look at him—he looks like a god!" Joyce said dreamily.
Lexine also stared at Roderick. Who wouldn’t?
"I’m done greeting people," Roderick said lowly to Jane as they left the last group.
"You’re already here… can’t you just—"
"Jane, no," Roderick said, serious this time.
"You know I don’t like attention."
"But there’s nothing you can do about it. It’s no longer new," Jane replied.
"I’d rather not do anything to draw even more attention. I ignored my work to come here—make it worth it," Roderick said.
Jane immediately hugged him.
"I’m sorry, I just wanted to—"
"You don’t have to show off. Everyone knows we’re married," Roderick cut in.
A smile spread across Jane’s face.
At that moment, murmurs rippled through the crowd. Jane blinked and turned to see why. Someone had just entered.
It was Lovella.
She walked in like a runway star, as if the party existed only for her. Every mouth opened as she moved, a sultry smile playing on her lips.
Her outfit was stunning—a short pencil gown accentuating her flawless figure.
Jane’s eyes flicked to her, forced to roll them, but she quickly masked it with a polite smile and approached her.
"Hey, baby," Jane winked, and they hugged.
"Sorry I’m late. I didn’t get my dress, so I had to dress simple," Lovella said innocently, holding her purse and kissing both of Jane’s cheeks.
"Oh… simple… it’s… pretty," Jane muttered, glancing at her own outfit. Lovella’s gown outshone hers in every way, and she still had the nerve to call it simple.
Lovella smiled.
"Oh, come on. You’ve never met my husband, have you? Come on, I’ll introduce you," Jane said.
"What?" Lovella gasped, hand on her chest.
"I wasn’t prepared for that… I honestly don’t think I can… oh no…"
Jane dragged her over to Roderick, who stood with one of the men in the room, both holding glasses of wine.
"Honey, meet Lovella. My best friend since high school. I don’t think I’ve told you about her, but you might know her… she’s a model," Jane grinned, introducing her.
Lovella’s eyes locked on Roderick’s.
"Hmm," he replied bluntly, turning away without a second glance.
"It’s okay. Let’s go—I’ll introduce you to some people I know," Jane said cheerfully.
"Of course," Lovella chuckled.
She knew exactly what Jane was doing—and she was ready for it.
Grabbing a glass of wine from the bartender, Lovella surveyed the room. Men ogled her shamelessly, but she paid them no mind—until she spotted Roderick walking away, phone in hand, possibly answering a call.
She smirked and lingered a moment longer before following the same path.
•༆
"I told you to cancel everything for tonight, Sean. I thought you understood me this morning," Roderick said, standing in the balcony.
"I’m sorry, boss. I’ll take care of it right away. I’m sorry for disturbing you," Sean replied.
Roderick ended the call and swallowed his drink.
Footsteps drew his attention. His eyes locked on Lovella as she approached, stopping directly in front of him.
"Is the party boring?" she asked softly, glancing away.
Roderick said nothing.
Lovella smiled, took his wine, sipped, and handed it back
"You don’t seem to know me, though," she muttered.
Roderick raised an eyebrow.
"What are you driving at?" he finally asked.
"I thought you were the patient type," Lovella said, moving closer and adjusting his suit.
"Have fun," she whispered in his ear before turning and walking away.
Roderick’s gaze followed her until she disappeared from sight.
He reached into his suit pocket and pulled out something he knew she had slipped in—her card:
Lovella Rodriguez
24 years old
Model
Roderick scoffed, nearly tossing it, then paused. He stared at it until Jane’s voice broke his attention.
"Honey, are you okay? Why are you here?" she asked.
Roderick slipped the card back into his pocket.
"Nothing. I was about to come back. Let’s go," he said calmly.
Jane smiled,
—completely unaware that in just a few seconds, Valeria had already crossed a line that could destroy everything she thought she owned.
- Writer
