Elara's friends returned three days later, this time insisting on a "real girls' day" at her old apartment. They wanted her away from the penthouse, away from Kai's influence, even if just for a few hours. Mia brought face masks and Jade brought cocktails. The three of them turned the small living room into a mini spa.
"You look tired," Jade said gently as they applied sheet masks. "Are you sleeping enough?"
"I'm fine," Elara replied, forcing a laugh. "Just busy with content and everything. My numbers are crazy right now."
Mia wasn't buying it. "We saw how Kai was with you the other day. Touching you like that in front of us... it's not normal, El. It's disrespectful. Like he owns you."
"He does love me," Elara said defensively. "He's just very passionate. You don't see how sweet he ca
