HIS ASSISTANT, HIS TERMS

FRIDAY NIGHT

Clara’s POV

The quiet of my apartment was broken by a familiar, loud voice before I even heard the keys.

“Honey, I’m home!” Mia sings as she bursts through the door, all energy and mischief.

I glanced up from the chair I'd been slouched on, phone in hand, heart skipping at the chaos she always brought with her. “Mia…” I started, but she didn’t let me finish.

“I've missed you,” she continues, bouncing into the room like she owned it, “because you never leave work early. And today’s a Friday night, girl, you’re coming with me. We’re going clubbing.”

I shook my head, half-laughing, half-annoyed. “Mia, I really don’t think—”

“Don’t think! You’re twenty-three, not nineteen. You need to have fun, Clara. Seriously.” She tilted her head, hands on her hips, eyes twinkling with that impossible charm.

I opened my mouth, but she'd already pulled a black dress from her bag and tossed it at me. “Now, put this on. You’re going to look amazing.”

I stared at it. The dress is tiny, form fitting, and far too revealing for my usual style. My hands trembled slightly as I held it. “Mia, this, this shows everything,” I said quietly, though part of me was curious to see how I'd look in it.

“Yes, everything. Curves, boobs, back, the works. Trust me.” She draped it over my arm, ignoring my hesitation. “Now get in there and try it on.”

Reluctantly, I disappeared into my bedroom, the dress sliding over my body, hugging curves I’d always tried to hide. My reflection surprised me, making me gasped. The dress was daring, showing most of my back, but somehow… it felt liberating.

Mia popped her head in, dressed in a pink mini skirt and sleeveless black top, matching heels glinting under the light. “Look at us, Clara! Let’s turn some heads tonight.”

I couldn’t help the faint blush that rose from my cheeks, but she’d already started dragging me toward the door. “Uber’s waiting. No driving tonight. We’ll be drinking.”

The streets blur past as the city lights flashed through the windows. By the time we reached the club, I was nervously adjusting the hem of my dress. The place was packed, booming with music that rattles my chest. My stomach flipped.

“I don’t want to go in,” I murmured, hesitating at the entrance. “It’s… one of Adrian’s clubs.”

“Exactly,” Mia said, grabbing my hand. “And because you’re his assistant, we get to skip the line. Come on, let's go get drunk.”

Before I could argue, she placed her hands in mine, dragging me through the long line towards the door. Inside, the air was thick with bass, laughter, and the scent of perfume and alcohol. Lights flashed in rhythm with the music. I tried to stay composed, heels clicking against the floor as we made our way to the VIP area.

Then I noticed her, standing slightly apart from the crowd, confident and poised, her gaze sweeping the room. The woman from Adrian’s office two months ago, the one who had suggested he marry me on contract. And she spotted us and smiled warmly.

“Clara, right?” she greets, her tone friendly, filled with that familiar fondness she had toward Adrian but now aimed at me. “I’m Benny. Adrian’s cousin.”

I nod, blinking, caught off guard by the connection and her presence here.

Before I could say anything, Mia tugged on my hand, bouncing with excitement. “And I’m Mia,” she chirped, gesturing to herself. “I’m Clara’s best friend. Nice to meet you!”

Benny laughed lightly, nodding, and suddenly the three of us were talking as if we'd known each other longer than the night allowed. Mia dragged us to a VIP booth, Benny abandoning her position at the bar to come along with us. This time, there was no need to use Adrian’s assistant card to smooth our entry past the velvet ropes.

We sank into the plush seating, the music pulsing through the room. Drinks appeared at our table, shots, colorful and strong. Mia wasted no time.

“Come on, Clara, it’s Friday! One shot to start, and you’ll loosen up.”

I hesitated, glancing at Benny, then at Mia. With a small sigh, I lifted the shot glass and clinked it against theirs. The burn hit immediately, and I swallowed, feeling my shoulders relax slightly. The music, the laughter, the lights—it all begins to feel lighter, a world away from work, from Adrian, from responsibility.

Mia is giggling, Benny is teasing, and for the first time in weeks, I let myself forget the deadlines, the projects, and even the unrelenting thoughts of Adrian. One shot leads to another, and I find myself laughing, moving with the rhythm, letting the night carry me forward.

Even though I’m still a little uncomfortable, a little aware of the eyes and whispers, I realized that maybe, just maybe, it’s okay to let go for a while. To let myself have fun. To feel free.

And for tonight, that’s exactly what I intend to do.