MIA POV
The car ride to the party felt like an eternity. Layla and Scarlett had
wasted no time making themselves comfortable, and by
comfortable, I meant inserting themselves into every second of the
conversation with Tristan.
“So, Tristan,” Layla started, leaning closer to him, her voice light
and syrupy sweet. “What’s your type?”
“Yeah,” Scarlett chimed in, smirking from her seat beside me. “You
must have a type. Someone you’re drawn to. Like… a mate,
perhaps?”
Tristan kept his eyes on the road, his expression unreadable. “I
don’t have a type,” he said simply, his tone even.
Layla giggled, brushing a hand over his arm. “Oh, come on.
Everyone has a type. Tall, petite, fiery… mysterious?” Her eyes
darted toward me for a split second, the implication clear.
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, the tension thickening by the
second. Ima growled softly in the back of my mind.
“They’re circling him like vultures,” she muttered.
“They’re trying too hard,” I thought back, trying to keep calm.
Tristan finally glanced at Layla, his expression cool. “What I look
for in someone isn’t up for discussion.”
Scarlett smirked, tilting her head as she looked at me. “You’re
awfully quiet, Mia. Aren’t you curious about Tristan’s
preferences?”
I met her gaze, forcing a smile. “Not particularly. I’d rather focus
on enjoying the evening.”
The tension crackled in the air, but neither of them pushed further.
Instead, they exchanged a glance and started whispering to each
other, their voices low enough that I couldn’t make out the words.
By the time we arrived at the party, I was more than ready to get out
of the car. The grand venue was lit up beautifully, with elegant
decorations and an air of sophistication that made me feel slightly
out of place despite my dress.
As we walked inside, all eyes turned to us. I could feel the stares, the
whispers, and the subtle glances thrown in our direction. Layla and
Scarlett didn’t seem to mind-in fact, they thrived under the
attention, their laughter ringing out as they moved confidently
through the crowd.
I stuck close to Tristan, who seemed to sense my unease.
“Relax,” he said softly, his hand brushing against mine. “You look
amazing. Don’t let them intimidate you.”
His words calmed me slightly, and I straightened my shoulders,
trying to blend in as best as I could.
But blending in wasn’t an option for Layla and Scarlett. They made
it a point to stop and speak to nearly everyone they passed, their
charm and beauty drawing attention like moths to a flame.
Ima growled again, her voice sharp in my mind. “Trouble. They’re
nothing but trouble.”
I didn’t respond, too focused on staying out of the spotlight.
Tristan turned to me after a moment. “I need to greet some guests.
Will you be okay on your own for a bit?”
I nodded quickly, not wanting to seem needy. “I’ll be fine.”
He gave me a small smile before disappearing into the crowd.
I wandered through the room, trying to stay out of the way. The
music was loud, and the energy of the party was vibrant, but I felt
out of place. I was starting to wonder if coming here had been a
mistake when a hand grabbed my arm, yanking me to the side.
I barely had time to react before I was pulled into a quieter corner of
the venue.
“You again,” Aria sneered, her grip on my arm tightening. Her gang
of bullies stood behind her, their faces twisted with malice.
“What do you want?” I asked, my voice shaking slightly.
Aria rolled her eyes. “Oh, don’t play innocent. You embarrassed me
earlier, and now it’s time for payback.”
“Let me go, Aria,” I snapped, yanking my arm, but her grip
tightened.
“Oh, you’re not going anywhere,” she hissed, shoving me against
the wall. Her eyes glinted with cruel delight, and I knew she had
been waiting for this moment. “You humiliated me earlier, Mia. Do
you think I’m going to let that slide?”
I didn’t respond, my jaw clenched as I glared at her. The fear I felt
was real, but so was the stubbornness bubbling within me.
Aria’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Still pretending to be
tough? Don’t worry. I’ll remind you where you belong.”
Before I could react, her hand shot out, grabbing the fabric of my
dress. With a sharp tug, the sound of fabric tearing filled the
hallway. My heart sank as the cool air brushed against my exposed
skin, and I instinctively tried to cover myself.
“Stop it!” I yelled, but she laughed, tossing the ripped fabric aside.
“You think you’re so special now,” she sneered. “Walking in here
like you belong, like you’re better than me. Let’s see how confident
you feel after this.”
One of the girls behind her handed her a pair of scissors, and my
stomach dropped.
“Let’s fix that attitude of yours,” Aria said, twirling the scissors in
her hand.
I stepped back, my hands trembling as I tried to maintain eye
contact with her. Ima’s voice echoed in my mind, firm and steady.
“Don’t beg, Mia. Don’t you dare give her that satisfaction.”
Aria lunged forward, grabbing a handful of my hair. She yanked my
head back, forcing me to meet her eyes.
“You’re not going to beg?” she taunted, her lips curling into a
smirk. “Fine. Let’s see how you look with less hair.”
The cold metal of the scissors brushed against my scalp, and I bit
my lip, refusing to cry.
Before she could make the first cut, a loud, commanding voice
boomed down the hallway.
“Aria!”
Her hand froze, and we all turned to see Rolex standing at the end
of the hall, his tall frame casting a menacing shadow. His sharp
gaze zeroed in on Aria, and for the first time, I saw her confidence
falter.
“We were just-” she started, but Rolex was already storming
toward us.
He grabbed the scissors from her hand and tossed them aside with a
clatter. “Just what? Torturing someone who can’t fight back?”
Aria stammered, her bravado crumbling under the intensity of his
glare.
“You think you’re untouchable?” Rolex growled.
He stepped closer, and Aria stumbled back, pressing herself against
the wall. In one swift motion, he punched the wall beside her head,
the sound of the impact echoing through the hallway.
She flinched, her face pale as she stared at him with wide eyes.
“If I see you near her again,” he said, “your face won’t look the
same. Do you understand me?”
Aria nodded quickly, her hands trembling as she scrambled to get
away. “I-I wasn’t going to hurt her. It was just a joke,” she
muttered, her voice shaky.
“Leave,” Rolex commanded.
Without another word, she and her gang bolted down the hallway,
their laughter replaced with hurried whispers.
The tension in the air lingered as I stood there, my torn dress
clinging to me and my hair disheveled. I turned to Rolex, my arms
wrapping around myself instinctively.
“Thanks,” I muttered, “But you didn’t have to help me.”
His eyes narrowed, a flicker of something unrecognizable crossing
his face. “I couldn’t stand by and watch that.”
I took a step back, shaking my head. “You’re no better than they
are. You’ve done your fair share of hurting me, so don’t pretend to
be some hero now.”
I moved to leave, my chest tightening as the adrenaline began to
wear off. But before I could take another step, his hand caught my
wrist.
“Wait,” he said, his grip firm but not forceful.
I turned back, ready to argue, but the words caught in my throat as
he pulled me into a hug.
The gesture was unexpected, and for a moment, I froze. His arms
wrapped around me, steady and protective, and I felt the warmth of
his body against mine.
“Stand still, I want to hug you more,” he murmured, his voice
softer than I’d ever heard it.