𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘 ━ 𝗛𝗘𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗨𝗡𝗚 ✓

06: One For a Wrong Script

Anna thought she could keep me buried, make me fade into her shadow.

She'd grown to understand that Vivienne Kingsley wasn't someone you could bend, and honestly... I appreciated that.

Selene hummed, tilting her head. "Looks like you're in a good mood."

"Yes!" I chirped, unable to contain the grin stretching across my face.

"I went on a dinner date with Jay Park last night, and it seems like the paparazzi got a glimpse of us. But since Jay was wearing a mask when he came out of the car, his identity remains anonymous."

I jumped up and threw my arms around her, squeezing so tight she let out a sharp hiss.

"I'm trending again! Woohoo!"

Selene wriggled out of my hold, giving me a flat look.

"But... for how long again?"

Her words hit me like a pin popping a balloon. I froze.

Yeah. For how long?

The article would be forgotten by tomorrow, buried under the next scandal or Anna Reed's perfect smile.

No.
I couldn't let that happen.

I needed to fuel the fire for it to last longer.

I tilted my head. "So... what do I do then?'

Selene sighed, leaning back against the headboard, clearly thinking hard. Finally, she said,

"If you think about it, the internet went crazy over you going on a date because you've never been seen with a man outside of this building. And you mostly keep your hookups private too."

My brows furrowed.

"That's because I'm not one for dating. I don't like the idea of being bound to someone."

Selene raised her eyebrows, sharp and knowing.

"But I thought Stella d'Oro was important to you?"

My eyes widened, and I nodded quickly. "It is."

She plopped down beside me and wrapped her arms around me.

"Okay, hear me out. What if... you just ask Jay Park out?"

I shot up like someone had just told me Starbucks discontinued iced lattes.

"Ask him out? ASK. HIM. OUT?"

My jaw dropped so low I swear my soul almost left my body.

No.
Absolutely not.
Never!

I would rather eat kale for the rest of my life.

"Do you hear yourself, Sel?" I gasped, clutching my chest like she'd stabbed me.

"Me, Vivienne Kingsley, lowering myself to pursue a man? What's next, huh? Do I start knitting sweaters for stray cats? Running a bake sale for orphans? Please. I wasn't built for... humility."