I went back to my friends while trying to hide the bruise on my wrist. Who were already approaching me with concern in their eyes.

"Aveliene is everything okay?" Cassie was the first one to ask with worry in her eyes.

"I am fine", I tried to sound calm.

"What that witch said to you?" Emma asked with anger.

I was about to reply but Cassie beat me to it.

"Ave ,what's this bruise doing on your wrist?" Cassie asked with concern.

"It's nothing." I replied, I don't want to spoil their moods by telling them what Veronica had said.

"Don't lie to me Ave, it was not on your wrist before." She said loudly and paused then truth dawn on her and she spoke-

"Has Veronica done this?" She asked through gritted teeth.

"I-I..."

I tried to make up a lie but failed miserably.

"That girl how dare she bruised my best friend's wrist!!" Cassie spoke with anger.

"Why she did this to you,Ave?" Stacey asked with concern.

"She blamed me for trying to take Vaughn away from her. And she also threatened me to stay away from him." I explain them everything while trying to control my anger against Veronica.

"That witch! We need to gave her a taste of her own medicine,come on girls." Emma spoke furiously.

"Yes, how could she threatened Ave. Even before meeting him, she is claiming him. I don't think he will choose a girl like her." Stacey spoke with an angered expression.

They were about to leave but I stopped them.

"Girls calm down I don't want to make a scene over here.Just leave her." I tried to calm them and make them understand the situation.

"Why are you saving her Ave ? You know she always caused you trouble."

Cassie spoke.

" I am not saving her. I just don't want you guys to ruin your mood. And this party just because of her." I said while trying to make them understand.

Cassie sighed and spoke in a now calm tone.-

"You are so nice Ave. Even though she has caused you so much trouble then also you are forgiving her."

"Yes Ave, you are the best." Stacey said and hugged me.

"Veronica can't even imagine to compete with you Ave. Because you are far much better than her." Emma said and joined the hug. While Cassie also joined.

"You guys are the best." I said with a smile.

"We know that" Cassie, Stacey and Emma spoke in unison with pride and we all started laughing.

"You girls won't mind if we join the group hug?" Aaron and Liam said while pointing towards themselves.

We didn't even realize when they came.

"No!" Cassie said in a surprisingly stern voice. And both the boys frowned. Then she started laughing and spoke-

"Of course you can!!" She said while smiling. And instantly their faces lit up and they both joined us.

We stayed like this for a while. Then broke the hug .

"Look you guys again made me emotional. I think I should use a waterproof mascara from next time." Stacey said while wiping her tears.

While we all smiled at her.

After chatting for sometime I took leave from them and went to grab a drink.

I sit on the stool and ordered for a Martini.

While I was waiting for the drink I fell someone sat beside me.

"Why a beautiful girl sitting here alone?" I immediately turned towards the source of voice.

It was a young guy with hazel eyes and messy blonde hair. He was wearing a pitch black tux and was sitting beside me. I think I have seen him before. But where?

He was looking at my eyes waiting for my reply. And saw the confused expression on my face and spoke-

"I am Alex Kingsley, CEO of Kingsley Enterprises .And also the 'best friend' and the closest person in mafia gang of your fiance, Vaughn Rodriguez." He introduced himself. Then I realized it is the same guy I saw whom called Vaughn, when we were with my parents.

"Hi nice to meet you. I am Aveliene Lawrence." I said politely. He looked at me waiting for me to say more but spoke again when I remained quiet.

"Well you still didn't answer my previous question?" He asked with a smile.

"Oh. I just came here to grab a drink." I said. To which he nodded in response.

"Would you not mind if I give you a company?" He asked innocently.

"Yeah why not I would like that". I said while giving a genuine smile.

We then chatted for a while. He told me about his and Vaughn's friendship and some of their school time memories.

He was really a nice guy. And also has a nice sense of humor.

"First when I came to know about Vaughn's marraige, I thought he was going to marry some rude,greedy or sluttiest super model. But when I came to know about you I was surprised that you are not in any of this category. I am really happy for him" He said with sincerity.

I just smiled back. After sometime the music began and everyone gathered on the the dance floor and danced with their partners.

"Would you care to dance with me Miss Lawrence?" Alex asked politely. I was about to reply when my gaze fell on the only person who has put me in this commitment, none other Vaughn and that also dancing with another girl.

I could feel the anger rising again with some other emotion which I didn't quite understand, after seeing that the girl dancing with him was none other than, Veronica.

She looked in my direction and gave me an evil victorious smirk. And my happy mood turned back to the sad one.

*****

.

***********