Blinking as she felt someone’s arms wrap around her shoulders, it took Mikaela a moment to register the presence of Hayden Choi. The man was one of her oldest friends from when she’d first landed a role on the small screen, and he’d been a wealth of wisdom and friendly support, with additional teasing and pranks to boot. He was honestly like her older brother in the industry and she would probably have left a long time ago if it hadn’t been for his loyalty and support. The critics could be harsh, and she’d always had her insecurities, even as a young girl.

In spite of their close friendship, Mikaela felt nothing but discomfort with his arms around her, her mind wandering to an alley on a dark night.

Letting out a few calming breaths, she mentally reiterated to herself that it was not Andreas who was near her, but her childhood friend who’d always been there for her. She couldn’t smell any alcohol and they were in a readily accessible foyer of the hotel in which she was staying with Yvette.

More importantly, everything was well lit and other than his arms around her, she had every opportunity to find safety.

Focusing on her breathing, Mikaela didn’t register the man withdrawing his arm from her before she saw Yvette beam at him, tackling Hayden in a hug of her own. In spite of their short-lived prank to avoid him, the duo had both missed the man.

By the time Mikaela had somewhat calmed her nerves, she found herself feeling increasingly annoyed at him. She’d wanted to continue her windup for as long as possible, and he’d snuck up on her when she was preoccupied.

Taking a leaf from Lynn’s book, Mikaela tried, and failed, to step towards him with an angry snarl, ‘Hayden Choi, if you ever pull another prank like that, I’ll pummel you into the ground! How dare you give me air for my birthday!’

The man ran a hand through his scruffy, bleached blond hair as he appraised her. He scratched the black stubble on his chin before he let out a cheeky chuckle, his dark brown eyes meeting hers as he sent her a familiar cheeky grin. He withdrew his arm slightly from his embrace with the petite blonde before responding, ‘Mikaela, being angry doesn’t suit you. You’re not Lynn.’

‘You can say that again, Hayden. No one ever compares to her, do they?’ Yvette teased with a subtle nudge to the blond-haired man as another figure entered the room, his mahogany hair styled to appear messy, a small smirk ordaining his face.

The newcomer’s posture was confident, his walk a casual saunter, and the mere sight of him reduced Elyse to a cheering heap. There was an arrogance in his movements, his disinterested gaze sweeping around the room, his hands in his pocket as though he was modelling the look.

Hearing her friend’s strangled cry, Mikaela tore her attention away from the man to Elyse, whose eyes were glued on the stranger, the smallest of smiles playing on her lips.

Instinctively, Mikaela glanced back at the man, who barely even glanced at Elyse.

Something about the attractive stranger was familiar to her, and Mikaela frowned, wondering if she should know him from somewhere. He had an air of familiarity, his dark eyes focusing on their little group as he walked towards them in confident, controlled movements.

Even though she’d spent most of her childhood surrounded by influential and powerful people, Mikaela had the strangest urge to introduce herself to him, but reeled it in. She wasn’t ready for anything, not after Andreas. If she hadn’t been able to trust someone who she’d worked so closely with, how could she trust a stranger?

Rather than give it another thought, she turned her attention back to the very flushed Elyse, who looked more star struck than Mikaela had seen her in quite some time.

‘Will, I thought you’d be the friend Hayden mentioned in his letter. It’s so good to see you without Ryan for once,’ Yvette beamed, surprising the brunette before walking up to the figure and kissing his cheeks, wrapping her elegant arms around his neck as he wrapped his arms around her torso, revealing a muscled arm.

Seeing this, Mikaela arched an eyebrow as she noticed the way Yvette’s embrace lasted a bit longer than necessary. Sure, the man was good looking, with his even skin tone, dark eyes that almost seemed black and his groomed beard, but something about him, with his leather necklace and tight-fitting shirt, put her thoughts on edge.

Whilst he didn’t look like Andreas, even Mikaela could see that his arrogant persona oozed the same energy as the man who’d hurt her. What was Hayden doing with this guy when he’d warned Mikaela about Andreas?

Looking at him, Mikaela gulped. His demeanour made her think of him as an Andreas replica.

At least she knew that Yvette would keep him away from her if it was necessary. The woman could usually tell when Mikaela felt uncomfortable with others, and that was something Mikaela felt extremely grateful for. Especially, when the woman herself took out her own insecurities by attracting the attention of every single male possible. Yes, the duo were very unlikely friends given their contrasting coping mechanisms, but Mikaela loved Yvette and their friendship all the same.

Hearing Elyse’s breath hitch, Mikaela glanced from the young woman to the stranger. Elyse’s intense interest in the man did nothing to ease her suspicions. After all, Elyse might have an unhealthy obsession with Andreas, but the woman was still well known for admiring many different men, and not always for the right reasons.

No, if Mikaela had her way, she’d have nothing to do with the stranger. However, judging by Hayden’s giant grin and Yvette’s intimate hug, they both seemed more than pleased for him to be there. For her, that meant that leaving now was probably not an option.

Smoothing out the irritation from her face, Mikaela reluctantly resigned herself to having to meet the man. Though, after the fuss Elyse was making, she couldn’t even pretend to hide her reluctance.

Apparently sensing her thoughts, the man glanced past Yvette and winked at her, Elyse and Hayden, his lips pulled in a lopsided smile.

Oh yes, he was definitely confident, and that was enough to make Mikaela want to run back to her room.

‘Hayden, so this is the sly little fox that’s been having you on for days? No wonder you were so adamant to get to her, she’s cute. Lynn is going to be very jealous when she finds out,’ William teased Hayden, his voice deep and confident as he glanced at Mikaela from head to foot and up again, not even bothering to hide his obvious admiration of her physique.

The brunette internally regretted her choice of attire that day. Fitted jeans with a loose fitted shirt, tucked in at the front at Yvette’s insistence. On a normal day, it was casual enough not to attract any attention, but it definitely showed enough of her figure to apparently draw this man’s attention.

Noticing his over-confident stance, Mikaela had only ever met one other person who was that self-assured, and she couldn’t help but scowl at his words. Of all the analogies he’d chosen, it was a fox? Sure, they were cunning, but for a woman, it was not usually a metaphor associated with high praise.

All she’d wanted was to teach Hayden a little lesson for neglecting to give her a real present, especially after sending her on a wild goose chase on her birthday. She didn’t care for this man’s crude judgment of her, and she certainly wasn’t an animal.

‘Hey, what’s that meant to mean?! Hayden, where is my present?’ Mikaela glowered from one man to the other as Yvette giggled at her friend, apparently finding her behaviour amusingly predictable.

Elyse, on the other hand, looked thoroughly confused and disgruntled about being ignored. It wasn’t treatment the high-maintenance woman was used to, especially when Mikaela was in her presence. The woman was usually courteous, introducing everyone so no one was left out, though her current frame of mind was far from being polite.

‘Mikaela, you know William Park?’ Elyse gasped, her voice filled with hurt, probably at the notion of her close friend holding out on her.

If Mikaela had been in a better mood, she would have rolled her eyes and laughed it off, however the young brunette was not feeling particularly friendly after her revenge on Hayden for his air package was cut short, and the stranger in her presence did nothing to improve her mood.

Firstly, Hayden still hadn’t apologised for sending her on a wild goose chase for bubble wrap. Sure, she loved popping the plastic, but it wasn’t worth hunting around in a tiny park for. Secondly, William was ogling her like she was a new species of woman and thirdly, she really didn’t think Elyse was entitled to know every male acquaintance she may or may not have. After all, the woman was far from one of her closest friends.

‘No, I don’t know him and I don’t care to know him either with that attitude. Who is he to call me a fox? Hayden, answer me!’ Mikaela glared from one friend to the next, not seeing the stunned expression which filled her newest acquaintance’s face.

‘Don’t worry, Mikaela, I’ve got it here somewhere, let me look,’ Hayden murmured before rummaging in his backpack, pulling it out to face the group.

Seeing some old socks and a worn jumper being rummaged around, Mikaela wasn’t too sure she wanted to know what he’d got her. She was almost certain that he’d never shove a present for Lynn in his bag like that, but then, she and Yvette had always felt like family to the man, and it clearly came at some cost.

‘Here we go, got it! Mikaela, this one is yours and Yvette, this one belongs to you,’ Hayden beamed as he handed both women a velvet box.

Seeing his expression brightening as Yvette chuckled in an expectant manner, Mikaela couldn’t help but smile herself. She loved seeing others be happy more than anything, and she knew Yvette was happy gaining a present.

Blinking, Mikaela looked at the miniscule box, her eyes narrowed in suspicion.

Would Hayden be pranking her even now? The boxes looked relatively expensive, but Mikaela couldn’t shake her suspicion.

Seeing the man grin at her, she hesitantly opened the box.

In a flash of white packaging, Mikaela’s eyes sought to identify the shape which was forming before her eyes. Blinking, Mikaela realised that an expensive looking, silver bangle was resting in the box, its silver colour shining against the light. On it she could make out blue and white opals, forming an intricate floral design.

She’d been keeping tabs on similar items to this for years. Had Hayden actually noticed in all the years they’d worked together?

‘Wow, it’s beautiful! Hayden, you went all out!’ Yvette beamed upon seeing it, her voice slightly jealous as the brunette tried it on hesitantly, the silver bangle standing out on her arm.

‘Mikaela, you’re so lucky, it’s so pretty!’ Elyse grinned as well, though Mikaela’s eyes were intent on her newly acquired piece of jewellery. There was no denying it was exquisite and expensive, and she had no idea where she’d wear it to.

She’d never been able to justify the price tag on items like this, not on herself, anyway.

‘It’s a classic piece,’ William mused, his onyx eyes intent on Mikaela, though she was oblivious to his attention, smiling eagerly at Hayden as he shyly surveyed their surroundings, apparently uncertain as to how to react.

Realising that there were no paparazzi there to kindle rumours about any alleged relations, the young woman found herself incapable of holding back an excited squeak.

‘Hayden you’re the best! I can’t believe it. You know how long I’ve wanted a bangle like this one! I love you so much!’ Mikaela grinned, tackling the older man in a hug, barely registering as he flailed his arms slightly before wrapping them gently around her torso.

She was far too happy to care about the contact, let alone flinch as she was starting to do. All that mattered was that one of her closest friends was there for her, putting a smile back onto her face.

Seeing this, William whistled from behind them, ‘Lynn is definitely going to kill you.’

‘Why?’ The fellow child star questioned as Mikaela extrapolated herself from his arms to inspect her newly attained bangle, finding delicate leaves embedded in the item’s design. She was so engrossed that she did not see Yvette open an onyx ring nearby, Elyse beaming at it with only a hint of jealousy.

‘Wow, it’s onyx! Hayden, you really are the best!’ Yvette beamed before crushing him in a tighter hug.

Behind the two, William subtly coughed, ‘Lynn!’

He seemed oblivious to Elyse as she tried to instigate a conversation with him, her actions more timid than her usual persona. Rather than respond to her, though, he smirked as Yvette’s eager gratitude pushed both herself and Hayden on the ground in a heap, with her almost straddling the man.

‘William, ‎we’re both friends with Lynn. Besides, everyone knows what’s going on between those two. It’s not our fault they’re both too stubborn and immature to admit it,’ Mikaela rolled her eyes as Elyse glared from one woman to the next, clearly resenting William Park lavishing attention on them instead of herself.

Rather than include the woman, Mikaela did not respond to Elyse's glares. In the past, she would have immediately made an attempt to acquiesce her friend, but Mikaela was preoccupied with defending not just her reputation, but Yvette’s. She had no idea who William Park was and, frankly, she wanted to keep it that way.

However, that didn’t give her the luxury of disregarding his opinion of her, not in the world of show business.

‘So, you know how angry she gets at him and you still pull stunts like this? Are you all gluttons for punishment or what?’ The man began, before an amused glint entered his eyes that almost made Mikaela take a nervous step back.

On Andreas, that look often spelled trouble for her later.

‘I never picked you for the s and m type,’ William chuckled, his eyes filled with disbelief as he stared at Hayden, who was now sitting on the floor with Yvette, a respectable distance from each other.

Inspecting William, Mikaela tried to understand who he was to her friends. He didn’t seem surprised by Yvette, who was shooting out words in a spitfire that would have impressed any underground rapper. That, at least, meant that he knew Yvette well enough to know how she was when she was excited about something.

Meanwhile, as Yvette rattled off words, the blond man sat next to her, listening with apt attention and mild confusion, and Mikaela had to question if he was actually keeping up with Yvette’s thoughts. Again, William seemed unsurprised by the duo’s interaction, which surprised Mikaela.

If he was that close to some of her closest friends, why hadn’t she met him yet? If he was making comments about Lynn, it meant that he was friends with the woman, too. Once again, Mikaela realised she had to prevent any misunderstanding, especially for Lynn.

‘I wouldn’t be going on about that. Lynn trusts us both not to go behind her back like that, and we all know just how thick he can be. I’d say that the only person who doesn’t know what’s going on is Hayden,’ Mikaela shrugged slightly, turning her attention to her two friends on the ground, Yvette grinning a little too eagerly at Hayden, though Hayden didn’t appear to notice it.

Glancing at her tall companion, there was no doubt in Mikaela’s mind that William was trouble. He may be attractive, but the jokes he was making and the things he was implying reiterated just what kind of a man he was—the kind she had no room for in her life. Not any more, anyway.

She was making a serious change in her career, and she needed to be smarter now than she had been. Being around William was going to bring her a lot of pain and trigger a lot of bad memories for her unless she was much more careful, and wiser than she had been in the past.

‎‘Mikaela, are you sure you should be talking? Isn’t this a bit too much like the pot calling the kettle black?’ Elyse scowled at the young woman, who frowned at her in confusion.

What would Elyse know about Lynn?

The two women were rarely on the same page when it came to men, and it was a fact that Mikaela pretended to be blissfully ignorant about. After all, she had never really dedicated the same fervour to studying the male species as her friend had, and Mikaela had seen the way Elyse had flirted with Andreas.

She’d always turned a blind eye when it happened simply because she didn’t want to put her friend in an awkward situation, but it had definitely hurt seeing her friend choose Andreas over their friendship. After all, Elyse had known about Mikaela’s feelings for Andreas from the very beginning.

‘What are you talking about?’ Mikaela frowned with genuine confusion as William’s intrigued eyes flickered from one woman to the next.

Watching the disgusted curl to Elyse’s lips, and the scrunch of her nose, Mikaela inadvertently took a step back. She didn’t want a fight.

From the corner of her eye, she could see William’s body shift, focusing his entire attention on them. If he was anything like Andreas, he’d enjoy the idea of Mikaela and Elyse fighting, though Mikaela just stared at her younger friend in disbelief.

What had gotten into Elyse for her to be saying these things?