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"I did something." Diya plopped down on the kitchen island, shoving a cookie in her mouth, I sighed before tossing the veggies aside and focusing my glare of discontent on her.

"Pray tell what you did this time?"

She excitedly trudged closer to me, her eyes twinkling with mischief, my lips etched into a frown at her behaviour." We are going clubbing-"

"No, we are not." She ignored me and continued blabbering.

"-with all the girls and David and I'll allow you to invite someone too!" She completed squealing. I glared at her for a second before responding slowly.

"I'm. Not. Going.-"

"Come on! Don't be such a party pooper!"

"-anywhere. You want to go. You go alone."

I had my doubts upon introducing her to all my friends here and I should have listened to my instincts. That was a ba-no. A horrible idea. I should have known that Diya was just too much of a disastrous company for them.

It's been a week since the incident and my bruises were mostly gone, I knew she would come up with some shitty plan promptly once I recover.

"Too bad, they will be here in an hour." She said eyeing her neatly done nails, how come I didn't notice those? Diverting my attention back to the topic I questioned sarcastically.

"They? Exactly who all are coming?"

She ignored my question and motioned towards my bedroom with her head, "I've already picked out the outfit for you deeming you would've taken a whole lot of time for that and I was going to tell you just before enough time so you can't deny."

I sighed already knowing that I've long lost the argument, well might as well get ready instead of sulking at the outcome, thinking about whom I should call to go with us I slowly entered my bedroom to see nothing but a tight sea-green short dress hurled on my bed along with accessories.

"I have a boyfriend!" I yelled while shaking my head at her choice of outfit for me, who was I trying to impress? honestly, I would have shown up in a hoodie if it wasn't for the dress code and bouncers.

"Yes, A shitty one at that!" She heard me.

I thought of Aiden and automatically a grin stretched on my lips, what a wholesome company to have, dialling his number I waited for him to receive.

"Yep, mon beau. What do I owe to have the honour of this call?" I chuckled a bit at my French nickname, definitely expecting this type of reply from him.

"We're going to the club. Do you wanna come along?" I asked sheepishly, feeling like a teenage girl all over again, he is just two years older than me and I like his company a lot, I might also have a mild crush on him. Might.

"Is Xavier going to be there?" My mood instantly soured at his mention, yep, we're still on no talking business.

"No. Is there any problem?" I asked grumpily.

"No, it's perfect! He won't be there when I'll sweep you off your feet and steal you away!" I laughed at him resulting in a sprinting Diya to barge into my room.

"Okay then be here in an hour, I'll be ready to run away with you!" I reclined the call and turned to a very curious Diya.

"A friend." I literally dashed to the bathroom barely avoiding getting caught, slamming the door on her face and panting heavily, my back resting on the door feeling the continued banging.

Huffing the last time I took a quick shower, sometimes along, the banging stopped making me sigh in relief, that only means she gave up. I shaved where it was needed before cleansing my hair and body. Once I was done I dried myself off, securing the towel around me and exiting the bathroom.

The room was deserted, not a single sign of Diya anywhere. Shrugging subconsciously I dressed in her chosen dress cause I plan to live a little longer. It smoothly hanged up to my upper thighs, showing off my blessed bust and legs. Was I feeling myself? Yes. Was I going to admit that to her? Absolutely No.

I quickly settled my hairs in a wavy texture, did smokey eyes with blood-red lipstick, puckering my lips. Finally slipping into the matching Louis Vuitton that she left while I was showering.

Diya was already dressed in her black Chanel backless dress by the time I entered the living room, she glanced up from her phone, grinning at her choice of outfit. In sync, the doorbell dinged making both of us leave and switch the lights off. I opened the front door to see every single one of them waiting there, grinning like Cheshire cats.

Samantha was dressed in a black Versace dress, her hands resting on Ruby's waist possessively who was wearing a silver two-piece, both of their outfits fitting each other's like puzzles.

Then there was Ann in a stunning burgundy dress, her shoulder-length blonde hairs styled in a hot mess, not so innocent anymore, I smirked at her causing a dark blush to contour her face. Nope still very innocent.

Then there was David dressed in a black V neck along with dark navy blue jeans, his neck tattoo was peeking out and his bulging muscles were more prominent in casuals. Catherine was already in full mode chattering with Diya, She was dressed in a satin red dress looking hot as hell her red hairs flowing on her back carelessly.

She turned to me in time and enveloped me in a bear hug squealing." We're going to have so much fun!"

I glanced at Diya to see a smirk plastered on her face." That we will." I replied already knowing that devilish smirk.

We all greeted each other before sauntering our way to the elevator, once all of us was inside I pressed the ground floor button but it started indicating overweight, for a second everyone glanced at each other, someone has to get off, And I'm certainly not getting out, everyone went silent.

"Diya," I said softly.

"Hmm?"

"Get out."

There it was again. Silence.

"How about No?" She replied after thinking for a while, elevator continued to indicate overweight.

"How about I send everyone back home and then you and I can have a decent talk?"

"You wouldn't dare!" She twirled to me in disbelief making me turn to her.

"Try me." She gaped at me just to make sure if I was serious and I was, dead.

"Alright! But you'll better wait for me downstairs!" She yelled frustratingly, stomping her way out of the elevator, Samantha trying to stifle her laugh beside me.

The elevator's doors closed in her face and started descending, Samantha was making all of us crack up at her lame jokes, I was so lucky to meet such wonderful people in such a small spear of time.

When we got off and went out of the entrance, Aiden was already waiting there, casually leaning on his car. Sunglasses margining his eyes, he was dressed up in a casual fit, overall looking handsome as hell.

I rushed to him like a child running to candies, all giddy.

"Hey!" I squealed to get his attention. He diverted his gaze from his phone and focused it on me, a playful smirk crowning his lips.

"Hey, mon beau!" He kissed my cheek, his hands gently resting on my hairs, he moved on to greet everyone else, shaking hands and hugging in greetings, in queue Diya came out while ransacking her clutch, a frown etched on her face.

I felt a tug on my arm drawing my attention to the person responsible, Aiden stood beside me, his eyes literally shining, focused on something or rather someone.

"Who is she?" His voice came out all airy.

Just in time, Diya pulled the keys out of her clutch, flicking her hairs over her shoulder, I bet. I repeat I bet Aiden is beholding this all in slow-mo. At least that's what I can make out from his mesmerised look and hard gasp.

Rolling my eyes I slightly leaned to him.

"She's rude." it was the truth, ain't nobody can handle Diya, Aiden was too pure for her, knowingly or unknowingly she'll break him, and when she was right in front of us he did the opposite of being smart.

"Hi, Rude! I'm Aiden, nice to meet you!" He extended his hand to Diya, very much hoping of getting a decent hello whereas I facepalmed myself, of all the time he chooses this to be dumb, she eyed him for a while probably waiting for a punchline, but unfortunately, there wasn't one.

"If you're a well-wisher then kindly get in a line, sir. And you wouldn't mind if I borrow her, now, would you?" Her face straight as a stick, Aiden didn't catch up with her sarcasm but everyone else did.

Ruby ushered everyone to their cars, Ann's car was first to reverberate to life, her sleek silver 15 Lexus LC shining in the streetlight, I wasn't the only one drooling over it, before any one of us could scrutinize her, she rolled down her window and smiled."My mom is a lawyer, she gifted me this car."

Diya clapped her hand to get everyone to start functioning again, "Alright people! Let's move it!" all of us snapped out of shock and hurriedly moved to our designated cars, me and Diya together in her Porsche Panamera, Samantha and Ruby together in their Audi Q8, David and Catherine in David's Lamborghini, while Ann and Aiden both separately in their cars.

Once I was settled inside the car Diya passed me a tissue, awkwardly taking it I stared at her to explain what the hell I do with this? She rolled her eyes.

"Your lipstick is smudged."

"Oh," I responded, taking out my phone and trying to settle my lipstick.

She ignored me and ignited her car, following up Aiden and David's car, finishing off my lipstick I was just about to turn to Diya when my phone buzzed showing Aiden's incoming.

"Yes?"

"Just wanted to know where we all are headed." His playful voice came through, a smile contoured my face, placing the call on the loudspeaker I replied.

"For that information, you'll have to ask Diya." She scowled at me for a second before focusing back on the road and I as usual ignored her, Aiden was silent for a while probably coming up with one of his smooth replies.

"Alright, then Diya-"

"That's Ms Shikhawat to you." She stopped him rudely in the middle gaining an awkward clearing of the throat from him and glare from me.

"Of course, Ms shikhawat would you mind telling me where we're heading?" He asked politely, really I told you he was too nice for her, I know her like the back of my hand and she will not let any man make her lower her guard down.

"Yes, I would mind Mr Collins, cause a possible predator never gives her prey details of the attack." She countered, smirking at her twisted thought, I pinched her thigh in frustration, just one word. All she needed to tell him was the destination but her inner demon decided to give out a whole ass threat!

I got even madder when he chuckled awkwardly from another side and whisper hissed at her." Why would you that!"

"What? He's annoyingly nice and cheerful! What the f*ck is he even happy about?!" She hissed back.

"Hello?" Aiden disputed, probably thinking that the call got disconnected.

"Mr Collins, we're going to MariS. The new luxury nightclub opened half a mile away." She replied while glaring at the front and occasionally at me. I mouthed her to apologise too.

"And I was just kidding Mr Collins." She gritted out anyhow, guess that was the best apology I could take out from her. Aiden cheerful voice sounded once again genuinely complimenting her for being humorous, She rolled her eyes. Have mercy on this man lord because he's getting whipped over the wrong one.

Soon the call was ended and both of us engaged ourselves in pointless conversation, chatting about anything and everything. In middle Diya was possessed by some demon because she decided to speed out everyone else which was impressive and nerve-wracking at the same time considering we were literally in New York.

I just want to reach MariS in one piece.

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Aiden stopped his car in front of the club, in queue three more stopped behind us, everyone getting out of their cars, Diya, me and Aiden too did the same, getting out of Aiden's car while Diya continued spitting out profanities under her breath, Ann was trying to cheer her up, she was throwing a tantrum that how officer kyle was too naive.

Unfortunately, she wasn't that lucky, not even five minutes into the speeding she got herself followed by NYPD, they made us pull over while others waited for us as well only due to her childishness.

Aiden and David were out of their cars and beside ours in mere seconds, the police officer tapped on Diya's window gesturing her to lower it down, she did just that but the unexpected thing happened when the cop was none other than the one interrogating her before.

A smirk reached her lips upon seeing him."Officer Kyle! We're really destined. Don't you think?" Her hand leisurely resting on the window, I glanced at my phone to see it showing 9:32 pm already, from the corner of my eye I caught Aiden talking to another officer, I didn't pay much attention to it.

"Ma'am. Do you know why I pulled you over?" Kyle's voice brought me back into the conversation, He had a smirk of his own.

"I don't know officer kyle. You tell me." Diya retorted with the same enthusiasm, but I could see her other hand fisted in her lap, She was pissed. She knew he would intentionally try to f*ck her up and I knew too.

"For starters ma'am, you were speeding over 100, the speed limit is 60." He explained.

"Oh. So do I need to pay a fine? I'm fine with that." She replied while rummaging through her clutch taking out one of her black cards, handing it out to kyle. Mind I join very respectfully which was too odd of a move from her.

His eyes didn't even peek at her card, he purposely shoved a piece of paper in her hand before smirking at her. "I'm detaining your car for safety measures. You may leave the car now ma'am." His incognizance resulted in her snapping at him in annoyance, he ignored her, I hurriedly exited the car gesturing for Aiden to drag her out too. I don't want her to get in any more trouble. He did that exactly, dragging Diya to his car.

"We expect you to be at the police station tomorrow with your lovely attorney, Ms shikhawat." Kyle cockily spitted out at Diya gaining a middle finger from her before she was shoved into the passenger seat of Aiden's SLR McLaren Mercedes.

I climbed into the backseat of his car as well, trying to calm Diya down. She needs to get herself in control or otherwise, she'll get arrested somehow.

Anyways back to the present, everyone was trying to cheer her up and her being the drama queen pouted in anger, a smile reached my lips at her familiar response, she can be a 23-year-old baby if she wants to. We got inside the bar without any hindrance, perks of being accompanied by not one but two billionaires.

The manager himself escorted all of us to the V.I.P. section upstairs gaining thanks from all of us, the smell of booze slightly lingering around, the club was absolutely luxurious with great lightings and all, we all got comfortable beside one another on one of the round tables.

We decided to order a series of shots at first, Ann was diverting a lot of attention to us, she was beautiful no doubt but then there was Diya, sexy but intimidating, I would be surprised if any man will substantially have any balls to stir a conversation with her, and like reading my thoughts Aiden scooted closer to her and started talking with her, she scowled at first but then I heard a hearty chuckle leaving her lips, I'm seeing things. But then Aiden has abilities to incite gossiping even with a Karen and let just accept that Diya is far much better than a Karen.

Catherine was much more interested in gossiping with Ruby and Samantha, so that left me only with David, don't get me wrong, he wasn't a horrible company to have and I was more than happy to converse business with him, our vodka shots arrived pretty quickly and we all gulped them down, Ruby was cringing hard causing all of us to laugh at the absurd faces she was making, Samantha was quite enjoying the sight contemplating she made her do a double shot, we were all having a good time.

Aiden and Diya were getting along a little bit and after two more shots Ruby was full-on hyper on her high, she got drunk only after five shots of vodka, I raised my eyes at Samantha who mouthed 'lightweight' to me, about time she informed us, we all were just gossiping when Ann's whisper brought my attention to her, a look of worry was etched to her face.

"What's wrong?" I asked concerned, perhaps she was a lightweight too?

"There's a man beside the bar and he's staring and I don't mean occasional glimpses, he's literally watching you for over twenty minutes straight now." She exclaimed, her eyebrows furrowed together.

"Don't worry! I'll see who is it!" I stood from my seat, a wave of blur went through my eyes due to the vodka I just drank, it isn't like he can do anything.

"No! Don't! What if you get hurt! Take someone with you.......Aiden?" Her hands were clutching my dress, whilst she blubbered out, looking for someone to send with me, her eyes finally settling on Aiden who was busy trying to impress Diya.

"She doesn't need me and no one at that, trust me she won't be one getting hurt." His eyes were focused on Diya the whole time, who wasn't even looking at him.

"Yep, You heard him." I agreed with a little bit too confidence, making my way to the mystery man at the bar, I could feel Ann's gaze drilling holes in my back, when I was closer enough I gently placed a hand on the man's shoulders resulting in him to turn around.

I was expecting anyone to be there, maybe one of the traitors who want me dead or some pervy stalker but life seems to compile all the surprises for me.

Stephano Marino.

The first thing that came into my mind was 'Oh Shit'.

I never called him after the date!

"H-Hey." My voice was overwhelmed with his unexpected composure, I would've behaved differently if I was in his position.

"Hey...I didn't want to disturb you and your friends." He smiled at me, I didn't know how to react, was he hurt I dumped him without even informing him? Of course, he was!

"Y-You really didn't disturb us, why don't you join us?" I asked hesitantly, passing my hands through my locks which was a nervous habit of mine.