ALINA’S POV

    “Hey.. I changed my mind. I need to get wasted tonight.” I said the moment the call connected.

    “Atta, girl!” Talia cheered over the phone. “What made you change your mind so quickly?” She asked curiously.

    “I’ll exin everything when we see. You wouldn’t believe the day I just had.” I told her, running a tired hand down my face as the weight of the day pressed heavily on my shoulders.

    “Alright then, I’ll see you in a couple of hours. Let me quickly finish up with my work.” She said.

    After the call ended, I tried to concentrate on designing, but my head was all over the ce. I couldn’t bring myself to focus on anything.

    I thought about doing a quick round to see how work was progressing in the store, especially in the factory area where production took ce, but Mia walked in just as I stood up.

    “Heading out, ma’am?” She asked. !--

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    “I want to check how things are going in the factory,” I told her. “Walk with me.”

    She fell into step beside me as we walked together.

    *Is he gone?”

    ‘Yes, ma’am.” She nodded. “Once again, ma’am, I’m sorry for this mess.”

    ‘It’s not your fault, Mia.” I assured her gently.

    ‘So what are we going to do about it?” She asked.

    I couldn’t help the subtle smile that twitched at the corner of my lips. I loved how she said we, including herself in the situation. Mia was a true team yer, and I was really d to have her in my corner.

    ‘Honestly… I don’t know.” I told her sincerely. “I’ll think of something. But for now, I don’t want to think about it.”

    ‘Okay, ma’am.” She responded with understanding.

    The rest of the round was done in silence, apart from the asional greetings or instructions I had to give.

    The hours swung by fast, and by the time I was done with my round, it was already time for the reunion.

    Talia was already waiting in the car with Jordan. I just had to grab my bag to join them.

    ‘Please make sure Olivia’s dress is sent to her today, she’s using it tomorrow morning.” I told Mia as I approached.

    “It’s already packed, ma’am. Just waiting for the delivery driver toe.” She assured me.

    “Alright then. I’ll see you at home. You can leave early.” I said before walking into the elevator.

    I couldn’t wait to have some alcohol in my system. I usually wasn’t a big drinker, but heaven knows, I really needed it today.

    “Have I told you how nice you look?” Talia said as Jordan parked in front of The Ivory Room.

    It was a two-story building, and the name was boldly disyed in fine cursive lighting at the top. “No, you haven’t. But thanks.” I smiled, flicking my hair yfully before stepping out of the car.

    I was wearing ck wide-leg pants, a leather sleeveless corset top, and a matching leather jacket that stopped mid-thigh. The pants were long enough to cover the ck wedge heels I was wearing.

    It was the outfit I had chosen for work today, and I was d I did, because I looked like a boss chic. Pretty badass, if you ask olli/li/ol

    Talia was dressed in denim cargo pants, a white crop top, and a matching denim jacket. She had on the cutest ankle boot heels.

    We both looked great, I must say.

    “You look stunning too, baby.” Iplimented her with a smile as we both walked into the building.

    “Reservation under the name ss of 2023.” Talia said to a waiter who approached us.

    “It’s right upstairs, ma’am. Private Room B.” He directed us.

    “Uhm, Jordan, you can go do whatever, and I’ll call you when we’re done. Or you can just hang around and order whatever, I’ll take care of it.” I suggested.

    “I’d rather hang around, ma’am.” Jordan said, nodding toward the bar on the ground floor.

    Of course. I held back a snort at his choice.

    “Alright then, here.” I took out a bank card and handed it to him.

    “That won’t be necessary, ma’am. I can handle it.” He said, shoving the card gently back into my hand.

    Narrowing my eyes at him, I turned and handed the card over to the waiter who was still standing beside us.

    “Use this for whatever he orders.” My tone was firm.

    “Will do, ma’am.” The waiter was more than happy to take it, his eyes practically sparkling at the sight of the ck card.

    “Let’s go.” I said, grabbing Talia’s hand as we both made our way upstairs.

    We reached the door that read Private Room B and gently pushed it open.

    My smile instantly faded at the first face I saw.

    Was the universe ying some kind of sick joke on me?

    “Are you fucking kidding me?” I muttered under my breath.

    “I swear I had no idea he wasing. He said he wasn’ting!” Talia rushed out, her voice low and slightly panicked.

    “Then why the fuck is he here?” I whisper-yelled, all the excitement I’d managed to muster during the car ride draining from me in an instant.

    “I don’t know. We can leave, we’ll just go do something, just the two of us.” She suggested quickly.

    Honestly, I loved her idea.

    We turned to leave, but it was already toote.

    We had been spotted.

    “Is that Alina I see?” Evans, our ss president and the organizer of the reunion, spoke up, making all heads turn toward the door.

    “Damn it.” Talia muttered under her breath in annoyance.