Chapter 3

: No energy for anything

There were so many people around, dancing and enjoying the party, that Lavínia barely looked at her friend. The space where she stood seemed wrapped in a cold, unwelcoming aura, pushing away even stray glances to avoid attracting her bad mood.

"Ignore her! Even if we’re her employees, today is the day we get to have fun without the grump scolding us," her friend shouted, trying to break the discomfort among the staff.

Within seconds, the music was loud, and everyone was drinking and having fun, except for Lavínia. Still, even with everyone distracted, her attempts to escape were constantly thwarted as her friend kept blocking her.

"You're not going anywhere, not before you see all the handsome men I hired from the modeling agency that produces the monthly champion lawyers' magazines."

"How can a company that makes serious magazines work with this kind of service?" Lavínia protested irritably.

"It’s a famous entertainment and modeling agency. Many of their models are hired for events. You don’t know how hard it was to select all of them." Zara remained unfazed, even as nearly ten men dressed as waiters entered. Gradually, there weren’t many clothes left to see as the girls began their games, while Lavínia stayed in the corner, observing everyone, until yet another model entered.

The girls' excitement was the same when they saw the tall, handsome man who smiled politely, trying to appear friendly, though his gaze carried a certain mystery. It was as if something about the situation bothered him, while at the same time, he scanned the room as though searching for someone. This became even clearer when all the women crowded around him, turning him into the center of attention. And just like them, he drew Lavínia’s attention, her gaze fixed on him as she read every gesture and movement.

"What are you doing?" Lavínia asked her friend when Zara approached and pulled her aside.

"Are you really going to sulk the entire time?" she reproached, dragging Lavínia to the bathroom. "You’re going to die young!" Zara suddenly shouted.

"What are you talking about? Have you lost your mind now?"

"No! It’s just that... the party is amazing, it’s a girls-only event, and you’re just sitting there with that sour-lemon face like everything’s wrong."

"And isn’t it?"

"Seriously... I threw this party for you. Think about it... Did you see those guys? Didn’t you like any of them? I’m not leaving here until you have some fun and at least dance with one of them. Especially the last one who arrived..."

"Nothing exceptional. Just a guy playing a ridiculous role. None of these men are my type," she said with conviction, leaving Zara speechless.

"What man is your type? The jerk who tormented you  and probably still does?"

"We haven’t been anything for a long time, and you know that!"

"And whose was...?" Zara started to touch on the topic accidentally but fell silent, knowing how delicate it was for Lavínia.

"Look... stop trying to help me this way. You’re just making things worse, and now you’re throwing at me men who use their looks to make money. Who knows how many women they spend nights with just for fun and cash? I can’t have a good opinion of any of them, especially the last one. Did you see how the women threw themselves at him? I’m sure he enjoys taking advantage of women for his own gain. They could be doing something more, "

"Enough!" Zara screamed, pulling at her hair. "You drive me crazy!" she declared, storming out of the bathroom, with Lavínia shrugging and following her, indifferent to her friend’s outburst.

Now with the bathroom empty, one of the stall doors opened, and the last man who had arrived appeared, holding his phone. He had been on a call before they came in and had to hang up earlier, but he had overheard the entire conversation and smiled cynically.

"Was she talking about me?" A sly grin formed on his lips, and he left the bathroom shortly after.

Lavínia returned to her corner, her vibe of discontent intact, until she glanced around and realized Zara was no longer nearby. It was her golden opportunity. Without thinking twice, she slipped away and managed to get out, finally able to breathe fresh air. She smiled triumphantly, brushing her long brown hair back with a look of determination and pride.

"Where are you going?" came her friend’s calm voice. Zara stood a few meters away near the elevator, talking to one of the models.

Lavínia froze in front of the door, cursing to herself. Then, looking around, she tried to come up with an excuse, only to spot one of the guys the same one who had been in the bathroom. He had decided to continue his phone call outside.

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