CHAPTER FIVE🥀

The warm afternoon sun filtered through the curtains of Emily’s living room, casting a cozy glow across the space.

It was a Saturday, and the luxury of sleeping in had left her feeling refreshed and at ease.

With no classes to worry about, she had spent the morning lounging around, enjoying the rare sense of relaxation.

As she was about to settle into her favorite book, a knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.

Curious, Emily set the book aside and made her way to the door. When she opened it, her face instantly lit up with surprise and excitement.

“Liam!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with joy.

Standing on the doorstep was Liam, her long-distance friend who had moved to a more efficient area in New York to focus on his music career. His familiar grin spread across his face, and seeing him there, in person, made Emily’s heart swell with happiness.

“Hey, Em!” Liam greeted her warmly, stepping forward to pull her into a quick, friendly hug. “Surprise!”

Emily laughed, stepping aside to let him in. “It’s so good to see you. I’ve missed you!” She suddenly pouted.”Why didn’t you call me the last time you came?”

Liam scratched the back of his head, a sheepish smile on his lips. “I know, I’m sorry. I meant to, but I got caught up with work later. The gigs, the studio sessions… it’s been pretty hectic.”

Emily then smiled softly as she closed the door behind him. “I get it. You’ve been busy. I’m just glad you’re here now.”

“Me too cos I’ve really missed you too” Liam replied as he made his way to the couch. He sat down on the moderate-sized sofa, sinking into its comfortable cushions with a contented sigh. “It’s been way too long since we last hung out.”

Emily joined him on the couch, her eyes bright with curiosity. “So, how’s everything going with your music? Any big news?”

Liam’s face lit up at the mention of his music, his excitement palpable. “Actually, yeah! Things have been going really well. I’ve got a few more gigs lined up, and one of my tracks is starting to get some attention online. It’s not a huge deal yet, but it’s a start.”

“That’s amazing!” Emily said, her eyes wide with excitement. “I’m so happy for you. I knew you’d make it big one day!”

“Thanks, Em,” he replied, his voice sincere. “It’s not yet huge but hearing that from you means a lot.”

They chatted for a while, catching up on everything they had missed in each other’s lives.

As they talked, Liam reached into his bag and pulled out a small, neatly wrapped gift, which he handed to Emily.

“Here,” he said with a smile. “I got you something.”

Emily blinked in surprise, taking the gift from him. “Liam, you didn’t have to get me anything!”

“I wanted to,” he insisted. His blue eyes expectant. “You’re special to me, Em. Of course, I’d get you something.”

Touched by his thoughtfulness, Emily carefully unwrapped the gift, revealing a delicate bracelet adorned with a small compass charm. The bracelet sparkled in the light, and Emily’s heart swelled with gratitude.

“Liam, it’s beautiful,” she said, her voice soft with emotion. “Thank you so much. But really, you shouldn’t have.”

“Nonsense,” Liam said with a grin. “You deserve it.”

Emily smiled and fastened the bracelet around her wrist, admiring how it caught the light. “You’re too sweet” he smiled as she gave him a tight hug.

They continued chatting, the afternoon slipping away in comfortable conversation. At one point, Emily found herself glancing at her phone more frequently.

Liam noticed and raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “What’s up with you checking the time so much. Got somewhere to be?”

Emily hesitated for a moment before responding. “Well… I’m waiting to hear from someone. I made a new friend recently, and we’ve been hanging out.”

Liam’s eyes lit up with interest. ”A new friend, huh? What’s their name?”

“Elena Ortega.” Emily replied, her tone casual.

Liam’s reaction was anything but.

His eyes widened in shock, and he let out an incredulous exclamation. “What the f*ck! You’re friends with Elena Ortega? As in ‘The’ Ortega family?”

Emily got flustered and smiled nervously, having a hint that Liam knows about the family, though she was a little curious to know just how influential the family was to get people intimidated and awestruck.

“Uh, yeah. Is it really that huge a big deal?”

Liam stared at her, still processing what she had said. “Em, the Ortega family is one of the most powerful families around. They’ve been at the top for years. Her dad’s a business tycoon, and her older brother is basically the king of the business world. He’s only 24, and he’s already outdone his father. You seriously didn’t know?”

Emily shook her head, stunned by the revelation. “Not completely. I guess she didn’t want to overwhelm me.”

“Well, consider me overwhelmed,” Liam said, shaking his head in disbelief. “How did you even meet someone like her?”

Emily recounted the story of how she and Elena had met at school and how their friendship had grown over time-also making mention of the party. Liam listened intently, still clearly amazed by the whole situation.

“You’re so lucky, Em,” Liam said when she finished. “Having someone like that as a friend… I mean, she could open so many doors for you.”

Emily smiled softly, appreciating his enthusiasm but wanting to clarify her intentions. “I’m not looking for fame or to exploit money from her, Liam. I just like hanging out with her because she’s a genuine friend. That’s all.”

Liam grinned and nudged her playfully. “Sounds like you’ve found another friend to steal you away from me.”

Emily laughed and playfully shoved him. “Of course not. No one could ever replace you.”

They shared a warm moment of laughter before Liam glanced at the time and realized he needed to get going. “Well, I should probably head out, I need get to the studio. I would really love that you enjoy yourself at that party and experience new things, you’re too into books…but hey, if you ever feel uncomfortable, just call me. I’ll come and get you, no questions asked.”

Emily stood up with him, touched by his thoughtfulness. “Thanks. I really appreciate it.”

“Anytime, Em,” he replied with a smile. He pulled her into a quick hug before heading for the door. “Take care, alright?”

“You too,” Emily said, waving as he left. As the door closed behind him, she felt a comforting warmth knowing she had such a supportive friend in Liam.

With a contented sigh, she returned to her living room, the bracelet still shimmering on her wrist.

A few minutes after Liam left, Emily’s phone buzzed. She saw Elena’s name on the screen and quickly answered.

“Hey, Elena!”

“Hey, Emily! I’m about to reach your house,” Elena’s voice came through, full of energy. “You ready for our night?”

Emily’s heart fluttered with excitement. “Almost! Just grabbing my bag.”

“Perfect! See you in a bit.”

With a smile, Emily hung up and hurried to her room. She grabbed her small overnight bag, stuffing it with just a few essentials—a change of clothes, her toothbrush, and the bracelet Liam had just given her. She had already called her mom at the shop to let her know about the sleepover. Her mom had insisted she relax and enjoy the time with her friend.

“Take a break, Emily. You deserve it” her mom had said.

Emily couldn’t help but smile at the thought of her mother.

She slung the bag over her shoulder and headed outside, just in time to see a sleek car pulling up to the curb.

It was a deep, polished black with tinted windows that gave it a formidable, almost intimidating presence. The car was different from the one Elena usually drove—it looked more stylish and powerful, as if it belonged to someone who demanded full attention wherever they went.

Elena waved from the driver’s seat, her smile brightening when she saw Emily.

Today, Elena was dressed in a stunning ensemble that matched her usual chic style: a fitted white blouse tucked into high-waisted, tailored black pants that flared slightly at the bottom. she wore black ankle boots that clicked against the pavement when she stepped out. Her hair was styled in loose waves, cascading over her shoulders, and a pair of gold hoops dangled from her ears.

As always, her right dimple showed when she smiled, adding a touch of warmth to her otherwise sophisticated look.

Emily couldn’t help but smile as she approached the car. “Elena, did you just buy a new car? Didn’t you just get one yesterday?”

Elena chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, this? I didn’t buy it. I stole it.”

Emily’s eyes widened in surprise. “You what?”

“Relax,” Elena said, still grinning. “It’s my brother’s car. He wasn’t using it today, so I decided to give it a spin. He doesn’t keep his main cars at the family house anyway, so it’s not a big deal.”

Emily raised an eyebrow, impressed but also a little daunted by the car’s aura. “It’s definitely more… formidable than what you usually drive. What’s it called?”

“It’s a Bugatti Chiron” Elena said casually, as if she was talking about a common sedan. “It’s one of the highest version, and I’ve always wanted to drive it, and since he has it, why not drive it now?” She let out a soft laugh.

Emily’s jaw dropped slightly. “That explains why it doesn’t seem like your style. It’s amazing, but it’s definitely… intense.”

Elena grinned. “Yeah, it’s a bit much, but it’s fun to drive. So, you ready for an awesome night?”

Emily nodded, her excitement bubbling up again. “Definitely!”

They both got into the car, and with a smooth purr of the engine, they zoomed off.

As they drove, the scenery around them began to change, becoming more luxurious and refined like the boutique the other day.

It felt like they had crossed into a different world altogether, with grander houses and pristine streets. The neighborhood grew more opulent with each turn, until they reached an area where even the air seemed to shimmer with wealth and exclusivity.

“Wow,” Emily whispered, gazing out the window. “This place is incredible.”

Elena smiled, glancing over at her friend. “You’ll love it here. And after we’re back, we’ll have a mini slumber party. It’s going to be so much fun.”

They continued driving until they approached a massive black gate that loomed ahead, towering over the entrance to Elena’s family estate.

Elena pressed a button inside the car, and the gate began to slide open automatically, revealing a driveway lined with lush greenery and soft lighting. The sight that met Emily’s eyes as they entered made her breath catch in her throat.

The house was far beyond anything she had imagined.

It was a modern masterpiece, with sleek lines, expansive glass walls, and a design that was both imposing and beautiful. The property itself was sprawling, with meticulously manicured lawns, a sparkling fountain in the center, and a collection of cars that looked so luxurious.

The sheer scale and elegance of it all left Emily in awe.

“Holy…is this your house?..” Emily’s voice trailed off, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Elena snickered at her reaction. “Yeah, my family house but my parents aren’t in the country yet. Come on, let’s go inside.”

Emily climbed out of the car, her feet touching the polished driveway that gleamed under the soft lights.

She couldn’t help but stare at everything—the fountain, the cars, the vastness of the estate. Elena guided her towards the main entrance, a pair of massive double doors that seemed to reach the sky.

As they entered, they were greeted by two maids who immediately acknowledged Elena with polite bows.

One of the maids glanced at Emily, her eyes flicking down to Emily’s worn-out sweater before quickly masking her surprise.

Elena noticed, though ignoring it and smoothly introduced her friend.

“This is Emily, my friend and guest for two nights.” Elena said with a warm smile.

The maids greeted Emily, one of them forcing a smile as she said, “Welcome, Miss Emily.”

Emily smiled back politely, though she could feel the slight tension in the air.

Despite the initial awkwardness, she couldn’t help but feel a thrill of excitement.

This was a world so different from her own, yet she was here, experiencing it alongside her friend.

As they walked further inside, Emily couldn’t stop herself from admiring the interior—the soaring ceilings, the modern art pieces, the luxurious furniture. It was all so far beyond what she was used to, yet it felt almost surreal that she was here.

Elena noticed her awe and gently nudged her. “Come on, let’s get settled. We’ve got a fun night ahead of us.”

Emily nodded, her excitement bubbling up again as they headed deeper into the house.

Elena led her upstairs and through the winding corridors of her expansive home, finally arriving at her private wing. The hallway leading to Elena's room was lined with elegant sconces and modern art pieces, each more impressive than the last.

As they approached the door to Elena’s bedroom, Emily could hardly contain her amazement.

“This is where I spend most of my time,” Elena said, pushing open the doors to reveal a stunning interior.

Emily’s breath caught as she stepped inside. The room was a blend of luxury and comfort, with high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a view of the sprawling gardens below.

A massive crystal chandelier hung above a king-sized bed draped in plush, velvet covers. The walls were painted a soft cream, complementing the elegant gold and navy accents throughout the room.

A cozy sitting area with a sleek marble coffee table and a large flat-screen TV filled one corner, while a walk-in closet with glass doors showcased rows of designer clothes, shoes, and handbags.

“Wow,” Emily whispered, feeling a bit out of place but utterly captivated.

Elena smiled at her reaction. “Glad you like it. Make yourself at home.”

Before Emily could respond, the doorbell chimed, and Elena glanced at her phone. “That must be the girls. Let’s go.”

They made their way back to the foyer, where three girls stood waiting. They were all strikingly beautiful, dressed in chic, casual outfits. As soon as they saw Elena, they rushed over to hug her, their voices bubbling with excitement.

“Girls, this is Emily,” Elena said, introducing her friend. “Emily, meet Gabrielle, Isabella, and Sophia.”

Gabrielle and Isabella smiled warmly, greeting Emily with friendly hellos. But Sophia, with her perfectly styled hair and flawless makeup, eyed Emily with a disdainful look. Her lips curled slightly as she spoke.

“Uh yeah. Elena, since when do you hang out with lowlifes?” Sophia’s voice was laced with arrogance.

Elena’s expression immediately darkened. “Sophia, that was uncalled for. Emily is my friend, and if you respect me, you’ll treat her with utmost respect too.”

Sophia rolled her eyes but, seeing Elena’s serious expression, she grudgingly muttered, “Sorry,” though the grimace on her face suggested she didn’t mean it.

Emily pursed her lips, feeling a pang of discomfort, but decided to let it go. She wasn’t going to let someone like Sophia ruin her night.

After they had settled down talked for awhile about work, lastest fashion and other things, time had past.

As the clock struck 8 PM, Elena clapped her hands. “Alright, ladies, it’s time to get dressed! Tonight’s going to be amazing.”

They all pulled out their outfits for the night to change.

Emily found herself standing in front of a full-length mirror, stunned by the transformation after putting on the black dress. The dress Elena had gotten her was breathtaking.

it fitted perfectly highlighting her figure she never thought she had due to wearing so much sweaters and jeans.

The half over shoulder neckline was tasteful yet flattering, and the fabric flowed down to the floor coupled with the slit showcasing her creamy thighs, making her look almost ethereal.

Her hair, usually in a simple ponytail, was now styled in loose waves that framed her face, and the subtle makeup Elena had applied brought out her beautiful brown Bambi eyes.

Emily barely recognized herself. “wow..”

“You look absolutely stunning,” Elena said, beaming as she walked in, dressed in the sleek, dark red gown she bought that exuded sophistication. Gabrielle, in a striking silver short dress, joined them and nodded in agreement.

“You look incredible, Emily. Gosh you have such an hourglass figure.” Gabrielle added, giving her an approving smile.

Emily blushed, feeling a surge of confidence she hadn’t felt in years. “Thanks you for the compliment.” Gabrielle smiled invitingly.

Sophia, checking her phone, looked up and asked expectantly “Elena, I heard Alejandro’s back from his trip to Italy. When’s he going to be home?”

Elena shrugged as she adjusted her earrings. “He comes and goes when he feels like it. I never know when he’s going to show up.”

Sophia grumbled under her breath, clearly displeased. Isabella, with a smirk, chimed in, “As if Alejandro would even spare you a glance after what happened last time. He’s never even said hi to me or Gabrielle ever since we started hanging out with Elena. You’re pretty, but even you don’t stand a chance with a walking god like him. You’ve tried way too hard.”

Sophia’s eyes narrowed as she snatched up a pillow and tossed it at Isabella, who dodged it with a laugh. “Shut the f*ck up. I’ll be waiting downstairs,” Sophia said, rolling her eyes as she walked out of the room.

Once everyone was ready, they headed out to the driveway, where a sleek, black Mercedes G-Wagon awaited them.

The night was just beginning, and as Emily slid into the luxurious SUV with the other girls, she couldn’t help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

She was stepping into a world so far from her own, but for once, she felt like she belonged.

The sleek black Mercedes G-Wagon pulled up to the entrance of an exclusive club, its neon lights casting a vibrant glow across the sleek, modern facade. The valet opened the doors, and as Emily stepped out with Elena and the other girls, she couldn’t help but marvel at the scene before her.

Luxury cars lined the street, and impeccably dressed people mingled on the steps leading to the entrance, laughing and chatting as if they had no cares in the world.

The club exuded opulence, from its minimalist architecture to the understated but undeniable aura of wealth and privilege that hung in the air.

Inside, the atmosphere was electric. The music pulsed through the room, a perfect mix of deep bass and sultry beats that set the tone for the night.

The club was filled with the rich and glamorous, all dressed to impress, their every movement exuding confidence and charm. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a warm glow over the dark, polished surfaces of the interior.

As they made their way through the crowd, Emily’s phone buzzed in her hand. She glanced down to see a message from Liam.

Liam: Hey, you okay? Comfortable?

Emily smiled, touched by his concern. She quickly typed back a reply.

Emily:I’m okay. This place is incredible, Liam. I’ve never seen anything like it.

His response came almost immediately.

Liam: Good! Enjoy yourself, but make sure to stay away from any guys, okay?

Emily laughed softly, shaking her head as she replied.

Emily: Don’t worry, I don’t even mingle with guys. 😄

Sliding her phone back into her bag, she took a deep breath and allowed herself to soak in the atmosphere.

The party was unlike anything she had ever experienced. The music, the lights, the laughter—it all felt surreal. For the first time in her life, Emily let go of her inhibitions and allowed herself to have fun, fully embracing the moment.

She danced with the girls, feeling the music pulse through her veins, and for the first time, she felt truly free.

As Emily swayed to the music, she accidentally bumped into a woman who was passing by. The woman, dressed in a tight, glittering dress that shimmered under the club lights, turned around sharply. Her eyes, already narrowed in irritation, locked onto Emily.

“Watch it!” the woman snapped, her voice cutting through the music like a blade. “Oh wow, aren’t you the lowlife Sophia was talking about?” she added, her gaze raking over her disdainfully.

Emily’s eyes widened in surprise, her stomach twisting in knots. She hadn’t expected such hostility, and the woman’s words stung.

“I—I’m sorry,” Emily stammered, trying to step back and put some distance between them. But the woman wasn’t done.

“You shouldn’t even be here,” the woman sneered. “Don’t come anywhere near me, not to talk about touching me. I don’t associate with people like you.”

Emily felt her face flush with a mix of embarrassment and hurt. The woman’s words cut deep, and she suddenly felt very small in the bustling crowd.

Just as she opened her mouth to apologize again, Elena appeared beside her, her expression hardening as she took in the scene.

“Is there a problem here?” Elena’s voice was cool, but there was a sharp edge to it that demanded attention.

The woman glanced at Elena, her irritation faltering slightly when she recognized who she was speaking to. “This girl—” she began, but Elena cut her off.

“This girl is with me,” Elena said firmly, her eyes blazing with an intensity that made the woman hesitate. “And if you have a problem with her, you have a problem with me.”

The woman blinked, clearly taken aback by Elena’s fierce protectiveness. Of course, this was Elena Ortega and she didn’t want to get on her bad side.

“Look, I didn’t mean anything by it” the woman muttered, suddenly looking for an escape from the confrontation. “Just… forget it.”

“Good.” Elena replied, her voice dripping with finality.

The woman quickly turned and disappeared into the crowd, her earlier bravado completely gone. Elena watched her go, then turned to Emily, her expression softening into concern.

“Are you okay?” Elena asked, placing a comforting hand on Emily’s arm.

Emily nodded, though she was still shaken. “Yeah, I’m fine. Thank you, Elena.”

“Don’t mention it,” Elena said, giving her a reassuring smile. “People like her aren’t worth your time.”

Gabrielle and Isabella, who had witnessed the scene from a few steps away, joined them, offering supportive smiles and light-hearted comments to lift Emily’s spirits.

“See, this is why you always have to have Elena on your side,” Gabrielle joked, nudging Emily playfully. “She doesn’t let anyone mess with her friends.”

Emily smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her at their words. The sting of the woman’s insults began to fade as she realized she wasn’t alone.

As the night wore on, with Elena reprimanding Sophia for what she had said about Emily to people, whose mood dampened even more because of this so called Emily Moore, Elena approached her with a glass in hand.

“Here, I want you to try this. It tastes good.” Elena said, smiling as she handed Emily the drink.

Emily hesitated for a moment, the nerves bubbling up, but one look at Elena’s reassuring smile made her push the doubt aside. “Are you sure?” she asked.

“Trust me, you’ll like it,” Elena replied, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

With a nervous smile, Emily took the glass and downed the drink in one go. Almost immediately, Elena’s eyes widened in panic.

“Emily! You shouldn’t have taken that much, it’s diva vodka. it’s pretty strong,” Elena exclaimed, grabbing Emily’s arm.

Emily blinked, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment. “Oh no, I’m sorry! I didn’t realize…”

Elena quickly handed her a glass of water. “Here, drink some water. It’ll help.”

Emily gratefully took the water, sipping it slowly as she tried to calm her racing heart.

But soon, the drink began to take effect. Gradually, the nerves that had been holding her back all night melted away, replaced by a newfound boldness she had never felt before.

The music seemed to pulse through her more intensely, and the crowd around her blurred into a rainbow of colors and sounds. Suddenly, she felt lighter, freer—like she could do anything.

“Come on, let’s dance!” Elena urged, pulling Emily onto the dance floor again with the others.

Emily didn’t need any more encouragement. She let go, moving to the music with a confidence that surprised even her.

She laughed and spun, her worries forgotten as she danced like no one was watching. The night became a blur of lights, laughter, and music.

Nearby, Sofia had found a guy to dance with, and it was clear she was far more than tipsy.

Her movements were sensual and uninhibited as she danced seductively with him, their bodies swaying together in sync with the music. She was lost in her own world, clearly enjoying the attention, but the alcohol had also loosened her tongue and her behavior.

Elena, ever the picture of elegance, danced gracefully with her friends, her moves precise and sophisticated. She smiled warmly at Emily, pleased to see her friend finally letting loose and enjoying herself.

Emily was on cloud nine, the euphoria of the night washing over her in waves. She had never felt this carefree, this alive. The music, the laughter, the sense of belonging—it was all so overwhelming, but in the best way possible.

For once, she wasn’t the quiet, shy girl standing on the sidelines. She was part of something, and it felt incredible.

As the night continued, Emily couldn’t help but feel grateful.

Grateful that she had met Elena, grateful that she had taken this chance to experience something new, something exciting.

Maybe this was the way God wanted her to feel free—to step out of her comfort zone and truly live.

…To be Continued

Authoress Cass🤍