Caroline is sitting at a booth in the small diner on her own. Her gaze is fixed on the small portion of chicken and waffles she ordered along with a strawberry milkshake. Although she doesn't feel like eating, she has to. And, since she hasn't been there for years, she thinks that paying it a visit is a good thing.

As she hears her stomach grumble, however, she decides that eating can't wait anymore. She picks her fork and knife and starts digging them in the perfectly roasted chicken legs; then, after tasting their delicious meat, she moves on with a piece of waffle and a mouthful of peas. She goes on until she's fully satisfied.

Just when she's sucking her milkshake through a pink plastic straw, she hears a noise of footsteps. Believing that someone is after her, she quickly finishes her meal and heads to the counter to pay. Still, she can't shake that feeling that something is going wrong; this is why, after she's done with payment, she rushes out of the diner without turning back.

She disappears in the night, heading towards an unclear direction, and with the set goal of not going back home until her head is cleared of all negativity.

Back in the diner, Jack is there, snickering all alone. This time, his girlfriend, Evangeline, isn't with him. He needs some space for himself, or this is what he thinks. He pulls a packet of cigarettes out of his pocket and is about to light one, when he's met with a frown. The lady at the counter doesn't seem really impressed by his action, yet he doesn't seem to care.

Not wanting to piss anyone off, he heads out, lights his cigarette and starts sucking the smoke. He needs to find ways to have fun on his own, his way, without his girlfriend around. But how can he get rid of her? He must come up with a plan quickly before she starts considering marriage and family in their future—that is, if they have one together.

***

Treasa and Rienna can't get off of each other even if they want to. The attraction between the two of them is magnetic, powerful, even dangerous. Caroline could be back home at any time and wouldn't like to see her sister tangled to the woman she dislikes the most. Love often comes with a price, they say.

And Treasa is absolutely willing to pay that price in its entirety if it means that she gets to stay with the woman who makes her happy.

This magic moment, though seemingly endless, is almost over. Better say, something put a period in it. And, no, it's not either of them who's just chosen to stop.

Indeed, Rienna's phone is ringing. She leaves her girlfriend's side to reach the device and press answer. "Hello? Who is it?"

"Hi. Where are you?"

Rienna immediately recognizes the voice on the other side of the line. "Minka? Why are you calling now? It's freaking 10pm!"

Minka doesn't flinch at Rienna when she raises her voice. "I need you to do me a little favor. Do you think you can help me?"

Rienna is gradually losing her patience. There's no time for riddles, and the other girl should know this. "Okay. What's the problem?"

Minka doesn't give the answer away immediately. Instead, she just states, "Come to my place as soon as possible. I have a confession to make." As she says this, however, she hangs up, leaving Rienna even more confused than before.

Although she's tempted to ditch her, Rienna prefers taking her seriously. When it comes to a confession, she's always around to listen, whether it's something apparently silly or, on the other hand, dangerous, if not life threatening.

She takes advantage of Treasa slowly falling asleep to dress and leave the room and the house without being noticed. Hopefully, Caroline won't catch her either, unless she's already back on a short notice. Being caught isn't something she wants, especially considering that Treasa's sister is anything but forgiving.

She closes the entrance door behind her with a slow, measured movement, and leaves the valet without saying a word.

***

Jack is happy. The fact that Evangeline is out for her night job makes things even easier for him. He'll make her pay for attempting to take his freedom away from him. He can't accept her pitiful attempts to try and force him to marry her and build a family with her.

In other words, he doesn't love her.

He wants to crush her heart as much as he crushed Caroline's, so that they understand what sufferance is. He's gone through too many delusions in his life. His mother divorcing his father when he was five only to marry three more times, always bringing men with questionable morals and no interest in bonding with him. His father never bothering spending time with him and putting his (failing) military career before family.

His ex-girlfriends, Caroline and Evangeline above all, trying to force him to make promises he's sure he can't keep. Moreover, it's them who chose to take the risk of having a chance with him. If it were solely for him, he wouldn't have granted them even a one night stand, let even a relationship.

Sometimes, however, hard choices must be made; yet, he's fed up with having to pick the worst option just to please other people.

It's time that he finally finds pleasure for himself.

***

Evangeline is trying hard to resist what would be an utter nightmare if it weren't for her need to earn money. The rent is coming soon and she has to give her contribution, unless, of course, her boyfriend gets the promotion he desires so that both can be well-off. Still, it's not only a money matter. It's also a matter of dignity.

She's fed up of being labeled as a slut just because she works as a waitress at a strip club. She serves drinks, tapas and sometimes even entertains customers. Once, she took part in a strip tease and showed off her skills on the pole. Customers would reward her with good bills, recommendations and even a drink together. She likes her job, but sometimes she wonders whether it's worth it or she should change.

That is, until she notices a young girl in her early twenties entering the shabby club. She's not very tall, about five feet five, but is really pretty. Her fair hair gently falls down her shoulders to her middle back. Her blue eyes are gleaming, scanning through the room for a table.

When the girl finds one and takes a seat, Evangeline gathers the little courage she has left (it turns out that she doesn't want to strip anymore as of tonight) and approaches it. She greets, showing off her best smile. "Hello, I'm Evangeline. How can I help you?"

The other girl looks down, carefully avoiding her fake smile. "Could I have a beer, please?" she asks meekly as she runs a hand through her purse to open it. However, as she opens it, she accidentally raises her head, exposing herself to Evangeline's glance. "Oops."

"You're Caroline Minnett, right?"