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24

The small flame from my lighter ignites the end of the cigarette, which I take a long drag from before exhaling the smoke with a relaxed sigh. A tattooed hand snatches it from me, making me let out a soft laugh. Yes, we ended up in bed because we had so much tension pent up after our fight that what happened in the kitchen wasn't enough.

"Maybe what I'm about to say sounds toxic, but if this is how you solve problems with me, maybe I should piss you off more often."

Ace's comment is accompanied by that laugh I love so much, blowing smoke through his teeth exposed by his bright smile. I playfully punch him in the torso, laughing with him as I snuggle closer into his arms.

"You don't want to piss me off, so be very careful with what you do," I half-joke before turning my head to look at him. "We need to talk about what happened. Just because we relieved some tension doesn't mean the problem has gone away."

As Ace sits up slightly, I rest my head on his thigh, looking up at him as we share the cigarette. Maybe I'm still angry with him, but what we just did makes me think he's open to talking about it, maybe even apologizing. What I do know for sure is that yelling at each other without even letting each other explain our points of view isn't going to get us anywhere.

"Babe, I'm going to be completely honest with you, okay?" he says gently, caressing my cheek. "I said what I said because I meant it, though I regret the way I said it. I shouldn't have yelled at you or said things so aggressively, but I was really nervous about the idea of you putting yourself in danger so lightly. That's what made me so intense and vehement when I said it."

"Ace, I wasn't putting myself in danger. If you had let me explain everything, I would have told you that I had already participated in several races before, and I'm not exactly bad at it, as you probably saw. Besides, don't you think it's unfair that you can participate and, like you just said, put yourself in danger, but I can't do the same?"

"You won't deny that Travis is more scared of me than of you. In fact, just look at who he went after once the race started."

"Look, don't get all cocky, because if Travis came after me, it was because I was in first place, not for any other reason," I snort, taking a drag and blowing the smoke in his face. "Besides, okay, let's say that jerk is more scared of you and everything you say is true: then why did you go ballistic? Maybe if you had tried to convince me in a calmer way, I would have understood your point of view."

"But you still don't understand why I said what I said and think the way I do?"

My eyes meet his almost instantly, searching for sincerity and goodwill in them. While it's true that I don't understand his position, I need to make sure his opinion comes from a healthy place and not from toxicity. Ace looks back at me with concern on his face, showing that he really meant it for my sake. Despite this, I need to make it clear that he has no right to limit what I can or cannot do, no matter how good is the reason behind his behavior.

"I don't understand, babe. I don't understand because you can't expect me to do or not do as you say, obeying whatever order you give me. Would it have sat well with you if I had told you not to race because it was just a chance to show off and you could end up hurt?"

At my question, Ace falls silent before sighing and taking the cigarette from me. He uses the pause to finish it in one drag and extinguish it in the ashtray I have on the nightstand.

"No, it wouldn't have sat well with me. I probably would have reacted the same way you did and gotten really mad. Damn, I see that what I did wasn't right, but I was really worried. If something had happened to you... I don't know, I don't even want to think about what I would have done. Put yourself in my shoes; wouldn't you be worried if you knew someone was so determined to take me out?"

"Yes, of course I'd be worried," I admit with a sigh before smiling and raising my hands to stroke his cheeks. "How about we agree that you had a good reason with a bad attitude, and that I'll try not to be so impulsive in the future?"

"Sounds more than fair, bunny."

Hearing that affectionate nickname reserved just for me after two weeks without it makes me wrap my arms around his neck and pull his face towards mine, kissing him with all the passion and love I feel for him. I'm relieved and relaxed now that we've managed to resolve our fight in a healthy way, and I sincerely hope we don't have too many clashes like this because I hate being at odds with him.

After savoring his full lips, I pull away from him with a smile. I have a question on the tip of my tongue, and my expression clearly reflects the excitement about what I'm about to discuss with him. After all, it's been two weeks without speaking to him, so now I have a torrent of anecdotes, questions, and comments to exchange with my dear boyfriend.

"This Friday is the Christmas gala. I'm not going to force you to come if you don't want to, but... I just wanted to know if you'd be my date for that night."

"No way, I'm not going to that snooze fest dressed like a penguin. You know I'd never go to a shit like that, not even if they paid me."

His blunt and disgusted response leaves me stunned, my lips forming a small pout without me even realizing it.

"Oh, well, it's okay, I'll just go alone with..." My sad mumbling is interrupted by his soft laugh, followed by a kiss on the lips that shuts me up.

"I was joking, bunny. How could I not want to go with you? I'd even go to a dress-up princess party if I had to. Besides, I like galas. A lot of gossip starts there, and my inner gossip can't miss it. Come on, don't give me that pout."

His stupid joke makes me gently hit him on the arm, trying to seem angry, but I can't as soon as I see those dimples adorning a smile that could melt anyone. We both start laughing at the same time, me covering my face to try to avoid his gaze while he tickles me.

"Ace, s-stop!"

"How can you expect me to stop when you have the most beautiful laughter in the world?"

With a nervous sigh, I look at my reflection in the mirror, scrutinizing every single detail that might be wrong with my outfit for tonight, details only I can see. I can't help it; I'm too much of a perfectionist and always obsess over the tiniest things when I'm going out. Besides, tonight is Hayden's Christmas gala, and I want to look perfect, even more so than usual.

I've chosen a black Ralph and Russo dress with sheer panels, resembling a fabric of jewels over my skin. It leaves one of my legs exposed, adorned only by the sparkling stones that cover it completely. It's sleeveless and corseted, accentuating my figure in a way I love. I've paired it with an elegant necklace featuring three stones set in a silver chain, matching earrings, and simple black Louboutin heels. I've straightened my hair and tied it back into a long ponytail that almost reaches my lower back. I've opted for a dark yet simple makeup look to highlight my green eyes and lips painted in a deep crimson.

I take one last look at my reflection, adjusting my dress before grabbing my clutch and coat. As if spying on me through cameras installed in my home, the sound of my doorbell rings just as I step into the living room. My heart skips a beat even though I know it's Ace, nervous about his reaction to seeing me. I feel like a teenager on prom night, worried about something as trivial as my boyfriend seeing me dressed up, but I can't help it. It's been a long time since I felt butterflies fluttering uncontrollably in my stomach, and I have to admit it's not an unpleasant feeling at all. I'm also nervous about seeing him, as he's told me he's going to wear a suit with a tie and everything, which I wasn't expecting at all from Ace. I'm dying to see how handsome he looks dressed so elegantly.

With one last sigh to try to calm my nerves, I grab the door handle and open it, revealing my dazzling boyfriend.

"Holy shit," I blurt out without any filter.

Ace stands before me in a gorgeous black and gold suit. He's straightened his unruly curls, now slicked back with a single rebellious strand falling over his forehead, making him look even more attractive. When I manage to tear my eyes away from his beautiful face, I notice that the gold details on his jacket are actually Chinese dragons like the one he has tattooed on his back, which only makes it more beautiful. I've never seen him look so stunning.

"Holy shit? You're the one saying holy shit?" he asks, pulling me out of my trance as his eyes travel over my entire body. "I'm the one who should be saying holy shit, have you seen yourself? You look like a fucking sculpture that came to life and escaped from a museum. I've always thought you were too beautiful to be real, but now I'm convinced it's impossible. You must be an angel sent by God himself."

The shower of compliments he throws at my appearance makes me blush almost immediately, a giggle escaping my lips. There's not a day that goes by when Ace doesn't make me feel like the most beautiful woman on the face of the earth.

"And you're talking, looking like you were sculpted by Michelangelo. Haven't you looked in a mirror before you left? I don't know how the hell you managed to look even more handsome than usual, but you did it."

Our exchange of compliments in a slightly combative way, as if we were arguing over who looks better, strikes me as incredibly funny. Ace seems to be enjoying it too, as he continues to play along with this strange argument while leading me to the car.

Given the occasion, he's chosen to drive his black Rolls Royce Phantom, a classy car more than appropriate for arriving at the gala. As usual, the event is being held at the Empire Hotel, which, of course, belongs to the man sitting next to me. I won't deny that I find it incredibly attractive that Ace has so much power, so tonight I'm completely swept away by love and excitement.

As soon as we arrive, a flock of tabloid photographers swarms our car, immediately recognizing who we are. Ever since we started appearing in public together in Los Angeles, our relationship has been a hot topic in certain magazines and social media profiles. It's inevitable, since Ace has been single for a long time and everyone wanted to catch him, and I've never had a boyfriend. Our relationship is a huge thing for the gossip world.

"Miss Arden, how long have you been dating Mr. Hale?!"

"Mr. Hale, is this a serious relationship or just a fling?!"

The questions rain down from all sides as Ace helps me out of the Rolls Royce, offering his arm to walk me down the red carpet towards the hotel entrance. The valet is already taking the Rolls away to make room for the next arrivals, but the cameras remain focused on us. We are the couple of the moment, and I love it.

"All of New York is going to see how stunning you look tonight," Ace whispers in my ear.

"What I want them to see is how handsome and amazing my boyfriend is, who, by the way, owns this hotel."

"Oh, so the bunny likes powerful men, huh?"

I feel his hand lower to my backside, giving it a slight squeeze that makes me gasp. The camera flashes explode around us, capturing this moment that will probably be everywhere tomorrow. A laugh escapes from my stomach, and I turn to give him a passionate kiss as we reach the hotel doors. If the press wants a show, we're going to give them the best one they can see.

The grand ballroom is exquisitely decorated with dark blue and silver Christmas decorations. Dinner is served cocktail-style so we can dance, drink, and mingle without tables in the way. All the students are invited, and a large number are already here.

"I can't believe the gruesome twosome had the guts to show up here."

The words slip out of my mouth almost unconsciously, dripping with hatred and sarcasm. My eyes are fixed on the couple of the year, my ex-friend and ex-lover, dressed in what I assume are their best outfits. I delight in seeing how no one is approaching them, as word must have gotten around about everything that happened. No one wants to associate with a rapist and a traitor.

"I can believe it. They're both such idiots that they'd come just to try and be the center of attention like they always love. I'm not worried, though, because if they cause any trouble, all it takes is a snap of my fingers to have them thrown out while the press captures it all."

"Well, no one is giving them any attention, so they're making fools of themselves. I can't believe Faye was so stupid as to want popularity at any cost. What is she, fifteen?"

"Let's forget about those two clowns and find our real friends. I'm not letting them ruin another night for us."

Ace takes my hand, and we soon find my friends chatting and nibbling on snacks with Nate and Jordan. I'm pleased to see Cher hugging her boyfriend, as I've known for a while how she feels about him. I hope they last and are happy because they both deserve the best.

"But look, it's the queen and king of New York!" exclaims Gigi, running to hug us both.

"Come on, don't be ridiculous!" I laugh, returning her hug. "You all look stunning, absolutely breathtaking!"

"Yeah, yeah, we're all gorgeous, marvelous, and fantabulous, but let's stop kissing each other's butts and start drinking, man!"

Nate's words, along with the way he calls over one of the waiters, make us all laugh. Our friend is always so direct, a complete whirlwind who is always the life of the party. It's no wonder Ace and he were friends before he arrived from Los Angeles; they are two of a kind.

All of us, except those who are driving tonight, grab a glass of champagne and the delicious food offered by the waiters moving around, slightly swaying to the background music.

"So, Lex, have you sent your application to Cravath & Sullivan yet, or do we need to drag you by the ears to hit the send button already?"

I curse Brooke's question as soon as the words leave her mouth, but seeing Ace's expression when she asks it, I know it's too late.

"What do you mean you haven't sent the application yet? But you're really excited about doing the internship there, don't you want to go to that firm anymore?"

"Yes, of course I do," I murmur before sighing and looking at him. "It's just... well, I'm afraid they'll reject me, that's all. But I don't think this is the time or place to talk about it."

Ace looks back at me with concern on his face, communicating with me without words. It seems that this Christmas, along with the last math class before my semester exam, Ace and I are going to have a conversation about my internship, and I really don't feel like talking about my insecurities.

"So, what are you going to treat us to with the money you won from the race? Because you bagged fifty thousand bucks, and I haven't received even a measly invitation to a Happy Meal," asks Jordan with a raised eyebrow that makes us all laugh.

"I'm going to make a huge effort and treat you all to a one-dollar burger each, see how generous I am!"

"Come on, Lex, don't be stingy! Aren't you proud about winning and crushing Travis at the same time?" Cher huffs.

I open my mouth to respond, but a hateful voice interrupts me, a voice I'd pay all my money never to hear again.

"Proud of being a cheating bitch? What a stupid reason to be proud of."

Unlike previous encounters with Travis, this time I'm completely calm and relaxed. When I turn to look at the couple, I'm smiling as Ace wraps his arm around my waist.

"Wow, I didn't know they allowed animals in the hotel. My boyfriend is too kind to allow such a thing."

"Don't worry, sweetheart, if they start barking too much, I'll kick them out immediately," Ace responds, imitating my calm attitude.

My best friend turns red with anger, huffing as if a fly were buzzing around to annoy her.

"Look at her, strutting around just because she's dating who she is. Well, it's normal. After all, it's the only achievement she's had in her entire life."

"Faye, you're boring me," I sigh, rolling my eyes. "Look, there's a costume store a couple of blocks away, and I saw two matching clown suits that would look fantastic on both of you for the shit show you're putting on today. Why don't you go and buy them? Don't worry, no one will miss you here."

"And you didn't see a slut costume for yourself?" Travis retorts, and I notice how both are getting angrier, unlike us who are having a great time.

"They must have mistaken you for the staff because only classy people can come to this gala, and you..." Ace pauses, which I use to gesture towards their outfits. "I mean, I didn't know you knew how to sew curtains so wonderfully!"

Our group of friends can barely contain their laughter as they see them turn red with pure rage, clearly humiliated by our calm demeanor and quick responses. With people like them, this is the only behavior that works. Getting angry and making a scene would only give them exactly what they want, and I refuse to keep doing that. I'm not giving them another moment of happiness at my expense.

"Curtains?! Excuse me, but this dress is a Chanel!"

"Chanel? You got two letters wrong, honey; you mean 'Cheapel'." I laugh, pretending to gag. "I'd vomit on you, but it would improve your outfit, and I refuse to help you in any way, directly and indirectly."

"Call me cheap again, and I swear I'll...!"

Faye lunges at me, but the moment she sees the screen of my phone, Travis grabs her arm to stop her, silencing her instantly. On my phone, there's an anonymous message on the school forum recounting everything that happened at Ace's party in third person, detail by detail. It's not hard to distinguish, especially if she expected me to do something like this. We've arranged everything so it can't be traced, and Travis can't sue me for slander. We've even discussed it with Kim to make sure, so we have our backs covered.

"Don't you dare hit that button, Alexa," Travis warns cautiously, a shadow of fear in his eyes.

"Look, I'm not going to hit it because when you wanted to screw, and I said no, you listened to me and stopped... Oh, no, wait!" I exclaim dramatically. "You didn't listen to me when I told you to stop, so... click!"

I accompany my words with the simple gesture of pressing the send button and the most innocent smile in the world. Almost instantly, Travis lets out a howl of pure rage as he comes at me, but the hotel security was already alert and stops him without any problems, pulling him away from us.

"You're going to regret this; I swear I'm going to ruin your life, you fucking bitch!" he continues shouting as Faye and he are dragged out of the hotel amid laughter, photos, and comments.

Didn't Faye want to be the most popular girl in college?

Wish granted.

Hi!

Here we have Bonnie and Clyde's modern version (sort of) 😅 what do you think about how they handled Faye and Travis?

I'll be reading you! ❤️

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