Warm sunlight spilled through the half-open blinds, casting golden stripes across Eva's face. She stirred beneath the sheets, blinking against the sudden brightness. The soft hum of activity downstairs filtered into her room—clattering dishes, faint music, and the unmistakable rhythm of Lily moving about the house.
She reached for her phone on the nightstand. 12:03 PM. A sigh slipped past her lips. So much for getting an early start.
By the time Eva made it downstairs, Lily was already lounging on the couch, phone in hand, one leg dangling over the armrest in her usual carefree fashion. She glanced up as Eva entered, offering a warm, easy smile.
"How are you feeling?" she asked, her voice laced with gentle concern.
Eva returned the smile, if only a little faint. "I'm alright," she replied, her voice still soft from sleep.
Lily studied her for a second longer, then snapped her fingers. "You know what? We're not doing this. You and I—outside. Today. No excuses. Let's go out. Get some fresh air. Retail therapy, girl."
A small laugh escaped Eva's lips. "That sounds like a plan."
They changed quickly, throwing on casual clothes and light makeup, and within twenty minutes they were buckled into Lily's car. The moment the engine roared to life, Lily cranked up the music, her fingers drumming against the steering wheel as they sped off toward the mall.
The mall buzzed with life—colorful displays, chattering crowds, and the steady thrum of background music. It was alive in a way Eva hadn't felt in days.
"Come on!" Lily beamed, pulling Eva toward a glimmering jewelry store. Inside, glass cases sparkled with rings, necklaces, and earrings that could catch the sun and blind a person.
"Ooh, look at these diamond earrings!" Lily gushed, pressing her face near the display. "Eva, these would look perfect on you. Just imagine—midnight gala, long black dress, mysterious billionaire watching from across the room…"
Eva laughed, the corners of her lips finally lifting for real. "You and your fantasies."
"They're not fantasies. They're possibilities," Lily winked.
Earrings purchased, they drifted from shop to shop in a blur of vibrant fabrics and chic displays. Eva trailed behind her friend, grateful for the distraction. For a while, it felt like the heaviness pressing on her chest had finally lifted.
Later, at the food court, they found a spot at a quiet corner table and dove into sandwiches and iced coffee. The aroma of spicy fries and sizzling noodles surrounded them.
"You've been quiet again," Lily said between bites. "Spill it."
Eva hesitated, her fingers toying with the edge of her cup. "I'm fine."
Lily narrowed her eyes. "Liar."
Eva choked on a laugh mid-bite, wiping her mouth with a napkin. "I forgot you could read minds."
"I'm basically psychic," Lily grinned. "And I can see your worry lines from across the table."
A sigh escaped Eva as she leaned back in her chair. "I'm just… tired. Of the silence. Of being ignored."
"Their loss," Lily said immediately, her voice firm. "You're not alone, Eva."
That simple sentence grounded her more than she expected.
"Thanks," Eva whispered.
Lily reached across the table and grabbed her hand. "You don't need to thank me. You've got me whether you like it or not."
After their meal, Lily bounced up from her chair. "I'm going to hunt for new books. Want to come?"
Eva smiled. "Always."
An hour passed in a haze of bookstore shelves and paperbacks. Eva didn't buy much, but just browsing felt peaceful. Lily, on the other hand, returned triumphantly with three new titles and a scented candle she didn't need.
Just as they exited the bookstore, Lily stopped mid-stride and bolted into another shop. Eva remained outside, leaning against the wall and soaking in the late afternoon sun. Moments later, Lily reappeared, her arms full of bright shopping bags.
Eva raised an eyebrow. "More?"
"Don't judge me. These were calling my name," Lily replied dramatically.
With a chuckle, Eva reached over and ruffled Lily's hair. "You're impossible."
Lily smirked. "You love me."
"I really do."
Back at home, the warm water of the shower rinsed away the weight of the day. As Eva stepped out, a towel wrapped around her, she found Lily already laying out two dresses on the bed—one a silky blue, the other a fiery red.
"I call the red one," Lily declared, pointing at the blue dress. "You're wearing this. You'll look like a goddess."
Eva gave her a suspicious look. "Why the sudden makeover?"
Lily grinned, practically vibrating with excitement. "Because we're going out. To a club. Tonight."
Eva blinked. "Now? Lily, it's already 8 PM."
"All the more reason! The party doesn't even start until now. Come on—it's been forever since we danced!"
Eva hesitated. "You know I'm not really into the club scene…"
Lily pouted, eyes wide and pleading. "Just once. For me?"
Rolling her eyes, Eva surrendered. "Fine. But I'm not dancing like a maniac."
Lily whooped. "We'll see about that."
---
The Young House Club, 9:30 PM
The moment they stepped inside, the bass hit like a physical wave. Lights pulsed in sync with the beat, and bodies moved as one on the crowded dance floor. The atmosphere was electric—smoke, color, sound, heat all merging into one.
Lily immediately dragged Eva toward the center of the crowd.
"Don't just stand there!" she shouted over the music. "Move!"
Eva let herself go, swaying to the rhythm as the beat took over her senses. For a brief moment, she felt free—like her old self again.
But then, a group of guys edged closer.
"Hey there," one of them said smoothly, eyes locked on Eva.
She stepped back instinctively. "I'm with someone."
"Oh? We're just saying hi," he replied, his smile a little too confident.
From the VIP lounge above, Max observed silently. Leaning back in his seat, he watched the interaction with sharp eyes. He didn't move, but a flick of his wrist sent Tiger, his bodyguard, slipping through the crowd toward the girls.
Eva tried to turn away, but one of the guys grabbed her arm.
"Don't be like that—"
Suddenly, the music cut.
The club fell into uneasy silence. Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
Max stood.
His presence alone was enough to shift the air.
He descended from the VIP area slowly, every step deliberate. The lights caught his profile—sharp jaw, tailored black shirt, eyes like ice.
The guy still holding Eva froze as Max approached.
"You think this is your playground?" Max's voice was quiet, but it sliced through the tension like a blade.
The blonde boy scoffed, puffing up. "Who the hell are you supposed to be?"
Whispers erupted all around them.
"It's Max…"
"That's the owner…"
"You idiot, that's him."
Panic flickered in the boy's eyes as realization struck.
Max didn't need to lift a hand. The pressure in the room was enough. Tiger stood behind him like a silent wall of warning.
With a muttered apology, the group backed away, swallowed by the crowd as fast as they came.
Max's gaze lingered on Eva.
She looked shaken but unharmed. Their eyes met—only for a second—but something passed between them.
Without a word, Max turned away and vanished back into the shadows.
Eva stared after him, heart racing.
"Who was that?" she asked quietly.
Lily appeared beside her, clutching her hand. "That, my dear Eva… was Max. The ghost of this city's nightlife. And apparently, your unexpected guardian."
Eva didn't respond.
But deep down, something stirred—like the first glint of a star through broken glass.