Selena sat quietly in the corner, nibbling at her canapé, letting the soft music and chatter wash over her. She had given Melissa a curt nod when she first approached, and then focused on keeping her composure. Melissa, seeing that Selena had no interest in talking, circled the room, studying her quietly.
Finally, Melissa gathered herself and approached again, her polished heels clicking softly against the floor. She stopped just short of Selena's table, letting a small, polite smile grace her lips.
"Selena, we met in New York… I think?" Melissa began, tilting her head slightly, trying to start a conversation.
Selena raised an eyebrow, slightly amused. New York? I've never actually met her. "I'm sorry, I don't recall," she replied, keeping her tone soft but firm.
Melissa waved her hand lightly. "Ah, don't worry. I just remember… someone mentioning how you helped an elderly man on the street. I was on set nearby. Your kindness stuck with me."
Selena blinked, genuinely surprised. "Oh… that's kind of you to say. But we've never actually met before." Her calm demeanor contrasted sharply with Melissa's subtle fluster.
Melissa's eyes flickered down at Selena's hands, then back up. She's so composed… Melissa forced a small, polite smile, hiding the frustration rising in her chest.
"So… your relationship with Jace," Melissa continued carefully, leaning slightly closer. "I just… wanted to know. You two seem… close."
Selena tilted her head, her voice steady, casual. "He's my secretary… I mean, I'm his secretary."
Melissa blinked, a flicker of relief washing over her. "Oh… I see," she murmured. Then, letting out a soft sigh, she added, "I'm just happy, really. I've been in love with Jace for years—and I've tried everything to get his attention. But he… ignores me."
Selena, still calm, tilted her head politely. "Are you okay? You seem… flustered."
Melissa smiled, though a hint of vulnerability lingered in her eyes. "I'm fine. Honestly… I just didn't expect that you're simply his secretary. That's all. I can relax now, knowing there's no one else in the picture."
Selena's lips curved into a faint, amused smile. Obsessed… but thinks she has a chance? She sipped her drink, quietly analyzing Melissa, noting the subtle tension in her posture, the careful masking of her emotions.
Melissa, sensing Selena's composed nature, straightened her back, subtly asserting herself. She would not be ignored, not tonight—and she already began plotting her next move.
The birthday party continued around them, full of laughter, music, and clinking glasses, but in that quiet corner, a subtle rivalry had begun—a silent clash of presence, poise, and unspoken intentions.