The phone buzzed.
"Hello Fiona! It's been so many days since we caught up."
Fiona smiled. "Hiii Lena! How are you? Yeah, I know it's been a while. I missed you!"
"How was your trip?"
"Aghh, it was so damn good! But I really, really missed you, Fiony. I just couldn't stop saying 'I wish Fiona was here.' And you know what's funny? Jake used to roll his eyes with a smile, saying, 'I think we should bring her too in our next just-us time.'"
"Really? Hahahaha, that's brutal, girl! I'm glad you had the best time with Jake. He is really a keeper, Lena."
"Well, well, everything aside... are you seeing someone lately?"
"You mean dating or hallucinations?" Fiona joked.
"Not funny, girl! I can't wait to go on our double dates."
"You know I am not really ready for the relationship thing. Last time I spoke to William, he was a total dick."
"Oh c'mon, Fiona, that was like two years ago. We were in high school—young and dumb."
"Yeah, I know, but that's not the point. It's just... I am thinking of getting into medical school and I want to practice as a trainee as a side hustle. I don't think I'll have time for all this drama."
"What?! You are getting into medical school? No way! I mean, you were so passionate about art, Fiona."
"I know, Lena, but I am sure about it. I want to give my hand to humanity—and plus, I want a better future for myself that art school can't give me."
"Are you sure about it, Fiona?" Lena's voice was slow and sad.
"Yes, I am more than sure about it, Len. I have been thinking about it since my 18th birthday and I'm going to turn 20 this year. So, yeah."
"I am happy for you, Fiona, that you figured it out for yourself. I just love that I am best friends with someone with such a radiant and beautiful personality."
"Hahahahah, I love you, Lena! You are my only best friend I can vent to. Gather Mike and Sophie, too—we will have so much fun at our house soon."
"Done and done!"
"I'll hang up, bye!"
Fiona felt lighter after hanging up. She looked around her room—her pretty room with beige walls and large windows where she could see the road and the neighborhood. She looked at the pinboard covered in pictures and notes, the light curtains that turned yellow when the sun hit them, and the soft yellow lamps that were enough to slow down her thoughts. Journals and photographs were scattered across her bed, and fairy lights hung from her cupboard.
She loved her friends; they were a massive part of her life. She was the "fun one" in the group, but back in high school, she had been the studious, brilliant girl. That was where her confidence came from, but she never let her grief stop her. She carried a spark everywhere, like a butterfly. Fiona was humorous—the "beauty with brains" girl—sharp but kind.
She was beautiful. Her chocolate-brown hair was straight, and her face had a gentle, balanced structure that tapered delicately toward her chin. Her cheekbones sat subtly high—not too sharp, but enough to make her elegant. Her perfect nose was delicately shaped, and her lips were soft with a sharp curve, velvety with a natural tint. Her body was that of a goddess; she had a lethal beauty and a bright brain. She was just like her name: "Fiona Miller."
Fiona missed her friends, so whenever she felt sad or confused, she would go out, pick them up, and go somewhere fun. She grabbed her phone and typed: I'm picking you up in 30 minutes.
Lena was going downstairs to grab a glass of water when she saw her parents were still up watching TV. She checked her phone and saw the text. Wait, what?! Right now? It's almost 1:00 AM, Fiona!
I don't care. I want some fresh air. Besides, it's Friday night—my family will be awake until 3:00, and yours will too.
Alright...
Fiona put on pink gloss and a light sweater her Nona had crocheted for her. She went downstairs to find everyone still sitting there. "Mom, you haven't slept yet?"
"No, darling, I can't. I have to see this new show, it's really funny. My god, you are looking pretty! Are you going somewhere?"
"Yes, Mom. Lena is back from her trip and she wants to see me so badly, so we're going to catch up."
"Isn't it a little late?"
"Mom, I will be alright, okay? Don't worry about me. Both of you better sleep after the show," Fiona smiled, pointing to Nona and Gramps.
She took the keys and sat in the car with the music loud. After a while, she picked up Lena, and suddenly her spark was back. She was that free, bold girl again.
A short time later, she parked the car. They were standing in front of a club.
"Aghh! You should have told me we were coming here, Fiona! I would have dressed up better. You know there are so many bitchy, pretty girls in there."
"Oh, c'mon! Let's just go inside. Once I become a doctor, I won't be able to enjoy bars, okay?" Fiona dragged her in.
The music was so loud inside they couldn't hear each other. It was more crowded than usual. They laughed and danced, and Fiona felt her thoughts finally stop racing. She never used to drink—she had never even been drunk—so she was fully conscious. But eventually, she lost Lena in the flashing lights. She sat down at the counter, watching everyone and laughing.
her eyes scanning the crowd for Lena, when she noticed a man slumped a few stools away. ; he had on a loose, oversized black t-shirt and baggy trousers, he carried himself like a messy god Even sitting down, he looked tall and imposing. His dark, messy curls fell over his forehead, hiding his dark brown eyes, Even through the scent of expensive cologne, she could smell the whiskey. the kind of richness that didn't belong in a dive bar.
He looked like he was struggling to stay upright. He leaned his elbows on the marble counter, burying his face in his hands. He looked like the world was sitting on his shoulders and he was tired of carrying it.
"You look like you're having a worse Friday than the rest of us," Fiona said, her voice clear and melodic even over the music
He lifted his head slowly, and Fiona found herself looking into eyes that were piercingly cold, even through a drunken haze.
When he reached for a glass of water, his hand slipped, and the glass began to tilt.
Before it could shatter, Fiona's hand shot out, steadying the glass.
"Careful," she said, her voice calm and grounded. She looked away.
The man lifted his head. His eyes were heavy from the alcohol, but even blurred, they were a piercing, . Up close, his face was devastating—sharp jawline, straight nose, and an aura of absolute authority that his casual clothes couldn't hide.
"I didn't need help," he muttered, his voice a low, honeyed growl.
"Your shirt says otherwise," Fiona countered,He lifted his head slowly, nodding toward the few drops that had splashed on him. She pulled a napkin from the holder and instinctively reached out to dab a spot on his hand.
"Do I know you?" he asked, his words deep , slightly slurred but still carrying a heavy authority.
"No," Fiona replied simply, hopping down from her stool as she spotted Lena waving from across the dance floor.
Fiona didn't realize this man was the most powerful man of the city