When Friends Turn Foes

e less about one's background." Her voice was laced with conviction, and her words momentarily lifted the weight of self-doubt that had been plaguing me. "Come on, cheer up, and

right, of course," I replied, "but unfortunately, not everyone shares your nonchalant attitud

party. As we sipped our champagne, Olivia's gaze drifted toward Ava, who stood poised, knife in hand, ready to cut her birthday cake. "I think it's time for Ava to cut the cake," Olivia observed, her voice tinged with a hint of excitement. "The party's winding down, and I'm

tricate designs a true masterpiece. My attention was then drawn to Ava, who looked absolutely resplendent in her stunning purple gown, the vibrant hue accentuating her porcelain skin and sparkl

nd, approached us, his confident stride and charming smile commanding attention. "Hello, ladies," he said, his voice low and smooth, as he greeted us with a courteous bow. "Hello," I replied, feeling a

oul. "May I have the pleasure of taking this seat?" he asked, his eyes locked on mine, his voice dripping with c

spine. But with Ava momentarily absent, graciously greeting family friends outside, Ethan seized the opportunity to engage with me, his demeanor transforming into one of s

maintain my composure in the face of his charms. "Thank you," I replied shyly, my voice ba

made my heart skip a beat. But I was not one to be easily swayed, and my response was laced with a hint o

friend doesn't mean I shouldn't have friends. I'm rather fond of female friends, and she's aware of that, so there shouldn't be a problem." Ethan's words were lac

th an unnerving intensity. "You haven't told me your name," he said

scanning the crowded room with a sense of trepidation. I knew that if Ava saw her boyfriend and me together, she woul

ovely name," he said, his tone dripping with sincerity. "May I have the pleasure of possessing your contact info

antiquated design a stark contrast to Ethan's sleek and modern device. Instead, I quickly added my contact information to Ethan's phon

at the corners as he expressed his gratitude. "I'll be in touch with you after

precise moment, allowing Ethan to stylishly rise from his seat and pretend to take a drink, his actions effortless and fluid. Ava, distracted by the

n't that Ava's boyfriend?" she asked, nodding discreetly toward Ethan, her eyes sparkling with curiosity

background," Olivia's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Could you ever imagine Ethan approaching you at his girlfriend's party?" Olivia's eyes sparkled wit

ntal," I chided, my voice light and bantering. "He only asked for my number and sai

. "Save it, Chloe," she said, her voice laced with a touch of sarcasm. "You know I wouldn't want you to get entangled in Av

nly one who matters to him. Don't you realize how stunning you are, Chloe? You're a vision of loveliness, a true gem in a sea of ordinary faces. Ava's jealous of you, and it's no secret why. You were crowned

her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm being protective because I don't want anyone to harm you, Chloe. I don't want anything to tarnish your beauty, to mar your

h, Olivia," I said, my voice tinged with a hint of discomfort. "Who dares compare my beauty to Ava's? We all know every guy want

, her voice firm and resolute. Olivia's seriousness was making me uncomfortable, and I tried to downplay the situation, to deflect her words with a casual, no

ion, and headed to the dance floor, losing myself in the thrumming music and the swirling lights. As I moved to the rhythm, I couldn't help but think that who wouldn't want Ethan as their bo

e could ask for – loyal, supportive, and always willing to lend a listening ear. Her words, though embarrassing, were s