“DON’T look at me like that,” Yumika scolded Steph, causing her best friend to laugh. She glanced around nervously and exhaled in relief when Steph’s laughter didn’t draw any attention. They were sitting in a corner of a tea shop, conveniently close to La Manière. Steph had asked to meet there since she couldn’t go to Yumika’s house—she was swamped with preparations for the brand’s grand relaunch.
“I know my brother well, Mika. And what he said is true—he won’t just give up without taking a risk.” Steph even grinned, and Yumika couldn’t help but frown. She had told her everything about their encounter with her brother—especially Cade showing up at her house last week and how she had sent him away.
“Can’t you help me, then? Convince your brother to stop pestering me.”
“Mika, have you forgotten? I’m the youngest—I’ve never once gotten him to listen to me,” Steph replied, taking a sip of her matcha tea.
“But would you at least try?” she persisted.
Steph gave her the same look she had just moments ago—the kind that seemed to read right through her soul. Yumika squirmed in her seat, immediately avoiding eye contact. Before she knew it, she had sipped her chamomile tea, pretending to be looking at something outside.
She hated it when Steph looked at her like that. She could always be read by her whenever she met her gaze. Or maybe, she really was that easy to read after all.
“Do you still have feelings for my brother?” she asked bluntly.
She shook her head. “I-I really can’t say, Steph. I’m not sure if I still love him. But there’s one thing I’m sure of, I don’t want to be in the same house with him. It would only remind me of that day he left me.” Yumika felt the back of her eyes getting hot. Steph held her hand and squeezed it. “I don’t know why your father thought of this. He could just have given it to Cade without any consequences. Why do I have to get dragged into this?”
“I’m so sorry, Mika.” Steph said, asking for an apology on behalf of her late father. “I also don’t really know what my dad’s intentions were. But if you really don’t want it, then there’s nothing my brother can do. Let him have his headache while figuring out what to do. He at least somehow deserves that. The punch I gave him when he came home was not enough.”
She smiled a little. She wiped her tears away, and sighed. “I can’t believe you punched your own brother.”
A proud smile came from her lips. “Hey, he's a jackass who hurt my best friend. Of course, he deserves a punch or two.”
Yumika let out another sigh. “I really don’t know what to do with your brother.”
Steph brought the glass to her lips and took another sip. “You’re not doing anything. Let him beg for it.” She said, and suddenly there was a glint in her eyes. It looked like Steph’s brain was plotting an evil plan against her own brother. “Yes, do it. Make him beg for it. I can’t wait to see my brother down on his knees.” She laughed out loud. “I wonder when I can cross that off my bucket list?”
She couldn’t help but smile. “My best friend is a devil spawn,” she said, and they both laughed, with Steph even giving her a thumbs up.
“By the way, I almost forgot,” she said. “You’re supposed to be at the grand relaunching of La Manière. You will be the highlight of the event. You’ll be the one wearing the final gown, my most stunning design yet.” It was clear in her eyes that she was extremely proud of her own work. Yumika had seen the earlier prototype of the gown, and she too was proud of her best friend’s work.
“I-Is your brother gonna be there?” Mika asked after a second.
“I invited him to come, but he said he has something to attend to. He’ll just try to make it to the event,” she replied. “Whether he’s there or not, please be there. I can’t do this event on my own. I need your support by being there with me. Please?”
Yumika sighed at her helplessness. Besides, the event wasn’t for Cade. It was for her best friend’s business relaunch, and she was going to go for that. “Of course, Steph. I’ll be there,” she said with a smile.
“CADE? IS HE HERE?” Yumika had lost count of how many times she’d asked Steph. Only a few more gowns remained to be showcased, and she would be next, wearing Steph’s most extravagant design. It was a princess-inspired wedding gown with a fitted bodice and a very wide, full skirt. Smaller, lighter gold sequins covered the bodice, adding a little sparkle to the gown. She had no problem with the gown she was wearing. What worried her was the possibility of Cade suddenly showing up while she was on stage. The last thing she wanted right now was to become the subject of gossip once again.
“He’s not here, and I’m sure he won’t be coming, so don’t worry, okay? You’ll be fine, Mika.” She said, taking a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
She looked into the vanity mirror in front of her and silently scolded herself. It was obvious that Steph was also being affected by the way she was acting. She wasn’t there to add more stress and pressure to her best friend. She didn’t mean to appear like a selfish bitch, but it seemed that’s exactly what she was doing at that moment.
“It’s gonna be fine,” she repeated over and over. Steph smiled at her little mantra. Then she called the makeup artist and hairstylist again to do some touch-ups.
“Okay, Ms. Yumika, be ready in five minutes,” one of the organizers said, making her nervous again. But at that moment, she forced herself to control her feelings. She put a smile on her face and stood up.
When it was her cue, she went on stage and was momentarily blinded by the lights. She heard gasps and applause from the crowd as she showcased Steph’s luxurious design. She couldn’t help but feel proud of her best friend. Her smile widened even more when she saw the approving looks and appreciation from the audience. She gave one last slow turn, and as she did, her eyes caught something.
Or someone, rather.
It was Cade in his black leather jacket with his arms crossed, his eyes bravely meeting hers.