Prologue

Hair.
He got rid of every single hair on his body using the most advanced laser hair removal tech available at the time.
Completely smooth from the eyebrows down.
He did it even before moving to the States.
Expensive. Precise. Final.
According to him, it became one of the single most important events of his entire life—an occasion he officially dubbed "Indehaired Day."
That said, Alex Gonshorowski (last name gently Americanized for convenience) wouldn't be Alex Gonshorowski if he hadn't managed to completely forget the actual date.
So now he celebrates it randomly. Whichever day feels right.
That alone tells you enough about him.
This slightly ridiculous detail is actually a core piece of who he is—something you could call a touch childish at first glance, and something he's happily kept well into his twenty-nine years.
From the earliest age this pale-skinned, green-eyed transplant from the Eastern Hemisphere has been genuinely exceptional in exactly three things:
• masturbate to five times a day (okay, maybe not that exceptional),
• having bizarrely cinematic dreams that come in sequels like a Netflix series,
• and turning all of the above into completely original worlds and stories.
As he grew up, those fantasies became steadily more and more erotic in flavor.
Until one day he quietly became one of the most distinctive erotic writers on the entire Dreamside scene.
Probably in all of California.
Dreamside is what one of America's fairly conservative media figures back in the 2000s famously called on his podcast:
"America's worst nightmare since Roosevelt."
Judge for yourself.
The hippie movement somehow survived the 1970s.
Then in the 1980s and 1990s it didn't just hang on.
It exploded. Grew fangs.
Culturally and politically swallowed California whole.
San Francisco. Los Angeles. Hollywood. All of it got eaten.
The catch?
By 1993 your average male hippie no longer looked like a barefoot, long-haired stoner strumming a guitar.
He looked like a sharply-dressed, short-haired businessman-slash-"multi-hyphenate influencer" straight out of a Vogue cover shoot.
As any philosophizing philosopher would put it:
"respectability is always about the suits,"
and "everything in this world eventually gets monetized."
So these suited, influential ex-hippies (or neo-hippies, depending who you ask) quietly lobbied through the idea that the country desperately needed something called SACZ—Special Autonomous Creative Zone—somewhere inside California.
The official pitch was all about "protecting, concentrating, and accelerating the nation's creative and scientific potential."
You get the vibe.
The fact that SACZ sounds suspiciously close to "sucks" was, of course, just a delicious little middle finger from the founding fathers themselves.
And so several fairly large, fairly bizarre artistic-and-tech gated communities sprang up across California.
By the 2000s they had ballooned to tens of thousands of residents and earned official "gated town" status.
Now, in 2024, Dreamside, right on the edge of Los Angeles, is the poster child of these places.
A full-on gated town packed with endless crowds of creative people of every age and income bracket.
They hang out in ultra-luxe mansion-communes (there's even a dedicated district just for that kind of party-house / group-estate lifestyle), living the ultimate bohemian Southern California dream.
The only real shadow over the whole idyll?
The residents' relentless, almost Olympic-level drive to outdo each other—creatively, sexually, you name it—without ever having to worry about a single paparazzi lens sneaking inside the gates.
Alex Gonshorowski has been living in one of these mansions for the past four years now, officially as its owner.
The massive place is built in the French style and goes by the name Château des Rêves.
Besides Alex, his girlfriend lives there too (they're not in any official relationship), along with roughly another 500 people.
Formally, these are staff of various levels of privilege and access, hired through what Alex himself calls "nepo-HR."
In reality, it's all friends of his girlfriend and friends of their friends—which has created this ongoing atmosphere of grown adults in creative professions playing perpetual college dorm life, 24/7 and seven days a week.
To an unprepared outside observer, the surreal vibe gets amplified by the fact that Alex is pretty introverted and has a history of intense panic attacks.
That's why, during almost every weekly party at Château des Rêves, he ends up retreating to his study on the third floor to hide out.
Those parties aren't really about getting wasted on booze and weed.
They're more like structured networking sessions: building horizontal connections, swapping ideas, closing deals.
The Shaved Dolphin (one of Alex's nicknames, thanks to the full-body laser job and his generally easygoing, agreeable nature) stands out a bit from the crowd because of his traditional monogamous relationship with his girlfriend, Kate Norwin.
But given the dynamic of their relationship (he calls her Goddess, she calls him Baby Boy), plus the protective oversight from his 21-year-old assistant Lila (who functions like an older sister to him), the house manager Amy, and his personal doctor Madi (30 and 26 respectively, both affectionately referred to as "Alex's mommies"), he actually fits right in as a completely normal, typical resident of Dreamside.
In some ways, he's even kind of sweet—especially compared to someone like Danton Beaudouin, the 32-year-old famous arthouse director and cinematography instructor at DreamArts College.
Danton doesn't bother hiding the fact that he's simultaneously dating a bunch of his students, can't go five minutes without dropping a sexualized joke, and will corner anyone who crosses his path to tell them all about the "100 gorgeous women" in his life who supposedly made him who he is today.
February 3, 2024, 7 AM. Successful photographer and model Aria Vale speeds down the highway in her pink Porsche convertible. She wears a sexy black top with a plunging neckline, a short black miniskirt, a black choker, and black ankle boots. Her long dark brown hair is pulled back into a high ponytail. Light makeup highlights her baby face and large almond-shaped brown eyes.
She's headed to the home of her best friend, Kate Norwin, who lives with her boyfriend, Alex. Their place is Château des Rêves, a sprawling French-style mansion. An hour ago Kate left for the Swag&Pop gallery to set up an exhibition. Aria knows this. She's on her way to see Alex.
A week earlier, after another Friday night party, Aria floated a fun idea to Kate over glasses of Domaine Leroy Musigny Grand Cru. Kate was intrigued. Now Aria wants to pitch it to Alex—and she's not at all sure he'll like it.
Aria thrives on sexual and social experiments. She's cut from the same cloth as Kate's other party showgirl, Cheryl Bloomfield—except Cheryl's erotic games never leave the party scene. Aria's ideas do. This one isn't some basic girls' night pantyless dare. It's sharper, more cunning, almost cruel.
The mansion's silhouette rises on the horizon. Most of the house is still asleep, except for Kate (now at the gallery and aware of the visit), Alex, and the butler, Kae Asano.
Aria exits the highway, glides through the automatic gates, and parks beside the main building. She steps out and strides toward the entrance.
Kae waits on the doorstep in tight black leggings and a white Calvin Klein bra.
"Oh, hi, bitch!" she calls cheerfully. "Here to round up the drunken stragglers from last night, or looking for Kate? Your bestie already bolted to the gallery this morning, by the way…"
Kae pauses, then grins slyly.
"Ohhh. I get it. Our romantic dreamer is back in the office. Probably lost in his thoughts again." She giggles, leaning against the doorframe.
"What a surprise," Aria smirks.
Alex wasn't getting anything done this morning, so he decided to take a quick break. Dressed in loose black shorts and an oversized blue T-shirt, he was interrupted right as the knock came.
He groans inwardly, slams the tabs shut, and quickly adjusts his shorts. He has no problem with Aria—hell, she's Kate's best friend—but he'd rather finish first. Still, he knows better than to keep her waiting.
"Come in!" he shouts, frantically opening random browser tabs to fake productivity. He rakes a hand through his short dark hair and exhales, trying to look like he's deep in artistic thought.
Aria slips inside, closes the door with a soft click, and gives him a slow, knowing look. She stands with arms crossed, one hip cocked. She looks stunning, as always—the tight black top clings to her petite frame, the choker hugs her slender neck, and her perfect ponytail sways when she tilts her head.
The office is bright and airy, light colors everywhere, white-and-gray parquet floor. The window is open; the AC is off. Opposite Alex's desk sits a comfy guest chair. On the desk: laptop, a few scattered papers, ballpoint pens, a pencil, and a long ruler.
"So… didn't Kae tell you Kate's at Swag&Pop?" Alex says, crossing his arms and leaning back. "Oh wait. You already knew. So you're here to torture me again, huh?"
Aria lets out a soft, melodic laugh and saunters closer, heels clicking lightly on the parquet. She stops at his desk, plants both hands on the edge, and leans forward slightly. Her dark eyes sparkle with mischief as she pouts dramatically.
"Torture? Baby, I'm just here to keep you company while Kate plays art-gallery queen," she purrs, batting her lashes in fake innocence. She shifts her weight, making her hips move. "Besides, I think someone might need a little… creative inspiration." She winks, resting her chin on her hands and studying him with exaggerated curiosity.
Alex sighs, pretending to be unfazed, but his gaze keeps drifting.
"So why are you really here?" he asks, smirking. "Spit it out. Kate's not around, so there's no one to perform for."
Aria grins wide, her pout melting into something wicked. She slides her hands up the edge of the desk until they're right in front of Alex's face, then leans in close, ponytail brushing her shoulder.
"Oh honey, I don't need Kate to flaunt myself," she murmurs, voice dropping to a husky whisper. Her perfume—sweet floral with a spicy kick—fills the space between them. "Besides, I figured if anyone needed distracting from work, it was you." She winks, then straightens with a dramatic flick of her hair. "So…"
"So… what?" Alex asks, failing to drag his eyes away from her curves.
"I know you never drop by just to chat. Especially on a Saturday morning without Kate around. What do you need?"
Aria giggles, light and melodic, watching him struggle to hold eye contact. She twirls slowly, ponytail whipping through the air, then turns her back to him. Deliberately, she bends down gracefully.
"Need? Oh sweetie, I don't need anything," she coos, glancing over her shoulder with a playful smirk. "But I do have some… really important decisions to make."
She straightens, pivots to face him fully, hands on her hips.
Alex rolls his eyes, then lets out a long, theatrical groan—like falling bombs whistling down.
"How awful… Look, technically Château des Rêves belongs to me, but we all know Miss Norwin—my girlfriend, the love of my life—is the real boss here." He pretends to check something on his laptop, then snaps it shut. "By the way, I lost a few things around here, so you can help me look for them… um… bend over more often. Like you just did. Yeah."
Aria throws her head back with a delighted laugh, ponytail bouncing as she clutches her stomach. "Oh my God, you're terrible!" she gasps between giggles, wiping imaginary tears. She recovers fast, fluffs her hair dramatically, then saunters around the desk to stand behind his chair.
"I think you're enjoying this little visit more than you want to admit," she teases, leaning down until her face hovers near his shoulder. "I can see how hard you're trying not to stare."
"So… I got caught again!" Alex exclaims, playing along with full theater. "I started playing along with you!"
"Listen, Ari. Just say it already. Why did you come? Or I'll scream that I'm being bullied by Aria Vale—the best photographer in Dreamside!"
He lets out a heavy sigh, tone shifting to serious but calm. "Well, damn, Ari. Seriously, why did you come?"
Aria's smirk widens. She straightens behind his chair, hands settling lightly on his shoulders.
"Mmm, I could do this all day," she murmurs, voice rich with amusement. "But you're right—I did come with a purpose."
She steps around to the side of the desk and leans against it, one hip cocked. The movement tugs her cropped top up just enough to flash a sliver of toned stomach.
"Brian and I are having a little… disagreement about something. I figured you might help me with it."
"Brian… Brian… Brian…" Alex mutters thoughtfully. "Listen, I don't want to seem rude, but I don't know who you're talking about. From context, I'm guessing he's your boyfriend, right? And how can I help with your disagreement? What's it about?"
Aria's smile turns knowing. She crosses her arms.
"Oh, you know Brian," she says with a playful eye-roll. "The one who can't keep his hands off my girl when she's not around." She watches him closely. "He's been saying I should let him be with Kate. And… well… I thought maybe you'd like to have a word with him about that."
Her tone stays light, teasing, but there's a sharp, possessive edge underneath.
Silence stretches for a few seconds. Alex adjusts his t-shirt collar, clearly uneasy. Aria notices.
"Look… um… Brian…" Alex says slowly. "I honestly have no idea who you and Kate hang out with down here on the first floor sometimes. Brian… right, that rings a bell… Oh, yeah! He's definitely your boyfriend. Sorry, it's just… you've had a lot of guys—exes and current ones. I can't keep track."
He sighs heavily. "So… your boyfriend wants… um… how'd you put it?"
Aria watches his discomfort with clear amusement, lips curving into a smirk as she leans back against the desk.
"He wants to be with my best friend," she says bluntly, brown eyes locked on Alex's face. "And I told him he could… if you were okay with it."
Alex's fingers twitch against the edge of his closed laptop, knuckles whitening for a second before he forces them to relax.
"Oh. I see." He exhales slowly through his nose. His green eyes flick up to meet Aria's for just a moment, then drop away. "That's… an interesting proposition. And what about Kate herself? What does she think about it?"
Aria pushes off the desk and steps closer, deliberately invading his space. She plants herself between his knees, close enough for him to catch the faint floral trace of her perfume. Her hands settle on the arms of his chair, caging him in as she bends at the waist to lock eyes with him.
"Kate thinks she's the luckiest girl in Dreamside," Aria murmurs, voice dropping low. "She gets to keep me as her best friend… and she gets to keep you as her baby boy." One hand lifts, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead with surprising gentleness. "But we both know she's not opposed to…"
"Wait—hold on a sec," Alex says slowly, avoiding her gaze. "Kate and I have been together four years. She's never hinted at anything like that. She would've told me. It's just… not her style. Look, I'm not against it. It's just weird. You're not messing with me, right?"
He stares down at his desk, sinking deeper into the office chair.
Aria lets out a soft, breathy laugh. Her fingers linger at the back of his neck, still playing with his hair.
"Messing with you?" She shakes her head; dark curls bounce. "Baby, I don't have to mess with you to get what I want."
She leans in closer, face hovering near his, her breath brushing his lips. "Kate and I talk about everything. She's not the type to hide things from you—especially not when it comes to… certain desires."
Alex's pulse jumps.
"Brian's been talking about it for months. And Kate…"
"Kate told you but didn't tell me?" Alex asks quietly. "Or did you suggest it to her, and she agreed?" He feels a wave of heat. Aria notices.
His voice turns softer, more submissive. "Listen, I… um… I don't mind if Kate wants to… It's your idea, right? Damn it, Ari, please tell me…"
Her fingers tighten slightly at the back of his neck, holding him steady as she watches his body react.
"Would it make you feel better if I told you it was all my idea, baby?" she purrs, breath hot against his ear.
Alex's breath hitches. He feels her warmth seeping through. "I… I don't know," he admits, voice strained. His hands grip the chair arms, knuckles white again as he fights the urge to touch her. "This is so…"
He pauses, drags in a shaky breath. "Listen, I already said I don't mind. Just tell me what you both want. I'll talk to Kate today. I'll do whatever you both want. But why didn't she tell me herself?"
Instinctively, he shifts his legs, trapping her between them and pressing his hard length harder against her thigh. Then he goes pale and spreads his knees again.
"Oh. I'm sorry," he whispers.
Aria doesn't pull back. Instead she presses her knee more deliberately between his thighs, heat radiating through the fabric.
"You don't need to apologize, baby," she murmurs, fingers trailing down the side of his neck. "I like when you stop thinking so much and just feel."
Her other hand rests lightly on his shoulder.
Alex's breath catches.
Aria smiles, watching his face intently. "Kate didn't tell you because I wanted to be the one to tell you first," she says.
Alex catches his breath again, forcing himself to calm down a little.
In his life, Alex has never been able to resist the two of them—Aria and Kate—and the girls know it. They take advantage, consciously or not. Right now, it's obvious: Alex would agree to almost anything.
He whispers slowly, "Okay, just tell me what you want, please. He… um… Brian wants to be with Kate? Okay, I don't mind… But can you explain in more detail?"
Aria's smile deepens. She doesn't press harder—just keeps that maddening light touch.
"Oh, you want details, baby?" she purrs, leaning in until her lips nearly brush the shell of his ear.
"Brian's been talking about Kate for months. The way she moves, the way she laughs—that confident, carefree energy she has." Her breath ghosts across his skin. "He's obsessed with the idea of her. How she'd scream for it."
Alex's whole body shudders at her words. "Is he black? Brian?" he whispers. "I don't mind… I have nothing against black guys. On the contrary, they're so…"
Aria lets out a low, breathy laugh. She keeps her hand on his shoulder.
"Mmm, yes, baby," she murmurs, lips still at his ear. "How good he could make her feel."
"And you don't mind if your boyfriend…" Alex whispers again. "Or… you two are in an open relationship, right? He's just going to be with her? Okay… Um… I already told you, Ari, I don't mind… Or do you need something else from me?"
Aria's fingers tighten slightly, giving him another slow stroke. She presses closer until her lips brush his ear, her breath warm against his skin.
"Oh baby, I always need something from you," she purrs, her free hand sliding up his chest. "But this time… I need you to talk to Brian. Really talk to him. Man to man."
She steps closer.
"You know Brian respects you. If you give him permission to bed my best friend, he'll be so grateful." Her thumb circles again.
The thought of talking to the man who'd be with his precious Kate—especially a Black man—sends a chill of fear through him.

Alex whispers slowly, "Um… look, I barely know Brian. You heard me—I could hardly even remember he was your boyfriend… But I trust him, okay? I mean, I'm not against him being with Kate… I trust you, so by extension I trust him too… So I don't think there's really a need for a talk… I won't get in the way or anything… and…"
Aria giggles. Looks like she got exactly what she wanted.
Alex is caught in the trap—and now she can pile on even more demands.
"Aria? Can you hear me? I don't mind at all… There's no need to reduce it all to talk… I don't mind Brian. He's your boyfriend, which means he's a good person. And I've always had a good attitude toward black guys…" Alex whispers, voice pleading.
Aria's grin widens. Her fingers still for a moment.
"Oh baby, I can hear you just fine," she murmurs, breath hot against his ear. "But I want to make sure you really understand. This isn't some casual sex—Brian really wants to be with her."
"He wants to make her scream his name."
Alex swallows hard.
"Listen… We're adults. We've known each other forever—you, me, Kate. If my Kate agrees, then I agree. Let them do that as much as they want. I don't mind. I already said so." His whisper carries the tone of someone who's already surrendered to everything.
"Is that all?"
Her other hand slides up, gripping his chin and forcing his eyes to hers. Those dark brown eyes gleam with mischief, her smile sharp and knowing as she molds herself against him.
"Oh no, baby," she purrs, thumb circling the tip through the fabric. "This is just the beginning."
She leans in, lips brushing his ear.
"I want you to know everything that happens between them."
Alex's breathing stutters. His hips twitch involuntarily against her hand.
"I-I…"
He lets out a heavy sigh, meets her gaze with a mix of pleading and faint fear.
"Look… this isn't gonna be some cheap porn thing, right? Kate and I… it'll be awkward for us. And… damn…"
He closes his eyes a few seconds, fighting the swirl of nerves and lust, then opens them again and keeps going, staring straight at her.
"Maybe I just… won't watch? At least not live? You're the best photographer around, right? So… take some pics… or videos… I'll check them out later…"
Aria laughs.
"Oh my God, you are so damning adorable," she murmurs, pressing even closer. "So shy, so nervous…"
Her other hand cups his cheek, thumb brushing over his lips.
"Don't worry, baby. I'll make sure you get exactly what you want… and more."
Her tongue darts out, wetting her lips as she watches his face.
"I'm gonna take so many pictures."
Alex giggles nervously.
"Aria, you're literally climbing on top of me… Poor office chair. I hope it doesn't break."
Throwing her head back, she laughs again—that same rich, throaty sound.
"Oh my God, you're such a dork," she says, breath warm against his neck as she nuzzles closer. "I think your chair is tougher than you give it credit for."
She leans in closer.
"I mean, look at it—solid oak frame, ergonomic backrest… probably weighs a ton. It can handle a little… pressure."
Meanwhile, Alex says, "Okay, fine… And where are you all planning to have… um… organize Kate and Brian's sex?"
He figures it must be Château des Rêves—his and Kate's mansion—but he needs to hear it from Aria.
Her breath hitches as she watches him. She watches his face, savoring the way his pupils dilate, his lips parting slightly as she teases him.
"Mmm, someone's excited," she murmurs.
"At Château des Rêves, of course," she says with a wicked smile, her free hand still cupping his cheek. "The main bedroom… the office… the pool… wherever Kate wants."
The fact that Alex didn't want to stay at the mansion—where he and Kate lived with a small army of staff who felt more like friends than servants—played right into her hands.
It meant she could suggest he just… take off for a while.
Aria's fingers keep up their slow, teasing rhythm through the fabric as she studies his expression. Her other hand slides from his cheek to rest on his shoulder, thumb pressing lightly against his collarbone.
"You know," she purrs, breath warm against his neck as she nuzzles closer, "you could just… take a little trip. Let me handle everything here." She gives him a light squeeze on the shoulder. "Wouldn't that be easier for you?"
"Um… so… you mean so I don't have to see Kate and Brian… here? Uh… they'll be here…"
He furrows his brows—more surprised than angry.
"Getting real close, yeah," Aria giggles. "Yeah, baby. Right here. In your house." She whispers with a sultry smile, leaning in until their noses almost touch. "Brian's been dreaming about this for months."
Her thumb presses harder against the head, smearing precum in slow circles. "And Kate… she's been teasing him so much lately. You know how she gets when she's playing with fire."
Alex swallows hard, pupils blown wide as her words sink in.
"So… okay… how long will this last?" he asks, looking at her with equal parts fear and desire.
Aria finds his mix of scared and aroused almost funny.
Then she decides to go all in.
Her fingers tighten around him, she watches for every tiny reaction.
"Oh baby," she murmurs, lips curling into a wicked grin, "I think you're underestimating how long Kate's been waiting for this."
She presses closer, ponytail brushing his shoulder, body flush against his. "Brian's not going to just bed with her once and be done with it." Her free hand slides down his chest, tracing the outline of his pec through the thin shirt before dipping lower. "He's going to take his time."
Alex stays silent for a few seconds, breathing hard, then says, "So… was it Kate who was waiting, or was it you? Because we both know Kate. I think you're talking more about yourself right now."
Aria laughs, caught. "Oh my god, you really are sharp when you want to be," she teases, pressing even closer.
"Okay, fine. Maybe I've been imagining it too. Maybe I've been thinking about how much fun it would be to watch Kate be with my boyfriend."
She nips lightly at his earlobe. "Or maybe I just wanted to see if you'd still be hard when I told you. Guess I got my answer."
He tilts his head forward slightly.
"Ari, I can't take it anymore," he whispers.
But Aria has no intention of letting things go further. Kate is her best friend. That would be wrong.
She watches his face, noting the way his breath catches. A wicked smile spreads across her face.
"Oh, you poor thing," she coos, leaning so close her ponytail brushes his neck. "You look so nervous right now."
Alex swallows hard.
"Ari, fine. I agree. I agree to all of it. Now please get off me. This isn't right toward Kate, and we both know it," he whispers. "And Kate's still hotter than you anyway."
Just then a lawn mower starts up outside the open office window—Ellis Rose, the gardener, beginning her rounds.
Aria pauses for half a second. "Oh my god, you're impossible." Then she laughs, delighted, before stepping back. "But at least you're honest."
She straightens, smoothing her ponytail with both hands, then steps back.
"Look at you. All worked up and nowhere to go."
She drops into the office chair across from his desk, crossing her legs at the ankles and giving him a playful look while he tries to pull himself together.
Alex shifts in his seat, tugging at his black shorts and blue t-shirt.
"That was… unexpectedly weird," he says. "So if I want the full story, I'll have to wait for Kate to get back from Swag&Pop, right?"
Aria stretches her legs out, watching him squirm with clear amusement. "Yeah, probably." She twirls a strand of her ponytail around one finger. "Or you could just ask me what I think she'd like."
Her fingers tap idly against her thigh as she studies his face. "You know she gets bored easily. I bet she'd love a little… variety."
Alex glances toward the window where Ellis's mower hums. "I know Kate's personality. Damn, I've been with her four years, Ari. It's just…" He sighs. "It's all too sudden. We've been exclusive this whole time. Shit, I know we live in Dreamside, and at her parties everyone's fun with everyone… and you show up to every single one, same as pretty much every resident. Like bees to honey."
He sits with elbows on the desk, hands gripping his head.
"Look, I avoid those parties because they're not my thing. But since we're here… tell me more about this Brian. When did it start? When did they start talking, and when did you come up with this and pitch it to her?"
Aria leans back, crossing her arms under her chest so her cleavage presses forward. She watches him, amused and knowing, clearly enjoying how off-balance he is.
"You really don't pay attention to what happens in your own house, do you?" she teases, no real bite in it. "Brian's been talking to Kate for months. Little things at first—compliments on her outfits, asking about her golf game. Then it got flirtier."
She pauses, letting it sink in. "Kate never made the first move, if that's what you're worried about."
"Yeah… making the first move is more your style, not hers, right?" Alex drops his hands and leans back. "So when did you pitch your plan? Did you just walk up and go, 'Hey Kate, why don't you bed my boyfriend—it'll be so much fun'?"
He tries to mimic her voice, sarcastic.
"Probably after one of those parties, during your usual hangouts in the small lounge. Am I right?"
Aria chuckles softly, tilting her head, dark eyes fixed on him. "Oh, you're good." She uncrosses her arms and leans forward. "That's exactly what I did. I just… suggested it. Casually. While we were drinking."
Her nails tap lightly on his desk. "I told her you wouldn't mind. That you might even like it, in your weird little writer way." She smirks. "And I was right, wasn't I? You didn't mind when I started teasing you."
Alex sighs, then lets out a short giggle. "Damn… I know you've known Kate longer than I have—since college. But you're a bad influence. What did you give her to drink that she agreed to this? Vodka? Moonshine?"
Aria stretches her arms above her head, slow and deliberate. Alex's eyes flick down for a second before he forces them away.
She decides not to mention the Domaine Leroy Musigny Grand Cru they'd been drinking.
"Oh, come on, Alex," she purrs, smirk widening. "You know Kate doesn't need alcohol to make decisions. She's just… curious. And I might've mentioned that Brian is very well-endowed."
Alex groans and rubs his forehead. "Damn, Aria."
"He's big!" she says, swinging one leg over the other, clearly loving his reaction.
His eyes widen, then narrow. "Nonsense. Just like the fact that you both were sober. You and Kate have been drinking wine a lot lately—I know that."
Aria's grin spreads. She leans forward, elbows on her knees. "Maybe Kate will find out too."
She watches his face carefully, voice lilting. "Thanks for your message, dear ambassador! I'll talk to Kate today."
Alex delivers the line in full theatrical sarcasm, then drops back to a normal tone. "Are you sure this won't reflect badly on her? Yeah, she's everyone's favorite here, but people are used to her being only with me… except at parties. Your wild screams up here shake the walls, in case you didn't know."
Aria throws her head back and laughs, rich and throaty. "Oh my god, Alex." She wipes a tear from her eye. "You are too much sometimes."
She spreads her arms wide. "Of course it won't reflect badly on her. People already know she likes to have fun. Hell, half the staff gossips about what they think happens at those parties of hers."
She swings one leg over the other again, kicking lightly in midair. "But you're right about one thing—they expect her to be yours. That's why Brian's been circling for so long. Because he knows you won't take him seriously. He's not competition, baby."
"Oh my God! I feel so calm now!" Alex exclaims, sarcasm dripping as he rolls his eyes. Then he looks straight at Aria and adds cheerfully, "Come on, everything's fine. I already said that. Do you have any other damning news? You know, I need to get back to work, and my book is waiting for me to finish writing it. So let's hurry up."
Aria's eyes sparkle with delight as she watches him squirm. She shifts forward in the chair, elbows on her knees, chin propped in her hands. "Oh no, sweetie, I don't think so," she purrs. "You don't get to just throw Brian under the bus and then run off like that. That's rude."
She cocks her head, studying him with equal parts amusement and calculation. "Kate's really into this, you know. She wants to see what all the fuss is about. And I don't mean size—I mean Brian himself. He's… intense."
Alex sighs and meets her gaze with wide eyes.
"Look… I don't get what you want from me. You come in here with 'Your Kate's gonna be with Brian.' I say, 'Okay, if she's cool with it.' So what else do you want? Everything's fine with my Kate. With you, with your Brian, and with other guys in general."
Aria's grin doesn't waver. She shifts closer, elbows still on her knees, fingers steepled. "But do you really think it's that simple?" she asks, tilting her head. "That Kate just wants to try something new and then come back to you like nothing happened?"
Alex opens his mouth, but she cuts him off with a sly lift of her eyebrow.
"Or are you scared she might actually like it? That she'll want more than one night with him? That she might realize what she's been missing all these years?"
Alex narrows his eyes. He pauses a couple of seconds, then says clearly, "I trust Kate. She's my girlfriend, my goddess, my everything. I can't tell you anything more about it."
Aria's grin widens as he shifts uncomfortably. She taps her fingers together thoughtfully. "I love when you say stuff like that—so earnest and romantic." She gives a little shake of her head, the dark ponytail bouncing. "But you know what? I don't think you trust her completely."
She leans back, stretching her arms behind her head. "I think part of you is terrified of losing her. And I get it—I'd be worried too if I were you."
Alex sighs, this time sharply irritated. "Ari, I'm not going to answer your provocative questions all day. Thanks for teasing me, but you're going too far now. I've already explained my position."
Aria tilts her head, smile steady. "Oh, I can see that," she muses, tapping a manicured nail against her chin. "You've explained your position perfectly—you're going to let your girlfriend be with my boyfriend because you don't have a choice."
Alex doesn't answer. He sits in silence, staring at his desk: the closed laptop, a few papers, some ballpoint pens, a pencil, a ruler.
His hands drop beneath the desk where she can't see them trembling, fists clenching and unclenching in nervous spasms.
Everything else about him screams it: he's on the edge of a panic attack.
Silence falls. Even Ellis's lawnmower has gone quiet in the distance.
Aria realizes she's pushed too far.
The desk is all that separates them right now. But it won't help if he tips over the edge.
She softens, fingers unclasping as she leans forward again. Her voice gentles, more measured. "Baby… you don't have to be scared. I'm not trying to hurt you."
Alex exhales slowly through his nose, shoulders still tight. He won't look at her.
"You act like I'm some… some monster plotting to steal your girlfriend." She lets out a small, amused breath. "I don't want to steal her, Alex. I just want to watch her have fun. And I think you want that too, even if you won't admit it."
That makes him look. Hurt and hate flash in his eyes, then fade into exhaustion. He exhales loudly and leans back in his chair.
Aria feels the tension in the room start to loosen.
A warm February breeze—typical for this part of California—drifts through the open window. Somewhere far off, the maids, Izzy and Leona, shriek with laughter over another TikTok.
"You're not a monster," Alex says. "You're just… a very eccentric girl. Which isn't all that surprising for Dreamside. Sorry I'm such a white introverted weirdo, ruining all your fun… Sorry for being Kate's boyfriend."
He sighs again. "Look, I'll say it one more time: I'm not against it. Damn, what, do you need me to sign something in blood?"
He seems calmer now, but the edge is still there, fragile.
Aria chuckles, crossing her legs as she watches him. "Nah, I don't need blood. But I do think you should stop pretending this is easy for you."
Alex exhales sharply through his nose. "It's not easy," he admits, rubbing his temple. "But I don't have a choice, do I? It's not like I can just say 'nope, don't do that, my Goddess.' I've never said no to her."
Aria smiles knowingly. "I know." She uncrosses her legs and leans forward again, elbows on her knees. "That's why I like you so much, Alex. You're completely devoted to her. It's adorable."
Alex snorts. "I don't think 'adorable' is the word you're looking for. Maybe 'pathetic' fits better." He rubs his temple again, shoulders still rigid. "But yeah, I'm not gonna be the one to deny her anything she wants. I can't be."
"And you wouldn't even if you could," Aria adds, watching him closely.
"Alright!" Alex throws up his hands. "So that's settled then. You got any more demands? This is officially 'let's damn with Alex' morning, so go on, lay it all out. Just try to wrap it up before lunch, okay?"
Aria laughs, rich and knowing, as she leans back in her chair. "You're cute when you're cranky, you know that?" She studies his face like an open book. "But no, I don't have any more demands. Well…" She tilts her head, a playful smirk curling her lips. "Maybe one."
Alex groans, rubbing his eyes. "Of course there's one more."
Aria leans forward again, elbows on her knees. "Talk to Brian," she says simply. "He needs to hear it from you. That you're okay with this."
Alex drops his hands to his lap and lets out a slow breath. "Jesus… we've already talked about this. Fine. I'll talk to him if he doesn't trust you and Kate. I mean, I barely know the guy. Saw him a couple times in passing, maybe. You mentioned him once or twice… I just didn't think much of it. He was just some guy, you know?"
He pauses. "And now look how it all turned out. Ironic."
Aria exhales through her nose, shaking her head with a small smirk. "Yeah, well. That's how these things happen, I guess."
She watches him intently, fingers tapping lightly on the armrest. "Brian's a good guy. Just… different from you."
Alex lets out a theatrical little whimper.
"That's it? Send me his contact info. I'll meet up with him sometime soon. But either way, I'm talking to Kate about all this the second she gets back from the gallery this afternoon."
He adds, dripping sarcasm, "And now maybe you could go find someone else in this overcrowded house to bother? Like Kae or Becky. Go boil some frogs in a cauldron together, fly around on a broomstick… or whatever the hell it is you all usually do."
It's obvious he wants her out of his office.
Aria doesn't move. She just watches him with that infuriating calm, like she can read every twitch of his fingers and every forced breath. She leans back, crossing her arms under her chest, settling in.
"Oh, I don't think so, Baby Boy," she purrs. "Not when you're this much fun to tease."
Alex scowls. "I'm not your 'Baby Boy,'" he mutters, though it comes out weaker than he wants. "That's Kate's nickname for me."
Aria grins. "Mmhm. And I like saying it."
Alex yanks open the top drawer of his desk, grabs his phone, and taps into his contacts. He selects Lila and brings the phone to his ear.
Aria's brows lift slightly. Her smirk turns curious. "Who are you calling?" she asks, tilting her head. She doesn't push. She just watches, sprawled comfortably in the chair, clearly in no rush.
The phone rings twice. Lila picks up, voice light and teasing. "Alex, hello there. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Alex exhales hard, rubbing his temple. "Lila! Hey, could you stop chatting with the maids and cooks for a sec and come to my office?"
His voice still carries frustration, edged with desperation. "That witch from Cocoavilla is here again—you know, sadly also Kate's best friend. And if Amy or Madi are around, bring them too, please. Aria is really on fire this morning."
Lila's soft giggle comes through the speaker. "Mmm, I heard she arrived an hour ago and exchanged a few words with Kae at the entrance. Let me guess—she found you all alone in your office again?"
Her tone carries a knowing lilt, like she's already got the whole picture. "I'll be right there. Poor thing, getting cornered by Aria Vale. She really likes making people squirm, doesn't she?"
Alex shoots Aria a dark look. She just grins wider.
"Yeah, well, I'd rather not be alone with her," he mutters into the phone. "She's being extra… Aria today." He sighs. "And one more thing—whatever she says to you or anyone else in the house, just ignore it and deny everything. Everything. Thanks, Lila. I'll be waiting for you to come rescue me."
He ends the call and gives Aria a triumphantly sarcastic look.
"Your reign is over, witch!" he declares in mock drama, then lets out an awkward laugh.
Aria throws her head back with a rich, throaty laugh, wiping imaginary tears from her eyes. "Oh my God, Alex, you're so cute when you're trying to play the victim."
She stretches her arms above her head, then rests them behind her neck. "But we both know you love when I tease you."
She shifts, crossing one long leg over the other. Her skirt rides up just enough to tease the curve of her thigh. She watches his reaction closely—the subtle flinch, the way his fingers tighten around his phone.
The office door opens.
Lila steps in slowly. She's wearing a black bra, black flip-flops, and a white bucket hat. She holds a bottle of champagne in one hand.
She ignores Alex completely and focuses on Aria. "Hey there, my beautiful dark-haired witch," she purrs.
She twirls the champagne bottle, letting sunlight catch the bubbles. "I see you've already got our poor writer all flustered."
Lila leans down, resting her free hand on the arm of Aria's chair. She leans in close to Aria.
"Poor baby," she coos, reaching over to squeeze Alex's shoulder. "All alone with this dangerous creature. Lucky for you, I brought reinforcements."
She straightens, eyes flicking to Aria. "Ari, stop teasing my boss. We don't want any trouble, do we?"
Aria realizes she's pushed too far. There's no point risking her friendship with Kate—or with Lila—over this.
She stands slowly, smoothing her short black miniskirt with deliberate care, giving Alex one last look.
"Well, you two have fun," she purrs, forcing a light tone. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
She blows Alex a kiss, turns on her heel, ponytail swinging, and walks out the door.
Lila immediately closes the door behind her with a decisive click. She turns back to Alex, sets the champagne bottle down with a soft clink on his desk. Her fingers trail over the glass as she watches him, dark eyes glinting with playfulness and empathy at once.
"Poor thing," she murmurs, stepping closer.
"Lila, we need to talk," Alex says. He opens the top drawer of his desk, pulls out a small remote, and presses a button. The office windows slide shut. The AC kicks on.
"Listen, Lila, you're not just my assistant—you're my friend. I really need your help right now." His eyes flick to the chair across from him, where Aria had just been sitting. He gestures for Lila to take the seat.
Instead, Lila hops up onto the edge of the desk. She hops up onto the edge of the desk and crosses one leg over the other. She tilts her head, studying him with a knowing gaze—amused, but genuinely concerned. "That bad, huh?" she asks softly, adjusting the hat so it sits a little more to the side.
She watches him a beat longer, then reaches out and taps the champagne bottle. "This is for celebrating when you finally tell me what's got you wound up like this." Her fingers trace lazy circles on the cool surface. "So, tell me what Aria was doing to you before I got here."
Alex covers his face with both hands for a couple of seconds, then drops them and stares off into space.
"Yeah, you're right. No chairs. This is… a more personal conversation."
He sighs. "For four years, Kate and I have been the strongest, most romantic couple in all of Dreamside. Maybe in all of California—hell, maybe the entire U.S. Nothing hidden between us. Our whole lifestyle fits perfectly with the quiet bohemian chaos of Dreamside, and especially our Château des Rêves.
Everything was damning great until this morning, when Aria showed up and—in this borderline ultimatum tone—announced that now my Kate wants to be with Brian. I didn't even remember who that was at first. Turns out he's Aria's boyfriend. They're in an open thing. I've seen or heard the guy maybe twice, never even talked to him.
So apparently Brian's been hanging out with Kate at parties, and Aria's planted this idea in Kate's head that the two of them—Kate and Brian—should be together. Nice, huh?"
Lila's fingers pause mid-circle on the bottle. She lets out a low whistle, dark eyes flashing with real surprise. She shifts her weight; the desk creaks softly beneath her.
"Wow. That's… intense."
She tilts her head, expression caught between fascination and concern. "So Aria just came right out and told you that?"
Her tone stays light, but something heavier runs underneath.
Alex nods, rubbing his temples before dragging a hand through his hair. "Yeah. Like it's some damning revelation. I mean, technically it is, but… damn." He sighs, crosses his arms, meets her eyes. "Listen, we've always had this rule—mostly unspoken: I don't ask about what goes on at the parties. But now we're gonna have to break it.
You're always out there with everyone, so I'll just ask straight up: who exactly is this Brian? Aria said Kate's been talking to him for months. Is he really that impressive?"
Lila smirks, a mischievous glint in her eye as she leans back on her hands. "Wow. He sounds impressive." She gives a low whistle, shaking her head in mock amazement.
"I mean, I've seen the guy around at a few parties, but I can't say I've paid much attention to his… equipment." She winks, clearly enjoying the flicker of discomfort on Alex's face. "But hey, if Aria's saying it, I guess it must be true. That girl doesn't mess around."
She studies him, curiosity and concern mixing in her gaze. "You know, it's kind of funny. You and Kate are this perfect couple—lovey-dovey, inseparable. And now suddenly there's this other guy in the picture, and you're freaking out."
Alex lets out a heavy sigh. "I'm not panicking because of that. I'm panicking because it was Aria who told me, not Kate. And Aria… well, you know her. She's not like Becky—Becky would just say it outright. Aria always has to drop hints, twist everything with her bullshit idioms and double meanings.
Look, I'm a writer. I know how words work, even if English isn't my first language. And she was absolutely trying to tell me that I'm… 'less of a man than Brian,' let's put it that way.
And I don't mean the… stuff. Sure, next to him I feel completely inadequate but she was tearing me apart as a person, smearing me all over the wall. Damn!
Do I really come off like that kind of pathetic shit to other people?"
Lila pushes off the desk and steps closer. Her fingers brush his wrist as she moves into his space. Her perfume—warm, floral—wraps around him, sharp against the tightness in his chest.
"Hey," she murmurs, voice gentle but firm. "First of all, Aria's a bitch. A gorgeous, talented bitch, but a bitch nonetheless. And second…" She tilts her head, eyes narrowing as she studies him. "You're overthinking this."
Alex scoffs, pulling back slightly but not all the way. "Oh, great advice. Thanks, Lila."
She ignores the sarcasm, smile widening as she shakes her head.
"Lila, it's not funny," Alex says quietly, a little hurt when he catches her smile.
"This isn't Aria homewrecking your life right now. Listen, Kate's an amazing, busy girl—exhibits, meetings with buyers for her paintings, modeling shoots, golf, parties, all this other shit. Honestly, she barely has time for me. I exist somewhere in the margin of error.
I rarely even step past the third floor of this mansion. I've got a different rhythm. I'm a writer—a damning writer—working my ass off for Dana. Most of the contact with publishers and all the other partners goes through you… well, you already know that better than anyone."
He takes a breath, keeps going.
"And now there's this Brian… with the flirting and all their 'dates,' my time in Kate's life could drop literally to zero. Do you get what that means?"
Lila's face softens as she watches him unravel. She steps closer, hand coming up to rest on his shoulder, squeezing gently. The contact is brief but solid—a quiet reminder she's there.
"Listen to me, Alex." Her voice stays steady, warm with understanding. "Kate isn't some flighty girl who's gonna forget you the second she starts seeing someone else. If she was, she wouldn't have stayed with you for four years."
Alex lets out another sigh.
"Shit, you're right. So you're saying I should just let it go? Let it all run its course and see what happens?"
He pauses, voice dropping. "I know it probably sounds like I don't trust Kate… It's just all so weird, scary, and sudden."
Lila's fingers trail up from his shoulder to his neck, pressing just enough to keep him grounded.
"Kate trusts you, dummy. And you trust her. That's what matters." She steps closer, her body heat bleeding into his space.
"But yeah, you should let it run its course. Let her play. Let Brian be a distraction. It'll make you appreciate what you have when it's just the two of you again."
Her lips twitch into a knowing smirk.
"And I don't think you really have anything to worry about. She's been with you for four years. She's not gonna throw that away for some random guy, no matter how big it is."
"He's huge!" Alex giggles despite himself. "What does he do for a living, anyway? Besides being Kate's new interest?"
Almost everyone around—except Alex—already knows Brian's résumé: successful basketball player, boxer, rapper, and former office worker. Lila doesn't bother dancing around it.
"Brian's a former office worker. Now he's a boxer and a rapper. Also in the NBA, I think. But mostly, he's Aria's boyfriend."
Her fingers stay at the base of his neck, thumb brushing lightly over his pulse.
"And yeah, he's extremely massive. I've seen it. Aria showed me the photo—joking, but still. Jesus Christ."
She giggles. Alex shoots her an annoyed look.
"Real funny, Lila. Size isn't everything when it comes to sex. Just size alone doesn't automatically mean it's good sex. Ask Kate. She seemed happy with me for four years."
He glances off to the side and adds with a sigh,
"Well… up until recently, apparently."
Lila lets out a low chuckle, shaking her head as she watches him fidget. She shifts her weight so her thigh brushes his knee.
"Oh, I know. But Kate's in that phase where she wants to experience new things, try what's unfamiliar. New experiences are common, especially for girls like her—beautiful, confident, with a healthy sex drive."
She tilts her head, dark eyes flickering with amusement.
"She's been with you for four years and clearly adores you. But people change. Desires evolve. It doesn't mean she loves you any less, or that she's going to leave you."
Alex stretches carefully and rises from the chair.
"Alright, thanks for the support. You're right. But…"
He meets her eyes, worry creasing his brow. "Aria talked me into meeting Brian himself to discuss this… And… I told her to send me his contact."
His phone buzzes. He grabs it, glances at the screen. Unknown number—but the username hits him instantly. BrianSupreme.
"Damn!" Alex mutters, tilting the phone toward Lila. "She already gave him my number. He messaged me on WhatsApp. Wants to meet in person. Read me what he's saying, please."
Lila takes the phone with a smirk and reads aloud, voice laced with teasing.
"'Hey man, I'm Brian. Aria gave me your contact. Let's talk. Meet me at my crib in LA, I'm not comfortable at the Dreamside. I'll send you the address in a sec. Peace.'"
She looks up, eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh my god. He's so damning cocky, sending you a message like that."
Alex lets out a nervous laugh.
"Holy shit. What does he mean by 'my crib'? Am I gonna get jumped in some ghetto by a bunch of n-word dudes?"
He exhales. "I mean, yeah, LA's only a couple hours from here, but… I've heard it's such a shitshow even Philippe Thompson ran the damn outta there."
Lila giggles, shaking her head as she rereads the message.
"Oh my god, Alex. He's not some gangster thug—he's a successful athlete. He lives in a gated community in Beverly Hills, not some Compton crack den."
She hands the phone back, still smirking. "But yeah, he's definitely flexing. Letting you know he's got the upper hand, home-field advantage. Making sure you know he's not some random dude."
"Yeah, sure…" Alex mutters, skeptical. "It's a whole package: basketball player, boxer, rapper… He's so different from me."
Another buzz. Brian's sent the address.
"Okay, you were right—it's Beverly Hills…" Alex looks up from the screen at Lila. "Oh, so you didn't guess. You knew for sure? Admit it—you hang out with him just as much as Kate and Aria do."
Lila uncorks the champagne, but no foam spills out. Alex only now notices the bottle was already open.
Lila takes a sip and glances at him. "A little," she admits with a grin. "Yeah, I've been to his place in LA. It's nice—all modern and sleek, with a pool overlooking the city. Not as big as this one, but still…" She sips again, savoring it before going on. "He's not some thug, Alex. He's actually pretty cool, for a dude."
Alex narrows his eyes theatrically and drops into a playful tone. "So you were at his place? You sure you saw him in a photo and not in person? You know what I mean."
Lila bursts out laughing, nearly choking on her champagne. She sets the bottle down with a clink and wipes her mouth with the back of her hand. "Oh my god, Alex! You're unbelievable." She shakes her head, still grinning. "You really wanna go there? Fine. No, I didn't see it in person. But yeah, I've seen photos. And it's impressive."
Alex crosses his arms and throws his head back dramatically, lips pushed out. "Alright, alright… keep your personal life a secret!"
Then the act drops. He gets serious, staring at his phone screen.
"Shit… I really don't wanna go there alone. Would it look super pathetic if I showed up with you?"
Lila takes another sip, considering. She studies him—nervous energy, fingers clamped around the phone like it's a lifeline.
"Nah, I don't think it would look pathetic," she says after a beat. "But it might look like you're not fully committed. You're the one who's supposed to be into this, right? Showing up with a wingman could kinda undermine that."
She sets the bottle down and leans forward, elbows on her knees. "Look, Alex, I know this is a lot. But you've gotta trust Aria and Kate wouldn't put you in anything actually dangerous. They just want to spice things up, make it more exciting for everyone."
She reaches out and pats his knee. "You can handle it."
Alex lets out a heavy sigh, eyeing the champagne on the desk.
"Alright, if you're so sure… I'll text him now, see if tomorrow works." He pauses, then adds, "And don't drink so much—booze makes you age faster."
His gaze slides over her outfit. A sly smirk tugs at his mouth.
"Although, looking like a sixteen-year-old cheerleader, guess you've got nothing to worry about. Damn, I get it—you're a model, but you're not a damn vampire. You haven't changed since you were seventeen and started here as a maid four years ago. A year before that you became my assistant."
Lila scoffs playfully, adjusting her hat as she drops into his chair.
"Oh please. Like you're one to talk about aging. You've been using the same author photo for five years. Half your readers probably think you're still in college." She lifts her chin. "And for your information, I'm twenty-one now. Not sixteen, not seventeen. I'm a grown woman who can make her own choices—including drinking champagne."
Alex steps in front of her, grinning down. "You don't look bad in my chair. I'd even say damning awesome. Why don't you drop the ghostwriter thing and start co-writing with me?"
Lila tilts her head, smirking up at him. She pats the armrest beside her. "Tempting. But I don't think my parents would be thrilled about me writing smut with my boss." She lifts the bottle for another sip.
"Really?" Alex says. "You just told me you're 'a grown woman who can make her own choices.'"
He smirks, then softens. "But alright, I get it. Anyway, your parents have nothing to be ashamed of—they did a damn good job. And thanks for the compliment about looking young. Twenty-nine is damning terrifying."
He grabs his phone and starts typing, reading each word aloud slowly.
"Okay, Brian. I can come by tomorrow at 3 PM. Does that work for you?"
He glances at Lila. "Sound good? Should I send it?"
Lila watches him type, expression hard to read. She takes another slow sip before answering, voice soft.
"Yeah, send it. If he's busy, he'll say so." She shifts in the chair, adjusting her top. "And honestly? I think it's sweet you're this nervous about talking to him. Like you're in middle school or something."
She smirks up at him, that knowing glint in her dark eyes. The bucket hat tilts slightly as she moves, long dark hair spilling over one shoulder.
"I mean, I get it. You're trying to keep your lady happy, right? That's kinda cute in its own way."
Alex freezes for a second, then says,
"Shit… I'll tell you the same thing I told Aria: I've never said no to Kate. And I can't start now. That first no turns into a second, then a third… and suddenly we're just another normal couple on the edge of breaking up. No. I'm not letting that happen. Besides, you literally just finished reassuring me everything's fine."
Lila sits in the chair opposite him, legs crossed, taking a slow sip from the champagne bottle. She sets it down on his desk and looks at him seriously.
"But don't you think it's weird that you have to keep reassuring yourself like this? You're acting like Kate's some fragile princess who'll burst into tears if you don't come running the second she snaps her fingers. She's not that delicate." She raises an eyebrow, shifting her weight slightly. "And anyway, what exactly are you worried about? That Brian's gonna say something that'll make you feel bad? Or that you'll end up doing something you don't want to do?"
Her smirk deepens as she watches him squirm. "You look terrified just standing there. What's got you so worked up?"
"Ah… damn it!" Alex blurts, thumb hitting send. He glances at Lila. "There. Sent. So if it works for him, we'll talk everything out tomorrow at 3 PM. You're right—I'm overthinking this like some damning Puritan."
He checks his phone. "So… it's already 9 AM. I'm gonna go shower and change. After all this shit, I feel like I've been rolling around in filth."
A notification pings. Alex looks down. "Oh, he answered."
He holds the phone out. Lila reaches for it, fingers brushing his as she takes it. She doesn't bother hiding her grin as she reads Brian's reply aloud in mock-serious tone:
"Yeah bro, I'm free tomorrow at 3. Beverly Hills. You know the place already. I sent you the address. No worries, we'll just talk."
She hands the phone back, still smiling. "See? That wasn't so hard, was it?"
"So that's what it feels like to be in a soap opera." She smirks, eyes flicking to the bottle, then to the door. After a beat she stands, stretching. "I should probably go find someone to gossip with about this. Madi or Amy would eat this up."
She chuckles to herself, gathering her things. As she turns to leave, she pauses and glances back at the chair Alex had been sitting in earlier.
"Man, I can't believe I'm actually going to miss this. The drama, the tension, the way he practically melted when I mentioned his girlfriend."
Alex waves a tired hand, half in agreement.
"That's it. I'm taking a shower." He walks out.
Lila stays in the chair a moment longer. She takes another sip of champagne and mutters to herself, "It's okay, Lila. You couldn't just say he could lose Kate, could you? You'd have scared him half to death."
She lets out a small laugh, shakes her head, and sets the bottle down. "Well, at least I didn't tell him what I really think—that he's too weak to handle his own woman."
She stands, stretches one last time, and heads for the door. As she steps out, she glances back at the empty chair, picturing him there again. "Poor thing. Bet he's still flustered from that conversation with Aria."
She smirks, closes the door behind her, and leaves the office quiet.
Across the house, in one of the showers adjoining Alex and Kate's bedroom, Alex stands under the hot water.