Aveline
I blinked and woke up, and saw I was holding Ruby's hand the whole night—but she didn't seem bothered by my action.
She turned her head and said, "You're awake. Good. Now go and get ready. You have an event, little bunny. Don't embarrass me," she whispered in my ear.
What—whatever.
She just laughed and left the room.
And me? I was rewinding my damn encounter with her.
I hugged her… really…? Stupid.
I cried in front of her…? Dumb.
I forced her to make a pinky promise…? I'm out of my damn mind, right…?
I went downstairs and saw Ruby sitting at the dinner table, waiting for me. She was watching me calmly. I wanted to punch her.
I sat across from her. Dunno why…?
"Hey, do you want to see something?"
"What?" I asked angrily.
"You'll definitely love it. Curiosity kills the cat."
Right. I'm a cat, and I'm curious—you can even tell by looking at my eyes.
But me, of course, I'm Aveline Vale. Demanding. Hard to get.
Umm whatever—until the butler said, "Madam, believe me. Master has something for you."
I said okay, 'cause he was saying it, that's why.
After breakfast we went… dunno where. I was just following that hot mafia. But genuinely, her villa was very beautiful and very big—but cold, like her.
I saw a room. She opened it for me—art, sketches everywhere. And the view coming from those large windows was just amazing.
I saw a canvas covered in cloth.
I was curious, I swear—I wanted to see whatever was beneath that cloth.
And Ruby, she said, "Go and see."
Really…? I didn't know you were not just mafia but also an artist.
"Well, no one knows," she smiled at me. "Just a few people know about that passion of mine. And this villa of mine. Feel free to come whenever you want."
I mumbled, "How? I don't have your address…"
She leaned close, just behind me.
"I'll send you the address," she said. "Little bunny."
I turned red.
I removed the cloth from the canvas—and the next thing I saw was me.
I touched myself, then the canvas, and looked at her—to make sure she's the one who painted me.
The real me…? Free, alive, happy, enjoying myself.
"Wow, Ruby… that's incredible. You painted me—the real me. The free me. The one who's alive."
She nodded.
"Wow… that's beautiful. Seriously—without a picture, you painted me so perfectly."
I smiled at her, and she only smirked, like she knew she was good.
Well, anyways, let's just go before the event starts.
I looked at her car collection—damn. Lots of cars.
Lamborghini
Ferrari
BMW
Mercedes
Range Rover
Land Cruiser
And many more. They're just some—she's a damn rich mafia.
We sat in her Range Rover. She was driving, looking effortlessly hot. She was wearing her sunglasses and her black button-up shirt, while her sleeves were rolled up, showing her veiny hands and coat.
I liked her color combination—with red.
She caught me staring at her.
"What? Am I that hot…?"
I scoffed.
"You? Hot? Nope. I was just looking at you. You're looking like a joker."
She faked crying.
"You wounded me, girl."
"Hmmm hmmm…"
Then suddenly, in a gentle voice, she said,
"Little rabbit, don't be nervous. I'll be with you the whole time, okay?"
"Who needs your help?"
"Really? Ain't you the one who came to me crying, holding me like I'm the only one who can protect you?"
I—I—I stopped, slapped her arm, and said, "Just drive faster."
We reached the university and everyone was just looking at us, like they'd never seen us before.
At least me—they knew me. Somehow I'm famous.
Suddenly Alia came and hugged me.
"Idiot! Where have you been?"
She was angry. Very, very angry.
I said, "Chill, girl. I'll tell you—I promise. Everything. Every single word. After the event."
"You better, or I'll kill you."
"Yeah yeah, kill me later."
"Thanks, Ruby, for taking care of that dumb stupid."
"No worries. She's dumb, after all. I know."
"You guys go. The event is about to start. I'll see you at the stage. Be confident."
She left, and Alia literally dragged me toward the stage.
I was mentally preparing for the event when suddenly the other mic came.
"Hey! Are you Aveline Vale, right?"
"Yes, I am."
"It's nice to meet you. I'm Kai Kang—the other mic and your senior."
We shook hands, and he was cheering me up. He's good-looking. And gentle.
Well, we're ready for the event.
---