Chapter 2: Who are you?

Hello, my name is Alex Bay and I’m twenty-four years old. I am currently a college student ready to finish my studies and become a well-known veterinarian. At least that is what I hope to achieve... I am an only child and I’m happy being one unlike those who wish to have siblings. Some may see it as loneliness, but I am quite happy being on my own most of the time. Despite all the hardships and successes, I never had to deal with any consequences that I never foresaw coming. Until now, I wonder how it all led up to this moment. Like, how I became friends with an idiot who sent me a box of condoms for a senseless reason that sort of terrified me.

To be friends with a crazy woman, there is definitely something wrong with me. Right?

“Good morning, Miss Bay.”

A man greeted me behind the gates of the Salvador mansion. He has been scrutinizing me ever since I arrived and I had to remove the mask I wore for him to know who I am. The man may be just doing his job, but he sure didn’t have to stare at me as if I grew a second head! Recognizing him as part of the security in the area, I waved. My hair flew around when the cold winds expected in this weather came brushing past me.

“Are you here to see Señora Elise?”

They even regard the idiot whom I call my best friend like some queen, just because she married into a rich family. The world is coming to an end!

But then again, I am quite happy she got to have all this…

“Yes, I have a problem with what she sent me.” I waved the box in front of his face as if it were some incriminating evidence against me. The man simply stared, hoping to hear more from me. But I refused to do so, especially when the sound of plastic meeting cardboard struck my eardrums. The condoms rocked inside, making themselves known. If only I had the time, I would burn them in front of Elise. Too bad I didn’t. “I’m here to complain.”

He laughed like what I said was comedic, making me frown. “Sorry, but Señora Elise is out right now. She and her husband will be back before lunch. Could you wait?”

“I’m willing to wait.” I glowered, not amused with what she did or how she was not around for me to interrogate immediately. However, in my situation, I couldn’t do anything but wait. It was far better than sitting around at home, waiting for something to happen. “As long as she arrives, I’ll wait so I can knock some sense into that tiny brain of hers. I also need to ask her a few questions regarding the party last night. I… could hardly remember a thing before drinking.”

I could also get free food while I talk her ear off. It would be a win-win.

Another chuckle escaped his lips as he opened the gate, letting me in.

“Sure, do enter.”

Just as I was stepping inside, ready to ask Elise for compensation for frightening me, a car rolled in which caught my attention. I stared at the black Rolls-Royce and sniffed in disdain before making my way inside.

Rich people and their cars… One day I’ll be able to afford them. Just wait!

“Oh! Good morning, Mr. Clarke! It’s great to see you again.”

Wait. Hold the fuck up.

“Top of the morning to you too, Sir.” That English accent of his filled my ears as he waved at the guard with genuine happiness. I recognized that handsome face anywhere, especially when it was he who was buzzing about at the birthday party other than Elise. He acted as if he was the master of the house compared to Aiden who looked miserable sitting all by himself as his wife hopped from table to table. My eyes were wide as I watched them interact, not expecting to see him today. Or ever again. “I’m here to see Aiden, is he around?”

He's here to see Aiden, huh…

“Unfortunately, Señor Aiden isn’t. But he’ll be back before lunch. He’s currently out with his wife.” The same man relayed the message to the British man behind the wheel, albeit appeared happier than he was interacting with me. “Would it be fine if you wait for him inside?”

Aurelius’ reply didn’t reach the man once he caught sight of me. A huge smile immediately spread across his good-looking face. I was startled by the action, unsure what prompted him to be so cordial with me when I barely considered him a friend. An acquaintance? Yes.

“Hello, Miss Bay. Fancy seeing you here in the morning. Are you already feeling well?”

Wait, why does he know I wasn’t feeling good? Oh well, doesn’t matter. Perhaps my stupid ass acted so delirious last night so of course he would be worried.

“Who the fuck are you? I don’t want to speak to strangers.” I turned my head sharply away and went off. Pretending not to know him was not necessary, yet the thought of that picture of him and me leaving Elise’s birthday party yesterday makes me wish I didn’t know him at all. The media must think we’re going out which is going to be bothersome. If the whole media sees it that way, pretty soon everyone who reads those lousy articles online will see it the same way too. And that is something I can’t stop.

My phone has been buzzing all day, with questions from classmates to people I barely talked to in high school, about my relationship with him which I don’t even know how to answer. I had to turn it off before I left home so it wouldn’t annoy me on the way here. Sadly, that decision wasn’t doing much help after seeing Aurelius hardly fazed at all.

The dude must be used to all these rumors about him.

Desmond wasn’t curious about the news circulating, his name missing from the names of people who were messaging me. I admit it is disappointing. I even wore thick clothes and a mask just in case someone recognized me. Yet he, someone who used to be so close to me on a whole different level from the rest, wouldn’t even send a text to inquire about it.

And yet this idiot Aurelius Clarke is just taking it easy. The worst thing is, I don’t even remember what happened after drinking a lot of alcohol back at the party. Why was he even troubling himself by sending me home?

Finally, inside the house, I removed my coat and gave it to the housekeepers. As soon as I sat comfortably next to the fireplace, the front door burst open. The dog, Maximus, came running up to Aurelius just as it did with me. The British man petted the dog, making funny faces.

Rolling my eyes, I looked away and crossed my arms across my chest. Not wanting to deal with him.

Idiots. They’re everywhere.

“Don’t be so cold, Miss Bay!” My spine went straight at his flowery voice that entered annoyingly smooth into my ears which shocked me to the bone. He flopped down beside me, pushing back his blond wavy locks. His green eyes were shiny and if you looked closely, you could see specks of blue in them. “After I sent you home last night, you’re suddenly treating me like some strange—”

“What the fuck happened last night then? Do care to tell.” I narrowed my eyes, every letter I spoke dripping with the promise of killing him. “Have you seen the news? The media is now making up a lot of stories with just a photo of us taken last night. Elise even sent me…” Trailing off, I cleared my throat and resumed my serious mode. “What happened?”

The blond man merely smiled at me, probably thinking to himself before shrugging innocently. As if he didn’t have any part of it. “Nothing much. I was also tipsy myself. All I remember was sending you home after the party—well, the driver did the job since I wasn’t allowed to drive. That’s it. You shouldn’t pay any attention to the news—”

“Really? I shouldn’t?” When he nodded, I clenched my fists and gave him a sweet smile. Holding back my irritation, since he is, after all, Aiden’s best friend. Someone who is living in a far different world. And you know what they say, people with different lifestyles don’t get along. Especially if his lifestyle is buying cars that cost more than your rent and entire savings. “Is that so? Well then, why don’t you explain that to the media? By yourself?”

Scratching his chin, he nodded with a stupid smile still on his stupid face. “No problem. I’ll ask them to cease the articles from popping up. Plus, I’m going to give them something else to chew on.”

“What?”

He laughed. “Probably an old photo of Aiden in his swimming trunks? Maybe an embarrassing video of him—”

“And why would you do that?” I raised an eyebrow, completely confused. “Isn’t there any other way rather than embarrassing him?”

Why would he embarrass his friend in order to—

“Ah! I’m home!”

I cringe at the sound of Elise’s loud voice echoing around the living room. Behind her followed Aiden, who was carrying a box. I immediately stood up and pointed at Aurelius, who had a surprised expression on his face. “Who is this man? Why do I have to be rumored to be his girlfriend? We’re not even close!”

“Hello, Alex—”

“And why a box of condoms? I don’t even have a dick!”