Who Are You?

Lily, standing in the frame, wore a scowl blended with spite. She stepped inside, her gaze sharpening as she looked at me.

"Lucy isn't around, right?" Lily's tone was cutting, devoid of any semblance of courtesy.

"No, she took off early today," Taylor replied warily. "She's digging into last night's incident."

Lily let out a derisive laugh, her arms folded. "Typical, running errands for darling Rose." Her eyes flicked toward me, brimming with contempt. "Feeling better, your highness? Or still wallowing in self-pity?"

I stiffened under the sting of her words. "Thanks to Taylor, I'm on the mend," I said softly, careful not to egg her on.

"That so? Well, you've got duties to attend to," Lily retorted. "Lucy might pamper you, but don't expect any leniency from me."

Taylor gave me a look of empathy before confronting Lily. "She's still fragile, Lily. Can't you ease up a bit?"

Lily's mouth twisted into a cynical grin. "A reprieve? Here? You of all people should realize, Taylor, there are no reprieves for us." She turned back to me. "You have a visitor, Rose. Time to put on your finest act."

A knot of anxiety tightened in my belly. "Who is it?"

A sinister sparkle lit Lily's eyes. "You'll see soon enough. Just be prepared."

With that, she spun around and left, a heavy silence trailing behind her. Taylor exhaled deeply, her posture deflating.

"Try not to let Lily get to you, Rose," she murmured gently. "She's envious because Lucy has faith in you."

I nodded, trying to find some inner strength. "I appreciate it, Taylor. For everything."

She offered a comforting smile. "Anytime. Just remember, you're more resilient than you believe."

With Taylor's assistance, I readied myself. As we made our way to the main area, I couldn't ignore the gnawing unease inside me. The visitor's identity worried me, and I had a bad feeling about it.

Approaching the main room, I noticed the other girls quieting down, their stares a blend of curiosity, sympathy, and something more unsettling—fear. The news of last night's ordeal had spread.

Sun and Lotus, who were present during the chaos, were huddled together, looking anxious. I caught fragments of their talk as I walked by.

"...almost fainted..."

"... Damien had to carry her..."

Heat rose to my cheeks, a mix of embarrassment and anger. This was the last thing I wanted. Pushing through, I overheard more whispers.

"...someone spiked her drink?"

"...who would do that?"

The tale had evolved, and I felt naked under their scrutiny.

Reaching the reception, Lily stood there, her smugness apparent. She eyed me. "Looks like you're the day's sensation, Rose," she taunted. "Enjoying the limelight?"

I brushed off her comment, concentrating on maintaining my calm. Taylor gave my arm a reassuring squeeze.

Lily's smirk grew. "Oh, didn't you know? It's all anyone can talk about. Blame Sun and Lotus for not keeping quiet."

I glanced at Sun and Lotus, who seemed regretful. Lily reveled at the moment.

Taylor stepped up, her eyes fiery. "Lay off, Lily. Rose doesn't need this now."

Lily arched a brow, but before she could retort, the door opened, and the man who had instructed her to watch Damien entered. The room quieted as he walked in, demanding attention.

His dark eyes swept the room, settling on me. "Rose," he began smoothly, his lips curving into a menacing smile.

I swallowed hard, feeling the collective gaze of the room.

"There she is," he said suavely, oozing insincerity.

"What do you want?" My voice was soft, and I slightly lowered my gaze.

He moved closer, his eyes locked on mine. "A little conversation. Perhaps a favor."

Taylor looked at me, concern clear on her face. "Rose, you don't have to..."

"It's okay, Taylor," I interjected. "I've got this."

He motioned toward a door down the hall. "Shall we?"

I nodded, the gravity of the moment weighing on me. As we walked, the other girls' curious stares followed us. The whispers of the previous night's events had spread fast, putting everyone on edge.

We entered a small, dim room reserved for private discussions. The door clicked shut, and he faced me, his smirk unwavering.

He leaned back against the wall, arms folded. "You're looking a bit pale, Rose. Tough night?"

I nodded, still avoiding his gaze.

"I heard about it last night. The spiked drink, Damian’s heroic act... Quite the scene."

My heart raced. "How do you know that?"

"I have my sources," he said casually. "Now, spill the details of your encounter with Damien. Every bit."

I hesitated, torn between fear and defiance. "Why should I?"

He stood straight, his face serious. "Because if you don't, things could get nasty for you and your friends at the house."

I balled my hands into fists, resenting my vulnerability. "Damian figured out my drink was spiked and took me to a room to recover. He ensured my safety and stayed until I fell asleep."

He narrowed his eyes. "Did he mention who might be behind it?"

I shook my head. "No, he just mentioned he'd handle it."

He scrutinized me, then sighed. "I need more. Damian’s a closed book, but he must've let something slip."

I bit my lip, considering my next move. "I honestly don't know anything else," I said, feeling his intense stare. “I was affected by the drink, and I wasn’t paying attention.”

He asked, “What about the meeting he had with his crew before the incident happened?”

I answered, “We were not meant to be in the same room while the meeting was going on until the party started,” I lied, Truth be told. I wasn’t paying attention to what was going on in the room that night because I was busy admiring Damian at that point. He was the only one I could think of.

“You lied,” he said, continuously tapping one of his feet on the floor, waiting for me to continue talking.

But I didn’t say anything.  I kept standing with my head down, not looking at him.

“I am very much aware you lied. Remember I told you I knew everything that went down last night.”

Then why is he asking me? I tried to understand the problem.

Frustration marred his features. "Damian’s always been the golden boy, getting everything effortlessly while I've had to scrap for everything. But he won't take what's mine."

I looked up, confused by his words.

"I chose you because I know you're clever," he said.

Now I was both scared and curious. Who is he?

"Who are you?" I asked.