Chapter 2

Velia Sharon looked busy mixing several drinks that had been ordered by some VIP guests. She was helped by her friend Amanda, who started pouring vodka and margarita into glasses one by one.

If they spent the morning and afternoon attending classes, every night Velia and Amanda used their time to work at an exclusive bar in the city center. They did this to earn money for living expenses and tuition fees.

"Velia, have you seen the latest news about Rayyen?" Amanda asked as Velia was still pouring drinks.

"Yes, I have. It's really sad," she replied without looking at Amanda. "I hope this news doesn't ruin Rayyen's career in the film industry."

Amanda silently echoed her friend's hope. She knew very well how much Velia idolized Rayyen Maximus, an actor who had been rising in popularity in recent years. Every meet-and-greet event, she made sure to attend. Sometimes, she even visited the actor's filming locations, though she never got to speak to him directly.

Recently, the public was shocked by news about Rayyen. He was caught by paparazzi making out with a woman identified as Veronica Smith.

Up until now, Rayyen had not spoken about it. Only his manager continually denied that the man in the photo was an artist from their management.

"I can't believe it either. How could a guy like Rayyen date a woman like Veronica? That old hag must be lucky," Amanda commented as she arranged the drink glasses on a tray to be served.

While they were chatting, a commotion erupted from the VIP room. Three men were arguing, drawing everyone's attention. Curious, Velia went to check what was happening.

"Rayyen! Give me back my camera!" shouted the man, who was apparently a journalist. He tried to grab the camera that Rayyen had given to Richard, his manager, who was sitting next to him.

"No way!" snapped Rayyen. "You took pictures of me without permission. You clearly violated my privacy. So I have the right to delete these images," he said, his tall, broad-shouldered frame tense with anger.

Rayyen's face was flushed with anger. He knew this was the risk of being a famous artist. But he still hated being followed and photographed without permission, as if he had no privacy.

Instead of apologizing, another man, larger in build, came from behind. He approached and grabbed Rayyen's collar, issuing a warning.

"Give back the camera!" the man ordered.

"No way! I have the right to delete the pictures on this camera. You violated my privacy by taking pictures of me secretly."

Seeing Rayyen stand his ground, the man tried to intimidate him further and even attempted to hit him. Before the punch could land, Velia, who had been watching from a distance, hurriedly approached. Without fear, she pushed the large man, causing him to stumble.

"Don't make a scene here. Or I'll report you to security!"

"Stay out of this," the man replied as he got up. "I could hit you, I don't care if you're a woman," he threatened.

"Try it!" Velia challenged fearlessly. It was pointless to have a black belt in taekwondo if she couldn't defend herself.

When the man moved to retaliate, Velia swiftly countered, grabbing his arm, pinning him, and easily throwing him to the ground.

"Come on, fight back if you can. Even though I'm a girl, I'm not afraid of you at all!"

The man tried to retaliate, but Velia deftly attacked first, blocking and hitting him until he fell again. At this moment, the bar's security guards arrived and immediately detained the troublemakers.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" Velia asked Rayyen. Inside, she was cheering because she had just met and spoken up close with her idol.

"I'm totally okay," Rayyen replied. "Thanks for your help."

Velia nodded politely. Without saying much more, she quickly left the VIP room. When she reached the bartender's station, the tomboyish girl hugged Amanda excitedly, expressing her happiness at having met and helped her idol in trouble.

"Velia, what's wrong with you? You look like a crazy person!" Amanda scolded, puzzled, as she pushed her friend away.

"Do you know what happened?"

Amanda quickly shook her head. "No, Velia!" she replied quickly, causing Velia to pout. Before she could finish, her friend interrupted again.

"Well, listen to my story, Amanda!"

"Hurry up. We're working."

Catching her breath, Velia began to recount the incident.

"Do you know? The commotion in the VIP room was because of Rayyen Miller and a journalist."

Amanda's eyes widened in shock. Her mouth nearly dropped open at what Velia had just told her.

"Seriously? Are you sure?"

Velia nodded vigorously.

"Seriously, I'm not lying. He was hanging out, probably. His manager was there too."

"So, what was the fight about?" Amanda asked, increasingly curious and excited by the news Velia was sharing.

"I'm not sure what started it. It looked like he didn't like the journalist taking his picture secretly. From what I saw, Rayyen grabbed the journalist's camera and tried to delete the photo. Then they started fighting and arguing."

"Did you guys get introduced? Exchange phone numbers, maybe?" Amanda joked. She thought, since they had met in person, and Velia had helped, there was no harm in exchanging phone numbers, right?

"There wasn't any introduction or anything, Amanda." Velia pouted. "I got too nervous and ran away. I couldn't handle it, oh my God. Rayyen is so handsome. And then ---"

"Velia," interrupted one of the security guards, stopping the conversation between Amanda and Velia.

"Yes, Mr. Robert," Velia responded politely.

"The VIP guest you helped earlier wants to meet you. He asked Miss Velia to come to the VIP room."

Velia's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Her mind raced. Did Rayyen want to meet her again to get acquainted? She silently prayed that this was true. She hoped what would happen next would be a romantic scene like those in TV dramas.

"What does he want?" Velia wondered as she regained her composure.

"I'm not sure," Mr. Rahman shrugged. "Maybe he wants to thank you again."

Velia nodded. After Mr. Rahman left, she made her way to the VIP room. She went directly to Rayyen, who was then sitting with his manager, enjoying live music.