Elise Collin's P.O.V

"He said he'd call," I said while placing the bowls of chopped fruits on the table by the pool. It's been two days since I last saw Zachary, and he hasn't called or text, or even showed up on my doorstep. I had Aria come over and sleep here to keep me distracted from him. I didn't trust myself and had a feeling if I stayed alone I would probably stalk him.

Aria rolled her eyes as she took a sip of her fresh orange juice "This is good, as sweet as I like it" she said ignoring my statement.

"Aria, I said he hasn't called. It's Saturday, today is the gala and he should have called."

"I heard you, baby, I'm just ignoring you just to show you how you should ignore him as well."

"But he said he'll call."

"What the hell is wrong with you girl? Get a grip jeez! Aren't you the one who wanted out of all this game and pretense? Well here's your chance. If he doesn't call, you do the same and just forget about it all."

"Easy to say when I have to work with him on Monday" I looked up at her and saw her smirking. "What are you smirking about now?"

"When was the last time you got laid?"

"What does this have to do with anything? Seriously Aria for once just once, be serious. I think I need a new best friend." I smiled not wanting to show how long it had been since I've been with anyone like that.

"Huh, it has all to do with this. And yeah, go get one, as if you'll find someone as fun as me." She ate some of her fruits and looked in the distance seeming lost in thoughts. I got up and was about to dive into the pool when she raised her hand to stop me.

"Wait! One question, he told you not to date am I right?" I nodded crossing my arms over my chest wanting to know where she was getting at. "Elise you're a complete idiot. Did you honestly believe this crap about the paparazzi? He's being possessive, he obviously doesn't want you seeing other guys so you don't fall for anyone else. He wants you all for himself. That sneaky bastard" she said smirking before popping another chopped fruit in her mouth.

"Do you really think so? I thought it was logic. I mean I can't be seen with another man when I'm supposed to be dating him, so maybe you're wrong there."

"Nah, I don't think I am. And I'm also sure of one other thing, you're falling for your boss" she wiggled her eyebrows before jumping into the swimming pool.

I stood there watching her making laps raising an eyebrow at her. Am I falling for my boss? No, that's ridiculous I've known the guy for two years now. I let out a sigh and decided to take a shower and get ready for the gala even if he hadn't called. He said he'd pick me up at seven, so I have to be ready. I went upstairs lazily and turned the shower on. Maybe Aria was right, maybe I needed to be with someone, and experience it again without fearing being hurt.

But I couldn't do that, not just because he told me not to see other men, but because I couldn't trust men after what Andy did to me. I haven't let anyone in since the incident and I haven't slept with anyone since Andy.

I groaned in frustration while pulling off my swimming suit and throwing it into the laundry basket. I looked at my body in the full-length mirror and smiled in satisfaction seeing my slim waist and curves. As soon as I stepped in the shower and the hot water made contact with my skin, I felt my muscles relax. Letting out a sigh of relief my hand subconsciously trailed down my body reaching for my sweet core. I had never pleasured myself before, and even now that I felt the need to just let out some frustration that had been building for a while now I still couldn't bring myself to do it. I shook my head and quickly showered.

Later, I had done my hair in waves going to one side of my face and shoulder and had laid out my dress on the bed. I was applying the last touches of my makeup when I heard Aria cuss. She was coming toward my room I could hear her heavy steps and could tell she was angry at something.

"Aria?" I called out just seconds before she briskly opened my door and came in with her tablet in hand. "What is it?"

"Have you seen this?" she turned the Ipad so I could see the document she was talking about. It showed a picture of Zachary going out of a nightclub with a blond hanging on his arm. He was obviously trying to run away from the paparazzi but they managed to take the shot. I gasped when I read the headlines.

"Once a playboy, always a playboy" I read and scrolled down wanting to know who that girl was. "Zachary Walton, CEO of Walton's industry was spotted walking in a hurry out of Lux with one of his many playthings Jamie Ortega. They have been in an on-and-off relationship for almost a year now. How long will they last this time? Everyone knows Zachary Walton is falling into his uncle's footsteps. We just hope he doesn't break too many hearts in the process. Be careful ladies, don't let that beautiful face trick you" I read out loud and stared at Aria not knowing what to say. Suddenly I wanted nothing but to strangle him.

"So I'm not allowed to date but he's allowed to have his fun? I can't believe I'm even getting ready for tonight, I mean it's obvious he doesn't need me! Now I know why he hasn't called!" I felt a pang in my heart seeing how close he was with that Jamie girl. I didn't want to admit it to Aria though. The last time I felt this way was when I saw Andy kissing another girl at school to make a point of us breaking up. Was I jealous? I bit my lower lip looking at my white gown and back at Aria.

"What should I do now?" I asked her gently while sitting on my bed placing the tablet behind me.

Aria sat beside me and shrugged "I still think I'm right. He doesn't care about the press and that proves it. But I don't understand why he would go out with a girl if he really has feelings for you. I'm sorry if I made you think there was something between you two, or if you got hopeful. But that is the first time I'm wrong about a guy."

"Yeah... I know. Don't worry I'm fine, I promise." I looked at my watch and saw it was almost seven. He should be here any minute now. "I can't go with him tonight, I'm going to end up getting hurt. I don't want that".

"Then don't Elise. You're my best friend and I wouldn't want anything to happen to you. If you're not feeling like going then don't. He has nothing on you." Just then we heard the doorbell and she got up "I'll send him away for you" she kissed my forehead and left the room.

I stood up and walked to the door that was a little ajar wanting to hear everything.

"Hello Aria, how are you? Is Elise ready?"

"Hi, Zachary. I'm good thank you but I'm afraid Elise isn't home. Were you two supposed to go somewhere? You're all dressed up."

"Yes we have a charity gala tonight, she was supposed to be ready at seven she's my date. What do you mean she's not home?" I could hear the anger in his tone but I knew it wouldn't scare Aria away.

"I mean she's not here, she left a couple of hours ago she said she had something important to do and to not wait up she won't be back until late."

"Aria stop messing with me and let me in! I know she's here her car is outside."

"Someone picked her up. And I suggest you lower your fucking voice when you talk to me! I'm not one of your employees so keep your orders to yourself!"

I heard the door slam and walked out to the staircase. Looking down I saw a satisfied Aria making her way up the stairs. "He's an idiot you know?"

"You got him so angry Aria" I giggled and hugged her "Thank you."

"Anytime. Now, let me get ready, we're going out. I'm not letting you stay home after taking your time to get ready." She winked and went back into my room to pick outfits for both of us. I smiled following her "You wanted a new best friend? Who would do that for you huh?"

"Oh lord, I have a feeling I'll be hearing about this for a long time."

She wiggled her eyebrows and picked up my phone turning it off. "We will go out, have fun just like we used to. Except for this time, you're bringing someone home with you. You need to have sex girl!"

I laughed shaking my head and getting dressed. I knew I wouldn't bring anyone home, I just humored her. How could I after what happened with Marc? And I also didn't think I could kiss someone other than Zachary. I cursed under my breath, I shouldn't be thinking about him like that! I internally scolded myself for it and finished getting ready.

It was early to go out clubbing, but Aria took her time getting ready. It was already nine when we reached the nightclub we usually went to. I was still pissed at the article about Zachary but I decided not to think about it and just have fun. I smiled when I saw our friends join us, we all met in university and stayed all in touch and very close. There was Katia, Lydia, Paul, and Nathan. I was closest with Nathan and obviously Aria. Nathan immediately wrapped his strong arms around me pressing me to him, it had been weeks since I last saw him and I really missed him.

"Hey beautiful," he smiled pecking my cheek and wrapping his arm around my waist.

"I didn't know you were back!"

"I came back this morning and wanted to surprise you."

I grinned and hugged him again "You did! And it was the best surprise ever". I said hi to everyone else and we started dancing and drinking, I tried not to drink too much not wanting to get drunk. A few guys approached me but I just ignored them. By the end of the night, we all decided to go back to my place and have a sleepover like old times.

I needed to talk to Nathan, tell him all about Zachary so when he suggested spending the night I was more than grateful.

It was two in the morning when we reached my house and we were all either drunk or tipsy. I think I was in between. Nathan was just tipsy not really drunk but couldn't stop laughing. Aria and the girls were drunk while Paul was the only sober one. He had one drink only saying we would need a driver. He was always looking out for us and always being the wise one.

"Who is that?" Paul asked as he parked the car.

"Who?" I looked out the window and giggled "Oh that's my fake boyfriend!" I said loud enough for him to hear. Everyone burst into laughter except Nathan and Paul who didn't find it funny and were staring at me as if I grew another head.

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