If only there was a way to turn back time, Amara would gladly do so. Her notifications didn't stop and Primo wouldn't stop calling. She tried to block it all out but she was curious. Maybe the comments were favorable to her.

That woman was a bitch for fuck's sake.

She scrolled her Twitter feed.

Omg. I knew she was a bitch.

Rich people are always like this. Why was she even working?

Come on. Stop trial by publicity. You can't judge someone base on a six-second clip.

Amara's chest bloomed with hope as the last comment was echoed by more users. And yet...

She's like that. Look at who her parents are. Shady businessmen.

She shut her phone off. Tears rolled down her cheek as she buried her face in her arms. Thankfully, the kitchen was empty now so she cried to her heart's content.

Amara didn't mind whatever people say to her. But it hurt a thousand times if her parents got involved. This was what she wanted to avoid. This was the reason why she couldn't flat out refuse someone's friendship no matter how she disliked the person. The reason why she couldn't openly declare the things she wants.

She hated to be under people's judgment especially one that reflects her family.

Damn it. She should've bitten her tongue and stayed quiet.

"Are you okay?"

Amara raised her head, seeing Zeke's worried look. He had his backpack over his shoulder. "What are you doing here?"

"Miss Jones asked me to check up on you," he replied. He set his bag down and sat next to her. "Why didn't you tell me who you are?"

Amara shrugged, grabbing a tissue to wipe her tears. "I didn't want to intimidate you. I like you, you know."

He chuckled. "Guess what? I was intimidated before I knew that you are a Luciano."

"Really?" she said.

"I don't know about the judgment you're facing Amara but... if you're worried that you're not likable... don't." He held her hand, pressing tight. "I think you're great. This is coming from a commoner who actually knows you."

She managed to laugh. She considered him a friend for not shying away from her despite what happened. "Thanks a lot, Zeke. But I'm worried about what they're saying to my family too."

Zeke retracted his hand, scratching at his brown hair. "My advice remains the same. These people don't know anything so their opinion means nothing. I... I've been in that position too."

"Really?"

"My mom... she went through a lot. People judged her for the mistake she committed. I used to beat up anyone who says shit about her that I even lost my scholarship. And my mom told me that I don't need to protect her... being a good child, loving her, taking care of my siblings... it makes her happy and that it outweighs whatever people say about her." Zeke smiled as he saw the unwavering attention Amara gave to his words. "Your parents are aware that they raised a beautiful, smart, and kind daughter."

Amara's cheeks heat up with his compliments. "Thank you, Zeke."

"Besides, your parents are badass, aren't they? I'm sure this is nothing to them."

She snorted. "You're right! My dad's glare can freeze hell."

Zeke stood up and held out his hand to her. "Do you want to go then?"

Amara rose to her feet, reaching to accept his hand when someone cleared their throat. She directed her gaze to the entrance to see Primo leaning against the kitchen doorway. She hid her hand, heart hammering at his presence.

"Baby, care to introduce me to your friend?" he mumbled, hands inside his jeans pockets. Primo was in his uniform, tousled ebony hair and glimmering blue eyes. So simple and yet her cheeks crimsoned, her lips tingled with anticipation. 

Baby?

Amara shot him a questioning look but he continued smiling. She gestured towards Primo. "That's Primo. He's my fiancé."

Zeke scanned her left hand, eyebrows scrunched. "But you don't have a ring?"

"You mean this?" Primo raised his hand. There was a sparkling diamond ring between his thumb and forefinger. He tossed it at her with a wink. "Catch, princess."

Amara caught it, still in awe of the events that were happening in front of her. She peeked at the ring. It had a rose gold band with intertwined milgrain vines leading towards a cluster setting of round cut diamonds in the shape of a rose.

Zeke coughed loudly. "Well, it seems congratulations are in order?"

Amara was overjoyed. She had not expected Primo to remember insignificant things like rings. But it felt wrong. She was certain she had no right to feel this way. She glared at Primo, setting the ring on the table. "I don't know. I'm pretty sure rings aren't tossed around like that."

Zeke chuckled as Primo folded his arms, displeasure rolling off him. The brown-haired man grabbed his bag, placing a warm hand on her shoulder. "I'll go ahead, Amara. Don't worry. Things will get better tomorrow."

She smiled at his sweetness and waved goodbye before eyeing her fiancé. "How did you find me here?"

Primo didn't move from his position. He clicked his tongue, looking heavenwards before he answered her question. "From Twitter?"

"What's your problem now?" she asked, noting the bitterness in his tone.

"I don't know, Amara," he grumbled as he stood straight. His sapphire eyes darkened as he stalked towards her. "How about the fact that you ignored me for three days? But I guess you need space or something so I let you be. Then, I find out that you're working here and I shrugged it off, thinking maybe you had a good reason for keeping this a secret. So, I thought I would surprise you and get dinner so I can finally give you the fucking ring and just hang out like we used to do? Remember that?"

Amara licked her lips, stepping forward to console him. "Primo..."

"But that video happened... and I said, yeah, okay. She probably wouldn't like dinner cause she's crying but..." He drew in a deep breath. "I guess you're okay now?"

"Kind of?" she replied. Amara didn't know whether he was upset or relieved but she was certain that he just showered her the emotions he had kept for three days now. "Primo, I'm sorry for not telling you about work."

"It's fine." He let out a long sigh, raking a hand through his hair. "Let's go? Or do you have your car?"

Amara shook her head. She wrapped her arms around his waist, tucking her chin on the crook of his neck. "What's wrong... baby?"

His chest rumbled as he laughed. He hugged her back, hot palms rubbing her back in a soothing manner. "It's nothing. I was being... immature." Primo pulled back to inspect her face, his thumb touching the soreness around her eyes. "Did you cry so much?"

Amara bit her lip. "I feel okay now. I just... what will my friends think? I never acted spoiled before."

"Then, they're not real friends, aren't they?"

"That's the problem," she muttered. "I don't think I have real friends."

"I'm a friend."

"Are we?"

"Baby..." he began, tugging at the dark tendrils hanging around her face. "We're friends before we're anything else."

Amara kissed him on the lips. Soft, slow, unhurried. A kiss like that of first loves and first crushes. Her skin prickled with electricity though her heart remained steady and calm.

His hands went to her waist as he sucked at her bottom lip. Primo groaned softly. "Do you want a grand proposal? I'll do that."

Amara chuckled at his eagerness. He loved big gestures that he was probably more excited than her. "Do what you want. You know what I like."

They went outside, hands clasped together. Amara stuck close to Primo. Nothing bad ever happened when he was next to her. She sat on the shotgun seat, finally getting the courage to open her phone.

Natasha's message popped up first.

Well, well. It seems your true colors were revealed first.

Amara frowned. Did she have something in mind or was she simply taunting her?

✘✘