Trying too hard

~ At the Lim Villa~

"Come in, Mana. This is your first time here, make yourself comfortable."

Lila Lim welcomed the girl she had always been disgusted by with a sugary, elegant voice and the most practiced smile in her armoury.

She grit her teeth, deeply. What had the world come to? She had to befriend this loser to get back at that crazy woman Lina. Why couldn't she have remained missing? Why did she have to make such an explosive entrance back into society?

Mana looked around at the grand villa awkwardly. The missy of the house stood in front of her, dressed regally in a beautiful deep green, short qipao embroidered with intricate flowers, her luscious hair in an elegant, low bun.

"Thank you for inviting me. Your dress is beautiful." Mana complimented.

Lila almost rolled her eyes at what a kiss-ass this woman was. But instead, her face softened. For a moment, Mana thought perhaps that was her more genuine face.