Gossip and Giggles

The Bellavista Club shimmered with elegance, its grand chandeliers casting a warm golden glow over the opulent lounge. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcased a breathtaking view of the city skyline, while the soft hum of live jazz music filled the air.

Lexi sat comfortably on the plush velvet couch, surrounded by her childhood friends—Sofia, Ava, and Lily. They had all grown up in the same exclusive social circles, their families intertwined by wealth and status.

A waiter glided past, refilling their champagne glasses as they nibbled on caviar canapés. Their bodyguards stood a few feet away, blending into the shadows—ever watchful, ever ready.

Sofia, whose father owned a chain of private islands in Berlin, leaned back against the couch, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "So, Lexi," she purred, "how's it going with Harrison?"

Lexi let out a dramatic sigh, swirling her champagne. "It's a nightmare. He's controlling, boring, and completely full of himself. I feel like I'm suffocating."

Ava, whose family owned a massive tech firm in Texas, nodded knowingly. "Ugh, I get it. My parents are always trying to set me up with some rich heir. But I keep telling them, 'Mom, Dad, I actually want someone who cares about me, not just my last name.'"

Lily, the soft-spoken one of the group, frowned. "But Harrison is incredibly rich, Lexi. He's got serious connections in Russia. Just think of the doors that could open for you."

Sofia nodded. "Exactly. Have you seen his family's estate in Moscow? It's basically a palace."

Ava smirked. "And let's be real, he's gorgeous. The wedding would be straight out of a royal fairytale."

Lexi groaned. "You guys aren't listening to me. I don't care about his money or connections. I care about being happy—and I'm not happy with him."

Lily reached out, placing a gentle hand on Lexi's arm. "We just want what's best for you, Lex."

Lexi pulled her arm away, irritation creeping into her voice. "What's best for me is someone who actually cares about me—not my family's wealth."

A brief silence settled over the group, the soft notes of the jazz band filling the space between them.

Then, Sofia broke the tension with a grin. "It's so good to finally catch up. It's been, what, five months?"

Ava chuckled. "Feels like forever. We need to do this more often."

Lily brightened. "Maybe we can plan a trip to the States soon?"

Lexi, desperate for a change of subject, nodded. "That actually sounds like a great idea. I could use a break from Harrison."

Just then, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and felt a smile tug at her lips. Julian.

Her friends immediately noticed.

"Who's that?" Sofia asked, raising an eyebrow.

Lexi hesitated, then answered with a soft smile. "Julian. We met at Mrs. Jenkins' art shop. He's an artist—he even drew a portrait of me."

Ava's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "That sounds so romantic. What's he like?"

Lexi's smile widened. "He's sweet, talented… real. He even invited me to his place to teach me how to draw."

Lily let out a snicker. "And I'm guessing he has a trust fund to match that talent, right?"

Lexi laughed. "Actually, he's not wealthy like us. But he's genuine."

A brief silence. Then—

Sofia frowned. "Wait… he's poor?"

Lexi sighed. "It's not like that. We're just friends. I feel okay around him."

Ava exchanged a knowing look with Lily. "Just friends? Please. We know you like him."

Lily scoffed. "And what exactly does this guy bring to the table? No money, no status, no connections… What's the point?"

Sofia shook her head. "Lexi, you need to be smart. You need someone who can take care of you."

Lexi exhaled sharply, fighting the frustration bubbling inside her. "You guys don't get it. Julian sees me for who I am, not for what I have."

Ava rolled her eyes. "Oh please. That's cute and all, but you need someone who can actually give you the life you deserve."

Lily let out an amused laugh. "Yeah, and that someone is definitely not a broke artist."

Sofia leaned in, her tone turning serious. "Lexi, listen to us. We're trying to help you. You need to cut ties with this guy and focus on Harrison. He can give you everything."

Lexi clenched her jaw, taking a deep breath to stay calm. "I appreciate your concern, but I can handle my own life."

Ava arched a brow. "Really? Because from where we're standing, it looks like you're making a huge mistake."

Lexi's phone buzzed again. She glanced at the screen—another message from Julian. Her heart did a little flip.

"Excuse me, guys," she said, getting up. "I need to take this."

As she walked away, she could still feel their eyes on her.

The second Lexi was out of earshot, Sofia leaned in. "She's making a huge mistake."

"I know," Ava murmured. "We need to stop her."

A sly smile spread across Lily's face. "Don't worry. I've got a plan."

Their hushed voices melted into the background as Lexi stepped out onto the balcony, the cool night air brushing against her skin. She stared at Julian's name on her screen, biting her lip.

Her friends thought she was crazy. Maybe she was.

But when Julian messaged her, the world felt lighter.

Now, she had a choice to make.

What will Lexi do next? Will she listen to her friends and focus on Harrison, or will she follow her heart and keep seeing Julian? And what exactly is Lily planning?