Max sidled up to Meesha, his eyes locked on hers. "You know, you're even more beautiful up close," he said, his voice low.

  Meesha raised an eyebrow, her expression dismissive. "Thanks," she said, her voice sarcastic.

  But Max didn't seem to notice her disinterest. He leaned in closer, his voice taking on a dirty tone. "I bet you'd look even better without that dress on," he whispered.

  Meesha's eyes narrowed, her annoyance growing. "Excuse me?"

  Max just chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm serious," he said. "I'd pay top dollar to see you naked."

  Meesha's face twisted in disgust, but Max just kept going. "In fact, I'd pay you five million dollars to serve me for a day," he said, his voice dripping with entitlement. "It's a reasonable amount, isn't it? Don't worry, it'll be our own little secret."

  Meesha's eyes widened, feeling belittled and annoyed. But Max just thought she was stunned by the amount.

  Meesha's anger boiled over, and she raised her hand, slapping Max across the face with all her might. The sound echoed through the room, and the crowd's attention turned to them.

  "How dare you," Max roared, his eyes blazing with fury.

  Meesha's eyes flashed, and she threw her drink in Max's face, the liquid splashing across his expensive tuxedo. "You're just a disgusting pig," she spat.

  Max felt outraged, and was about to retort, but Meesha, driven by anger, raised her diamond-encrusted purse, hitting Max squarely on the face.

  The crowd gasped in shock as Meesha continued to hit Max with her purse, the diamonds glinting in the light. The security guards rushed over, trying to pull her away, but Meesha struggled against them, her purse still flying up and down on Max's face. "Miss, please calm down," one of them said.

  "Get your hands off me!" she yelled, her voice rising to a shrill as she shook off the security guards.

  Finally, the security guards managed to pull Meesha away, but not before she landed one final blow to Max's face. He stumbled backward, clutching his injured face, fuming.

  "I think it's time for you to leave," one of the security guards said, firmly grasping Max's arm.

  Max gritted his teeth, his pores radiating with anger. "Meesha, you bitch! You'll pay for this."

  Max struggled, but eventually, he was dragged away, still shouting insults at Meesha.

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  The crowd was stunned, unable to believe that the gentle, delicate Meesha could act so impulsively. They whispered among themselves, shocked by the sudden outburst of violence.

  Meesha glanced around the room, her eyes meeting the stunned gazes of the other guests.

  With a dismissive sniff, Meesha turned and walked away, leaving the shocked crowd to whisper among themselves.

  As Meesha stepped out of the theater, her bodyguards fell into step behind her, their eyes scanning the crowded sidewalk. The driver of her limousine hurried to open the door, and Meesha slid into the plush interior, her gown rustling softly.

  The driver closed the door behind her, and Meesha gave him instructions to take her to the modeling studio for her next photo shoot. As the limousine glided through the crowded streets, Meesha pulled out her phone and dialed her personal assistant, Kira. But Kira didn't answer, and Meesha wondered what had happened.

  The photo shoot was a blur of flashing lights and posing, but Meesha went through the motions with her usual professionalism. When it was finally over, she retreated to her dressing room, touching up her makeup and changing into a more comfortable outfit.

  Just as she was finishing up, Kira burst into the room, her face filled with concern. "Meesha, I heard what happened at the Golden Globes," she said, rushing over to her friend. "Are you okay?"

  Meesha didn't say anything, and just nodded.

  Kira hugged Meesha's head, patting her hair. "Oh, my poor friend. You've become so aggressive ever since Xanqer left you two years ago."

  Meesha rested her head on Kira's shoulder, a sad pout appearing on her face. Kira continued, her voice soft with concern. "You used to be so gentle and kind. You never got into fights, and you always forgave easily. The Meesha I know always walked around with a smile on her face. But now, you barely even smile."

  Meesha's expression was solemn, her eyes clouding over. "Life hasn't given me a reason to smile," she said, her voice barely audible.

  Kira was taken aback. "Life hasn't given you a reason to smile? Meesha, don't you remember how you suddenly skyrocketed to fame after your first photo launch? You were on the cover of every major fashion magazine, and you walked the runway for top designers. You've won numerous awards, including the coveted Golden Globe. And you're one of the highest-paid models in the industry. What more could you want?"

  Meesha's gaze dropped, her eyes welling up. "Do you think I like being a star? Do you think I'm happy? I'm just pretending for the camera. It's all a facade."

  Kira's eyes widened in surprise. "But Meesha, you've always wanted to become a star. You worked so hard to get to where you are today."

  Meesha's expression twisted in pain. "Not now that Xanqer's gone," she whispered, her voice cracking.

  Kira's face softened, and she wrapped her arms around Meesha, holding her close. "I'm so sorry, Meesha. I had no idea you were still hurting so much."

  Meesha's body shook with silent sobs, and Kira held her, letting her cry. The room was silent, the only sound Meesha's quiet weeping.

  Then in a sudden movement of recomposition, Meesha sat upright, dabbing an handkerchief around her eyes, her expression serene as though she had never cried.

  Seeing she had recovered, Kira decided to speak up. "It's been years since Xanqer left," Kira said, her voice gentle. "I think it's time for you to let go. He's not coming back, Meesha."

  Meesha's eyes swept to the mirror, gazing intently at her reflection. "I'll wait for him," she said, her voice firm.

  Kira shook her head, heaving a deep sigh. "Meesha, you can't spend the rest of your life waiting for someone who may never return. You need to move on," she urged, her voice soothing. "And even if he does return, he might not pay any attention to you, just like he used to. And you'll be heartbroken all over again."

  Meesha's eyes cast downwards, her face etched with sadness. "Even if he ignores me, it's better than not seeing him at all," she said.

  Kira felt bad, especially when Meesha gets emotional. "Meesha, you need to move on," she said, her voice persistent.

  Meesha shook her head, her heart aching at the thought of moving on without Xanqer.

  Kira's eyes sparkled with determination as she declared, "I've already set you up on a blind date this afternoon." Her voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

  Meesha's eyes widened in dismay. "Not again."

  Then, her voice rising in protest, she exclaimed, "I won't go!" Her face set in a stubborn expression, she turned to glare at Kira.

  But as their eyes met, Meesha felt a shiver run down her spine. Kira's gaze was unwavering, her determination glinting like steel in her eyes. Meesha's bravado faltered, and for a moment, she felt a twinge of fear.

  Thirty minutes later~

  Meesha found herself being pulled into the cafe by a relentless Kira.

  As Kira dragged her through the doorway, Meesha tried to dig her heels into the floor, but Kira's grip was too strong. Her fingers wrapped around Meesha's wrist like a vice, refusing to let go.

  "Kira, let go of me!" Meesha pleaded, t

  rying to wriggle free. But Kira just smiled sweetly and propelled her forward, into the unknown.