At a luxurious club — in the VIP section upstairs, seated on a plush leather couch were two young men. With the heavy bass that echoed through the walls — vibrating like a heartbeat, the giggling of girls mixed with the rhythm of music, glass clinking and body swaying going on downstairs, the atmosphere in the room was suppressing, heavy, and quiet. Both men were silent, yet still felt comfortable — like two people who had known each other long enough to understand words were sometimes unnecessary. They stared into the distance as if there was something interesting there. No one could have told what was going on in their mind.
"Are you going to inform your parents?" A man asked, as he faced Seb staring at him with his striking hazel eyes.
Silence
"They don't need to know, Brian," he finally said, his voice low. "I've got everything under control."
With his gaze still focused in the distance, he slowly lifted the cigarette between his fingers and took a long drag from it. The faint glow lit up his face for a split second. Puffing it out, the smoke made a fog around him — illuminating a dangerous figure.
"But they've the right to know, Seb. What if they find out about it later, how do you think they'd feel?" Brian pressed, leaning back slightly with concern lingering in his eyes. Knowing fully well he isn't getting any reply to that question, Brian let out a quiet breath. He picked up his drink and took a slow sip, his eyes never leaving Sebastian.
Being the only son of the Griffins and the sole heir of the G&Fs Entertainment industry — the biggest and most influential Entertainment industry in Los Angeles — and one of the biggest in the United States and the world. Fame, wealth, power — it all followed him effortlessly.
But so did rumors.
He was considered Los Angeles's Velvet sinner — always seen with different girls at different occasions.
"Love Brian Griffin at your own risk — he's for everyone."
The whispers never stopped.
With his flame tattoo licking up the side of his fair neck, disappearing beneath his shirt. Jaw-length jet-black hair that was neatly packed back with hazel eyes which adds to his uniqueness. He was like a figure out of a painting, so seductively dangerous — like the candy everyone wants yet knows it's really dangerous for their health. He had been Sebastian's best friend since they were children.
"I'm doing them a favor," Sebastian added with a straight face, his tone final — leaving no room for argument.
Brian scoffed softly, shaking his head.
"What a wall" Brian murmured before taking another sip of his drink.
As time passed, the music below grew louder. The night dragged on.
"How's she doing?" Brian asked carefully.
There was a pause.
"You should learn how to stick your nose out of other people's business," Sebastian replied, with a slight smirk tugging on his lips.
Brian chuckled lightly exposing his white teeth.
"Just asking dude, as the good — and only — friend you have" Brian teased while trying to hide the emotions that were lingering in his eyes.
For a fleeting second…
There was a subtle change in Sebastian's eyes. It was gone before anyone could fully catch it.
As the sun rose, with the first rays of sunlight slipping gently through the curtains — illuminating the quiet room.
Ariana stood in front of the mirror. Her eyes scanned her reflection carefully, uncertainty flickering within them. For today, she felt her clothes weren't good enough. She was wearing an off-white shirt neatly tucked into a black skirt that had clearly seen better days—the fabric slightly faded, worn from time and use. Her hair was neatly folded upwards with a few stubborn strands framing her face, which softened her appearance. She applied a red lipstick which added a striking contrast to her look—bringing out a quiet confidence she didn't fully feel inside. A touch of light make-up followed, enhancing her natural beauty. Then, finally — her glasses. She adjusted them carefully.
Though she wasn't satisfied with the corporate wear, she was proud she had the face card — It never declines.
A small smile tugged at her lips.
"I can do this," she whispered to herself, her voice soft but determined. "Just remember your goal, Ari… focus."
She grabbed her perfume and sprayed lightly.
Then her gaze dropped to her skirt.
A slight frown appeared.
"As for you…" she murmured, pointing at it, "I'll replace you soon." With that, she quickly put on her shoes and went downstairs.
She was instructed clearly to start today being Monday before 7:30 a.m. and to come with her certificates. Arriving downstairs, her steps slowed. Her earlier confidence… wavered as her smile slowly wore off. Her eyes moved toward a closed door.
"Is he still upset?" She whispered under her breath. A faint ache settled in her chest.
"At least… he should have come out to wish me luck." Her vision blurred slightly. A tear threatened to fall, but she quickly wiped the tear and regained her composure. Without looking back again, Ariana walked out of the house.
Unbeknownst to her, a figure lingered behind the closed door of his room. His hand rested against the door, hesitation written all over him.
"Good luck, Ari…" he whispered as a deep sigh escaped from his mouth, with both disappointment and worry lingering in his eyes.