Chapter 10 When the cab slowly entered the Velvet District , my heart began to race again - but for a different reason entirely . The Velvet District was one of the most exclusive areas in the city . It was home to some of the wealthiest individuals in the city , and if you lived around here , then it was not out of the ordinary to bump shoulders with a celebrity or two . The cab drove past rows of extravagant mansions until it reached the area where the towering luxury apartment complexes were located . It slowed down in front of a towering glass - and - steel structure that practically screamed luxury . " We're here , ma'am . " The cab driver announced as he parked right in front . Thank you so much . I smiled at him , scanning the barcode he provided for the payment . " Payment received ." He confirmed as his phone beeped almost immediately . I stepped out of the car , my heels clicking against the smooth pavement as I made my way toward the building's revolving doors . " Welcome ma'am " The security at the door greeted me with a smile , Thank you . " I smiled back . The lobby was just as elegant as I remembered , polished marble floors , crystal dropping chandeliers , and the kind of quiet that came with being soaked in wealth and privilege . 1 walked straight to the reception area . Here , you had to announce your arrival unless you were a resident's approved guest . The place feels more like a five - star star restaurant . Security was tight - one of the many reasons I liked this place . " Good morning , ma'am . What floor are you going to ? The receptionist asked , shooting me a warm , professional smile " Seventy - ninth floor , Apartment AI responded . It was the second - to - last floor , the penthouse being the final one. I still remembered how bummed she was when she couldn't get the penthouse suite because someone else had paid for it just seconds before we arrived . " What's your name , please ? " " Alina Dawn " I told her , silently praying to God that I was still on the resident's approved list . I honestly didn't know if she would let me up if I wasn't - not after how 1 - treated her in the past . " You can head right up , Miss Dawn . The receptionist said after a few seconds , making me release a breath of pure relief . Thank God I was still on the list . " Thank you " I shot her a grateful smile and made my way to the elevator, " Enjoy your stay . " She called after me . Listening to the calming instrumental music playing inside the elevator as I rode up to the seventy - ninth floor did absolutely nothing to calm my nerves . The ride felt longer than usual , but I knew that was just my anxiety getting the best of me . Luckily for me , no one got on during the trip . I had the elevator and my twirling thoughts all to myself . There were only two apartments on the seventy - ninth floor . As I walked down the immaculate hallway toward Apartment A , my steps slowed . My palms began to sweat . My hands started to shake , my heart was racing and my head was pounding . Get it together , Alina . What's the worst that can happen ? " This was my poor attempt at pep - talking myself . " Well , the worst that can happen is her throwing water on me and screaming at me to leave . " I countered myself . Honestly , it's what I deserved . ay back toward the elevator - only to stop . " Maybe this was a bad idea , " I muttered , turning around and making my way 1/3 Chapter 10 I didn't sneak out of Lucian's estate and risk Lucian getting furious with me just to go back without achieving anything " Come on , Alina . You're not a chicken . You can do this . " I told myself , turning back around toward the door . Anyone watching me in this instance talking to myself would probably think I was insane . I was just glad there were only two apartments on this floor , no one else around to witness my breakdown . " Ah , fuck it . " I muttered under my breath , and pushed the doorbell I held my breath as I waited . It felt like hours passed , but it was really only a few seconds before I heard muffled rustling from the other side . Then the door opened revealing fiery red hair . A soft face that looked like it had just woken up . Her eyes widened as soon as she realized who was standing in front of her . " Alina , what the hell are you doing here ? " Talia My voice cracked , heavy with emotion , as I threw myself into the arms of my best friend . And then the waterworks began . " I'm so glad to see you , " I said between hiccups , hugging her tighter . Talia had remained loyal to me until her death in the past life , and it was all because of me . But now , I was going to make things right . I was going to protect her . " What's going on ? Why are you crying ? " Her tone was laced with confusion as she slowly began to pat my back in comfort The simple action only made me cry harder . " Alright , let's take this inside before my nosy neighbor gets a new topic to post about . " She said , pulling me into her apartment and closing the door . Her neighbor was a famous celebrity blogger , and Talia didn't get along with her at all. No surprises there.Talia didn't like anybody . Her apartment was just as I remembered , it was classy , spotless , and decorated in a style that screamed luxury . She led me to the couch while I continued to cling to her , and even when she tried to gently detach herself , I only clung tighter . I just want to go get you a glass of water . I'll be right back . " She assured me Reluctantly , I loosened my grip , and she disappeared for a moment , coming back a few seconds later with a cold glass of water in her hands . " Here ." She passed me the glass . I took it from her and gulped it down in one go , only then realizing how parched I was . " Thank you . " I smiled at her , my eyes fixed on her face as though afraid she would disappear if I blinked. " Your makeup is all messed up . " She pushed a box of tissues across the table toward me before sitting on the couch opposite . My ruined makeup was the least of my worries , but I took the tissue anyway and dabbed at my face . We sat in silence for a few minutes , just staring at each other , until she finally broke it . " There's something weird about you . I can't wrap my fingers around it . " She scanned my face , as if searching for something . But when she didn't find whatever it was she was looking for , she broke eye contact and leaned back in her seat . " You know what ? I honestly do not care , And why are you at my house losing your shit ? " Her lone was cold . Hostile . I wasn't surprised . I had expected it . Chapter 10 " Talia__ " " No , hold on ." She cut me off sharply , her hand raised . " If I remember correctly , you told me to never show my face to you again if I didn't accept your relationship with that scum , Adrian . So , why then are you here in my apartment , my space ? " She folded her arms across her chest , her voice quivering ever so slightly . " Because let me tell you - my opinion about him , or your relationship with him . hasn't changed since the last time we spoke . " Talia's eyes Pain . held anger . And most of all disappointment . My heart broke . The urge to cry returned , stronger than it was before . " I was wrong . " I said softly . " Listen , I couldn't care less what kind of a person you think- WAIT WHAT ?! " 宙