"Miss, why would you just walk around in those heels?" Bubbles frowned, eyes stinging as she watched one of the helpers apply ointment to Gigi's feet. "Also, you told me you were going to wait for me. Why would you go off on a date without telling me?"
Gigi's face twisted. "It wasn't a date, trust me."
It was a walkathon.
Just then, Mr. Valentine returned to the family area where they were seated. "I just sent Doctor Sevan off. Unfortunately, he was called in for an emergency at the hospital. So, he couldn't stay long."
"I see," Mrs. Valentine said with a nod from the armchair. "That's a shame."
She turned her smile toward Gigi. "But did you at least have fun with Doctor Sevan's company?"
Not a bit.
Gigi forced a smile and nodded. "Doctor Sevan is a gentleman with great humor. It's a shame I ended up burdening him because of these heels."
"I don't think he saw it as a burden at all," Mr. Valentine chimed in. "If anything, he felt guilty for not being more mindful. I told him to join us for dinner next time, so he doesn't feel bad anymore."
Gigi's smile faltered while her parents exchanged satisfied looks like they had just won a prize.
Not wanting to dwell on it, she perked up. "Uh, have you seen Aqua?"
The moment her name left Gigi's lips, Mrs. Valentine and Bubbles frowned. They weren't thrilled with how attached Gigi was becoming to Aqua. Mr. Valentine, however, smiled.
"Aqua just walked Troy out—it's getting late," he said. "We ran into them while I was seeing Doctor Sevan off. Sevan even offered to drive Troy home since his car broke down and he had to commute here."
Again, Gigi was left speechless.
Surely, this world was doing its job, weaving these little coincidences perfectly on its own—even without her intervention.
'Hmm. There isn't anything to worry about, right?' she thought, mentally shrugging. 'It's just a ride home. What's the worst that could happen?'
Troy's body being found on a riverbank the next day.
Gigi winced at the thought. "Mom, Dad, Bubbles… I think I should call it a night. I'm a bit tired. Is it okay if I rest, even if there are still some guests?"
"Of course, princess," Mr. Valentine said, nodding. "This party is for you. However, it's not meant to wear you out."
"Let someone help you to your room," Mrs. Valentine added, casting a glance at Bubbles. "Bubbles, can you help Gigi?"
"Yes, Ma'am!" Bubbles saluted. "Young Miss, don't be stubborn now, okay?"
"Heh… fine."
---
Later That Night
Since blisters were now apparently a household emergency, Gigi was carried to her room. Her mother joined her for a short while but had to return to the remaining guests.
Bubbles, naturally, insisted on staying. But after much convincing from Gigi, she eventually left too.
After a quick shower, making sure not to soak her injured feet, Gigi flopped into the seat in front of her vanity. As she towel-dried her hair, her eyes drifted toward her phone.
"It won't hurt," she muttered. "Just checking to make sure he's still breathing."
From what she remembered, all the male leads—Sevan included—had their own brutal tendencies. Troy, despite coming from a good family, was like an insect in comparison. Well, that's how this world was written to be.
Just like Troy… she was in the same boat.
Clicking her tongue, Gigi searched for Troy's number. Sure enough, it was saved. Without hesitating, she tapped the call button and listened to the ringing.
Ring… ring… ring…
---
Meanwhile…
Ring… ring… ring…
Troy cleared his throat and offered Sevan an awkward smile. Even though he hitched a ride, he hadn't really wanted to. But it was hard to refuse when Mr. Valentine himself insisted.
"I'll just take this call," he said.
Sevan gave a short nod, barely glancing at him. His gaze stayed fixed on the road, the passing lights casting sharp shadows over his stern expression.
"Huh?" Troy frowned at his screen. "Why is she calling me?"
Still confused, he answered, "Hello?"
A small part of him expected someone else—maybe Aqua. But why would Aqua use Gigi's phone to call him? It wasn't like she lacked access to a charger.
"Hey," Gigi's naturally fierce tone came through the line — though this time, it held a softness to it.
Sevan's brow twitched the moment her voice rang out. He glanced at Troy, who had the phone to his ear. Even though it wasn't on speaker, Sevan's hearing was sharper than most.
"I just called… because my dad said you already left," she added, her voice hesitant.
A sharp contrast from the bold tone she usually used with Sevan.
"Ah…" Troy chuckled awkwardly, still puzzled. "By the way—"
"By the way—"
They spoke in unison, causing Troy to laugh.
"You go first," he said.
Gigi chuckled softly. "I just wanted to say thank you… for coming tonight."
"Ahh…" Troy lowered his gaze, smiling. "Thank you, too… for inviting me."
"You're welcome. Take care and good night, Troy."
Clack.
Troy smiled—not because Gigi had called, but out of genuine gratitude. Not just for the invitation… but also for Aqua's stunning makeover.
That smile faded slightly as he remembered who he was sharing the ride with. Glancing over at Sevan, he offered a sheepish grin. "Uh…"
Should he say it was Gigi? Would Sevan even care?
Sevan didn't respond right away. His gaze remained steady, fixed on the road. But just when Troy was about to let it go, Sevan spoke.
"I didn't know you were personally invited by Miss Valentine."
"Oh!" Troy laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, I was a little surprised too when she invited me. But I'm really grateful."
Sevan slid his eyes toward him briefly, then said coldly, "I don't mean to overstep, but don't you think it could be… inappropriate to get too close to Miss Valentine while you're involved with Miss Aqua?"
"Huh?"
"Those two didn't exactly have a good relationship before the accident," Sevan added, his voice cool and detached. "I just hope things don't get more complicated between them. If you understand what I'm saying."
Troy opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
And for a moment… he could have sworn Sevan's eyes glowed faintly blue — like blue flames.