Chapter 3 The After-Party

The day passed gradually slowly with Emily doing nothing else but playing games on her phone and watching Scarlet do various poses for the camera

She couldn't deny the fact that she had slept through some part though but when she woke up it was a bit after four and everyone in the studio was leaving to get ready for the so-called after-party. After the party for what? Don't even bother asking her because she simply didn't know ( and honestly didn't care)

" what are you still doing here?" Scarlet was busy taking off her makeup when she walked into her dressing room

" I want to go to the party with you "

"Not happening!" Her sister looked revoked by the sheer idea. Emily wondered if it was healthy for one to be so dramatic.

" And why not? I work in the entertainment industry too"

" you think I'll let you come and embarrass me?! Do you know how many important people are gonna be there?"

Emily had a hunch earlier but her sister's reaction was confirming it.

" Are you trying to seduce yourself a husband?"

" What!?" The model seemed about to burst " even if I wanted a husband which I don't ( she does) you think I have to seduce someone for it?!"

" then I don't see why I can't go. Besides, weren't you the one always saying I need another job? Isn't this an opportunity to expand my contacts?"

Scarlet seemed to consider it for a moment as she eyed her, she still looked reluctant when she replied

" I have a dress that might fit you. You can do the makeup by yourself"

" thank you You're. You know I love you the most in this world~"

Scarlet rolled her eyes in annoyance but her smile gave out the fact that she wasn't quite irritated

So they got ready together. The dress scarlet had mentioned was a short knee-high peach-colored gown. It was soft and had a lot of feminine touches to it which was something Emily didn't normally go for ( she was a typical definition of a tomboy though she would kill anybody who tells her such). The dress came with a matching heel which she had insisted to switch with a pair of sneakers instead but then gave up on the idea when Scarlet threatened not to bring her along. Scarlet helped her with her hair and makeup ( despite swearing not to help with it) and in the end, Emily looked the part of a breathtaking beauty

" you don't look bad, if only you don't have the brain of a bird" Scarlet chipped

" aww. I love you too Scar "

Scarlet had gone for a rather stunning green dress which she coupled with saltire earrings. They walked together along with Kevin who kept complimenting them all then they went to board Scarlet's company limousine and soon they were on their way

Emily couldn't hold down her excitement. Her very first celebrity after-party! She wonders just how many of her idols she would meet today

But she reminded herself not to get too caught up. She might encounter Vaughn if not careful, or even Ashton. She shivered just thinking about it. What a mess that would be

It wasn't a long drive to the hotel where the event was being held so she didn't have that much time to balance her emotions before the limo came to a stop right outside the entrance of The Royal Hotels. They were a crowd of paparazzi already taking photos

Great. She forgot how much she hates being in the spotlight

* * *

" Scarlet over here!"

" Scarlet what brand are you wearing today!?"

" Scarlet! a question!!"

Honestly, Emily didn't care how weird it would look but she had run down the red carpet even before her sister stepped out of the limo. She didn't want to get caught up in the cameras again. She had to deal with that frequently around Nissa before. Maybe if she was so afraid of crowds she should have gone for a different career, but she couldn't help it. This was what her family had been doing for the longest time and she didn't want to disappoint her parents

Inside the hotel though was like stepping into heaven. She had no words to describe the glamour of it all and she would be lying if she said it didn't take her breath away

She hadn't even been there and she could spot a bunch of popular faces In the entertainment industry. There were all sorts of food, deserts, and refreshment and the entire place apart from the outside seemed paparazzi proof

The lights were low but still bright enough to see each people's face. They were tables well arranged for guests and an actual photo booth by the end. The air smelled rich from the mixture of expensive designer perfumes

" Emily!"

Emily had just turned to spot Lisa in a stunning white gown waving over to her. She was sitting at the table with who Emily remembered as her agent and some members of a rising boy band Ashen Flay

She hadn't even realized she was skipping toward their table until an unnaturally loud ( and embarrassing) squeal left her startling the people around the table

" Jace Winter!"

The lead singer seemed startled judging by the way his eyes widened. Emily honestly didn't mean to startle him but she seriously did love him, he was her favorite member of Ashen Flay. Ah! How could she have possibly been able to contain herself seeing her idol so up close

" um...hello? Am sorry but have we met?" Jace didn't think he had seen the girl before, plus he didn't think the securities would allow a fan in. Hadn't his agent said not only people in the entertainment industry were allowed in? And which celebrity would admit to being a fan of another celebrity

" Hey, I know you. Aren't you Nissa's agent?" Kristen, another member of the four-boy group Ashen Flay pointed out

At the mention of Nissa, Emily couldn't help feeling that all her good mood had suddenly evaporated with the air

" I don't work for her anymore"

" why? Trouble in paradise" Kristen winked

The other group members of Ashen Flay, Mitchell l and Jordan looked over at them curiously. Emily suddenly remembered why Kristen was her least favorite member. He was an asshole

" Emily, come to have a seat first. The event is going to start soon"

" fine. But I want an autograph later Jace "

" of course" the popstar smiled at her despite the trend-tinted colors of his cheeks, Emily almost cooed. Her idol was too cute

" didn't Scarlet come along with you?"

" yeah. But she's out posing to the paparazzi again. It might take hours before she comes"

Lisa nodded " you look beautiful" she complimented to which Emily rolled her eyes, of course, Lin Yi would like it if she dresses like a barbie doll

" did you know that Vaughn was coming"

She cringed " I heard"

" what are you going to do?" Lisa eyed her suspiciously " better not create a scene"

" how can I create a scene?! Vaughn is the biggest actor in the States. His net profit is so high it could break through the sky, and his production is so big and makes a lot of money. He's like a king! How can a lowly person like me possibly create trouble for him!?. His fans would murder me secretly and burn my body before I can even touch a hair on his pretty head."

" It's good that you know such things. But still, we did go to school together and you did bully him"

" I didn't bully him! I. I just wasn't nice"

" Emily" Lisa looked at her seriously " Vaughn is not someone you can afford to offend anymore. I know just how strong-headed you are so am telling you now to avoid him, if he wants he can make you jobless"

" or he could give me a job"

Emily laughed mockingly " I wasn't the one who got bullied but I kinda hate ya, imagine how Vaughn feels"

If he's a man he should let it go.

She didn't say anything but settled for some water

" I'll go find Scarlet "

The moment she stood up however she caught a familiar figure

Ashton!