Chapter 5 A friend in need is a friend indeed

"Dude, are you okay?" Max asked, sensing the turmoil within his friend.

Dakota sat up and looked at Max, his expression sombre. "I don't know, man. I'm just so conflicted. My dad wants me to marry Julie Peters, but I can't bring myself to do it. I don't love her, and I don't want to be tied down to someone I don't love."

Max nodded sympathetically. "I get it, man. But have you thought about talking to your dad? Maybe you can come to some sort of compromise."

"Max, you of all people know that my Dad is the last person I ever want to talk to right now. The most annoying part is that he never listens."

"I don't know if that's even possible. My dad is pretty set on this, and I don't want to disappoint him."

Max placed a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder. "Look, I know it's tough, but you have to do what's best for you. You can't spend the rest of your life unhappy just to please someone else. Talk to your dad, see what he has to say. Maybe there's a way you can find a middle ground."

"I'm not promising you that, but I'll see what I can do."

"Won't you join us downstairs at the party?"-Max quizzically asked

Yeah, I'll join you guys, just give me thirty minutes and I'll be down stairs.

Dakota made his way down the grand staircase, feeling slightly better after his talk with Max. He looked around the party, taking in the sights and sounds. The music was louder now, and people were dancing, laughing, and having a good time. He spotted his friends in the corner, chatting and sipping on drinks.

Max noticed him and waved him over. "Hey, man. Feeling better?"

Dakota nodded, but his eyes were fixated on the beautiful woman standing next to Max. She was Monalisa the CEO of Girls Got Bold ushering services, dressed in a lilac gown that brought out all her banging Body God gave her, , her hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail.

She was talking to one of her staff, her laughter tinkling like music.

"Who's that?" From a distance Dakota asked, pointing to the usher.

Max followed his gaze and grinned. "Oh, that's Monalisa. Under a whisper Max answered. She's new here. You like her?"

Dakota felt his cheeks heat up. "I don't know,she's beautiful."

Max chuckled. "I can introduce you if you want."

Dakota hesitated, feeling shy.

"I don't know, man, I don't want to make a fool of myself. "

"This girl is perfect!!"- He exclaimed