A ONE NIGHT STAND EXPERIENCE

"I just don't feel anything for you anymore, Viva.

Nathan's voice was cold, emotionless, as he leaned back in his chair, swirling his drink like he was bored of the conversation. Like she was just another task on his to-do list, something to check off and forget.

Viva felt her stomach tighten. "What... what do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. He sighed, exasperated, as if she was the problem. "

You're boring, Viva. There's no spark, No excitement. I need someone who keeps things interesting.

"The words hit like a slap, each syllable tearing through her like a blade. Boring? No spark?

Hadn't she given him everything? Hadn't she stayed up late talking to him, supported him through his struggles, loved him unconditionally? Her fingers clenched around the napkin in her lap.

"Are you serious? " Nathan didn't even look guilty. If anything, he looked relieved.

"Come on, don't act so surprised. You had to feel it too,"

he said, taking another casual sip of his drink. "Things have been off between us for a while." Viva shook her head, feeling the burn of unshed tears. No. That wasn't true. Lilly had tried to warn her when she had called, Just two weeks ago, her best friend had shown her pictures from Nathan's social media , smiling with some girl, his arm draped casually over her shoulders, looking too close to be just friends. But Viva had refused to believe it. "That girl..." she whispered.

"The one you've been hanging around with. Is she the reason?"

Nathan smirked. He didn't even have the decency to deny it. "Let's not make this messy, Viva. It's over. You'll be fine".

Fine? He was walking away from years of love, and he thought she'd be fine? She watched him throw some cash on the table before standing up, brushing imaginary lint off his shirt like this entire conversation had been a mild inconvenience."Well, see you around," he said over his shoulder before walking out of the restaurant, out of her life, just like that.

Viva sat frozen, her heart pounding against her ribs, her ears ringing with the deafening silence he left behind. She should have cried. She should have felt shattered. But all she felt was empty. Slowly, she pushed back her chair and walked out onto the busy city street. The night air was crisp, but it did nothing to cool the fire building in her chest. She didn't want to go home. She didn't want to replay his words over and over in her head. No, Tonight, she wanted to forget. She wanted to drink, to lose herself in the night, to stop feeling anything for just a little while.

A neon sign flickered across the street-CLUB AURA. Music pulsed from inside, a steady beat calling her in. Without a second thought, she stepped inside, letting the heavy bass drown out the pain. Maybe heartbreak wasn't the end, Maybe tonight she can prove to herself that she wasn't boring.

The club was dimly lit, a mix of deep blues and purples casting shadows over the dance floor. Bodies moved in rhythm to the music, lost in the moment, in the heat of the night. Then she saw him. A man leaned against the bar, his posture relaxed yet commanding, like he owned the space around him. His dark eyes locked onto hers immediately-sharp, assessing, interested. Viva swallowed, her breath catching in her throat. He was effortlessly magnetic, dressed in a fitted black shirt that stretched across his broad chest, the sleeves rolled up just enough to show strong forearms. His jaw was sharp, his lips curved into the faintest smirk, as if he knew exactly what she was thinking. He tilted his glass slightly in her direction, a silent invitation. Viva hesitated for only a second before walking toward him, feeling a confidence she didn't know she had. As she reached the bar, he leaned in just enough for his voice to be heard over the music.

"Rough night?" His voice was deep, smooth, laced with something dangerous. Viva let out a breathy laugh. "Something like that". His eyes flickered with amusement as he took a slow sip of his drink.

"I could tell. You walked in like you had nothing to lose. "Maybe I don't, she wanted to say. Instead, she met his gaze head-on. "And what about you? Sitting here alone, watching people all night?"

He smirked. "Not all night. Just since you walked in." A shiver ran down her spine. Viva reached for the drink the bartender placed in front of her, but before she could take a sip, he leaned in just a fraction closer, his cologne wrapping around her like a spell, "Be careful," he murmured. "A woman like you... she could make a man do something reckless."

Her lips curled into a smirk as she clinked her glass against his. "Then maybe tonight's the night for reckless decisions."

His eyes darkened, filled with something unreadable yet thrilling. He extended his hand toward her, his fingers brushing against hers lightly-a test, an invitation. Viva took it And just like that, she let the night take control, she was a light drinker, and one drink was enough to get her into the right amount of tipsy to want to do things she would not normally do with a strange man, who cares what could happen , she doesn't have to see him again, tonight Viva, let loose!!

The dim glow of blue and purple lights flickered around them as he led her through the crowd, past the pulsing beats of the music, deeper into the club. Her pulse raced-not from fear, but from the intoxicating thrill of the unknown.

He pushed open a door, revealing a private lounge bathed in warm, golden lighting. A sleek leather couch sat in the center, a low table with half-finished drinks from whoever had occupied the space before them.

"We can have this whole place to ourselves," he murmured, his voice like velvet as he turned to face her. Viva let out a breath, trying to ignore how her body reacted to him-the way his presence made her skin tingle, the way his gaze traveled over her like he was drinking her in. She wasn't the kind of woman who did things like this, But tonight, she wanted to be. Nathan had made her feel forgettable. Like she was a placeholder until someone better came along. But this man? He was looking at her like she was the most captivating thing in the room.

"You seem tense," he noted, stepping closer, his fingers brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Viva shivered at the simple touch.

"I'm not," she lied. He chuckled, a deep, rich sound, "Liar!!"She smirked, shaking her head. "And what if I am?" His gaze dropped to her lips. "Then I should help you relax." The air between them shifted, thick with unspoken tension. She knew where this was going- and she wanted it to go there. Then he closed the distance. His lips brushed against hers, teasing at first, testing. But the moment she sighed into him, he claimed her-his hands sliding around her waist, pulling her flush against him. The kiss was deep, hungry, like he was tasting something he'd been craving for a long time.

Viva clutched at his shirt, losing herself in the sensation. His mouth moved against hers with a slow, intoxicating rhythm, his fingers gripping her hips as if grounding himself in the moment. She pulled away for air, but he chased her lips, nipping lightly at her bottom lip before smirking.

"Out of breath already?" His voice was teasing, low, full of amusement. Viva could barely think, let alone speak. He leaned in, brushing his lips over her jaw, then whispered against her skin-"Then you shouldn't have tasted so good." Her stomach tightened, her breath hitching. Maybe this was crazy. Maybe she'd regret it in the morning. But right now, with his hands on her and the heat between them threatening to consume her-She didn't care. Tonight, she wasn't the girl who had been discarded. Tonight, she was the one being wanted.

Viva swallowed hard, her body already responding to the heat between them. Her heart thundered as she met his gaze-heated, electric, and filled with something she had never seen in Nathan's eyes. Want. Lust. Obsession. His hands trailed down her back, palms rough against her soft skin, leaving goosebumps in their wake. He grabbed her waist, pulling her flush against him, letting her feel every inch of his arousal.

A gasp escaped her lips, but he swallowed it with another kiss, his tongue tangling with hers, tasting, exploring, devouring."You taste addictive," he murmured against her lips, his breath hot, his voice thick with want. She let out a shaky exhale as his hands roamed further, his fingers grazing the hem of her dress. With a slow, deliberate movement, he slid it up, exposing the smooth expanse of her thighs. His lips trailed down her neck, his teeth grazing sensitive skin, making her arch against him, slowly his tongues licks through her thighs, she was shivering, she knows exactly were the journey of his tongue was about to end, and just before he buried his tongues in-between , her legs that were raised just above his head, he asked

"Do you want this?" , his lips brushing the shell of her ear, his voice a deep, husky whisper. "Yes," she breathed, no hesitation, no second thoughts. That was all he needed. He gripped her thighs and lifted her effortlessly onto the plush leather couch, positioning himself between her legs. He ran his fingers over her skin, tracing invisible patterns, watching her with darkened eyes as she trembled under his touch. his tongue did wonders she could only have read about, was this real, could a man be this good, he moved like he had mastered her body and knew exactly how it works, His mouth followed, pressing wet, open-mouthed kisses down her collarbone, across her shoulder, until he reached the swell of her breasts. His lips closed over one hardened peak, his tongue swirling in slow, torturous circles that sent pleasure rippling through her. A moan slipped past her lips as he lavished attention on her, his hands gripping her hips, his fingers digging in just enough to leave a mark. He worshipped her, like she was something sacred, something to be adored. He peeled away the remaining barriers between them, his touch reverent, yet filled with unrestrained hunger. When he finally positioned himself between her thighs, his gaze locked onto hers, a silent promise passing between them. He entered her slowly, stretching her, filling her inch by inch.

Viva gasped, clutching his shoulders, nails digging into his skin as he pushed deeper, claiming her in a way that sent a shudder through her entire body. "Perfect," he rasped, pressing a lingering kiss against her lips. He moved with deliberate precision, slow at first, letting her feel every stroke, every inch of him as their bodies molded together. The pressure built, delicious and overwhelming, each thrust sending waves of pleasure crashing over her. Viva moaned she didn't even know his name, she would have been screaming it so bad, breathless, lost in the sensation of him, the way he held her, the way he worshipped her. "You feel so good," he groaned, his movements growing more urgent, more desperate. She wrapped her legs around him, drawing him deeper, craving more. her voice spilled from her lips like a whispered prayer as he drove her higher, pushing her toward the edge of oblivion, she never knew she could be bendy or in such a position, twisted and turned, in all positions he was good And then it happened. Pleasure shattered through her like a tidal wave, her body convulsing, her vision going white. He followed moments later, his grip on her tightening as he found his own release, a deep, guttural moan escaping him as he buried his face against her neck.

**THE MORNING AFTER**

The soft glow of early morning filtered through the sheer curtains, casting golden streaks across the luxurious hotel suite. Viva stirred, her body deliciously sore, the lingering scent of him still clinging to her skin. Her lashes fluttered open, and the events of last night came rushing back. The club. The private lounge. His hands, his mouth, his body worshipping hers like she was the only woman in the world. she had left in the middle of the dead night when he had gone to the bathroom, while she got dressed before he could come back, A strange pang twisted in her chest. Good right, this was how it was suppose to end. That was the whole point, wasn't it? A reckless, no-names, no-strings-attached night of pleasure. No regrets. Still, as she walked out quietly , she couldn't ignore the hollow feeling creeping in.

A soft rustle caught her attention. Her eyes snapped to where a neatly folded note lay beneath her leg. Her fingers trembled as she reached for it. this was unforgettable. But if fate ever brings us together again... I won't let you go. No signature. Just an elegant scrawl that sent an unexpected shiver down her spine. She swallowed hard, forcing a scoff. Dramatic much? With a deep breath, she crumpled the note and tossed it aside. It didn't matter who he was. It didn't matter if she would ever see him again, the night was over And she had bigger things to deal with. Viva pushed the door opened, and slipped out , her body humming with the aftershocks of their passion, yes she had it mixed with a hangover, but the night was worth it

Viva kicked off her heels the second she stepped into her apartment, groaning as the ache in her feet pulsed up her legs. The day had been brutal.

Goldie, her boss at Soul Sisters, had been more unbearable than usual, barking orders and treating her like a glorified errand girl rather than an aspiring designer.

Coffee runs, scheduling meetings, fetching last-minute fabric swatches- that was her job. Not sketching, not creating, not designing.

She threw her bag onto the couch and collapsed next to it, exhaling heavily. Her body felt drained, her mind even more so. Even the ringing of her phone barely stirred her, but when she saw Lily flashing on the screen, she forced herself to pick up.

"What's up, baby girl?" Lily's voice was bright, energetic.

Viva let out a sluggish sigh. "Mmm."

"Uh-oh." Lily paused. "Are you alright?"

"I am," she mumbled. "Goldie is just stressing me the hell out. She treats me like I'm invisible. I swear, if I bring her one more oat milk latte, I might just spill it on her."

Lilly snorted. "You know you can always come to Westview, right? There are so many designers who would actually see you. CEOs who'd treat you better."

Viva shook her head, even though Lily couldn't see her. "I know, but my life is here, Lily."

"Ugh, fine," Lily huffed. "Enough about your nightmare of a boss. Want to hear about my day?"

"Go for it," Viva said, rubbing her temples.

"Well," Lilly drawled dramatically, "I went shopping, got myself some comfort snacks, because someone-" she emphasized, "-is about to go through the worst few days of her life."

Viva frowned. "Worst few days?"

"My period, dummy." Lily groaned. "I swear, I need time off just to deal with it. Luckily, Harry is a decent human being and gave me a few days to rest."

Viva sat up a little, something cold trickling down her spine. "Wait... Lilly, what's today's date?"

"Uh... the fifteenth?"

Her stomach clenched.

"...Sh*t."

"What?" Lilly asked, her tone immediately suspicious.

"I think... I think I'm late."

Silence.

"Wait, late late?"

Viva swallowed hard. "Middle of the second month late."

Lily let out a sharp breath. "Okay, okay. It's probably stress."

"No." Viva's fingers trembled as she pulled up her period tracking app, scrolling through the dates. "Lily... I get tired easily these days. And-" Her eyes darted to the screen. Her last recorded cycle was nearly seven weeks ago.

"Oh my god."

Lily's voice turned deadly serious. "Vee. A missed period doesn't automatically mean you're pregnant, but..."

Viva clutched her phone tighter. "But after a one-night stand and no morning-after pill..." Her voice trailed off as sheer panic gripped her.

Lily whispered, "Oh my god."

Viva's heart pounded in her chest, the realization hitting her like a wrecking ball.

This couldn't be happening.

She might be pregnant.

With a stranger's baby.

*********THE TWO LINES OF TRUTH *******

Viva had been absent-minded the entire day, her mind spinning in endless circles. The moment she stepped into Soul Sisters that morning, she knew she was in no state to work. She could barely focus, barely breathe.

It wasn't until Goldie's sharp voice cut through her fog that she snapped out of her daze.

"Viva! You sent the wrong email to the entire team-do you even have a brain in that pretty little head of yours?"

The entire office went silent.

Heat burned up her neck as she stammered, "I-I'm sorry, Goldie. I must've-"

"You must've what?" Goldie scoffed. "You've been zoning out all day. I don't have time for incompetence. Just go home before you screw something else up."

Viva swallowed her pride and grabbed her bag. She wanted to yell, to fight back, but she didn't have it in her today. She walked out of the office in a haze, barely aware of her surroundings as she made her way to the nearest pharmacy.

The moment she saw the pregnancy test kits lined up on the shelves, her stomach twisted. Her fingers trembled as she picked one up. The cashier barely looked at her as she paid, but Viva felt like the entire world was watching, judging.

By the time she got home, she was shaking.

With the box in her hands, she sat on the edge of her bed and pulled out her phone. She needed to hear her voice.

Lilly picked up on the first ring. "Hey, baby girl."

Viva swallowed hard. "I'm about to take the test."

Lily's tone softened. "Vee... whatever happens, we got this. I'm here. Always."

Viva exhaled shakily, gripping the test. "But what if I am pregnant, Lilly? What happens then? My dreams of becoming a designer-what if they disappear? How do I even explain that a one-night stand brought this to me?"

Lily was silent for a moment before saying gently, "We'll take it one step at a time, Vee. But first, you need to know."

Tears welled in her eyes. "My mom will probably never speak to me again."

"She loves you," Lilly assured. "It'll be hard, but you won't be alone."

Viva closed her eyes, gripping the test in her hands. "I'll lose my job. I'll-"

"Breathe," Lily soothed. "Just take the test."

With her heart pounding, she stepped into the bathroom. Her hands were shaking so badly she nearly dropped the test.

She did what she needed to do.

Then, she waited.

Every second felt like a lifetime.

Lilly stayed on the line, whispering reassurances, but Viva barely heard her. Her mind was a whirlwind of panic, hope, and terror.

Then, the timer went off.

With trembling hands, she reached for the test and turned it over.

Her breath caught in her throat.

Two lines.

Positive.

A cold chill shot through her entire body.

"No," she whispered.

The walls felt like they were closing in. The floor tilted beneath her feet.

Then, the scream tore from her throat.

"Nooo!"

"Calm down, Viva," Lilly's voice was firm but soothing. "You-we-are doing this."

Viva felt her breath hitch, panic still gripping her chest. "But I can't do this alone," she choked out. "Raise a stranger's baby all by myself?"

The silence on the other end of the line was sharp, like a blade cutting through the moment. Then Lilly's voice came, low and serious.

"Vivian May David."

Viva flinched. Lilly only ever used her full name when she was dead serious.

"How dare you say that?" Lilly's voice trembled, not with fear, but with fierce determination. "You were raised by just your mom, and you turned out fine. More than fine. That baby is yours as much as he-whoever he is-belongs to him. But don't you ever sell yourself short."

Tears burned at Viva's eyes as Lily continued, her voice unwavering.

"If anyone can do this, it's you. For crying out loud, you made me dream, Vee! You made me a better person. You inspired me. So what you should be thinking about is how to make this baby the best version of you. Not drowning yourself in negativity."

Viva wiped her tears, swallowing hard.

"No more of that crap," Lilly said fiercely. "That's our baby, bonehead."

A shaky laugh bubbled out of Viva. "Our?"

"Damn right," Lily shot back. "You're not alone. And that baby? Already has an entire army behind it."

Viva let out a long, shuddering breath. Maybe she wasn't ready. Maybe she was terrified.

But she wasn't alone.

And for now, that was enough.

"So what do I do first?" Viva exhaled, running a hand through her hair. "I have to tell my mom. And I need to quit my job. Goldie would never let me work while pregnant."

Lilly listened attentively as Viva paced the room, brainstorming her next moves aloud.

"Goldie's the easy part," Viva muttered, rubbing her temple. "Mom is the real hurdle."

Silence stretched for a second before Lily let out a cool laugh. "Now that's the Viva I know. Who would believe that just a few minutes ago, you were all whiny and tearful? Now look at you-almost picking out baby clothes and sending it to college."

"Oh, come on, Lily. That's far-fetched," Viva groaned.

"Is it?" Lily teased. "Next thing, you'll be talking about nursery colors and reading baby books."

Viva sighed. "Let me survive the first conversation with my mom first."

Lily's voice softened. "You'll be fine, Vee. No matter what happens, we got this."

Viva swallowed hard. She hoped Lily was right.

But something told her this was just the beginning.

Viva stood outside her mother's house, her heart pounding against her ribs. The evening air was thick, pressing down on her like the weight of the secret she had been carrying.

Her fingers trembled as she reached for the door handle.

You have to do this, Viva., You can't hide forever.

With a deep breath, she stepped inside. The familiar scent of vanilla candles and freshly brewed tea wrapped around her, momentarily comforting, before the fear settled back in her chest. Her mother, Monica, sat at the dining table, flipping through a magazine, a soft smile gracing her face as she looked up.

"Sweetheart! This is a surprise! I was just about to make tea. Want some?"

Viva hesitated, her throat dry. "Mom, we need to talk."

Monica's smile faltered as she took in Viva's expression. She set the magazine down and gestured for her to sit. "Alright. What is it?"

Viva lowered herself onto the chair, her hands twisting together. She inhaled sharply. Just say it.

"I'm pregnant."

Silence.

Monica blinked, as if the words hadn't fully registered. "I-I'm sorry, what?"

"I'm pregnant," Viva repeated, barely above a whisper.

The color drained from her mother's face. Her fingers curled into her lap, and when she spoke again, her voice was tight. "Who... how?" She shook her head quickly. "Never mind that. The father? Who is he?"

Viva looked away. "It was a one-night stand. I don't even know his name."

Monica let out a sharp breath, rubbing her temple. "Viva, what were you thinking?"

"I wasn't," Viva admitted, her voice breaking. "I was heartbroken. I just-I made a mistake, and now..." She gestured to her stomach. "This is real."

Her mother was quiet for a long time. Then, she exhaled deeply. "So, what now?"

"I'm keeping the baby," Viva said firmly. "I'm resigning from Goldie's company. I don't know what the future holds, but I do know I want this baby."

Monica shood up from her chair, pacing across the small living room. "Tell me you're joking, Viva. Tell me this is some kind of ridiculous prank!"

"It's not," Viva said quietly.

Monica turned sharply, her face contorted in disbelief. "How could you let this happen? Do you have any idea what you're about to put yourself through?"

Viva flinched. "Mom, please-"

"No, you listen to me!" Monica snapped. "Do you remember how hard it was for me? Raising you alone? Working three jobs just to put food on the table? The nights I cried myself to sleep, wondering if I could afford rent or your school tuition? Do you have any idea what you're getting yourself into?"

Tears welled up in Viva's eyes. "I know it wasn't easy for you, but-"

Monica cut her off with a bitter laugh. "You know? No, Viva, you don't know. You were a child. You didn't see the sacrifices, the times I skipped meals so you wouldn't go hungry, the years I never once put myself first because my only priority was you."

Viva clenched her fists. "I'm not saying it's going to be easy, but I won't run away from this. I made a mistake, but I'm going to take responsibility."

"With what money? You work for that woman who treats you like trash! You have nothing to give this child, no home of your own, no support system!"

Viva's breath hitched. "I will figure it out."

Monica let out an exhausted sigh, rubbing her temples. "And the father? Where is he?"

Viva's stomach twisted. "I don't know."

Monica froze. "You don't know?"

"I just told you, it was a one-night stand," Viva admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Her mother stared at her in utter disbelief. "Oh, Viva..." She shook her head, disappointment heavy in her gaze. "I thought I raised you better than this."

That hit like a knife to the chest.

Viva bit her trembling lip, feeling her mother's judgment crush her. Her mother sat back down, the anger in her eyes replaced by something worse-defeat.

"You have no idea how much this breaks my heart."

Viva wiped at her tears. "Mom, I need you right now. I don't need a lecture, I don't need to be shamed-I just need to know that you're still on my side. I won't force you to accept this, I'll wait. But I just want you to be able to accept me and my choices."

Monica sighed heavily. "Viva, when you turned down medical school, I accepted it. When you wanted to move out, I supported you. When you started dating that good-for-nothing lowlife Nathan, regardless of how I hated him, I let you have your way. And now this?" Her voice cracked. "It's bad enough you got pregnant, but now I have to also accept this?"

She shook her head, pressing a hand to her chest. "No. Not this time. I hate that you've put yourself in this position. And I hate that you're about to go through the same hell I did. I worked too hard for you to do this to me."

Viva swallowed the lump in her throat, her own heart heavy. "But you're my mom. That's what parents are supposed to do. Just as you worked hard to raise me alone, I will do the same for my baby. If you could do it, then you should trust that I can too. I'll find a way to be okay."

Her mother exhaled deeply. Then she looked away. "Please leave. I can't do this with you right now."

Viva swallowed hard, standing up. "I understand."

She turned to leave. Each step toward the door felt heavier than the last. She stepped outside, and the cool night air hit her like a slap. A tear slipped down her cheek.

She had a battle ahead of her. She feared her mom would never accept her.

But she had no choice but to win-one way or another.

******GOLDIE NEVER REALLY CARES*****

Viva walked into Goldie's office, her resignation letter clenched tightly in her slightly trembling hands. She had barely slept the night before, her mother's words echoing in her mind. But this was the next step.

Goldie barely looked up when Viva entered.

"If this is about yesterday's mess, spare me the excuses," she said, flipping through some papers. "I don't tolerate carelessness, and you of all people should know that by now."

Viva took a breath. "It's not about that. I'm resigning." She placed the letter on Goldie's desk.

That made Goldie stop. Her eyes flicked to the envelope, then back to Viva. A slow, amused smirk curved her lips. "Resigning?" she repeated, as if the very idea was ridiculous. "And what, pray tell, has brought on this sudden stroke of courage?"

Viva lifted her chin, determined not to let Goldie intimidate her.

"I have personal matters to handle. I can't continue working here."

Goldie leaned back in her chair, tapping a manicured nail against the desk. "Let me guess. You're pregnant."

Viva stiffened. "How-?"

Goldie scoffed. "Please. The signs are obvious. The absent-mindedness, the sudden exhaustion, and let's not forget that meltdown yesterday. So tell me, who's the father?"

Viva's stomach turned. She wasn't about to explain her personal life to Goldie. "That's not relevant."

Goldie chuckled, standing up.

"Of course it is. A woman in your position can't afford to be reckless, Viva. You barely survived in this company when you were at your best. What makes you think you'll survive out there now?"

Viva swallowed down the lump in her throat. "I'll manage."

Goldie circled her desk, stepping closer. "You know what I hate more than incompetence? Wasted potential." She crossed her arms. "You had promise, Viva. I saw it. You worked hard, put up with everything I threw at you. And now, you're throwing it all away. For what? A baby you weren't even planning for?"

Viva clenched her fists. "This baby is my responsibility. I may not have planned for it, but that doesn't mean I'll let it ruin me."

Goldie tilted her head, studying her. Then she sighed, shaking her head. "Fine. Your choice. But don't expect any favors from me if you come crawling back."

Viva met her gaze with unwavering determination. "I won't."

Goldie picked up the resignation letter and waved it dismissively. "Get your things and go, then. And make sure you don't leave anything behind-I don't want to hear your name in this office again."

Viva turned on her heel and walked out without another word.

As she stepped into the elevator, a shaky breath left her lips. The doors closed, and only then did she allow herself to feel the full weight of what she had just done.

She had no job. No financial security.

But she also had no regrets.

She was free.

And she would figure it out-one way or another,

*******THE NEW START****

Viva had barely kicked off her shoes when her phone buzzed. She groaned, flopping onto the couch. The last thing she needed was another problem to deal with.

She glanced at the screen-Lilly.

She sighed before answering. "Lilly, now is really not the best time-"

"Trust me, when you hear this, it will be."

Lilly's voice was practically buzzing with excitement.

Viva pinched the bridge of her nose. "Fine. What's up?"

"You remember Leo Adams?"

Viva frowned. "Not particularly."

Lilly groaned. "Do you even listen when I speak?"

"I mean-" Viva sat up. "Should I?"

"Ugh. LD Technology."

That rang a bell. "Oh, right. The big-shot CEO guy."

"Yes! Well, turns out he was in need of a new assistant, and guess what?"

Viva's stomach twisted. "Lilly...what did you do?"

"Relax! I just happened to find out first-hand-shoutout to Harry for the inside scoop-and I may have applied for the position for you."

Viva sat up straight. "You what?"

"I figured since you were leaving Soul Sisters, you'd need a backup plan. A fresh start, a new environment, something better than Goldie."

Before she could finish, Viva cut in. "First of all-what the hell, Lilly? Second, get to the point."

"Okay, okay! Long story short-you got the job."

Silence.

Viva blinked. "Wait. What?"

"You. Got. The. Job!" Lilly practically screamed into the phone. "Pays way more than Goldie. Plus, guess what? We get to live together again, just like college! West View, baby!"

Viva didn't know if she should be excited, terrified, or both. Moving? Starting over in a completely new city? It felt like too much at once.

But wasn't that exactly what she needed?

She pressed a hand to her chest, inhaling. Then, it hit her.

"OH MY FREAKING GOD!" she shrieked.

"I KNOW, RIGHT?" Lilly squealed. "I am amazing."

Viva laughed, her heart pounding with a mix of nerves and excitement.

Maybe this was it. The clean slate she had been waiting for.

******GOODBYE MAMA******

Viva packed up her things, she knew there was one last thing she had to do before leaving.

She had to see her mother.

The house felt colder than usual when she stepped inside. Her mother was seated in her usual chair, staring blankly at the TV, but Viva knew she wasn't really watching. She swallowed hard and took a deep breath.

"Mom..." she started softly. "I came to say goodbye."

Silence.

She tried again. "I got a new job in West View. I'll be staying with Lilly. It's a fresh start for me."

Nothing. No flicker of acknowledgment, not even a glance in her direction.

Viva clenched her fists. "I hate that we have to live like this." Her voice cracked, but still, her mother didn't respond.

She sighed, her heart heavy. There was nothing more she could do, not now.

Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a small folded note and placed it gently on the table beside her mother.

"This is my address. Both for work and where I'll be staying with Lilly," she said, voice softer now. "I'll be waiting for when you can accept us."

She turned to leave, but before she stepped out, tears welled in her eyes. She wiped them away quickly, refusing to break down. Not here.

As she walked down the path away from the house, something made her glance back one last time.

Through the dimly lit window, she saw her mother.

Peeking through the curtains. Watching her go.

Viva knew her mother would cry herself to sleep that night. But she wouldn't rush her. She wouldn't beg for acceptance.

Some things had to be felt, not forced.

With that, she faced forward and kept walking.