Ashley dropped MK of from one of their dinner dates.
"Can I give you a hug?" she asked softly, her voice carrying a warmth MK had grown used to—maybe too used to.
MK nodded.
Ashley pulled her into an embrace, gentle at first, then lingering a moment longer. When she finally let go, MK took a step back, intending to leave… but Ashley caught her hand again.
It happened in a blur.
A pull.
A stumble.
Momentum closing the space between them—
Ashley's lips meeting hers.
For Ashley, it wasn't an impulse.
It was gravity.
She had fallen long before this moment.
Instead of pulling away in surprise or regret, Ashley leaned in deeper, kissing MK like she had been holding it in for months.
MK's mind screamed.
Pull away.
Stop.
You don't feel this—not like she does.
But this was Ashley. The woman who helped her, supported her, steadied her during the darkest seasons after Shriya. Someone MK didn't want to hurt. Someone she didn't know how to repay.
So she didn't resist.
She kissed her back.
One moment dissolved into another, and soon they were inside, stumbling through the doorway, Ashley's lips burning against MK's with a desperate intensity.
And MK felt it—
that pang of guilt slicing through her chest.
She was grateful.
But she wasn't in love.
Ashley's kiss deepened, and MK's hand instinctively moved, landing on Ashley's chest. Under her palm, Ashley's heart beat wildly—hard, fast, overflowing.
MK's heart did not.
A cold realization washed over her.
I'm the villain here.
She pulled back, breathless, and looked at Ashley. Really looked at her.
And what she saw made her chest tighten.
Love.
So much love. Too much.
"Why me?" MK whispered, taking a step back. "You're beautiful, successful. People line up just to see you."
Ashley followed her to the table, wrapping her arms around MK's waist from behind.
"There was something about you that drew me in," she said, voice trembling with sincerity.
MK's heart cracked.
Tears rose before she could stop them.
Ashley panicked softly, turning MK around and brushing her cheeks.
"Don't cry. Please don't cry. It's okay if you don't love me. I know someone broke your heart, but if you give me a chance… I'll never hurt you."
MK swallowed hard.
"I'm not sure I can love you, Ashley. My heart… it's still broken. It still hurts. I don't want you wasting your time with me. Please… find someone who'll love you back."
"Give me a chance," Ashley begged. "If it doesn't work… I'll walk away myself."
"But—"
Ashley gently pressed a hand over her mouth.
"It's okay, MK. If it isn't me, I'll leave. I promise."
MK's defenses cracked. Ashley wasn't manipulating her—she was trying.
Trying to love her.
Trying to heal what someone else destroyed.
MK closed her eyes… and kissed her.
It wasn't passion.
It wasn't love.
It was sincerity—
the kiss of someone willing to try.
She avoided touching Ashley's chest again; she couldn't bear to feel that uneven heartbeat. Her hands wandered elsewhere—neck, shoulders, hair—anywhere that didn't remind her of the difference between them.
---
The Night
MK lay staring at the ceiling afterward, her body beside Ashley but her mind miles away.
Memories of the night replayed—Ashley's earnestness, her trembling breaths, her pulse racing like she had found something precious.
And MK…
felt nothing but guilt and emptiness.
The night stretched endlessly.
She didn't sleep.
---
Morning
The wedding was scheduled at the church downtown. MK rose early, fully dressed before Ashley or Jesse even stirred.
"Can't wait, huh?" Jesse teased when he woke.
"We can't be late," MK said simply.
She didn't offer more.
---
At the Wedding, Rebecca glowed as she walked down the aisle, her white gown shimmering like something pulled from a photograph. Brian waited at the altar, eyes soft, full of love—real love. The kind that didn't leave people hollow.
Journalists crowded outside. High-status guests filled rows.
Even Starlight Company staff were scattered among the seats, whispering with excitement.
After the ceremony, MK insisted they stop by the company before the after-party. She didn't want Ashley alone at the hotel.
But the journalists had already spotted Ashley.
Miss International White attends Rebecca Mathews' wedding.
Starlight in the spotlight as beauty queen joins their private manager's meeting.
CEO Michelle Kent seen walking hand-in-hand with Ashley White—relationship unconfirmed.
Each media house chose its angle, each headline pulling the three of them further into the limelight.
---
The After Party
By nightfall, the field behind the venue swelled with people. Music thundered from the stage, artists performing while the crowd moved like a single body.
MK let herself blend into the music—finally, a breath.
Until a hand grabbed hers.
Someone dragged her through the crowd, their back turned. Instinctively, MK followed, unable to see who it was until they reached the top of the building.
She yanked her hand free.
"What—"
The person turned.
Time stopped.
Shriya.
MK's mind blanked.
"MK," Shriya breathed.
"You—what are you doing here?" MK asked, voice tight, guarded.
"I want to talk. You ran before we ever could."
"There was nothing left to talk about, Shriya. Please… leave me alone."
Her voice was flat. But inside—her heart hammered violently.
MK turned to leave.
And then—
"It was me that night."
MK froze mid-step.
Shriya closed in, placing her hands on MK's shoulders.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to go too far. I was paid to ruin your reputation—but when I kissed you, I lost control. MK… I'm sorry."
MK stood there, stunned.
Her mind fractured.
Shriya was my first time, one voice said.
Can a girl take someone's virginity? another argued.
Maybe she's lying—girls can't—
What do you mean can't?
I've never heard of it—
Voices clashed inside her, none making sense.
But relief washed over her—not happiness, but clarity:
At least it wasn't a stranger.
At least her first wasn't what she feared.
She lifted her eyes to Shriya, and instantly regretted it.
Those familiar eyes… they pulled her in, threatening her balance.
Shriya's voice softened.
"I'm sorry, MK. I wanted to tell you sooner. I was scared of losing you."
They stood in silence.
Just staring.
Unable to look away.
"MK!"
Jesse's voice snapped reality back.
MK tore her hands away from Shriya's grasp and rushed to Jesse, disappearing with her into the crowd.
"What were you doing?" Jesse hissed. "Were you that desperate you couldn't wait to run back to her arms? And what about Ashley? She dropped everything to be here for you! How can you be so—"
"Jesse, I did nothing wrong! Why are you so mad?" MK fired back.
"Did nothing?! MK, I was there. Have you forgotten what she did to you?!"
"No. I haven't forgotten."
"Then what? Are you losing your mind? Couldn't wait to run back to her, huh?!"
"Jesse, what are you doing—"
Jesse didn't stop. The insults kept coming—
Ungrateful.
Selfish.
Blind.
Stupid.
MK's hand moved before her mind caught up.
A slap.
Sharp. Loud.
A perfect red fingerprint bloomed across Jesse's cheek.
Her mouth fell open.
She stared at MK in horror.