Can't Lose You

Chapter 01: Broken

Briella's POV

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A month from now, I'm set to marry my long-time boyfriend, Xander Madrigal, the CEO of Star Agency. We worked side by side to grow the business, and I gave up my career as a popular model to focus on his enterprise and support his dreams.

"Honey, are you sure you don't want to come to my place?" I asked him, trying to hide the excitement in my voice. I had prepared a surprise, knowing he'd enjoy it.

"I'm sorry, honey, but I really can't. Why would you plan something when I have an important meeting?" he replied from the other end of the line.

I took a deep breath, masking my disappointment. I knew he was always busy, but I couldn't understand why he couldn't make time for me anymore. Even when we had the chance to be together, it always felt like he was somewhere else, distracted or unavailable.

"Okay," I muttered. I wanted to say more, but he abruptly ended the call.

With a heavy sigh, I placed my phone beside me, leaned against the sofa, and stared at the ceiling. Xander had changed since he proposed. He barely had time for me anymore. We rarely saw each other at the company, and he hardly ever called me into his office to talk or check on me.

He was constantly buried in paperwork or out in meetings with clients. He used to take me along, but now, he just left me in my office with piles of work I wasn't even supposed to handle.

My phone suddenly rang. I glanced at the screen and saw Matilda's name-one of my friends and a fellow model at the agency.

"Hey, Matty. What's up?" I answered.

"Are you busy right now?" she asked.

"No," I sighed. "Xander isn't coming over today, so I'm just stuck at home. Why?"

"Perfect! Come with me to pick an outfit for my party later. If you're free, tag along!"

A party? Why not? I'd just be sulking alone at home anyway.

"Sure, count me in. Where are we meeting?"

"Meet me at the mall. I'll text you the store name. Bye!"

After the call, I quickly got dressed and headed out.

***

"This one looks great on you," Matty said, holding up a black, backless, plunging dress with a knee-length skirt and a slit on the left side.

"Are you sure?" I asked, eyeing the bold design. That dress would definitely draw attention at the party.

"Yup! You'll look hot and daring in this. I bet you'll be the center of attention. Maybe you'll even meet someone interesting tonight," she added with a playful wink.

I shook my head, chuckling. "You know I'm getting married next month. I should probably wear something simple and elegant-"

"Oh, come on, Brie! Don't be such a killjoy!" Matilda cut me off, shaking her head with mock disapproval. "Put this on for me, please? Let's call it my gift to you. One night of freedom! You won't be able to do this next month, so enjoy it while you can." She grabbed my hand and handed me the dress. "Take it. I'll pay for it. A small thank-you for coming with me tonight."

I sighed, staring at the dress. It was definitely bold, more daring than anything I'd worn lately. But maybe Matilda had a point. One night couldn't hurt, right?

"All right, just this once," I murmured. After tonight, I promised myself I wouldn't get dragged into Matilda's night-outs again.

After shopping for our outfits, we headed to a well-known salon to get dolled up. Honestly, I could've done my hair and makeup. I had years of experience from my modeling days, but since I was with a high-profile model like Matilda, I went along.

Still, I waited outside the salon for more than an hour. As soon as we arrived, her fans recognized her and started swarming, snapping photos like it was a full-blown photoshoot. I watched from a bench nearby, amused and slightly invisible.

"I'm sorry, Bri. Did you get bored waiting?" Matilda finally said, approaching me. "You should've gone ahead and started your hair already."

I just smiled and shook my head. "It's okay. It was actually kind of entertaining watching you interact with your fans."

"Well, that's what comes with being famous. You get mobbed by people who adore you." She laughed lightly before continuing, "Too bad your fans disappeared when you stopped accepting projects."

I blinked, taken aback, but kept my tone steady. "Xander prefers I focus on helping him with the business. And honestly, I'm happy doing it-it's for our future."

Matilda didn't say anything after that. She just turned around and walked into the salon.

Later that night, we met again at the nightclub where the so-called party was being held. Even from outside, the pounding bass of the music hit me like a wave.

"Isn't it a bit dangerous in there?" I asked, peeking into the dimly lit interior.

Matilda laughed. "Is this your first time in a place like this? No wonder you're so boring."

"I've been to plenty of clubs before," I replied, holding back a scoff. "Just not ones like this. The ones I've been to were more upscale-elite members, gold cards, that kind of thing." I didn't mean to sound arrogant, but I wasn't about to let her take jabs at me, especially with people nearby who might be listening.

Matilda didn't respond. She just grabbed my wrist and pulled me inside.

The music blared around us, vibrating through the floor and walls. Instantly, a few people turned to look, eyes trailing after us, probably admiring the two well-dressed women who just walked in.

"Oh God, I love being the center of attention!" Matilda squealed, clinging to my arm.

"Come on, this way!" she shouted over the music, dragging me toward the bar. "Two Bloody Marys, please!" she ordered without hesitation.

"Who organized this party?" I asked, glancing around the room. Despite the dim lights and disorienting flashes of disco colors, I could still make out familiar faces. Most were fellow models-friends of Matilda's. Some, I only recognized from my past... people I hadn't spoken to in years, not since the incident at my former agency.

"My boyfriend," Matilda said brightly, grinning like a teenager in love.

I raised an eyebrow. "You have a boyfriend?" That was news to me. She had never mentioned anything about a relationship, or maybe she'd kept it under wraps to avoid scandal.

"Can I meet him?" I asked, curious.

Matilda's grin widened, but something was off about it-something too perfect. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, giving me an odd, almost eerie feeling.

"You'll get to know him soon enough," she replied with a light laugh. "But I don't know if he wants to meet you. He's shy... doesn't show up just for anyone."

Before I could ask more, someone called out, "Matty!"

We both turned toward the voice. My brows furrowed the moment I saw Matilda's face pale. The woman who called her approached us quickly, and I recognized her instantly.

"Miss Briella!" she exclaimed, clearly surprised. "W-What are you doing here?"

"Edna," I greeted with a calm smile. "Matilda invited me. It's nice to see you."

Her eyes flicked between me and Matilda as if silently analyzing something. "I see. Well... enjoy the party, Miss Brie." Then, without another word, she walked away.

Matilda and I exchanged a glance. Edna had always been sharp. I wasn't sure what she was thinking, but I could tell something was off.

Still, I tried to relax. After a while, we toasted, laughed, and even danced to the loud, fast-paced music. Matilda introduced me to a few more models, though most of them were too absorbed in their own little worlds to care. I felt a little out of place-like an outsider crashing someone else's moment.

Time slipped away without me realizing it. Eventually, the lights started to blur, and the music felt like a distant thumping echo in my head. Dizzy, I leaned in toward Matilda.

"I think I need to use the restroom," I told her, my voice lower than usual.

"Can you still handle it?" she asked, concern flickering in her eyes.

I nodded. "Yeah... but I think I should leave soon. It's almost midnight."

She smiled apologetically. "Thank you for coming tonight. I'd take you home, but can't leave my friends right now." She gestured toward her crowd, still drinking and dancing like the night was starting.

I waved a hand dismissively. "You don't have to. I can drive myself. I just need a minute in the restroom, okay?"

I turned away and made my way through the crowd. As I passed the staircase leading to the second floor, I noticed a sign on the wall that read VIP Rooms in sleek, glowing letters. I paused briefly, then continued toward the restroom.

Once inside, I entered one of the stalls and nearly bumped my head against the door. I was more unsteady than I'd thought. I sat down and closed my eyes momentarily, hoping the spinning would stop.

I must've dozed off because the next thing I heard were voices outside the cubicle-muffled but close.

"Matilda, are you sure you won't get caught doing this?" I froze when I heard Edna's voice outside the cubicle. My brow furrowed.

"Shut up, Edna! It's none of your business!" Matilda snapped, her voice sharp. "She won't find out, she's too naïve and foolish! Can you believe I told her I have a boyfriend? She even asked to meet him! I almost told her the truth, but Xander would've been furious."

It felt like a bomb exploded in my chest. I bit my lip hard to stop any sound from escaping, even as my heart pounded violently in my ears. Did I hear that right? Or was I imagining things? Maybe I was still drunk... or maybe this was real-horribly, painfully real.

"B-but..." Edna stammered.

"No buts, Edna!" Matilda hissed. "You wouldn't even be a model if it weren't for me-remember that! Anyway, I have to go. Xander's waiting for me upstairs. That woman took forever to get drunk!"

My entire body went cold. Rage clenched my fists, but I knew I couldn't confront her. I had to be sure. I needed undeniable proof.

I stayed inside the cubicle until I was certain they had left. Once alone, I slowly stepped out, approached the sink, and stared at myself in the mirror. My reflection looked pale and furious, but clearer now-the alcohol was wearing off, and my thoughts were razor-sharp.

Taking a steadying breath, I exited the restroom and walked toward the second floor, where the VIP Rooms were. My legs trembled with every step, but I pressed on. I couldn't leave without knowing the truth.

I stopped in front of the third door when I heard his voice.

"Are you sure Briella went home?" Xander asked someone inside.

I carefully pushed the door open to see what was happening. My fingers dug into the doorknob, nails biting into the metal, as my world collapsed in front of me.

Matilda sat on Xander's lap, her dress hiked up to her waist.

You filthy son of btches.

"Yup," Matilda said smugly, "she didn't even say goodbye to me-too drunk to remember anything."

"Then why did you invite her in the first place?" Xander grumbled, annoyed.

Matilda giggled. "What, you don't like it? I just wanted to make her feel a little better after you rejected her. And besides... waiting for you gets boring. She's such easy entertainment."

I felt something inside me crack. The urge to scream was overwhelming, but my voice wouldn't come. My body refused to move. My eyes stayed glued to the disgusting scene unraveling before me.

They kissed hungrily, shamelessly. His hand moved down her back and gripped her bare ass. Matilda moaned loudly, her underwear already lying on the floor.

And then they started making out right there in front of me. Loud, vulgar, and cruel.

I couldn't take it anymore.

I turned and ran as if the air in that place was poisoning me. My vision blurred, not from tears but from a burning fire inside me.

You will pay for this-both of you. I swear. I won't stop until I bring you down.