Chapter 3
The call was answered on the first ring. A lively female voice immediately filled the room. "Gennie! You finally called me! How did things go with Charle yesterday? Did everything go well?"
Hearing that familiar voice, Genevieve's fingers loosened slightly around her phone. She leaned against the window, her voice soft. "Karina."
Karina Espinoza, one of Genevieve's few true friends, immediately noticed something was wrong. The playful tone in her voice faded. "What happened? Your voice doesn't sound right."
Genevieve lowered her eyes. She had so much to say, but in the end, she only whispered, "Karina, Charle and I broke up."
The other end went silent for a few seconds. Karina was stunned. She had always disliked the way Charle treated Genevieve, but she never expected their relationship to end so suddenly.
She didn't ask what happened right away. Instead, she softened her voice and said, "You and Charle are really over? Gennie, I don't know what happened, but I trust your decision." She paused, then asked with concern, "Are you alone right now? Where are you?"
Genevieve couldn't stop herself from laughing. It was the first genuine laugh she had managed in days. "I'm fine. I already moved out. I'm staying at The Whitby."
"Why are you staying at a hotel?" Karina immediately raised her voice. "I just bought a penthouse in Tribeca and was waiting for someone to move in with me. Pack your things and come over now."
Genevieve smiled but shook her head. "Thank you, Karri. But I need some time alone." She didn't want to leave one man's home only to move into another person's place. She needed a space that belonged only to her.
Karina was quiet for a moment, then accepted it. But she quickly changed direction. "Fine. But you're coming out with me tonight. We're celebrating your new life. One drink. No, ten drinks."
Genevieve hesitated. "I just recovered from a fever..."
"Exactly why you need to come out," Karina interrupted. "There's a new members-only club on the West Side called Indigo Club. I finally got access. Dress up, look amazing, and let everyone see what Charle Parrish lost."
Before Genevieve could refuse, Karina had already made the decision. "Nine o'clock. I'll pick you up downstairs at your hotel. Wear your best dress. That's an order."
After hanging up, Genevieve looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her face was still pale, but she couldn't help smiling at Karina's unstoppable energy.
She took a hot shower, then opened her suitcase and pulled out the black silk slip dress Karina loved. The design was simple, but the smooth fabric outlined her figure perfectly.
She applied light makeup, covering the faint tiredness on her face, then added a bold red lipstick. When she looked up again, the woman in the mirror seemed closer to the person she used to be.
Maybe Karina was right.
Tonight was worth celebrating.
At 8:50 p.m., her phone rang.
"Your Majesty," Karina announced dramatically. "Your carriage has arrived."
When Genevieve stepped outside, she saw a cherry-red Porsche 911 parked by the hotel entrance. Karina stood beside it in a sparkling mini dress, sunglasses pushed onto her head, grinning at her.
Karina rushed over and hugged her. "Oh my God, babe. You look incredible! Charle Parrish is going to regret this forever."
Inside the car, music filled the space as Karina drove through the city. "Tonight's mission is simple. Drink, dance, and forget everything that made you unhappy."
Genevieve leaned against the window, watching the city lights pass by. The corners of her lips slowly lifted.
Karina suddenly glanced at her and winked. "Seriously, if you want some fun tonight, I can find you a top-tier male escort. He'll be a hundred times better than Charle."
Genevieve burst out laughing and lightly pushed her arm. "Be serious."
Seeing Genevieve's helpless expression, Karina, slightly tipsy from the drinks, laughed and raised her hands in surrender. Her voice rose a little as she teased, "Okay, okay, I'm joking. Genevieve, don't think about that man anymore. Tonight is about you."
The Porsche stopped on a quiet street in Tribeca. The entrance to Indigo Club was hidden behind an art gallery, with no obvious sign outside.
Karina showed her digital membership card to the sharply dressed doorman. He immediately opened the heavy blue door.
Behind it was a completely different world. Dim lights covered the room, blues music drifted through the air, and the scent of whiskey and perfume mixed together.
Karina led Genevieve to the bar with a familiar smile. "Come on, babe. Welcome to your new life."
The bartender introduced their signature cocktails. Karina pointed at Genevieve's glass. "One ‘Rebirth' for her. And I'll take a ‘Revenge.'"
Genevieve picked up the pink cocktail decorated with an orchid and raised her glass toward Karina.
"Thank you, Karri."
Then she finished the drink in one swallow.