The Devil's Good Girl
Chapter 54: Not enough

Chapter 54: Not enough

Fil and Marianne excused themselves, which the group didn’t mind. They made their way to the bar station, sitting on the stools facing each other.

"Fil, is everything okay?" asked Marianne. "I’m a little worried."

Fil cocked her head to the side. "Worried? About what?"

"Your clothes," Marianne pointed out. "You’d never wear something like this if nothing pushed you to do it. Did Vincent tell you to change your style?"

"Huh?"

"Fil." Marianne paused, holding Fil’s hand tightly. "Or is it the articles today? Are you angry about the articles? Is this why you are wearing something different?"

For a moment, Fil observed Marianne’s reaction. From the look of Marianne’s eyes down to her tone and body language, it was hard to detect the hidden agenda behind her line of questions. Fil had fallen for this woman’s ’concerns’ in the past, thinking about how beautifully sincere Marianne to her well-being was.

’I’m no longer interested in seeing Vincent’s true colors since I’ve seen it all,’ Fil thought. ’But looking at her makes me want to laugh.’

"Anne, are you... high?" Fil asked curiously.

"What?" Marianne scoffed. "Fil, what are you saying? I’m not taking drugs — you know that."

"Just wondering because you know it was Vincent’s idea to keep that kind of style." Fil shrugged. "I’ve already had a change of wardrobe before the articles are released. So, if you’re thinking this is my way to keep my man interested in me, it’s not."

Fil smiled, patting Marianne’s hand mildly. "Vincent asked for my hand even when I was into an old-fashioned style. What makes you think I have to do more effort?"

"Moreover, I don’t see you as a competition," she added, maintaining a sweet smile while pressing all Marianne’s nerves to see which one would light up. "You’re my best friend, right? There’s no competition between friends."

"Of — of course." Marianne chuckled awkwardly, nodding. "I’m just worried, that’s all. But if you say that, then I’m reassured."

"About the articles, I am not going to lie that I wasn’t curious," Fil spoke. "When is that, and how was that photo taken?"

Marianne cleared her throat, knowing she and Vincent already straightened their story. "It’s stupid," she sighed, shaking her head.

"That night, my manager was in a meeting and my assistant was on her day off. I went out to unwind and didn’t realize I had drunk quite a bit. So, I called for people to help me a little. Vincent is the only one who is kind enough to pick me up." Marianne smacked her lips in distress. "If only I knew those malicious paparazzi would write a story about that without context, I would’ve just gone home myself. Or maybe, just slept in the bar until I’m sober."

Fil slightly frowned while Marianne observed her. Mixing a bit of truth and a lie was often effective in creating a believable story.

"When was this?" asked Fil, making Marianne think.

"Monday night?" Marianne shrugged. "Not really sure, but it’s recent."

’Monday night? I see. So, after taking me home, saying all those things, and acting like a gentleman, he came running to his other woman?’ Fil nodded in understanding, a little upset at the thought. But what else could she expect from them?

"Don’t beat yourself because of it, Anne." Fil squeezed Marianne’s hand, nodding at her reassuringly. "I trust you and Vincent. Those articles are nothing but nasty. What’s important is that we know the real story."

"Fil." Marianne’s voice sounded gentler, looking at Fil with appreciation. "You’re not mad?"

"Why would I? It’s not like the great Marianne would ever want someone else’s crumbs." Fil humored. "Vincent is a total package, but I’m sure you’re smarter than that. You won’t want someone who is already dumped by someone else’s. That’s like picking up someone else’s trash."

The gentleness on Marianne’s face slowly cracked. "Fil, isn’t that a little mean?"

"Mean? I don’t see it as mean. It’s not like you’re guilty or anything." Fil shook her head, sporting an innocent look. "All I’m saying is a smart and beautiful lady like you won’t have a relationship with someone who’s already committed. I mean, you of all people should know people won’t call that a relationship, but an affair. Just like the rumor this morning, people won’t just call it a rumor, but a dating scandal."

Fil moved her face closer.

"It’ll destroy you," she dawdled. "But the most insulting part of that isn’t losing your career or reputation, but the fact that you ruined yourself for some... leftovers."

"..."

Marianne held her breath, holding Fil’s squinting eyes quietly. Her hand trembled a little, forcing herself to nod.

"Right," she whispered. "That’s right."

"What’s with that look? You’re sweating so much, Marianne," Fil chuckled, drawing her head back. "People might think I’m threatening you."

"Ha ha... why would they think that?" Marianne reached for the glass of margarita served to them, but her hands continued to shake. Just as she was guiding the glass to her lips, some of it spilled on her lap. "Ah. Oh, no."

"Marianne, are you okay?" Fil asked worriedly, helping Marianne put the glass back on the bar counter. "Wait, let me help you."

"It’s okay!" Marianne panicked, stopping Fil from wiping her dress. "It’s okay."

"But —"

"I’ll get it." Marianne forced a smile. "It’s okay. I have more clothes in my car. I’ll just change to a new one."

Fil frowned, watching her friend get off the stool. Marianne offered her a quick smile before rushing away, almost like running away.

’She always acts all high and mighty, but a little slap of truth and she’s rattled so easily,’ Fil mentally sneered, cupping her cheek as she idled by the bar stationed. ’Though I’m sure it’ll be harder to really break her. It’ll take more than stealing the attention she got from the people she thought were her friends and a few harsh words. This is not enough.’

Fil circled her fingertip on the untouched drink Marianne ordered for her. Her left brow arched as she sensed a presence approaching her. When she turned and saw who it was, her lips stretched.

Marcus.

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