Night of Destiny

“Nora?”

“Yes, it’s me.”

“You came to Flor?” Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

“Yeah, on a business trip. I thought I would see you guys.”

“That’s great. We’ve missed you too. We’d love to see you.”

“Sure. I’ll come up with the time, and we’ll meet,” said Nora. She then hung up. The person she talked to wasn’t some regular guy. They were from an underground organization in Flor. When Imogen was taking IT classes back in the day, she inadvertently got in touch with a hacker. They had been staying in touch for three years since then under the name of Nora. Eventually, she found out they were with the mafia. She should have cut off all ties with them, but she started getting some ideas, so instead of cutting off ties, she deepened the connection.

She showed off her skills and true self to these people and acted just like a bad girl. That made her quick friends with these people. Refusing to stay in her current hierarchy in society, Imogen tended to delve deeper into other parts of society to find a way up.

Back in the presidential suite, Shirley was lounging on the settee on the balcony, agonizing over a certain matter. She would be going to the ball later that night with Zacharias, and she knew Imogen would be there as well. She and Zacharias were going to be really close at the ball, so she wanted to tell Imogen about her relationship with Zacharias before that.

They were friends, so she had to be honest with Imogen. Shirley mused over her options, and eventually, she decided to meet Imogen. When she came back into the lounge, Zacharias was still on

the couch, talking about work with Freddie. He realized she was going to leave the room, and he arched his eyebrow. “Where are you going?”

“To see Imogen,” said Shirley.

Zacharias finally nodded, giving his permission. He wouldn’t let her run around all she wanted. This was a chaotic place, after all.

Shirley asked where Imogen’s room was. She got her answer, went to her friend’s room, and knocked on the door. Imogen stuck her head out of the room a while later. When she saw Shirley, she smiled happily. “I knew it was you, Shirley. Come in.”

“How did you know?” Shirley went into the room.

“Instinct. My instinct has always been accurate. Imogen sat Shirley down on the couch and rested her head in her hand. “I heard you’re staying in a room with Mr. Flintstone, I envy you. You can stay close to him all day, every day. I wish I were in your place.”

Shirley pursed her lips before looking at Imogen. “I have to be honest with you, Imogen.”

Imogen knew what Shirley was going to say, and she sat up straighter. “Okay, hit me with it.”

“You know how I told you I didn’t like Zacharias? Well, after getting to know him better, I realized that I actually like him,” said Shirley honestly.

Imogen acted stiff for a few moments, and then she smiled. “He’s a charming man, and you’ve been by his side for so long. I am not surprised you fell for him.”

Shirley apologized, “Sorry. I know you like him too.”

Imogen pulled her hair back. Bitterly, she said, “A commoner like me has no business loving him. Only women like you are worthy of Mr. Flintstone.”

Shirley consoled her. “Don’t look down on yourself, Imogen.”

“Shirley, it’s the truth. You were born to privileges most people can’t access their entire lives.” Imogen looked at Shirley calmly.

Shirley did not argue about that. Of course, she never showed off just because she was born to a good family. She just wanted to live an earnest life so she couldn’t feel how her peers felt.

Imogen laughed at herself. “You like Mr. Flintstone, and you get the chance to stay with him. I don’t.”

Shirley wanted to be honest with Imogen. Zacharias made the first move, but she didn’t want to make her already downcast friend even more sullen.

“Imogen, Zacharias and I are going to attend a ball tonight. I’m his date,” said Shirley.