Chapter 3
I wondered–whether I was a “swine” or not had nothing to do with her. Why was she so angry?||
Liv didn’t come back that night.[]
When I went to bed, I casually scrolled through Instagram and stumbled upon Liv’s latest post.]
Few people knew Liv’s true family situation. I only found out when I moved into the dorm and met her sister once.]]
To the outside world, Liv maintained her rich girl persona, joining group rideshares but claiming to own the car, borrowing gym memberships, buying knockoff bags.].
Those bags might fool some people, but anyone familiar with luxury goods could spot the fakes immediately.[]
But not many people could tell, and they couldn’t examine them up close anyway. Liv’s rich–girl image was pretty well–established–even our roommate Zoe believed she was genuinely wealthy.
She also maintained an Instagram account, synchronizing her “daily life” updates across platforms.]]
Today’s post said: “Back at LMS once more. The purple sea urchin today was top–notch–it was airfreighted in this morning. The lobster was just so–so, nothing to write home about. Another day of gourmet feasting~“]
The photo that went with it showed her propped up against a car, deliberately flaunting her fake Hermès bag. The Balenciaga stockings she had on were those ten–dollar knockoffs you can buy on an online marketplace, and the letters on them printed all crookedly.
But what caught my attention wasn’t her fake ensemble but the car behind her–a black Aston Martin that looked exactly like mine.
The license plate was obscured by her leg, so I couldn’t confirm.]
…No way, I reassured myself. That would be too coincidental.]]
Plenty of people drive Aston Martins. Sometimes in the business district, you could find several in one parking garage level.[]
Maybe Liv was just posing with someone else’s car again.]
I decided it couldn’t be that unlucky and closed my phone to sleep.[]
It was strange though–Drew hadn’t replied to my messages all night. He said his club Maybe that was true.]
Early the next morning, Liv returned in high spirits.[]
Her face glowed with excitement as she described every dish from the previous night: sweet. Japanese sea urchin is really something else. You all must try it sometime!“[]
as having a meeting and he was busy.
sea urchin was incredibly fresh and
As she spoke, she gave me a pointed look, unable to hide her superiority: “But some people, I guess, will only ever eat Pad Thai their whole lives.”
Chapter 3
I was caught in friendly fire.[]
What’s wrong
with Pad Thai? Pad Thai is delicious! I don’t even like Japanese sea urchin–it’s slimy and cold like raw eggs. How could that compare to the hot, spicy perfection of Pad Thai?
Before I could get a word in, Liv went on: “It’s my birthday today, and my boyfriend’s throwing me a bash at his place. You guys should all come!”
“He lives in The Grand by Gehry–you know that place, don’t you? His place has these amazing panoramic views of LA, and it’s worth tens of millions of bucks!“]
As she spoke, she became increasingly animated, her eyes filled with longing and fascination.[]
I didn’t feel much of anything, just thought it was quite a coincidence.]]
My family also owned an apartment in The Grand by Gehry–my dad bought it in case I didn’t like dorm life. But I eventually got too lazy to wake up early for classes and just stayed in the dorm, only occasionally returning to the apartment.]
I never expected Liv’s boyfriend would have such a connection to me–driving the same brand and model car, and even buying an apartment in the same place.
I didn’t think much of it. Liv enthusiastically invited us all to attend, and not wanting to be rude, I joined the other students in taking a cab to The Grand by Gehry.]]
Liv guided us with sparkling eyes: “My boyfriend bought the upper floor. At night, you can see the entire LA skyline. They’re nearly three times more expensive than units on the lower floors!”
The roommates behind her exclaimed in admiration: “Your boyfriend is seriously rolling in dough! I know this area–it’s the priciest part of DTLA. An ordinary person couldn’t even afford to buy a bathroom in this place, even if they worked their whole lives.”
Zoe added enviously: “Liv, you’re one lucky gal. You were already doing pretty well for yourself, and now your boyfriend’s a total catch too. Hey… does your boyfriend have any single friends that you could hook us up with?”
Liv laughed lightly: “Their circle is pretty exclusive. Maybe someday. Oh, here we are.“]
She swiped her FOB card, and the elevator lit up–28th floor.
What a freaky coincidence… did her boyfriend live on my floor?]
But my gut kept screaming something was off…]
I exited right, walked straight down the hall…]
Holy shit!!
This was–this was fucking MY apartment?!]
