“Effie? Why are you up so early?"

Effie had retired to bed quite late the previous night and Lilah had anticipated she would slumber until noon. Yet, to her amazement, here was Effie, awake at eight?

Effie pivoted, her impeccably adorned visage showing no deviation from the norm. "Well, I'm destined for stardom. How could I confine myself in sadness over a trivial matter? Yesterday is the past!"

Lilah expressed genuine admiration. "Remarkable, Effie. Your resilience is truly remarkable! Let's go and indulge in breakfast."

Effie presumed they would descend the stairs but, much to her surprise, they found themselves at the neighboring apartment, Gerard's home.

Effie looked at the lavish breakfast spread, surprised. "My brother can cook?"

"Yes, and it's really good," Lilah replied, smiling.

Tasting the delicious sandwich, Effie gave Lilah a thumbs up. “Thanks to you. Otherwise, I doubt I could ever enjoy my brother's cooking."

"You talk even while eating," Gerard remarked, watching Effie.

Effie chuckled and started eating more quickly. She observed the family of three across the table. Jerrold sat beside Lilah, sweet and well-behaved. Gerard usually appeared aloof, but his face softened when he looked at Lilah.

Effie felt a twinge of envy.

After breakfast, it was time for everyone to head to work.

Lilah was surprised to find her first task of the day involved Effie.

Logging into her social media at the office, Lilah found her inbox flooded with messages about Effie. People were urging her to cut ties with Effie.

Effie's name was all over the trending topics.

"Effie, a seductress?"

“Effie, Flora, and Winston?"

"Flora and Winston, a couple?"

"Flora declares romance with Winston?"

Just an hour ago, Flora had publicly confirmed her relationship with Winston.

Their fans were ecstatic.

But then, news broke of Effie's altercation with Winston post-audition.

Flora and Winston's fans were up in arms.

“Effie assaulted Winston because he rejected her?"