I hum to myself as I leisurely browse the Internet for the latest movies showing in the theatres.

Life is good.

Out of the corner of my eye, I glance at the balled up sheet of newspaper, 2 months old now. Despite the streak of anger that went through my veins when I lay my eyes on it, I can still feel a distinct surge of warmth.

My disregard for privacy on my first dinner out with Elena earned me a full page spread on Page Six. Not that it is unexpected. I just assumed that the paparazzi would be meaner than simply painting the page with the title "Damon's advancement on Little Miss Mysterious" in a huge-ass font. Seemed like they were intrigued with the proper and graceful Miss Gilbert like I was, and instantly picked up the difference in the way she carried herself, as compared to my other conquests.

Which is partly true, since she is not my conquest. Not really. Since that night, we have been meeting up almost every other day, just enjoying each other's company. She looked delicious every time, with her jackets and little shift dresses she wore to work, or her loose shirts and short shorts on the weekends.

So why have I not made her mine yet? This is a question I ponder before I sleep, every night.

I guess I have been so worried about screwing this up that I just didn't want to complicate things in any way. Not that I'll ever admit it, of course. I am simply contented with Elena's company, and the many, many things we talk about every time we meet.

And then there's her. I feel my brows crinkling in frustration and guilt. She didn't act like anything is out of the ordinary, of course. But I'm sure she'd noticed the paps' lack of updates on the notches on my bedposts, and their obsession with noting Elena and my every move. Their headlines have changed to "New York's golden boy smitten with Princess of G Enterprises" or "Playboy tamed – is Delena end game?"

I have been brushing her questioning gazes and hints aside – how do I explain something I do not even fully comprehend, myself? Her expressions of hurt, neglect, and occasionally jealousy and angst of course did not go unnoticed. But I have the confidence that she would not and could not go after Elena.

I have to balance this delicate situation as best as I could. Losing either side is not going to happen.

Forcibly pushing my unsavoury thoughts aside, I click the "Purchase" button on the website, and pressed the speed-dial on my phone.

"Hey babe, I got the tickets. I'll see you at 7PM sharp tonight – I will not accept any bullshit about working late a'right?"

I smile to myself as I hear his deep baritone on my voicemail. I mentally snuggled into the comfort of his voice, so that I can block the thoroughly god-awful week I had.

Everybody is on my case recently. Tech services gave me grief for "the lack of consultation when the new websites are implemented"; Finance chided me for not being informed of the new policies that required approval for any expenses above $20,000; my father has been exceptionally unkind and clipped in his little interaction with me.

I am just about to explode.

Other than my trusty assistant, an unexpected ally seemed to be helping me out as well. Bonnie. She has been there to resolve issues for me, many of which do not even directly concern her.

"Just happy to help out a colleague" she says. At this point, any help is so greatly appreciated I just embrace it without any further thought. Despite the slight irritation I have always had with her, she has been a godsend.

I breathe out a sigh at the mountain of paperwork that simply refuses to diminish despite how hard I plow through them. I collapse heavily on my chair. Crunch time.

"Gilbert!" A familiar voice sounded from beyond the mountain. I cannot even see past them. "Wow, talk about being buried in work. How do you get yourself so much paperwork?"

"Hey Bonnie," I greeted meekly. Need to save some energy to dig into the work.

And for the movie date later! Haha. My mind likes to joke. I'll be lucky if I stay awake throughout the show.

"Anyway," Bonnie peered at me above the pile of papers. "I brought you some Earl Grey. Twinings! Your fave, right?"

I beamed at her and accepted the mug of hot, calming goodness gratefully. "What will I do without you, Bennett?"

She waved my thanks aside, and propped herself on the arm of a small loveseat I have in my room for visitors. Playing with the corner of one of the cushions, she watches me sip the hot tea, looking deep in thought.

"So tell me – how does the fastest rising star of G Enterprises find time to bring me tea and lounge in my office? Are we overstaffed?" I joke.

"Nah, just need some help from a girlfriend." Bonnie looks at me with a twinkle in her eye. Somehow, I have a bad feeling about this.

"What's up?" I feign ignorance.

Not the Gala. Not the Gala. Not the Gala. My mind chants.

"Well, I was hoping I can convince you to go to the Gala with me tonight."

I groan inwardly. I have been staying away from Matthew since I started hanging out so frequently with Damon. Yes, hanging out, since there has been next to zero intimate interactions between us. The tension is there, but neither of us acted on it.

Or he almost did, but somehow always manage to avoid any actual cosying up in the last minute. So much so that sometimes I feel that I've been "friendzoned". And I thought that's a term for guys only.

Instead of half-heartedly seducing Matt, I decided to target his secretary instead. Thanks to my ability to channel my inner Caroline, I have managed to be girlfriends with Anna. Just 2 more tiresome high tea sessions, and I should be able to get everything I need.

This all but rendered any interactions with Matt unnecessary. Hence the avoidance.

But of course, tonight is the Donovan appreciation Gala, which is simply an excuse for the wealthy and powerful to gather, complete with expensive Champagne and the pretense of donation to Charity. And the "appreciation" bit? Just the official reason that the Donovans quote so that they can display their connections in the city.

"I thought Lockwood's supposed to be your date," I pretend to be entirely engross in reading yet another advertising contract with some trade magazine. "Not very gentlemanly for him to ditch at such a last minute, right? Plus I thought he lives for free expensive Champagne and the chance to wear his many Hugo Boss suits." As opposed to actually working and bringing some value to justify his obscenely huge paycheck. I silently add.

"Yes, he was supposed to go. But he decided to bring his own date last minute. Some bimbo he wanted to impress, apparently." Bonnie looks at me with wide eyes. "And I really don't want to go alone. Help a girl out? Please?"

I curse inwardly. After accepting so much of her help, I practically have no choice in this matter. At least I might be able to strengthen the friendship with Anna enough to get what I need from her.

Swallowing my disappointment at having to miss movie night with Damon, and bracing myself for the inevitable leering and lewd remarks from Matt later this evening, I plaster a huge smile on my face.

" Sure! What are girlfriends for?"

Little do I know, these are the 6 words I will regret for the next 2 years.