Page 57 of HER SISTER

"Oh that is hot," Mya determined as I stood in front of my full-body mirror.

I was wearing a white button-down dress with a lacy black corset band over it, which managed to hug my curves—and then with the buttons unbuttoned slightly at the top of the white shirt, it managed to expose my cleavage as well.

My hair was up in a ponytail while I wore neutral makeup and light jewelry.

I smiled slightly, "Yeah? Do you think it's suitable for New Year's and a gallery event?" I asked as I slid my black heels on.

I was trying to make sure my outfit was suitable not only for a New Year's event but also a gallery event too.

It was really unique how Mili managed to clash the two together.

At midnight, all the gallery pieces are put up and the cocktail event is turned into more of a celebration with louder music and stronger drinks.

I seriously felt so proud of her—I even got her roses delivered to the gallery today right before the event started.

Mya didn't hesitate to nod, "Oh for sure—and we kinda match," she said, doing a small twirl.

And I couldn't help but smile as I took in her short white dress that was tied around her neck.

The end seemed flowy while the top managed to cling to her body.

Her dark hair was straightened and pulled back into a ponytail with a side part that was swooped back.

"You look really hot too honestly," I said as I sprayed on my perfume.

Mya's smile grew, "I'm so excited to go into the new year with you, Ana-conda," she joked, nudging me slightly.

I gave her a playfully narrowed look, "I thought we shot down that nickname?" I questioned.

Mya laughed, "Definitely not," she said, suddenly reaching down to my neck.

And the action alone made me pause, realizing that she was fixing the necklace that I was wearing.

Correction, the necklace that Mili gave me.

I hadn't seen her since we all left for the cabin yesterday, but that was mostly because of our Secret Santa party that lasted until this morning given that everyone slept over.

And then today, she had some stuff to handle for her New Year's event.

Honestly, it felt like we were both bombarded with things to do as soon as we got back into town.

But after tonight, we'll finally get some time to ourselves.

"Sorry, your necklace was crooked," Mya said as she retracted her hand, and I couldn't help but let out an internal sigh of relief, knowing that she didn't see the engraving.

Then again, she doesn't know Mili by Lani, so it probably wouldn't even click for her.

It would just be hard to lie about who exactly gave it to me.

And I just really don't want to lie anymore.

"Thank you for fixing it," I said, smiling as I held my hand over the necklace.

Mya didn't hesitate to nod, "Of course, it's way too pretty to be wearing it crooked," she determined, looking at it once more before she said, "And it's Cartier? Yeah, I can't have you walking around with a necklace like that all twisted up."

I laughed slightly even if it was the last thing I wanted to do, "How did you know it was Cartier?" I asked curiously, wondering if she was able to get a look at the logo.

If so, then she definitely saw the engraving.

Mya waved me off, "Girl I look at Cartier at least once a day—whether that's in-store or online. They're my favorite jewelry brand," she said, and yet again, I felt myself relax slightly.

I literally cannot keep lying to Mya.

At this point, I might go into cardiac arrest from all my paranoia.

"Cartier might become mine too," I said, knowing I really admired the necklace, but that was mostly because Mili had given it to me.

Apparently, both Mya and Mili have the same jewelry brands in common too.

"Yes girl hop on the bandwagon already," Mya said as we walked out of my room.

And as we prepared ourselves to leave for the New Year's event, I couldn't help but anticipate to see Mili.

Even if I just saw her yesterday morning, it seemingly felt like weeks already.

—

Mya smiled as soon as we made it into the two-level red brick gallery lined with windows at the front that held the view of a busy downtown LA.

"This is so cute," Mya said as we all walked into the gallery that seemed to already be filled with groups of people as more people entered in behind us.

Damon nodded, "This is really nice—creds to Mili for real," he said as the rest of our friends looked around.

Frankie suddenly pointed to the white podium that had a bouquet of black roses on it, "Those are so precious," she said in awe, and I couldn't help but feel my ego boost just by the slightest.

Those were from me.

And Mili managed to put them out on display.

I smiled slightly, she's the sweetest person ever.

I suddenly looked down at my phone that buzzed.

I fought the urge to smile at her text, imagining her beautiful face and kissing her soft lips.

Before I could type a text back, she managed to send another.

I suddenly looked up from my phone, "Hey, I'll be right back," I said, hoping that no one would ask for an explanation.

If they did, I would just say I was taking a phone call or going to the bathroom, but just throwing an excuse out there before they could ask felt abnormal.

Everyone nodded, saying words of acknowledgment, which easily sent a relief through my body.

And I didn't hesitate to walk toward the back of the gallery in search of the door that Mili specified.

I don't think I've missed someone as much as I missed her right at this moment.

God only knows how we would ever be apart for more than a day.

A smile grew slightly on my lips as soon as I found the door—and I didn't hesitate to subtly look around at all the occupied people before opening it and walking through.

I carefully looked down the long brick hallway, walking slowly as my heels clicked against the wood floors.

A gasp suddenly fell from my lips—feeling someone grab my wrist before pulling me to the side.

But as soon as the door to the prop closet closed and my eyes landed on Mili—I was almost instantly smiling.

"Hi baby," I greeted her, immediately cupping her face as I pressed a brief kiss to her lips.

Mili hummed against my lips as her arms slid around my waist, "Hi my pretty girl," she murmured against my lips, easily deepening the kiss.

I smiled against her lips, "I've missed you so much," I whispered.

Mili suddenly reciprocated my smile as she began pressing soft kisses to my neck, "I missed you so much more beautiful," she said, easily pulling me in closer to her warm body.

My smile managed to grow wider as soon as she pulled back from my neck, allowing me to get a good look at her perfect face.

"You look so good," I said, taking in her loose untucked button-down shirt with baggy jeans and Timbs.

Her dark hair was down and straightened while she wore her typical black glasses that I was growing to love on her.

Mili hummed as her eyes trailed my outfit, "I don't know, I think you look better—" she suddenly pressed a fleeting kiss to my lips, "—If this wasn't my show, I'd one hundred percent be on my knees right now," she subtly murmured the last part, easily making my face heat up from shyness.

"Milan," I breathed out, suddenly feeling flustered.

Mili only smirked as she leaned into me, "And you got me flowers? I think you're asking for rounds right now," she determined.

I laughed bashfully, "I think you like making me blush," I said, knowing that I was probably as red as a tomato right now.

Mili hummed, "Actually, I like making you cu—"

"I seriously can't go back in there flustered, Milan," I quickly cut her short before she could make me blush even further.

Mili only chuckled, "Fine, but we're finishing this later," she determined, pressing a soft kiss to my temple, "Or more like I'm finishing you—"

"Milan," I practically whined out, easily earning more amused laughs from her.

Mili pressed a kiss to my lips, "I'll see you after the show," she said, reaching for the door.

I nodded, "After the show—also, Arielle managed to get me some lingerie from Chanel for Secret Santa," I subtly added with a small smirk.

Mili's eyes suddenly glanced up and down my body, "Sounds sexy," she murmured as I walked past her through the doorway.

A gasp fell from my lips when Mili suddenly smacked my ass.

"But tell her that I got the lingerie duties covered from here on out," she managed to add, and just like that, my face was growing even warmer.

I swear it's on once I get her alone.

"Behave yourself, Milan," I said, giving her a playfully narrowed look as we backed away from each other toward opposite ends of the hallway.

Mili hummed, "As long as I can misbehave later on..." she subtly trailed off.

And I couldn't help but jokingly roll my eyes at her as I turned on my heel to head back out to the event.

Which seemed to be exactly how I left it, although there were way more people now.

I looked around, looking for Mya or anyone from our friend group.

But when I came up short, I suddenly ventured up to the second level.

A smile grew on my lips as soon as my eyes landed on Mya who stood by herself in front of one of the pictures.

However, my smile was easily wiped off of my face when I took in the picture she was looking at.

It was the one from the cave that Mili took of me, which just so happened to expose my entire back.

I sucked in a nervous breath—well, there goes my opportunity to tell her before she found out on her own.