14 Two toxic friend's reunion

"So, where are you going to stay after your divorce?"

Heaven chewed on the grape that was in the basket near the table as she pondered. "He said I can leave anytime I want after I sign the divorce papers," she said casually, then blinked, only to look at Paula, who was sitting on the side of the bed.

"Is that so?" Paula nodded in understanding. "Will you leave tomorrow, then?" she asked.

"Maybe?" Heaven shrugged as she picked up another grape from the basket. "Why are you asking? Will you offer your place for me to stay?" she asked, trying to see how her 'friend' would react.

Heaven's words caught Paula off guard. There was a look of confusion on her face for a minute, as if offering her place never crossed her mind. "Of — of course," she stammered. "I mean, sure. If you don't have any place to stay, you can always stay in my place. We're friends, after all." 

"It's not that I don't have a place to stay. Dominic said he would give me a few properties. It's just that living alone is quite lonely," Heaven said in a soft, almost sad voice. In reality, though, she was discreetly analyzing this woman's nature.

"That's right." Paula let out a short, awkward laugh. "Don't worry about it. You can stay in my place so you don't get lonely…"

"Your place is in the middle of the city too." Heaven looked away and focused her attention on the fruit she had been munching on. "If I'm near the city and the networks, it'll be easier for me to reconnect with my old friends," she added. 

"Old… friends?" Paula's brows cautiously rose. "You mean?"

"I mean my friends in the industry," Heaven answered, then flashed Paula a bright smile. "I need some job if I want to survive after the divorce, right? It scares me, knowing the nature of the industry. However, my best friend is now a B-list actress — who would have thought? So it somehow gives me courage. If you can do it, I can also make a comeback."

She cocked her head to the side, acting all innocent. "That's alright, right?"

The smile that was on Paula's face slightly faded. Her smile was slowly being replaced by annoyance. 'This bitch!' she secretly ground her teeth and forced a tight smile.

"Of course," Paula reassuringly replied. She was not letting her emotions get the better of her. This Heaven was stupid and naive; Paula was certain Heaven just spoke without using her brain again. "I'll be cheering on you."

'You wish!' Paula mentally sneered. 'You will not make a comeback. I'll make sure of that.'

"If you want, you can sign with my agency," Paula suggested with a friendly smile. "In that case, I can use my connection so the agency will take care of you…"

Paula trailed off as Heaven waved her hand dismissively. "There's no need for that. I don't want to hurt your feelings and outshine you. I don't want to hurt my best friend."

'You!' Paula's breath hitched, and she bit her tongue to keep her mouth shut. She needed to maintain her poise. "Heaven, it's been five years since you left the limelight. I don't want to sound bad, but I am your friend, so I'm concerned. Aren't you a bit overly confident? Many stars are rising to fame quickly. It's different for a has-been… I'm sorry for the term. I'm not saying it in a bad way, but because you suddenly left the spotlight, everyone almost forgot about you."

"Don't worry. No harm taken." Heaven chuckled, pretending she didn't know Paula deliberately mentioned the word 'had been' to discourage her. This tactic might be effective for the original Heaven, but not for the current one.

"I know what you mean, Paula. It's not that I don't know that. Still, I am Heaven and that's where my confidence is coming from. I did it once, and I'm sure I'll do it again." Heaven winked before popping the last piece of grape into her mouth. "Man… that hit the spot. I'm full."

Heaven leaned back on the hospital bed while rubbing her tummy. Ever since Paula came, she had been eating all sorts of food to regain her strength. The fruits were only snacks after a full coarse meal.

'You did it once and you'll do it again?' While Heaven was busy rubbing her tummy and burping in an unladylike manner, coldness replaced Paula's expression. 'Heaven, you're so full of yourself. You never changed.'

Paula and Heaven's friendship used to be so great and pure. That was the time before they entered the entertainment industry. The industry ruined their friendship, but Paula blamed Heaven for that.

Heaven used to be a confident woman. Because of her natural beauty that appealed to many, she instantly rose to fame. Meanwhile, Paula's career was the opposite. Her progress was slow and because she was always with Heaven, she couldn't shine on her own.

Paula thought when Heaven got pregnant, that was the end of Heaven's luck, only to find out who the father of the child was. Even Heaven's karma was better than anybody else. After all, even if Heaven didn't have to work all her life, she would live with luxury.

'Your divorce… will be the biggest mistake of your life, Heaven,' Paula thought. She was laughing maniacally to herself, anticipating Heaven's total downfall. 'I will not allow you to outshine me anymore. Even when there's no chance that you'd make a proper comeback, I'll still make sure you won't.'

"Oh, by the way," Heaven suddenly exclaimed as she faced Paula. The latter was already smiling warmly. "You can now go back to your shoot. I'm sorry for worrying you and taking up your time."

"It's alright. I'm your only friend, so of course, I'll drop anything for you."

"Paula," Heaven reached for Paula's hand, squeezing it mildly. "I appreciate your gesture, but I'll be more guilty if this puts you in a tight spot. Don't worry about me anymore. I'll rest as much as I can and will update you about the divorce."

Reluctance shone in Paula's eyes, but Heaven insisted.

"Fine," Paula let out a dramatic sigh. "Rest, okay? And let me know if you need anything. I'll tell my assistant to bring you whatever you need."

"Yes, yes. Now go."

Paula let out another deep sigh. "Don't stress out yourself, okay? Just rest. Tomorrow is a big day."

"Yes, big day." Heaven had to listen to Paula's nagging before the latter left. As soon as she was alone, the corner of her lips curled up into a cunning smirk as a glint flickered across her eyes. "Yes, Paula. Now, off you go to my husband and run that big mouth of yours."

Heaven comfortably slumped on the bed, satisfied in meeting her 'best friend.' She gazed at the ceiling before her cunning smirk faded.

"Paula Shen truly had a grudge against Heaven. However, although she is the fakest I've seen, I don't think she's that scum to murder her friend."