The new suit felt like a second skin, clinging perfectly as Liam strutted into the art gallery. He ran a hand through his immaculately styled hair, a smile playing on his lips as he surveyed the scene. Tonight was the launch of his own photography exhibition, and the crowd was already buzzing. He caught sight of Maya, his best friend, across the room. He was looking forward to her praise – she always seemed so impressed by his work, and it fueled his ambition. He was about to go over when he saw her deep in conversation with a man, and the man looked familiar. He caught her eye, and she smiled brightly, but there was a flicker of something in her expression, and the man was suddenly gone.
“Liam!” Maya exclaimed, weaving her way to him. "This is incredible! You truly outdid yourself."
Liam beamed, his chest swelling. "Thanks, May. It means a lot coming from you." He paused, a sudden thought striking him. "By the way, who were you chatting with just now?"
"Oh, just someone from work," she replied, her voice a little too light.
Liam chuckled, "Your 'work'? What do you even *do* at that… at that 'small design firm'?" He leaned in a little closer, enjoying the power of his social skills. "You know, the one you always tell me is so demanding, with you working crazy hours for a minuscule salary."
Maya's face paled. “Actually, Liam… well, it’s a little more… I’m actually…" She stopped, and Liam noticed a nervous twitch at the corner of her eye. "It's a branch of a massive agency that handles major brands, and I'm a senior art director."
Liam stared at her, the air suddenly feeling thin in his lungs.