There are a lot more people here than I thought would be. This announcement is probably something really big and I'm not sure if I'm ready to hear it. With Zander, there's no telling what he'll say. I just know for sure the crowd will be clapping but I will most likely be the one suffering in the end.
"Carolina, you look radiant." Mrs. Maxwell beams as she takes me by the hand, leading me through the foyer.
My mother picked the uncomfortable red v-neck dress covering my body. It screams "wealthy whore". It's a bit too thin for my liking but it is what it is.
"Thank you, and you look beautiful as well." I compliment.
That wasn't a lie. Mrs. Maxwell was a very beautiful woman. Zander had definitely taken after his mother, but not personality wise. Mrs. Maxwell was originally a strawberry blonde, like Zander but she complained and got it colored. Now she's a platinum blonde, but she makes it work. Tonight she has her hair styled to a short bob and her silver, sequin long dress definitely brings out the blue in her eyes. And even though she dresses to impress, she doesn't act like she's above everyone. She's truly beautiful inside and out. If only she knew how her son treats me.
"My dear, I just cannot wait until you and my Zander wed," she clasps her hands together whilst smiling ear to ear.
The feeling isn't mutual.
"Selena, I have much to show you for the wedding ceremony." My overbearing mother takes Mrs. Maxwell by the arm and steers her towards a larger group of women, standing around and gossiping.
Good, I didn't want to hear anymore about Zander and I getting married.
I decide to get some fresh air and make my way towards the balcony.
A sigh tumbles out of my mouth as I look out at city.
Such a beautiful city, such a beautiful world... and I will never be able to explore it the way I desire to. I will never be free to wander down the streets at 3 am whilst depending on my friends to safely get my drunken self home. Not that it sounds appealing, I don't necessarily want to stay out till 3 am, getting drunk. I just mean, I won't ever be able to have the freedom that I crave.
I have always done what I was told. I can't think of a time that I did anything for myself. The only time I can recall enjoying myself was today. Sebastian made me feel like myself and he never once judged me. He encouraged me to be myself, he didn't expect any less from me. If only my own family was that accepting.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
A yelp stumbles out of my mouth and I place my hand over my racing heart.
Gracie, Zander's older sister laughs.
"Sorry if I scared you." She stands beside me, patting my back.
"You're fine. I just wasn't expecting anyone to see me." I honestly answer.
A warm smile grows on her bright features and she looks at the city.
"Zander, being his bossy self, told me to find you. He's very anxious."
My insides scream and I fight a frown.
I wonder if she knows what a monster her little brother is.
"He's been very stressed lately. I think he's nervous about getting married. He wants to provide for you and just give you the best life possible, and I think his work is wearing him out, you know?"
It makes sense why he's so on edge, but it doesn't excuse his horrid behavior. He's always been forceful, just more so here recently.
Regardless, I don't feel sorry for him.
"There you two are."
Speaking of the devil.
"Excuse me, I need to use the restroom." Gracie gives me a wink and leaves me with the monster.
"How's Carolina?" Zander hugs me from behind, and I jump when he squeezes my stomach. Pain shoots around my torso and he breaks away.
"What is it?"
I shake my head and smile, trying to hide my discomfort.
"Tell me." His eyes harden and my heart accelerates.
"You accidentally touched my bruises, they're still very sore."
His eyes soften and he runs his hands through his hair.
"Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that."
Like hell.
"You just mean so much to me, and when you deny me, it sets me off."
"Maybe you should learn how to control your temper." I surprise him and myself.
I didn't mean to say that, it just came out.
"Watch it," he warns.
I gulp and silently apologize.
"I just came to check up on you, I'll see you downstairs in a bit?" Zander kisses my cheek and leaves me be.
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and lean over the balcony, looking down at the pond in our back yard.
Everything seems so simple while looking at nature. You could be having the worst day and then just look at nature and everything, even for a split second, looks simple and everything feels at peace.
"A delicious drink for a delicious looking lady," I gasp once I hear that voice.
It can't be.
"Sebastian?"
His eyes widen and he takes a step back.
"Carolina, what a pleasant surprise."
I put my hands behind my back and turn my engagement ring around (I don't wear my ring into work, particularly because I just don't want to wear it if I don't have to), I don't feel explaining that I'm engaged right now... I'm just surprised that Sebastian is here. Is he a colleague of my fathers, he must be since he's a CEO.
"What are you doing here?" I gently take the extra drink from his grasp.
One drink won't hurt.
His eyes roam my body and my face heats up.
Now I don't hate the dress my mother has picked out for me.
When his eyes make their way back to my face, he smirks and shrugs. "The same reason you're here, for the free booze."
Is he tipsy?
But if he wants to think that's why I'm here, then that's fine by me.
"Apparently there's going to be a big announcement from Zander Maxwell," I pretend like I'm only here for business and a part of me wishes that was the case.
I know I should confess to Sebastian that I am engaged and this, in fact, is my party but I like the way he treats me. He's kind and he doesn't act like he wants anything from me just because of my last name and who my father is. If I tell him who I really am, that will change everything, especially if he finds out who I'm engaged to.
"I'm afraid I will not stick around to see that, I have some business matters to attend to but you can tell me all about it tomorrow." He turns to leave but I reach out and grab his hand.
