Help me, I'm drowning. Suffocating in this world where only the magnificent and beautiful reign. The poor and outcasts are being killed or enslaved. Is this even real life? Help me, I'm suffocating in this evil world. I'm drowning. There's no escape from reality. How do I get out?
The same classical music was being played by the hired musicians, as if playing a country song would blow up the moon. The same shallow smiles and mindless chatter was being exchanged. The glitz and the glamour they were showing off was a way of intimidating the other, but, to me, it was just plain stupid. The married ladies were either sitting down, wearing excessive jewelry beside their boisterous husbands, or drinking liquor to their heart's content. The older women seemed to enjoy smoking on the balcony or just chatting with their fellow guests, whom they’d met once at another gathering. Women the same age as me were introduced to men of high class—next thing they knew, they would be arranging their weddings. Who knows? Probably tomorrow.
The men, however, dressed in the same tuxedos, were only busy nattering about two things. Business and politics.
The same cycle that happened at every social gathering. “I hate this.” I turned to face Harvey, who was pouting at the scene below us.
Mom and Dad hosted the gala at one of our grandest hotels in the area, making sure that the whole place was under tight surveillance and every security option available was standing on guard.
I sighed and patted his head. “Come on, Harv. It can't be all that bad!”
“It's the worst. Pretending to like math isn't as hard as showing an interest in these social gatherings,” he murmured.
I silently agreed. In fact, it was more like playing a role in some kind of theater play. Only this time there were no scripts—though the people still acted as if there were.
“I wish Mom and Dad didn't have to drag us here with them.” Harvey grumbled, resting his chin on his hand as we looked at the people laughing and dancing away. “Sis, do I still have to attend these kinds of gatherings when I'm older?”
His question was something I expected. I shrugged. “Depends. If you're running the family business, it all depends on you if you want to host one or attend one.”
Harvey became silent for a minute, the classical music playing in the background on repeat. “What about you, Sis? Would you run the business and attend these parties forever?”
Forever? The mental images of me, old and wrinkled, still doing business, scared me. Do business forever? I cringed before forcing myself to smile for his sake.
“If I have to, I will. Mom and Dad did their best to make the business click. Let's not put their hard work to waste, yeah?”
“I want to be a gamer.” I raised an eyebrow at him, not expecting him to come forward. “I know it's a childish thing, but it's what I want at the moment. Just hearing you guys talk about business—it makes me feel old! And I am just ten years old, turning eleven!” Harvey let out a deep breath, signaling to me that he was calming down from his mini outburst. “But, it's what is being given to me. It's the path I was destined to be on. Like some pavement. I don't know, who knows? I might like business in the future if I understand it.”
I once liked business, Harv, even dreamed of becoming a businesswoman someday. Now here I am, swimming in paperwork to ease the pain I have been feeling ever since. Work is the only escape from this pain. But it scares me, too. It scares me that I may have to keep doing this for the rest of my life. Just to get rid of that black hole. The emptiness inside me that keeps haunting my life.
Gripping the cold metal handle, I bit my lip and released a breath. Now's not the right time to think about him, Rachel. There is still this party, you have to keep it in until it's all over.
“Come, Harv, let's go. Mom and Dad are probably looking for us by now.”
With a tired sigh, Harvey begrudgingly followed me down to where the party was. As we walked down the grand staircase, I couldn't help but stare at my reflection in the glass windows where the city was brightly shining outside. Yesterday, I had enough time to purchase an evening gown and even a new pair of heels just before Dad got home. Lifting the skirt of my purple strapless gown that fit perfectly, I plastered a pleasant smile on my face the moment guests saw both of us.
"Good evening.” I exchanged smiles with those who greeted me. Harvey remained silent all the way. I gently nudged him to smile, and he did. Just a bit.
Round tables were all lined up at the side, the dance floor occupied by a few dancers who planned to dance the night away with huge smiles. A few more musicians were playing on the other side, concentrating on their instruments in their own little world. A big, bright chandelier hung proudly above us, illuminating the whole place. Even the floor was shining.
“What time is this party going to end?” Harvey grumbled softly and let out an exasperated sigh. Reaching down to fix his strangled tie, he shooed my hands away and took care of it on his own. “We should find Mom and Dad,” he suggested.
I began to scan the room, looking for Mother's sparkling white dress or Father either drinking or talking to his colleagues. So far, I hadn’t spotted them. “Can't see them anywhere, maybe we should just go back to our table and eat.”
It was easier said than done, even if it was just going back to the table and grabbing some food. We had to keep smiling and entertaining guests along the way. It irritated Harvey even more.
“Can't we just grab our food and dodge our way out? These people seem to interrupt us every time.” He gritted his teeth as we finally sat down at the table, our parents missing.
I mentally sighed. “Don't worry, I'm sure this won't take long. We can go home early if you like.”
“Miss Maxwell?” Hearing my name, I slowly turned to see a dark-haired girl with shining green eyes, her red evening gown hugging her. But it wasn't her that caused me to flinch. No, it was the person whom she had wrapped her arm around like a vine. In a black suit, he looked annoyingly even more handsome.
“Chad?”
Boredom evident in his eyes, Chad only nodded at me as if greeting me was too tiring. The woman who came with him tonight gasped lightly.
“You two know each other? Then I guess I don't have to introduce myself, since you probably told her about our relationship.”
Relationship? Studying the way she stuck to Chad and her flirtatious smiles directed at him, I didn't have to guess that she was Ruby. Another girlfriend of Chad’s.
“Oh, so you're Ruby. Nice to meet you.” I smiled and reached out to shake her hand.
She eagerly did so. “The pleasure is mine. I can't believe I'm shaking a Maxwell's hand right now, usually it's hard to even meet you guys with your high status and all.” She giggled, leaning against Chad's tall, stiff frame. “Well, we'll leave you be. Come on, Chad. We should head back to our table. Your mother has been dying to hear my stories.”
With that said, Ruby and Chad went off. I didn't have to watch them go, it only eased my nerves when they did.
“See, Harv? I told you we're not dating.” I murmured to the boy too busy eating his creme brule to even entertain people.
Facing me, Harvey gave me a questioning stare. “Did I say something?”
Shaking my head, I propped up my head and stared at the beautiful arrangement of flowers sitting on top of the table. “Aren't you going to eat?” Harvey questioned.
I shook my head. “Later. Stay here, Harv.”
I stood up and walked off, heading towards the balcony to be alone. Taking a glass of wine, I leaned against the railing and drank, focusing my attention on the bright city in front of me. The cold wind blowing against my face, making me brush back a few curls.
Chad was right, it's almost winter. With a small turn of my head, I spotted my office surrounded by other establishments that seemed to over tower my own. Maybe I have to admit to them that I am not good at business and that I only took it up because I didn't know what I wanted to do in life. With that thought in my head, I groaned. If I was to do that, they would never forgive me and they would never let me forget.
Finishing the glass, I headed back inside since I couldn't take the cold. I swallowed hard when I saw Rebecca Montgomery and Mother talking, sitting on our table. Along with her was obviously her husband, Chad, and his gleeful girlfriend. Oh sh—
Catching myself almost cursing, I pinched myself as a punishment. I forced a smile on my face as I neared them. Harvey's face said it all.
Why did you leave me with them?
“Ah! Hello, Rachel, dear! It's been a while…” Rebecca greeted warmly, but all I felt was how icy her stare was. Meekly smiling, I sat down and didn't say a word. She must think I'm stupid. Leaning forward, Rebecca propped up her head and stared at us with bright eyes. “This is one of the grandest galas I've ever been invited to. You’ve really outdone yourself, Helen.”
Mother brushed off her compliments. “I couldn't have done this without Damon's help. By the way…” She turned to face me with a questioning look, which caused my heart to beat loudly. Why is she looking at me like that? Did I do something wrong this time?
“Rachel, dear, I heard that you and Lim Industry have merged together. How come you never told me about this?”
I sheepishly laughed, seeing Chad's attention suddenly on us and not on his bubbly girlfriend. “Well... I was gonna tell you, Mom, but I never had the time.”
“You never had the time to tell me that wonderful news?” Mother sounded astounded, not believing that I had forgotten to tell her.
“She was busy, Mrs. Maxwell.” Chad butted in, eyes roaming between me and my mother. I couldn't help but shut my eyes for a brief moment and silently sigh.
Mother slightly frowned in confusion. “Busy? Busy with what, Chad?”
Clearing his throat, he confidently smiled. “Your daughter is mighty impressive when it comes to business, Mrs. Maxwell.” How can he be so good at lying? “That's why I want her to be my business partner,” he continued, staring at me with those blue eyes that were telling me to just admit it.
With cynical thoughts, I nodded sheepishly, while plotting how to kill Chad Montgomery after this. “Yes.” I answered through gritted teeth, “Mr. Montgomery here is now my partner. We plan to improve our business together, because why not?”
Rebecca gasped in delight, eyes shining at the announcement, before turning to her son. “Is that true, Chad?”
Chad and I stared at each other. I was silently begging for him to just leave it alone, but his eyes spoke a different thing.
“Yes, it is, Mother. Rachel and I are now partners,” he answered, and I couldn't help but mentally facepalm myself and clench my fists in anger…but mostly in disappointment in him for not abiding my wishes.
Rebecca Montgomery smiled and clapped her hands, lifting her glass of white wine. “This calls for a celebration!” When nobody reacted, she raised an eyebrow at my parents, who looked astounded. More importantly, they looked disappointed in not knowing. How much more when they find out why I agreed to be his business partner?
Your daughter is inadequate.
“Well? To our children and their partnership!” Mother looked absolutely happy and followed the woman, clinking their glasses together. “May their union be forever and not only be a benefit to us, but to all.”
Rebecca grinned. Mother didn't have a choice but to do the same. I knew Dad wasn’t pleased, even if he didn't show it. It was all in his eyes. Who could blame him?
I gritted my teeth together as Chad and Ruby began to converse once more. Harvey remained silent in his seat and both of my parents were busy chatting with the Montgomerys. Everything was normal. Everything but me. Even Dad didn't show any slight discomfort or negative emotions. They continued to talk, laugh and eat. Same old thing. Same old cycle we had to endure. I smiled, but inside... I was screaming at the skies.
In the middle of their shallow chats, I stood up and ignored their odd stares before I made my way out of the ballroom with a bottle of champagne and glass that I had snatched up from the bar section, where the man in charge hadn’t even stopped me (even handed the bottle already opened). And it's a good thing he didn't.
Reaching the next floor where nobody was around, I went towards the balcony and set the bottle aside. “How could he be so stupid?” I murmured to myself, pouring the bubbly beverage into the glass. “We made a deal! He boasts how he religiously follows rules and yet he breaks the first one!” I couldn't stop, just kept pouring and drinking my anger away. “He's so stupid. So, so stupid. My God, why did I even accept his proposal of partnership when I knew it wouldn't work out between us?”
I sighed, burying my whole face in my hands in surrender. This is all tiring me out. “The world is unfair. I just wanted a normal life, is that so much to ask? But they don't know that. I mean, who would care?” I laughed aloud as I sipped what was probably my eighth glass since I got here. The bottle was almost empty. “They're all down there dancing, gossiping... Oh, who knows! They might even be laughing at how stupid I looked and how selfish I was for not telling them.” The same snobbish people who only care about their money and status. And what scares me is that my parents will become like them. Or have they already?
“With that drunken attitude, they might be.”
I scoffed, turning sharply around to see Chad, the idiot himself. “Oh. It's you.” Dismissing him with a wave of my hand, I turned back to the world below me. I wish the building would just collapse and end it all. “You're annoying. Just go back down and have fun.”
He sighed. “I'm afraid I can't do that. In your state, you might even do something stupid.”
Ha! Stupid? If you look at the mirror, you'll see the definition of stupid. I frowned, throwing my arms up in the air, and groaned. “God? Why did this happen to me? Why did you give me an idiot as a business partner?”
“What? Are you calling me an idiot!? And, for your information, perhaps you don't remember, I gave you a choice!” Chad retorted back, obviously offended by my words.
I continued on nevertheless, not paying any heed to his words. “God, if you can hear me, please give me a partner who won't break the first term of our agreement. Please, God.” I heard him scoff and laugh in a low tone. It was unnerving.
“Seriously, Maxwell, they were going to find out sooner or later. Why bother hiding it from them? They probably know even if you don't tell them.” Chad reasoned out, making me face him once again, meeting his eyes with a glare. Chad folded his arms on his chest, shaking his head at me. “If Mr. Maxwell could only see his perfect little girl right now, he'd be so disappointed at how bad she turned out to be.”
I stared at him for a good two long seconds, debating whether I should ignore him or give him a piece of my mind. Instead, I exhaled loudly and waved him off, turning back to my glass of alcohol. “You're only wasting your time.” I mumbled, staring at nothing in particular. The bubbly liquid was taking its toll on me slowly. I started seeing stars. Probably seeing him approach me was also my imagination.
“Don't act irrationally, Maxwell…” Chad warned, face dangerously close to mine.
If it's the alcohol making me bold, I shouldn't drink around him. I giggled and pushed him away, catching his surprised reaction before it obliterated. His features hardened.
“You must have forgotten, Maxwell. I hold the cards here; if you so much as make a wrong move, I might do something you won’t like. Don't be so difficult.”
I pretended to yawn. “Your threats bore me. I know you won't be able to do things to me.”
I let out a sudden squeak when he grabbed my wrist, gripping it tightly. The glass hit the floor, shattering into pieces.
Chad clenched his jaw. “Don't pretend you know me. Don't even make fun of me.”
I narrowed my eyes, trying to pull my wrist away, when he applied even more pressure. Tears started to form in my eyes. Cocking his head to the side, Chad grinned.
“Are you scared of me, Rachel?”
I had to laugh. “I'm not afraid of you, Montgomery. Someone like you doesn’t even deserve my fear.”
Anger flashed in his eyes as he pulled me roughly against him and grabbed my chin with his free hand. This has to stop!
“Let go of me. Let go, Montgomery!” I hissed, trying to do something. Anything that would make him stop. Why won't he let go?
“Do you actually think I'll let you go?” Chad grinned, shaking his head at me. I glared at him when I heard his next words. “Never.”
I don’t know why it happened, but it did. I just found myself staring wide-eyed at the man who pressed his lips against mine as if it was the most natural thing on earth. What the—? Struggling to get away from his grasp, Chad's grip only tightened, leaving me wriggling in pain. His hand found my hair and pulled it roughly. Tears rolled down my cheeks. Images of being treated the same way came flashing before my eyes, it was hard to stop them. Stop! Stop, please!
“What did I do wrong?!” I demanded, as his hands pulled on my hair, making me wince at the stinging pain. His laughter was so sadistic that it was even hard for me to believe that it came from him. The smell of liquor heavy within his presence, face plastered with a drunken smile. My eyes widened at his wild gray eyes.
No, I won't allow that to happen again!
I did the most logical thing that entered my mind. I bit his lip. Chad winced and backed away, frowning at me. Then, I slapped him. Hard. The force wasn't enough to turn his head away, but it would have still stung if the red hand mark on Chad's face was any indication.
Realization hit me hard and I backed away from him, hand grabbing the railing for support. Blood trickled down his chin as Chad wiped his lips.
“What the hell, Maxwell? Did you have to bite me?” He cursed and looked up, only to see my horrified expression, my whole body shaking.
The fury in his eyes vanished and was replaced with concern, hand reaching out to me. “Hey, are you all right?”
I flinched at his actions. Chad stiffened in response. Trying to calm down, I stood straight and clenched my fists.
“If you ever do that again, I'll never forgive you.” I answered, in a tone as soft as a whisper, before dashing my way out. Heels clicking against the floor as I hurried to find the exit, pressing my hand against my pounding heart. Get out. Get out as quickly as you can!
Turning back, I see him. See him running after me even in his drunken stupor, as if torturing me inside that room wasn't enough. “Get back here, you bitch! I'm not done with you!” he screamed after me as I continued to run, the whole building empty since the night has already fallen. I wish I’d listened to my mother and didn't drive out here only to see him like this.
The endless magnificent walls of the hotel began to enclose me, I felt like suffocating. The people I passed by were all smiling and laughing, not taking any notice of me as I struggled to find the door. It's as if the whole building was filled with air that I couldn't intake, suffocating me.
Is this the air only powerful people breathe? Am I suffocating because I want to be normal? Or is this air for those living a fantasy and I am already close to finding out reality?
I squinted hard as I began to see things that don't even exist in this world. Things that only exist in books. I frowned hard as I battled my way out of oblivion. What is happening to me?
“Rachel?!”
The whole room began to spin. I held on to the desk near me, waiting for it all to stop. My heartbeat rings in my ears. Chad ran towards me as I fell to the ground. A sharp sound rang in my ear.
Then, black.