Pressure on Me

Reyna’s POV.

I felt a headache. It felt like I was getting sold in the exchange for name and fame.

However, Pattson's words did not make both mother and daughter happy. They wanted the end result only for themselves!

"Oh, don't worry father. I have promised you before, remember? You have given us everything before we asked for it. And once again I am repeating my promise that I will make you proud of me!" And glared at my so-called friend aka River’s step sister.

'Yes, of course.' I narrowed my eyes in mind. my  'Just imagining what will be your reaction after knowing the truth that the wave belongs to River?' A sneer formed on my beautiful face but I did not bother to argue with them. Time would explain everything anyway.

Ignoring the banquet, I went to the main reason behind me attending the dinner. "Where is the relic? You have promised that to me."

Stop blowing on his hookah, Mr Pattson looked up at me. "Yes, I remember." He said, standing up as he slowly walked behind his desk, opening the drawer, he brought out something.

With a thudding heart and inscribed curiosity, I slowly walked toward him. I inhaled a sharp breath when Pattson revealed an emerald ring, shining brightly.

"Th...this belongs to... my mother." I, humbled choking on her emotions. Finally, I found my mother's last memory she left for me.

A droplet of tears slipped from my eyes, as I gulped.

As she was so near to getting the ring, Pattson suddenly closed his fist, hiding the last memory of my mother.

I gasped as my eyes snapped up at him. "What does that mean?!"

"Smart girl. Always prove that you are your mother's child." Pattson smirked evilly as he inserted his hand inside his pocket, removing the relic in front of my eyes.

"That's mine! You have promised to give that to me!" I was turning impatient with time.

"Oh, I definitely will!" He replied, walking toward me. "But before that, you have one task. To get this relic, one of you should win the first dance with River or Ryger tonight. Try to convince them to forgive me and come back to me, then you get your mother's relic and save your father's dying Reputation.” Mr Pattson said. Why can't you ask for forgiveness yourself? Why threaten me with my family secret? Are you even Human, yo? You only For yourself and nothing else!  !said tearfully.  But Mr Pattson walked Out About

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Tonight, I wore a thin striped shimmery bluedress, with a slit starting from my right mid-thig, andd as us, alll a minimum part of my cleavage. This on,e to, wass selected by my father.

As beautiful as it is, it was also uncomfortable for me. Yet, I didn't protest just because of the relic and to save his Reputation.

After we reached the venue, I saw some familiar faces but those women from last time weren't present there. That's a relief for me because I did not want any drama like that.

However, the tension was still there as I had spent another night with him and he left me with a note.

'Don't have any idea how he will react? Or, like last time, will he ignore it?' I thought. 'The worst part is, what if he discloses the secret between us? What will happen then?'

As I was thinking of many possibilities, Ryger appeared followed by two men. Tonight, I did not hide but stood in front, curious to see his expression after watching me. Moreover, he already knew me,and atd no point in hiding it.

Also, either she or Hailey needed to win the first dance, and tonight I did not want to take any risk.

In my mind, I expected a bit of Ryger's attention on me. After all, we have been friends since High school even though we hardly talk. I had a crush on him before River showed up. But, to my surprise, he did not pay attention to me. He is still the same!

'Wait... Is he going to behave like that the whole time? Seems he doesn't even bother!' My eyes watched his movements carefully. While meeting others our eyes met once, yet Ryger withdrew it as if he did not care.

'Oh, he really... don't care...' I mumbled in my mind. The strange feeling from the last time when River left me in the morning, once again arrived in my heart.

'No... Stop thinking nonsense, Reyna! Why are you even thinking about those nights? They were just flings and gone.' I gave a mental shake, once again focusing on the man who definitely did not seem cold like other times. 'What is this behaviour of his? Seems like two different personalities!'

I chewed on My cheeks, still busy in my thoughts while watching Ryger with a mysterious personality.

'On the one hand, it's good that he is not paying attention to me. I am secure like this. His Father wanted to set any of us with him and Hailey is excited about this arrangement. Surely, she will ask for the first dance... Yeah, my problem is solved.’

However, soon my excitement started failing when Hailey did not approach Ryger for the dance. For some unknown reason, she was acting very calm tonight.

'Why is she not doing anything? Where is her usual drama and fighting spirit?' I thought, feeling ridiculous by her own thoughts. Well, the situation demands it. 'Calm down... We still have time. Let's wait for some time.' I tried to convince myself.

Meanwhile...

"Why are you standing here?" Laura whispered to her daughter. "Are you waiting for that bitch to go first, huh? You need to go for the first dance." She was frustrated by her daughter's behaviour,.Mom: 

",Oh mom, calm down. I don't want to create any opportunities for heto don't.tDon't't you remember the lastime?e? wouldll rather wait than help h?r." She smirked. "The coward she is, she will never go for the first dance.”

Laura nodded in understanding. Now, her lips curved into a smile. "You are right though."

However, immediately her smile fell the moment she saw me approaching Ryger. She poked on Hailey's arm roughly, gaining her annoyed attention. "I told you! Look at her, she is going! That bitch can do anything for that relic!"

********************

Looking up at the huge clock attached to the ballroom, I was tense. It's almost time for the first dance. And Hailey still did not bother to ask for the dance.

"If this goes like this, I am simply going to lose mom's last memory... No!” I bit down my lips. Roaming my gazes between Ryger and Hailey while a storm is going on in my head.

Leaving them, when my bemused gaze drifted to River’s father, it immediately grew an uncertaiension up inside me. This man was not trustworthy at all. Things needed to be do,aas s he sa,id to defeat him.

As if it was not enough to torment when a computable woman started approaching Ryger. 'No! It can't be!' I screamed in my mind and without having any other option, I stepped toward the man, stealing glances at My Aunt and sister.

Their eyes widened the moment I was in front of him. The reaction on Hailey's face was the most satisfying one to see.

'Oh, so you thought I wouldn't ask for the first dance, huh?' I sneered. 'I wish you knew what had already happened between us.'

Ignoring the mother and daughter duo, I finally stopped in front of Ryger. He was standing alone at the moment with his two men behind him.

I smiled politely at him which he ignored as a matter of fact. Not taking that to heart, I spoke, "Ryg,er oh sor,ry Mr Ryg,   may I have the first dance with you?" I asked.

Instead of accepting her, Ryger just smiled at the man who just greeted him. He acted as if he did not hear me.