CHAPTER 16

NICOLE’S POV

I now regretted saying yes to John’s proposal but still I couldn’t say no to him.

I sighed in frustration and dragged a hand through my hair. Clothes were scattered all along my bed in a messy sprawl as I looked through them with the intention of finding the perfect dress.

What type of party was it? A wine and dine or were we going for a casual meal? What sort of attire suited both occasions? Why am I overthinking?

Finally I picked up one dress, put it on then left for the party.

As soon as I walked out of the uber and reached at the entrance of the venue, my gut twisted at the sight in front of me.

There had to be over a hundred people gathered around, all wearing black tux’s or dresses with masks on their faces. They were chattering with glasses, in their hands. For those who knew themselves, they bowed in a respectful manner, greeting themselves.

I just shook my head after watching everything.

I didn’t want to face John. I didn’t want to face anyone.

The good thing was, my big mask was hiding me from the crowd, from everyone.

But still I wasn’t fine I was wearing a royal blue gown and it has already started to give me a headache. While ascending down from the stairs I kept on managing the high slit of the gown which was coming between my legs and showing my whole bare leg it was making walking hard for me but however I managed to climb down from the stairs elegantly.

Before stepping down from the last stairs I looked up and my breath hitched. Half of the people we’re looking at me and it made me feel conscious about myself but I didn’t let it come to my face. As I moved further I felt everyone going silent bestie me. They all stopped talking and stared at me.

Do I look that bad in these gowns?

My eyes started to find a familiar figure in the crowd. In the distance, I saw him talking with some people and drinking wine. The person who was talking to him went silent when his eyes fell on me. Looking at that person’s expression he turned lazily to look back while sipping his wine and as soon as his eyes fell on me. He almost sput his wine back into his glass.

He has never reacted this way before. Judging from his face it’s confirmed I looked so bad in this gown.

I felt like going back at home but his predatory light brown eyes kept me pinned on my pace as they were moving from my face mask to my neck.

His eyes moved further to the slit of my leg and I saw how he gripped his wine glass more tightly. His darkened light brown eyes moved back to my face. I don’t know for how long he kept staring at me. But as soon as he took one step in my direction my heart started beating fast. I wanted to avoid him at this party but he was the first known person I saw at this party.

Where should I run now?

As I turned to run my face bumped into a hard chest lifting my eyes up I saw Yuik my long time friend looking at me mischievously and asked in the same tone while lifting his one eyebrow “Huh! Nicole long time but, Where are you running to?” I straightened my back and took a peek behind me in a hurry and saw Satan no one else but John looking at me with angry eyes.

I averted my eyes and looked back to Yuik and answered in my confident voice “Nowhere, long time indeed.” Listening to me he looked behind me and his mischievous smile widened making me curse in distress.

Now he knew from whom I was running away.

“Are you sure?” he asked, quickly. I couldn’t hold my brave face anymore in front of him.

“Why are they-“ I started but Yurik nudged my shoulder cutting me off.

“You’re beautiful, I used to tell you that even in high school”, He laughed and wrapped an arm around my shoulder guiding me to an unknown location. Yurik grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waitress and handed it to me.

“Thank you,” I responded taking it from him. “John told me that its just a masquerade party.” My tone faltered along with my strides as I took in the breathtakingly stunning home.

It was occupied by some of the wealthiest looking people I’ve ever seen.

“Okay,” He grinned. “There’s your step brother. Go ahead.” Giving me a slight push to where Blair stood, he quickly turned on his heels and disappeared within the crowd.

Blair had his back to me, talking to two men and a short black haired woman. I took a deep breath in and approached the group. I announced myself by wrapping my arm around his waist and he immediately looked down at me with the small smile that quickly faltered into a look of awe.

His eyes unashamedly travelled down my body before he leaned down.

“You look so good.” Blair whispered in my ear and pulled away clearing his throat. “Let me introduce you. This is Nicole my step sister” My name sounded strange coming from his lips.

“Aria.” The woman introduced herself first and I offered my palm to her. She was beautiful. Her cheeks were littered with freckles and her head was covered in shiny natural curls. Aria surprised me by pushing my hand away and walking forward for a hug.

“Finally, I’m getting sick of these men.” She said just so I could hear and I laughed out loud. I knew exactly how she felt. She let go and my eyes flicked to the tall man next to her.

“Alessandro.” His name brought out the Italian accent he held. Unlike Aria, he accepted my hand for a quick shake. I smiled at him, noticing how green his eyes were.

“Carlo. It’s so nice to finally meet you.” The last man stepped forward and placed his hands on my shoulders to leave a kiss on my cheek.

We talked for a pretty good time but as soon as I noticed a switch in the conversation, I walked away to get wine.

After getting a glass of wine from one of the waitresses, i sipped on it slowly. Every thing was well not until one of the ladies walked furiously to me and before I knew it, wine was poured to me.

“Shit”, I gasped in disbelief. “Leave my man alone”, My mouth fall more open when I heard her say that.

“Who? Which ma....”, Blair quickly came to my rescue before I could finish my sentence.

“Let’s go, I help you clean up.”