CHAPTER 2

'Godmother, we have arrived.' Anne said as the car came to a halt in front of the hotel.

Violet extended her hand to Anne who had already opened the limousine door and got out of the car. Like always this place was beautiful as ever. She took a deep breath and charged towards the entrance of Lotus Palace which was the top hotel in their country owned by the Darks. She was used to it, people looking at her as if she was an alien or something. It was also one of the reasons why she has multiple bodyguards at her service. She got into the hotel's lobby and went straight to the room that had been reserved for the dinner date. It was one of those days in a month where the whole family gathers and act like a family or something like that. How much she loathed it, only if they knew. Anne opened the door for her and she entered, it seemed everyone was already present; it was only her that had not arrived. She put on a smile the moment she came inside the room, it was bright. Her younger sisters were both in the room and she loved seeing their faces more. She envied their freedom and carefree life. They were lucky to live a pain free life unlike the one she led when she was about their age. She took a seat and Anne sat next to her.

She greeted her parents as well as her older brother, after that her younger siblings greeted her too.

'It hasn't been that long, and you have gotten a lot fat,' Violet said pinching her fifteen-year-old sister.

'Am I fat?' Lucy asked in disbelief. If there was one thing her little sister hated was being fat, she always kept on emphasizing how she wants to become a supermodel when she grows up. This was also one of the reasons why she participates in pageant contests every time they are organized at school. She has a talent, one she believes in and she was amused to see that reaction on her face. It all showed how young and innocent she still was.

'I am just joking dear; I am just happy to see that cute face of yours.'

'Since everyone is here, let's take our order.' her mother said.

Talking while eating was not really a thing and ever since the incident that happened when she was a kid she always kept a lot to herself, it was better that way. She kept on listening to the new stories that had been happening to the family over the past month. She moved out of the house officially when she turned eighteen and never stayed for a week after that. Her older brother was a CEO of an insurance company, life treated him well. Unlike her, he was lucky enough to fall in love with a beautiful girl from an influential family that pursued him from college and now they were married and gave her mother two beautiful grandchildren. They all covered what she could not give to them.

'Actually, we have something we wanted to tell you tonight.' Mrs. Grant, Violet's mom said as she looked at her.

'As long it is not about any funeral, then go ahead and say it.'

'Your little sister, Suzy is getting engaged.'

'Suzy!' she said in disbelief. 'Was she seeing someone? I didn't know.'

'It was recent, her fiancé to be came recently to our home and asked for her hand in marriage and since they love each other we couldn't disagree.'

'So when is the engagement party?'

'In two weeks.'

'So who is the lucky guy that has won over our princess?'

'It's........' Mrs. Grant did not finish talking because Suzy cut her off.

'It's Damon Hillary, the first son.'

'Is that so? Congratulations, Suzy and I hope you will always be happy.'

'Do you really mean that?'

'If i don't mean it, what else would it mean Suzy?'

'It feels like you are being cynical about it.' Suzy said as she put on a poker face.

Suzy has always been like that, trying to act all high and mighty every time. She knew exactly what she was trying to do but she was not really in the mood, so she looked at her.

'I am happy tonight so don't spoil it for everyone tonight,' she said and looked at her parents. 'I have something to do back at the club; I will see you at the party. Don't forget to send the details.'

'You are already leaving?' her brother asked.

'I'm afraid so brother.' she said as she motioned for Anne who immediately stood and helped her up.

She reached the door and turned back and looked at Suzy one more time, 'I will buy you a perfect engagement gift and if you have time visit one to the club, I will treat you and your fiancé.'

She got into the car and gave out a loud sigh.

'Godmother, are you okay?'

'Take me to the ocean; I need to feel the cool breeze.'

'Okay, I will tell the driver.'

The limousine left the hotel and she listened to pop music all the way to the ocean. She got out of the car, took off her shoes and began to walk barefoot on the sand. The sand was not that course as it used to be when she was younger. When stepping on it, it felt like fine sand. She was used to all the hardships but being treated like that with her younger sister was something she could never tolerate.

'Godmother, why did you pretend like you didn't know what was happening earlier?'

'It would make me worse if they knew, don't you think?'

'But they already look at you that way.'

'I know and let's leave them at that.'

'What about Damon?'

'Make an appointment with his father, it's time.' Violet said as she looked at the beautiful sky filled with twinkling stars.

'I will do so; right now it will be the best if we head back home. Your schedule is pretty tight tomorrow.'

'Okay, it's already late. Let's go home.'

Lectures had ended for the day, so the only thing left for him was to go home since he had an appointment he would not dare to miss.

'Are you sure about this?' Laura asked as he got into his car.

'I have no choice when it comes to this issue; I need to see what they have in store for me this time. You never know I might get lucky.'

'Just update us if there is anything.' Sam said as he grabbed his shoulder.

'Okay, I will do so. I will call you later.' Dylan said as he closed the car door. He switched on the ignition and drove his car off the campus and went to his family's mansion.

He arrived at the mansion and parked his car. The butler was already waiting for him.

'Dinner will be served in ten; your guest is already waiting for you.'

'Thanks,' he said as he entered the house.

He rushed to his room and changed into fresh clothes. When he was eighteen he moved out of the mansion and started to live in his own apartment. As long as he follows rules laid down by his father, he was allowed to do anything. Despite him having his own apartment, his old room was still the same at the mansion as if he lived there. He finished dressing and headed downstairs to the dining where his parents were already seated with a girl that looked so familiar and yet he could not recall who she was.

'Good evening mom and dad,' he said as he took his seat.

They both replied him and then he looked at his guest and greeted her coolly since he had to keep his manners in check.

'I believe you guys know each other,' Mr. Dark said as he looked at both of them.

He was pretty astonished when he heard the girl answering, ' I don't think he does but i know him.'

'Is that so?' his mother asked.

'Dylan is popular at school but he keeps to himself and his friends so it won't be surprising if he doesn't know me.'

'Let's do the introductions then,' his mother said. 'Dylan, this is Rita Norris, the daughter of Minister of Home affairs.'

'Oh, that's you. No wonder why I thought you looked familiar. It's an honor to meet you in person Rita.'

'Nice to meet you too, Dylan.'

Dinner was served and like civilized people, they abided by the table rules. After finishing their deserts, the old couple retired leaving the two of them alone.

'I have always heard that the mansion has a very beautiful garden with fountains.'

'Yes, it is splendid. Probably the most beautiful place in the whole mansion.'

'Really? I always thought it's a lie,' Rita said.

'Let me show you, this way we can stretch our legs. I have been sitting for long, I’m afraid that I may get leg cramps.'

'Let's go then.'

He took Rita to the back of the mansion where the garden was. The Dark mansion was built nearly half a century ago and with it came a garden full of all types of flowers. Because of the love of art by his grandmother, he heard that she had those four fountains built, three in the garden and one in front of the mansion. He couldn't help himself explaining to Rita about the history of the mansion as well as the garden. She looked very fascinated by every word he said and he was relieved.

'I really enjoyed tonight, Dylan.'

'Me too, we should do this sometime.'

'Next time, how about we just meet us kids and leave the elders out of it.'

'Very good idea, I love it.'

'So where do we meet next time.'

'At school, I will be busy so I have no idea.' Dylan said as he looked at her.

'You don't know any cool places where we can meet with friends, something like that.'

At that moment Dylan realized something and an idea cropped into his mind.

'Have you heard about Lucid Dreams?'

'What is it?'

'It's a club that caters for every need, something like that. It is the coolest club I have ever visited so far. It is perfect for hanging out, you should look up for it and we can hang out there. What do you think?'

'I will look it up and get back to you.'

'Okay, just tell me when you decide.'

At that moment Rita's cell phone rang, she excused herself and came back after a while. He nearly didn't notice it since he was busy thinking about what he saw last time when he went to Lucid Dreams.

'Dylan!!' Rita's summons brought him back.

'You are back?'

'Yes, I need to go back now.'

'Is that so?'

'Yes, it was fun being with you. Can I have your number?'

'Sure. Give me your phone,' he said as he stretched out his hand to her. She gave him her phone and he saved his number and handed back the cell to its owner.

'Thanks, I will contact you.'

'Okay, let me take you to your car.'

He took her to her car and helped her to get inside. He watched as she drove away from the mansion. He felt free at last, no more pretending and all that. He had fought for another day.

He returned inside only to get called by his father who seemed to be awake in his study.

'Don't mess this up,' that is the only thing his father said to him when he went into the study to see him. There may be a few words to anyone but not him, he knew the consequences of defying those words so he was going to do at least his best to make sure he stays on his father's good side.