Engagement Party (1)

"Second Miss, your presence is being requested outside."

I looked at the door from my dressing table and let out a small sigh. 

"I'll be right out."

I turned to look back into the mirror in front of me. The dress that was sent to me was a long-sleeved, V-neck maxi dress in a dark green flower print. The chiffon material made it look flowy and light, fitting the garden party theme.

After what happened at the previous dinner, it was hard for me to look forward to this, or any, event. I had to convince myself to get up from the stool, knowing that I had no choice in the matter.

Our mansion had been busy since early this morning getting ready for Morgan and Christian's engagement party, allowing me to hide away in my room for the majority of the morning. 

The party itself was set for this evening, making it more of a cocktail event than a brunch, and the first guests were expected to arrive soon.

-

I took a deep breath and stood up, donning my best 'second Miss' persona, and walked out of my bedroom.

I didn't even get to take a single step out of my room when I felt a pair of cold hands grab hold of me.

"Morgan?", I looked over, startled by the sudden movement.

"I didn't think you'd ever leave your room! You're going to make me late for my own event!", she yelled.

If it was that important, you could have knocked...

I simply stared at her, waiting to hear what it was she needed from me. Since our last interaction in the hallway, I hardly saw her for the rest of the week.

Well, it was more that I did my best to avoid her because I wasn't sure how much more I could take before I finally snapped.

She slowly dragged me by the arm, pulling me down the hall alongside her. 

"Listen, dearest sister", she spat, pulling me into a secluded corner. "Today is MY day, and I won't let anything prevent me from having this perfect moment. Christian chose ME, he loves ME, so be a good little girl and hide your sinful body somewhere in the corner, okay?"

Her words were filled with immense hatred. I used to brush her feelings off as a deep-rooted jealousy and never let it affect me, but today I had enough. 

There was nothing wrong with my body, or any part of my appearance. I never once went out of my way to flaunt what I had, so her constant degrading words were finally starting to get to me.

A cold smile blossomed on my lips, "Of course, dear sister. As you wish".

She noticed my uncharacteristically cold look and backed away before dragging me outside with her.

"Bitch"

I heard her mumble a myriad of curses at me under her breath as she stormed forward.

-

The moment we stepped outside she lovingly placed her arm around mine, walking over with me as if she was the most doting elder sister in the world.

"Morgan, Leslie, there you are! Look at you both walking hand in hand", one of the older Madame's noticed us.

The rest of the crowd looked over and smiled at our sisterly affection.

If only you saw her moments ago, you'd see exactly how far our sisterly affection goes.

"I know you're going to miss being around Morgan, but you'll have your moment too", another woman from my mother's generation walked over to me.

Karl's grotesque face appeared in my head, making my stomach turn.

Morgan dug her nails into my arm as she smiled, "Yes, I'll miss my baby sister too. Maybe I can convince Christian to let me bring her with me when I move in".

The crowd erupted into laughter, praising her for being so caring. 

"Oh at least wait until after the honeymoon phase, I'm sure Christian wants to spend lots of alone time with you, Morgan", they giggled.

Morgan blushed and nodded shyly. 

"Oh! Speaking of Christian, look who's here!", one of the older ladies called out.

Morgan quickly released my arm and turned to face the handsome man. 

Even I couldn't help myself and looked over. He looked so fucking sexy in his black suit that I had a hard time tearing my eyes away.

He walked over and placed his arm around Morgan's waist, but it was me he was looking at.

It was at that moment that I finally understood. I understood the meaning behind the deep look he gave me, and the reason my body heated up whenever our eyes met. 

I understood why time felt like it had stopped and how everyone else seemed nonexistent. 

You've always said I had a demonic body, dear sister. Let us finally put it to the test.

-

Instead of averting my gaze, I looked directly at him, channeling every ounce of my seductive charm.

I could tell that my unwavering glance got him flustered, causing him to lift his glass of champagne to take a sip.

My eyes locked on to his lips, watching as they touched the rim of the glass, and just as the liquid entered his throat I bit my lower lip flirtatiously.

Cough! Cough! 

"Oh Christian are you okay? Hurry fetch me a napkin", Morgan's voice rang out, instructing me to bring a napkin over from the table beside me.

I did as I was told, but my eyes never left him. 

"Here you go, sister", I said sweetly, handing her the napkin so that she could attend to her man.

She quickly ripped it out of my hands and turned to pass it over to Christian. 

"Mm, thank you", said Christian after clearing his throat. 

He glanced back over to me, just in time to see my cheeky smile. 

Unfortunately our secret flirting was cut short as my father walked over.

"Ah, Christian, Morgan, there are a few people I'd like you to meet", he said in a deep voice.

My father walked over with my mother and greeted Christian, congratulating him and Morgan on their engagement.

I took this opportunity to distance myself from the crowds so that I could watch the night unfold from the sidelines—just like Morgan wanted.

-

My heart was still racing from the rush I got wordlessly flirting with Christian.

I never felt so alive...so excited!

The evening felt truly magical. All of the guests were beautifully dressed and the weather was perfect. The live band was playing soft classical music while I quietly walked around the gardens, occasionally glancing over at Christian.

He was being paraded around by Morgan, who was set on showing him off to every guest as if he was her new toy.

Christian seemed to have accepted his fate and continued to walk with her, chatting with everyone as if he was truly having the time of his life.

-

He was kept so busy that he didn't have the time to look for me in the crowd, leaving me slightly disappointed. 

I was having too much fun to quit now and continued to watch them as they went from table to table accepting everyone's congratulations.

Taking a sip of my drink I finally saw the moment I had been waiting all night for. 

My mother called Morgan over to chat with a big group of women, finally leaving Christian alone. 

Let's have some fun, Leslie.