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I have no chance to reply to her rather bullshit statement, considering she runs away from complications, as we finally reach the first floor, where countless servers rush through the hallway, wearing white uniforms while holding heavy trays with snacks and drinks.
They nod at me as they pass us by, and I sigh at the delicious smells filling the air. Our cook is probably going out of his way to prepare his best dishes and tempting all the guests to indulge in them.
Jazz music mixing with various hums of periodic laughter snaps my attention to the living room, and I already dread stepping inside. However, my parents’ patience isn’t absolute.
In fact, it’s nonexistent when it comes to me, and Luna must think the same because she pushes me gently once again, whispering, “Let’s go, and remember to smile.”
“Don’t I always?”
“Yeah, but everyone will stare at you tonight.”
“What?”
Why the hell would everyone stare at me tonight?
She ushers me inside, our heels clicking soundly, matching the drumming of my heart, and my eyes widen at the beauty opening up to my view, momentarily calming my nerves.
Orchids and roses decorate our spacious living room, creating almost a magical environment around us. The moonlight streaming from the open terrace doors and the brightly shining chandelier beg you to twirl on the dance floor, a view straight from fairy tales.
The atmosphere in itself makes you believe you might find true love here, while the wind slipping inside and slightly billowing everyone’s hair only adds to its charm, bringing some much-needed relief to our heated bodies.
People are engaged in conversations, wearing expensive clothes and diamonds, speaking about their status and wealth, while they snag champagne and wine from the servers who continue to place all the food on several tables spread in the four corners. The loud clattering from the right lets me know they are preparing to serve the main course in the dining room shortly.
We even have a band playing on the other end of the room, the live music pulling at the strings of my soul and washing me with calmness and even wonder as the notes are so perfect.
I swallow hard when everyone’s heads swing in our direction, zeroing their focus on me. Luna stands behind me, pressing her hands into my back to keep me from hightailing my ass from here.
I’m not a hermit who stayed hidden inside this castle or anything. Still, their attention unnerves me because I prefer to mind my own business without anyone studying me under a microscope.
That’s what they do, as my parents never took me to any gatherings in the past besides a very few of their close friends, so in a way, this is my introduction to the high society.
I shudder in disgust when some men who seem to be twice my age slide their appreciative gaze over my form while women quickly lose their interest, going back to their conversations, although they all have one thing in common.
Wide, warm smiles designed for me to lower my guard, but it won’t happen.
I’m inexperienced but not a fool.
At least not when it comes to this.
Grabbing a glass of orange juice from a passing server, I mutter, “It’s just the beginning, and I’m already exhausted.”
Luna chuckles, picking up a sandwich and munching on it. “My girl just had her debut.” She sighs as I glare at her. “I’m so proud.”
“If that’s the case, then I’m severely underdressed,” I deadpan, and she laughs even harder. “I knew I should have worn my ball gown.”
“Wasted opportunity.” We clink our glasses. “To us having fun later on tonight,” she says and it soothes some of my nerves.
Because yes!
I deserve a night out after this ordeal.
“To me withstanding this charade,” I add, and remorse blankets her features. However, before she can reassure me, my father’s voice booms through the space, making most of the people around us freeze.
“Ven aqui, princesa.”
My dad asks me to come to him, so I search the crowd for familiar faces and spot them at the other end of the room, standing near the band.
They both look gorgeous. Mom wears a lavender dress that hugs her figure tightly, bringing attention to her blue eyes and long purple hair, as Dad has an arm around her possessively. His three-piece gray suit makes women send appreciative glances his way, and I just roll my eyes at it.
