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My parents booked the Astoria for Charlotte and Cole’s engagement party.
The Astoria is an invite-only association for the world’s elite. My father practically sold his soul to get his membership.
When he did so a few years back, we all made the trip here from L.A. like disciples on a pilgrimage.
The first thing I loved was the architecture. I appreciate it now, too.
The grandiose estate is adorned with marble pillars inside and out and elegance in every inch of its décor. Renaissance paintings decorate the walls and ceilings, complimented by extravagant chandeliers and furniture made of polished wood and plush leather.
It’s nice to be here, immersed in another one of my father’s vast accomplishments, and the masquerade ball is amazing, but tonight feels like an extension of my hell. Having to smile and act like everything is fine has been horrible.
There are over a hundred guests here. Many of whom saw Cole’s article and know me andmy past, so I might as well have a scarlet letter printed on my forehead.
When we arrived a little over an hour ago I spotted three of Mom’s friends looking at me and whispering. By the time we were seated at the head table in the grand hall, I spotted a few more people like that.
I’m aware a lot has happened to me that people will talk about. That doesn’t mean I’m okay with it.
Beneath my mask I’ve tried to put on a brave face and will my heart to get through the night, but honestly I should have stayed home. I would have happily chosen to spend my evening dreaming about Luc.
I only came here tonight because I didn’t want to create any more friction between Dad and me when I’m thinking about the possibility of this secret relationship with Luc.
My only source of strength is my mother. She’s sitting next to me, while Dad has been seated opposite Charlotte and Cole. I think that was by design so I wouldn’t feel too uncomfortable.
Dad and Cole went off a few minutes ago to mingle with some of the other men, leaving Charlotte the center of attention. Like the queen she thinks she is, she’s been regaling us with details of her wedding dress, which of course had to be designed by Vera Wang. This dress is also a one-of-a-kind original. God knows what Dad is forking out just for Charlotte’s dress.
Now she’s talking about how she and Cole got together. A story I really don’t need rehashed.
God… seriously? How am I even doing this?
I might be over Cole, but it’s humiliating to get caught up in these sorts of situations.
The best thing about tonight is that Evan has left me alone. He met Tatum, Charlotte's bitchy best friend from L.A. I could tell he liked her straight away.
They went off together shortly after we arrived. I’m hoping they stay away for the rest of the night. Since Tatum is the kind of girl you’d see sneaking into the back seat of a guy’s car within seconds of meeting him, it’s entirely possible she’s doing something similar with Evan.
“The night he proposed was the best of my life,” Charlotte gushes, doing that beauty queen hand thing again, and everyone swoons. “I guessed he was going to propose but I didn't want to get ahead of myself.”
“Oh, sweetheart. It’s clear how much that man loves you. Of course, he was going to propose the first chance he got,” Aunt Jenna says in her deep Southern accent. She puts an arm around Charlotte and gives her a little hug.
“I agree,” Mara adds. She's another one of Charlotte's friends from L.A. “All you have to do is look at you two to see how in love you are.”
“Thank you, guys. That really means so much to me.” Charlotte glances at me and I give her a stiff smile.
Knowing her, that look is to gloat because no one ever said such things when Cole was with me.
“Where are the two of you going on your honeymoon?” Elizabeth, our cousin, asks, turning Charlotte's attention back to the discussion.
“We’re going on a two-week cruise of the Mediterranean then we’re off to Europe for another two weeks, where we'll tour every city.” Charlotte looks so excited her entire face is glowing.
Dad makes his way to the stage at the front of the hall where the jazz band is playing. The music stops once he reaches them, as does the chatter, and we focus on him.
Dad pushes his mask up so we can see his face then raises his glass to toast, smiling like the proud father. “Welcome,everyone. Thank you so much for coming. This is a momentous time for my Charlotte and Cole, her husband-to-be, a man who's been like a son to me.”
His words are beautiful and I can’t help but feel the stab of jealousy pulling at the fibers of my heart.
Dad focuses on Charlotte and she gives him her I’ll-always-be-your-little-girl smile.
“My dear daughter. Words cannot express how proud I am of you. You have achieved so much and followed in my footsteps to work hard for the things you want out of life. I’m so excited to see you take this next step in your dreams with your soulmate. Like any father who loves his daughter dearly, I take great pride in saying that I adore you and I am so happy for you. Cole will make a wonderful addition to the family.”
