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I thought last night’s party was lavish, the best that the Northups could do. Boy, was I wrong. Compared to tonight, last night seemed like just a gathering of friends. This? This is a party.
On the stage in front, three bands take turns playing Christmas songs, and so the dance floor is always occupied. There are ice sculptures lit up in various colors. There’s someone dressed up like Santa Claus giving out presents and elves handing out candy canes in every flavor imaginable. There are also arcade games, stations for decorating cookies and Santa hats, and kissing booths under boughs of mistletoe for couples.
I thought Rainier would have dragged me into one of them by now, but so far he’s been cold.
So much for pretending we’re a couple.
I guess it’s my fault, though. After sorting out the thoughts and feelings that washed over me following that visit to Samuel’s room, I came to a decision. I decided to tell the Northups who I am. Not tonight, though. Tomorrow, after the guests have left. I know it might come as a shock to Samuel, but it’s better that he finds out before he… well, before he gets worse. At least he’ll have some peace. Also, I want to take care of him and also be there for the rest of them, especially my Aunt Vivian.
I want to help the Northups. I want to be a Northup. That’s why I was shocked when I heard that Rainier punched Gabriel. That’s why I fiercely jumped to their defense when Rainier started spilling all their secrets.
He doesn’t know that, though, so I can understand why he feels I’m unjustly siding with the Northups. I wish I could tell him, but he might not believe me, or he might try to dissuade me from telling the Northups. Besides, they should be the first to know, not him.
I can’t tell him, but I can’t get mad at him, either. He was only doing what he thought was right. Besides, I don’t want to get mad at him. I don’t want to fight.
Tomorrow, all hell might break loose. Even if it doesn’t, my life will change and I’ll have a lot to deal with. I have to deal with Rainier now.
I search around the room for him and find him speaking with some older men at the back, right next to the bar. He looks confident and polished as always but maybe just a tad more dashing in his black velvet suit and gold tie.
I take a moment to catch my breath, then start to walk slowly towards him. After I take a few steps, he turns his head as if sensing my presence. His eyes glimmer with surprise, confusion. I smile as I proceed.
Then I catch a glimpse of Christine from the corner of my eye. She’s in a silver dress, standing all by herself beside a Christmas tree.
I stop and look at Rainier, who’s watching me, waiting for me. Part of me wants to keep walking towards him. Still, my feet head towards Christine.
She’s my cousin, after all, and right now, she’s alone. She looks like she’s getting anxious, too. Maybe she needs someone to talk to, and I definitely want to talk to her since I haven’t had that chance yet.
Just when I’m a few feet away from her, though, she starts to walk off. I’m about to call after her, but I realize she’s sneaking away.
Why? Where is she going?
I go after her. She runs down the hall and disappears around the corner. I follow her. I can’t run as fast, though, not with these Blahnik heels I have on, so I eventually lose her.
Where has she gone?
Suddenly, I hear a sound coming from nearby. A clatter and voices.
I trace them to the door to my right. As I approach it, I realize that it’s slightly open. A sliver of light escapes the room.
I look through the gap. As soon as I do, my heart stops.
The sounds came from this room, alright, but they didn’t come from Christine. There’s no sign of her. Instead, I see Gabriel, the left side of his face still swollen and covered in bandages. At first I think he’s moaning in pain, but then I see the woman kneeling in front of him and realize that he’s not suffering in the least.
He’s moaning in pleasure.
So is the woman as she sucks him off. She looks like she’s enjoying what she’s doing immensely, actually, despite the fact that Gabriel seems to be pulling her hair and her hands are tied behind her back.
Tied?
Suddenly, Gabriel pushes her away. He rips her dress off and shoves her on top of a table. His hands descend on her breasts. She moans.
I step back. My hand clasps over my mouth to hold back a gasp. What the hell did I just see?
