CHAPTER 18

As we entered the grand ballroom adorned with crystal chandeliers and lavish decorations, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the sheer opulence surrounding me. Even the lighting didn’t seem ordinary, it was brightly lit, but at the same time, dim. I couldn’t figure out how they even made that happen. Conversation floated all around the room just as easily as the waiters did with their trays of expensive looking champagne flutes. Men stood in groups, whispering to each other in hushed tones, each one wearing custom made suits. Women were dressed in the most expensive dresses I had ever seen, and each one had the glistening rocks laying pretty on their necks and fingers. I mentally thanked the stylist for not letting me have my way when I wanted to take off the diamond necklace.

I stayed close to Christian, suddenly feeling out of place. I shouldn’t be here, I didn’t belong with all these people. And even though I was wearing a dress that was just as expensive as the others, I wor