Chapter 1: HUMILIATED

CHAPTER 1

HUMILIATED

Six years later.

As the night progresses, soft lighting and a delicate floral setting in ivory and pastel blue greeted the guests of that magical wonderland made for two love birds who just became one. The gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze and warm light filter through the canopy of trees, creating a romantic, ethereal ambiance.

The atmosphere is a lively and festive celebration, with the sound of music and laughter filling the air. It was a wedding reception that any girl her age dreams of. But Ria stopped dreaming of this kind of event happening in her life. She will never have a chance to be a bride. That is what she thought.

“Ria,” called Trixie, a girl in a solid plain black shirt and pants like hers. “The boss told us to deliver another batch of drinks for the guests by the fountain.”

Ria signaled her an “ok” with her fingers. She took a sigh and refilled the wine glasses on her tray just as she was told. Thankfully, Trixie, her workmate for that night reminded her that they were there to work and not to enjoy.

Enjoying the beautiful scenery and the sound of the water, the guests sit around the fountain by the vast backyard garden of the house. She gracefully approaches them with a gentle smile and presents the available drinks to choose from. With a final smile and a nod, she steps back, allowing everyone to enjoy their drinks.

“You’re lovely,” an old man with white hair whispered in her ears upon bending down to pour the guest’s glass. That sends a frightening shiver down her spine.

“Well, thank you, Sir. Enjoy your drink,” she said as she forced a smile on her face.

She was about to walk to another table when the old man’s fingers grazed her skin. She flinched back in fear, her body tensing up like a spring that had been wound too tightly. Her heart raced as she tried to back away.

She wanted to run so she faced the other direction only to be bumped into a hard chest. She looked up to see the beautiful set of almond eyes that she did not gaze upon for a very long time. Just as the first time she saw those pair, her heart started to thump wildly. She did not even hear the glasses she was holding shattered on the grass.

“Are you okay?” he asked. His voice is even sexier that the last she heard it. His brows started to meet in the middle and his eyes are starting to express that he knew her.

By the time he held on her arms, she was petrified and was taken back to reality. She needs to get away from there and from that man.

“Have we met before?” he asked.

“No. Sorry, Sir. I need to go,” she immediately took her way out. She has always thought that that man will never cross her way again. But why is he here?

“What happen?” Trixie asked but she kept on walking away, passing by like she could not hear anything.

She wouldn’t mind not getting any payment for that night. She just wants to run.

“Ria?” called the voice she is running from.

Her feet halted. Every fingertip of her hand started to chill and tremble. She took a sigh before taking enough courage to face the man who just chased after her.

He has changed a lot for the past years. His hair was shorter and lighter in shade, but still in a coordinated wave.

“You need anything, Sir?” she asked, forcing a smile on her tinted lips.

“You’ve been in Paris, haven’t you?”

She gulped. She is sure that this guy remembers it now.

“You were Ria,” he said, revealing his perfect set of teeth. “You were a model and--”

“I think you’ve mistaken me for that girl you were talking about, Sir,” she cut him off. “Can’t you see that I am just a waitress?”

His expression changed. His shoulders dropped.

“Grant?”

The two of them both looked towards the girl who called for the guy. The girl was slim and a few inches taller than Ria. She was walking really fast towards them, yet her steps were very feminine. She immediately wrapped her hands around Grant’s right arm.

“I’ve been looking for you,” she said in a sharp voice.

“Yes. Let’s head back,” he said as he slowly removed the girl’s hands from him.

“Enjoy your night with your girlfriend, Sir,” Ria faked a smile again.

“By the way, I am the fiancée,” the girl introduced herself, crossing her hands on her chest. The way she looks at her is like reminding her that the man beside her is hers.

“Madison, please,” the guy mumbled.

Ria’s eyes landed on Madison’s hand. This girl got some attitude and it made her eyebrow raise.

“I think your fiancé forgot to buy you a ring,” she commented as she stares directly into her eyes. Her gaze diverted to Grant’s eyes. “Did you really forget? Or are you not planning to stick on one girl?” She gave her biggest smile before turning her back on them. “Have a goodnight for both of you.”

“How dare you?!” she heard Madison yell.

“Madison! You are not going to throw your shoes,” Grant ordered his woman.

“But that girl is rude and I can’t accept the way she talks. Hey! Come back here!”

Madison grabbed her hand and lifted her hand, about to slap her face. But Grant held on to his so-called fiancée and was not able to land her hand on her.

“You are still an arrogant girl,” Madison said.

“You know her?” Grant asked his girl.

“You were Ria, right?” she smirked. “Madame’s favorite, but madame’s disappointment.”

Ria’s way of breathing becomes stiff. Why does her past keeps chasing her? Madison’s face is starting to flash back in her memories.

“What happened to you?” she asked as she looked at her from head to her feet. “You look pathetic,” she whispered between her grin.

Ria’s lips trembled at that thought. Her head looked down at how pitiful her state is. She felt her tears about to fall. She never felt so small all her life.