An Engagement Party?

Natalie's pov

“Yes… it is a merger.”

I stood completely frozen. Those words... they hurt more than they should have, confirming what I always suspected.

A merger.

Not a marriage.

What could Mr Lawley possibly want from my mother?

The silence stretched, then Kian spoke again. His voice was quieter this time, soft like he was saying this to himself rather than the person on the other line.

“...she's useful…”

My throat tightened.

I wasn't sure whether he meant my mother or myself.

Neither possibility felt good. A few seconds later, he laughed again. That same cold laugh.

“Trust me.”

His voice carried clearly through the hallway.

Something embarrassingly sharp settled inside my chest.

Stupid.

Stupid.

Stupid.

It echoed in my head over and over and over again.

Kian ended the call and turned around.

I stepped back immediately retreating into my room before he could see me, stumbling over my feet before going back to my previous spot on the bed.

My pulse hammered, and my mouth grew bitter.

Anger rose hot and familiar, bubbling in my chest.

His expression was unreadable as he walked in.

I looked down at the project papers.

Refusing to meet his eyes.

“Everything okay?” he asked.

I let out a short laugh, the sound surprised even me.

“Why wouldn't it be?”

His brows furrowed.

I finally looked up.

Whatever warmth had managed to creep into the room over the last hour was gone.

He looked at me, then sighed.

“Give me the folder you were given. I have to go.”

I scoffed, standing finally.

I was several inches shorter than he was, but I met his eye.

“You're really insistent on that folder. A part of me is really curious to find out why. Who knows what I'll find,” I said, my voice took on a teasing lilt, although I was feeling no trace of amusement.

He looked at me… his eyes roaming around my features, before he shrugged.

The mask slipped on easily. I could see the tension ease from his shoulders.

“Whatever. It's useless anyways,” he drawled, putting the aggravating attitude back in place.

Soon he was walking out of the room. Just as he reached the door, he turned back and looked around the room.

“Don't get used to this luxury, princess. It won't last long .”

Then he was gone, slamming the door in my face.

“Fuck!!” I grabbed the pillow from the bed, launching it with every ounce of spite I possessed.

My jaw clenched as the pillows landed harmlessly to the floor. The soft thump almost mocking me. I went to the bed, cussing everyone under my breath.

I stood at the side of the bed, looking down at it.

The size of the bed was ridiculous. The entire mansion was ridiculous as well.

Groaning, I lay on the bed, shutting my eyes with my hands.

That was a mistake. My mind immediately started an unsolicited slideshow of the events that just happened.

The folders, Kian's stupid handwriting, the phone calls, the text message I got on my phone.

Everything came flooding back and just before it ended, I heard a knock on my door…. Again.

“Please just go away!” I yelled, unable to help myself.

Just like the last time, the door flew open again.

This time, it was my mother.

I sat up, completely surprised. I hadn't seen her since the family dinner we had.

She stood at my door, holding shopping bags.

“Mom?” I called, watching her struggle with the bags in her hands as she waddled towards me.

“Hey sweetie,” the nickname made me cringe in embarrassment.

“What... What's all these? What's going on?” I asked, watching her sigh in wonder, or excitement. I wasn't sure anymore.

She dropped the bags onto my bed.

“Tomorrow night there's a celebration.”

“What celebration?”

She rolled her eyes, like she was disappointed at the question.

“My engagement to your step father!”

I blinked then grimaced. “People celebrate engagements?”

“Rich people do and look, there will be investors, politicians, business partners, donors..."

My stomach dropped.

“No.”

Her smile grew.

“Yes. Yes, you are expected to be there.”

“I don't have to! I have just.. 2 dresses!” I pointed out, bewildered at her thoughts.

She waved aside my statement then gestured to the bags at my feet.

“Well not anymore! I went shopping for you!”

“What exactly did you buy?” I reached for a bag, but just then, with really alarming reflexes, she yanked the bag out of my grip.

“You'll see them tomorrow…” she hesitated, her eyes dancing with unabashed excitement, “well, you and…your brother.”

I hesitated, trying to understand what she said.

“No way, mom.”

“Listen, it wasn't my idea. It was Joey's idea. You won't be attending with me.”

“I do not even want to attend this, now I have to attend with someone that hates me?”

“Joey thought it would be good for appearances,” My mom answered weakly, her smile slipping a little.

“Mom.”

“Apparently, he reasoned that the family should arrive together.”

My stomach sank.

“Mom!”

“So you'll be arriving with Kian… in one car… and he is to be your chaperone for the night.”

Silence.

My mind went back to how he threatened me, to make certain no one knew we were going to be siblings.

“Mom, there is no way in god's sweet earth, that Kian would ever want to be seen in a public place with -”

“Oh, he already agreed.” My mom said, clapping her hands in glee.