Chapter 4 : At the Lorenzo's

Diana’s POV

Ciara had made sure she went out of her way to get me a very good dress for the birthday party.

I had tried to convince her not to worry, but she insisted, saying I needed to make a lasting impression on the hearts of everyone who attended the party.

The day came faster than I had expected, I woke up staring at the ceiling in my room, rethinking my decision. But the truth is I don't even have a say in the matter.

"Hey! Wake up sleepy head,"

And there she Was, typical Ciara, never giving up when her mind is set on a thing.

She barged into my room, not minding if I was naked.

"Can't you at least knock?" I yelled

"Uh... need I remind you whose house you are in?" She said, snapping her fingers.

She came over to the bed and dragged the duvet that was covering my body. "It's time to prepare for your party."

"Do I have to?"

"Yes, you must", she said, a wide grin appearing on her face.

"You're such a pain in the ass" I lamented

*****

I came down from the cab, right in front of THE LORENZO’S Mansion. It was just as I remembered it. The mansion loomed beyond the wrought iron gate. It stood majestically. Its grand facade bathed in the glow of lights that were carefully lit.

Polished marble columns framed the massive double doors, and their intricate carvings hinted at wealth and history. Expensive floor-to-ceiling windows gleamed beneath the soft glow of crystal chandeliers inside, revealing glimpses of opulent furnishing.

Long perfectly paved driveway curved through manicured gardens. Where fountains gushed in elegant display, their water catching the moonlight like liquid silver.

Very detailed scarred hedges and the scent of fresh roses drifting on the breeze spoke of power, prestige, and an untouchable luxury that few could ever claim as their own.

I showed my passcode to the security man standing in front.

"Welcome Ms Kensington," one of the menservants said "This way please"

I followed him.

I was wearing a luxurious blue dress that flowed down to my feet; I had to raise it so I could climb up the stairs conveniently.

As I stepped through the towering double door, I was immediately enveloped in the grandeur of the ballroom. I stopped abruptly taking in a deep breath.

"Calm down, Diana, calm down," I muttered under my breath.

"Oh gracious God, she's here", I heard a familiar voice say.

I exhaled. I turned around to look at who it was, and there she stood in all her glory, Marcel's grandmother.

I took a slight bow. "Good day Grandmother," I said smiling

"Oh gosh, my child, we've all been waiting for you", she said, drawing me closer and hugging me tightly.

Waiting for me?

Why?

Marcel had not told them about our break up yet. I decided to play along just as Ciara had advised.

There was another guest around, but I guess they were of less importance as Mrs Audrey walked by them like they weren't in the room.

She took me straight to the living room, where every single member of the Lorenzo's was seated, they all seemed to be waiting for something, for someone

"Guess who's here now?" Mrs Audrey said with a loud, cheerful voice.

Marcel's grandfather's eyes brightened, I could see how happy he was seeing me. I went straight to where he sat and went down on my knees, heads bowed.

"Awwnn, what a well-mannered young lady" Mrs Audrey said

"Up my child" Mr Lorenzo's senior, baritone voice echoed in my ears. "Now that everyone is here, let the party begin"

Loud music began to play downstairs, and everywhere in the house but the living room.

I looked around and there he was, icy glare, straightened shoulder.

I scoffed, immediately looking away.

"Hello, Diaaaannnnaaaa"

"Hi, Victoria," I said, faking a smile.

"Granddad, grandmother, meet Selena"

I turned in the direction of where Marcel's voice had come from, and there she Was, my step-sister, wearing the exact red gown I had seen in the picture.

I was sure she wore it just to spite me; ever since my parent's real daughter came back, we never got along, even though I tried so hard to be a sister to her.

She saw me as someone who had come to take her place. I guess that's why she decided to take Marcel, too.

"Who is she" Mrs Audrey asked

"She's my plus one," He said smiling

"Plus one? What about Diana?" Mrs Audrey asked, looking around, trying to find me; I knew better than to meet her. I remained where I stood observing from a distance.

"I didn't invite her; Grandpa did, so she's your guest, not mine", he blurted out rudely.

"But Marcel..." Mrs Riley, Marcel's mother, interrupted.

"Mom, please stay out of this" " he said, raising his hands.

Marcel went ahead to pick up a glass of wine from the table with a fork, making a clanking sound with both objects calling for people's attention.

My heart began to race as I knew what was going to come up next.

I shouldn't have come.

I shouldn't have listened to Ciara.

"Attention everyone... I have a very important announcement to make."

Every member of the Lorenzo's family gathered around except me.

I was trying to leave the room. When Marcel suddenly stopped me by calling my name.

My heart was In my mouth. I turned slowly in his direction.

"I am no longer engaged to Diana" he blurted out.

"What! What nonsense is this?" Mrs Audrey yelled

"She decided to call off our engagement, all because of her silly insecurities."

Everyone in the living room and people downstairs began to murmur

Yes, people downstairs could hear him; all the music was stopped because of his announcements.

"Did you do that?" Marcel's mom asked, placing her hands on my shoulder.

The shock I was in didn't make me notice that she had gotten to where I stood.

I slowly nodded my head.

"But why?" She asked

"Your son..., your son...."

Suddenly, everyone burst into outrageous laughter except for Mr Lorenzo senior.

"Did you see her face?" Anna, Marcel's sister asked laughing ominously

I was confused.

What was going on?

"Well, you think we don't know that you are not the true daughter of the Kensington, Did you think we would allow our son to marry someone as wretched as you are"