CHAPTER 4

Danielle

“And why can't she?” My grandfather asked. 

My mother cleared her throat. It was the first time that I had seen her look intimidated. My father immediately spoke up. 

“Dad, I believe she's not ready for this. Kayla and I can go.”

My grandther scoffed. He looked over at my mom. “Is that right, Kayla?” He asked. “Your perfect little daughter can't attend a simple event. And yet, she's expected to rule a whole company where she will have meeting with board members and investors that are ready to chew her raw.”

His voice dripped of sarcasm. I gritted my teeth, stopping my mom from talking any more. She had been the most protective person I had so far. The least I could do for her was stop this man from talking down on her. He was obviously the most powerful person in the room. 

“She just got back from the hospital. She should be resting,” Jayden said, taking a step forward. 

I noticed how the old man's face softened. He definitely had his favorites. “You should be going, but you have zero interest in your birth rights.”

It was the first time I was meeting him, and I didn't like the impression he was giving. 

“Fine,” I said, shutting everyone up. “I'll go.”

“Are you sure?” Jayden asked, and I nodded. I didn't think I've been more sure of anything. 

My grandfather's sneer was turned into a smirk immediately. “Looks like the accident knocked some sense into that thick skull of yours.”

I ignored his statement. “When is the event?” I asked. 

“Tonight. Your dress and jewelry is on the way. You will dress according to Carter status.”

“I don't think I've ever done anything that wasn't of Carter status,” I said, biting my tongue but it was too late. 

“Don't let me take you down that lane, Melanie,” he said, raising his voice. “Now, go to your room and prepare for the event. And trust me. If nothing goes well because of you, you'd be sorry that you survived that coma.”

My shoulders slouched slightly as I headed upstairs. I could feel all eyes on me. 

True to his words, my clothes were laying on my bed, along with the jewelry box and shoes. They all had designer tags. As I picked the dress up and ran my fingers through it. 

I had an event to be, and I was going to make sure that everything went perfectly. 

***

As soon as the clock struck five, I had my bath, quickly slipping the dress on. The heavy earrings and necklace fit me so perfectly. My mom slipped into the room as I sat in front of the mirror. I gave her the tiniest smile I could muster through the mirror. 

“I wanted to ask if I could do your hair this evening as well.” Her voice was soft, almost pleading. 

I nodded. “Of course. I couldn't even decide on the hairstyle I wanted.”

She walked towards me, running her hands through my hair in a way that made me feel otherworldly. “A rough bun should do,” she finally whispered. “I'm sorry about what happened down there. Jayden was right. You should be resting. Especially since you have changed significantly.”

I gave her a small smile. “What do you mean?” 

She hesitated, like she didn't want to offend me. “On a normal day, you would have been at the club. And you definitely aren't there now.”

I watched her as she packed my hair with skill. I applied my make-up, giving it a smoky effect. No one had to know that I cried every night. No one had to know that I needed make-up to cover up my puffy eyelids. 

I slid my feet into my YSL heels as I admired myself in the mirror. The dress clung to my curves like a second skin. The slit in the dress left little to imagination. 

A part of me wasn't comfortable with the dress, but I knew that Melanie would have squealed at the sight. I had no choice. 

My mom saw me off downstairs, where I got into one of the black cars. I was practically wringing my hands, gripping to my phone as tightly as I could. Another thing that I had practically abandoned was Melanie's social media life. Her phone was constantly buzzing, but I didn't have time for that. I was busy stalking two people, it was almost turning into an obsession. 

“We're here,” the driver said, and I smiled at him as I got out of the car. 

The building was huge. I heard that it wasn't even the Blackwood's headquarters. I knew why my grandfather sent me here. That was to somehow create a friendly relationship with Mr. Blackwood or his son. I wasn't there for that. I was there for the connections I would need. 

As I stepped on the red carpet, cameras flashed in my direction. 

“Miss Carter, here!” People screamed. I tried to look in every direction, plastering a fake smile on my face. 

People were all over me, and I tried my best not to cry out and tell them to leave me the hell alone. This was the reason why I was here. To socialize. 

They either had something to say about my dress, my hair or my make-up. I had never gotten so much attention. I managed to keep saying the same words of appreciation with a smile on my lips. 

My cheeks were already hurting from the pretence. 

Just as I was about to step into the building, I heard a voice that made me stop in my tracks. 

“Mr. Aniston, here!”

I shook my head. It couldn't be. He couldn't be here. Besides, he wasn't the only Aniston in the world. I was about to take another step when someone called out louder. 

“Cole!”

I slowly turned around. My whole body was shaking with rage. And something else. Fear. 

I could feel every single wall and facade that I had been building, slowly shatter into pieces. My fingers dug into my exposed thigh. 

I turned around just in time to see him and Yvette. Her hands were wrapped around his, like she was trying to show the world that he belonged to her. The both of them looked like the perfect couple. It made my skin crawl. It made my eyes burn. 

The both of them smiled, looking at every one, just as Cole's eyes landed on me.