If she weren’t my mom, I’d throw the F bomb at her. “Are you out of your mind?” I ask sharply, “Why on earth did you invite her!” “I never invited her, OK? You think I like this arrangement?” mom says urgently. “Even though they were separated, she’s still Shawn’s business partner. What can I do?” “Millions of things! Have you tried talking to Mr. Ramirez about this? I think he will be equally awkward if his ex-wife comes to his anniversary party that he’s having with his new wife!” Mom sighs deeply, “I tried. But he said they ended on good terms so no one should feel weird about this. And recently he is negotiating a new partnership with her company, so he couldn’t really uninvite her. And I don’t want to jeopardize his work with our personal life.” I want to tell her that this is bullshit. No normal person would invite his Ex to the anniversary. But this is how high society works actually, full of fuck-ups and dramas. Since mom has absolutely no say in the Ramirez’s family, the

His face remains calm and cold. Yet I still catch a fleeting glimpse of panic and disbelief passing through his eyes.“Surprised?” I sneer and take a moment to enjoy the look on his face. “I thought you knew…since you already brought your new girlfriend shopping today.”His face drops. “For the second time, Valerie is not my girlfriend.”“Just stop lying, OK? If she’s not your girlfriend, then what are you really? Why on earth are you guys together all the time?? No forget it…I don’t want to know.” I wave my hand dismissively.He suddenly stands up. Taken aback, I raise my head to look at him and find his face dark and sullen.“Are you asking me to cut connections with all my female friends?” he questions me in a strained tone. “Is this what you want? Because I can do that. If only you could stop talking to Alex!”Even though I was mad at him, I was able to talk to him in a calm manner. But these words enrage me instantly. Anger explodes in my head and the next thing I know I’m kneeli

Natalia’s POV “Me? Your date?” I frown. “What about Valerie?” “What about her?” “You brought her shopping for evening gowns the other day. So I thought you were taking her to the party,” I snort. “She stood you up, didn’t she? And that’s why you are coming back to me now because I’m your backup.” “You are unbelievable,” he sighs. He runs his fingers through his hairs as a spasm of frustration flits across his face. “Stop piecing everything together in your mind!” he growls, lowering his eyelids to avoid my gaze. “I took her shopping, but we didn’t go shopping for evening gowns. If you don’t want to come with me to the party, I might as well go alone.” That’s when I notice a pink tinge appears on his cheek and his ears are turning red. Is he embarrassed for being so honest? He almost never shares his real thoughts and true feelings with me, and this is actually the first time. Oh god I love the honest Eason way much more than the manipulative jerk he used to be. This is the ch

The despise behind her tone is so obvious that I clench my fist immediately. The look on mom’s face couldn’t be uglier. She glares at Caroline and grits out, “I have other plans for my daughter.” “Everything else seems perfect, except for my room,” that vicious old crone smiles. “Shawn and I just finished a long discussion about our upcoming business plan. I’m quite exhausted. I’d really appreciate it if your daughter can help the cleaning lady get the room ready.” She is so evil and manipulative! Just like her son in some ways. I feel sad for my mom. I know she hates the woman, but she also can’t defy her because of her power and status. I have a gut feeling that Caroline will destroy anniversary party that mom has been planning for so long. I take in a long breath and make up my mind. Mom has done everything she could to protect me, and now it’s my turn to do the same for her. “Fine,” I say, looking at Caroline. “Where is your room? I’ll see what I can—” Right at this moment,

And we finally get to the day of the anniversary party.If this party dragged on any longer, mom would die out of anxiety, and she would take every single one of us down to hell with her.On that day, she forces me out of bed at 6 o’clock sharp and pins me down in the makeup chair. Before I even realize, there are already three people doing my hair, face, and nails at the same time.“Mom!” I protest. “This is your big day. Just leave me be.”“Oh honey, but I want you to look great as well…Apply more contour to her nose.” She instructs the stylist, while wearing a super expensive facial mask which costs like 100 USD per piece.Luckily, my makeover is done a little past noon. Just when I thought I was finally able to grab a bite, mom told me that I should stay famished, to better fit the evening gown.“Are you crazy?” I snap. My temper becomes worse because of hunger. “I’m not going on a hunger strike just because of a stupid fucking gown!”“Language!” Mom dodges the stylist’s brush and