Chapter 7 Life Of The Party

• I looked like the Queen of the Night. But for the first time, I was confident in my looks. A silk, snug midnight black gown which was my second skin. It had a long slit at the side and an off-the-shoulder sleeves. I wore a black tie to hide the hyperpigmentation on my neck and accompanied it with black gloves and striking silver stilettos.
• But as Jake walked out of my apartment, I suddenly felt conscious. What would Jake say if he saw me?
• “You know we're going for a party and not a funeral, right?” He was leaning on his black Tesla clad in a white tux, which suited my all-black outfit.
• “So?”
• “You're in black.” He stated matter-of-factly. “Oh that's right, I forgot you don't know anything about social norms.”
• “Let me explain. There's something called a black color—it absorbs other colors. Now—” I scowled, nudging him away from the passenger door, and got in. He joined me soon on the driver's side, grinning.
• “As my date tonight, I think it's common courtesy to say you look gorgeous, even if it's a blatant lie.”
• “Thank you, even if I want to stab you with my hairpin.” I scrolled through my phone to avoid any discussion.
• “I love what you did with your scar.” I froze at that and looked up to find him staring at me with an unreadable expression. I had tied my hair in a complicated twist, piling it high and exposing my scar to the world. But I had carved out an identical jagged line on my other cheek, making it look like a creative makeover.
• “I'm being serious, Danny.”
• “Thank you.” The words felt strange on my lips because I meant it.
• “You're also doing well. Driving a Tesla Model X, wearing Armani suits and designer shoes.” I managed.
• “I'm managing two companies, so…” I was surprised, turning towards him.
• “I thought you were taking over your father's company?”
• “I did,” he looked out of the window, “but I have mine now.” I knew he didn't like being under his parents. This was Jake.
• “That's good. You will soon take over Mr Montgomery's position.” I beamed but he appeared closed off and just grunted.
• “We're here.” He got out first and helped me out. I was suddenly feeling shy as I watched the caliber of people walking into the hotel plus the paparazzi. The poorest among them was worth a billion dollars. I didn't belong here. It was Jake's world.
• “Hey, while we're here, could you reserve the unpleasant wishes and looks? I think Mr Montgomery is onto us for some weird reason.” He added, looking displeased.
• “That won't be a problem till they notice I don't belong here,” I muttered, hanging off his arm—just as I had once dreamed.
• “Who would notice?”
• “Everyone here.” I hesitated as we neared the steps where the camera lights flashed. What if I make the headlines for the ugliest woman here?
• “Listen, Danny, everyone here is two-faced. They all seem perfect but they will walk over you if you give them a chance. Don't.” With those simple words, he led the way, his camera-worthy smile on display, while
• I put on my game face.
• I could feel the eyes on us—white and black, lethally handsome and badly scarred. There were more flashes, but the presence of Jake seemed to steady me. I couldn't look pathetic before him.
• Is this your girlfriend, Mr Miller?
• How did you manage to secure the Montgomery contract?
• Is it true you're getting married?
• “You're getting married?” I couldn't restrain myself from asking. He smirked without looking at me.
• “Yeah. To you.”
• I was so tempted to glare at him. But I settled for just staring at him.
• “Mr Miller!” Girl number one came forward the moment we stepped into the hall. I knew she was a golddigger because even Jake's smile became weary.
• “Miss Bennett. When was the last time your beauty graced me?” Miss Bennett blushed the perfect shade, looking at Jake from under long lashes.
• “I’ve told you quite a lot of times to call me Lillian.”
• “Just like, I told you to call me Jake. You look beautiful.”
• “Thank you, Jake. Congratulations on the contract. I knew that it was meant for you alone.” She purred, making me roll my eyes. It was as though I was invisible, which I thought was better than having stifling conversations.
• “I better go. I need to find Carl.” Jake said after a few more minutes of fake smiles, making me heave a sigh of relief.
• I watched in horror as he repeated this exact routine to Girl number one, two three…five. After the fifth one, I couldn't take it anymore.
• “Can I sit? I'm tired of playing celebrity with you.” I groaned.
• “It's not playing celebrity. It’s all about building connections.”
• “Yeah. Especially watching you play around with every woman here,” I replied, rolling my eyes.
• He smirked. “It's called networking, Danny. Maybe if you tried it, your net worth wouldn't be so laughable.” I felt like sticking a dagger in him.
• Just then, a tall guy in a pinstriped suit walked over, his eyes on me. “Hey, haven’t seen you around. I’m Max.”
• “Danielle,” I replied, shaking his hand, feeling Jake’s eyes burning a hole in my back.
• “Would you like to dance?” Max asked, smiling charmingly. I almost choked on my champagne.
• Before I could respond, Jake stepped in. “She’s with me.”
• Max raised an eyebrow. “You sure? She doesn’t seem too interested.”
• “I’m sure,” Jake said through gritted teeth, his arm slipping around my waist possessively.
• I scoffed, but my heart beat faster at the contact. “I can speak for myself.”
• “I know.” He affirmed, but his grip on my waist tightened.
• “I'm sorry, Max. I can't.”
• “Well, if you change your mind, I'm ready.” He winked, stalking off.
• The moment he was out of earshot, I rounded on Jake.
• “Jealous?”
• He scoffed. “Mr Montgomery is coming our way. I have to endure touching you for now.”
• I turned and truly, Mr Montgomery was making his way to us. But he wasn't alone. On his arm perched the person I hated the most in this world.
• Victoria Preston.