𝐹𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝐹𝑙𝑎𝑤𝑒𝑑 (18+)

Confrontation

Sage was extremely ecstatic about this. Way too happy. She immediately dragged me dress shopping even though I insisted that we should just wear something in our closet. She seemed as though I had just suggested going naked to the party. I must say though, she did take me to a stunning boutique. I helped her find her dress first and as we were looking, my eyes kept drifting to this gorgeous dress displayed underneath a spotlight. Drifting my eyes away from the dress, I helped find one for Sage. She wished for a green dress to match her name, Sage which I found very amusing and cute. Running my hand over the dresses, my eyes connect on a gorgeous grey colour peeking out from the swarm of bright dresses. I know she said she wanted something green but I feel as though this dress just screams 'Sage.'

"Hadley, I can't find anything." She comes whining to me as she rests against my back. "I feel like I'm being too picky but I don't want a long or big dress. I get hot really easily and I do not-" She sticks a finger up and stares up as if she's remembering something. Soon enough, shivers run down her spine as a repulsed expression overtakes her usual joyful face. "I do not want to be irritated and annoyed the whole evening. Remember when I threw that drink on Mrs. Spencer because she kept making crude comments about Julian." I do remember it. I remember very carefully. She was criticising his tattoos and commenting on how much of a 'punk' he looked like. As if her husband wasn't a mafia gang leader. Julian dragged her away while I went to apologise to her. I didn't know the full story behind this incident and Sage had had a few drinks so I just thought that she just made some dumb drunk decision. Approaching her, I still remember her cussing us all out and wiping her now ruined dress, with paper towels.

"I apologise for my cousin's behaviour. I have no clue what has gotten into her." I smiled at the woman who was now looking at me with the most disgusted look ever.

"No worries, honey. It's probably the influence of her punk ass boyfriend." Her awful look was now a fake smile as she openly insulted Sage and Julian.

"Ma'am I have no clue who you think you are but you shall not speak about my cousin nor a member of my mafia with such blatant disrespect. You seem to be name calling Julian while your husband is a mafia leader himself. While Julian is just a part of a gang, your husband runs one." I tell her in all one breath, my voice laced with hatred. The look on her face is hilarious but I am too riled up to laugh at her. Taking a deep breath, I try to calm down before I feel a rough hand on my shoulder. Turning around, I meet Ricardo's astonishing eyes and instantly calm down.

"What's the matter, babe?" He asks, his voice calm and trained but filled with worry. Plastering a fake smile, I turn around enough so that I'm facing both of them.

"Nothing, I was just informing Mrs. Spencer that it was time for her to leave." I now focus all my attention on her as she slams the paper towels on the table and rushes to her husband, grabbing his hand and forcing themselves out of the party. Sage and Julian come running to us as Sage snuggles up to Julian's chest. Peeping at me through her lashes, she apologises.

"Sorry Hadley. It's just that this dress is so big and stuffy and I feel so hot and irritated and mad at everything and she kept insulting Julian and it was getting too much for me." She groans, a few tears seeping down her eyes. Julian instantly wipes them away and coos at her, whispering soft, loving words in her ear.

"I think we'll be leaving. She really needs to change." Julian states, already grabbing Sage's hand. I nod at him and assure him that I will inform Uncle Phoenix about her whereabouts. He thanks me and immediately leaves with Sage.

As soon as they are gone, I feel soft lips press against my forehead as I turn my head to meet the most kind, pale green eyes.

"I found the perfect dress for you." I whisper, the pain from the memories hitting me hard. I shove the dress in her hands and force her towards the changing rooms as I set my emotions on hold and rid myself of those thoughts.