Melting

Chapter 1: The Dinner

I sat quietly in my seat at my table and ate, half watching the foolish, lovesick  happy couples that surrounded me on the other tables, and half watching the performance that was taking place on the stage. I was still unsure as to what I was doing at this certain performance, I had found it whilst I was take a night stroll (well that's the excuse I had given). I had never thought there would come a time that I was wasting time at something like this but the woman on the poster looked close to tears and I had felt the need to enjoy her misery like everybody else. Did I regret it? YES! She was dancing with plastic birds for the lord's sake.

The only thing that was stopping me from leaving was the thought of returning to the glowing, warm happy committee that I happened to call family that were currently residing at my address. They cased so much noise that it was impossible to work in peace and easily win the award for the loudest family. I only hoped that the holidays hurried past quickly so that everyone could fly back to England and stay in that socialite circle. I had moved to New York for a reason and that was to be away form their circles and be at my  own peace in my own kingdom that I had built myself.

Whoever had come up with the idea of having a family reunions was being badly cursed at every second that I was in a miles radius of where they were being taken place. It was even worse, as everyone had  come to celebrate my birthday! Of all things!  I just prayed that my house was not destroyed when they all went back to their lives away from here.

I sipped the drink I had ordered, non-alcoholic, of course. Ever since a late friend of mine had passed away from a drunk driver I wasn't eager to ruin my sleeping patterns or become depressed. And well another reason would be not to become the media's next target. The paparazzi would jump at any chance of mocking me, and my stupid stupor of drunkenness would give them that chance. I can already imagine the headlines already, "CAREFUL YOUR HIGHNESS, YOU DROPPED SOME OF YOUR ICE!"

I was known as the ice princess for a reason, and those reasons included my uptight morals.

Usually I was at good terms with the paparazzi due to my job. But there were some companies out there and individuals who would do anything to mock me or cause my downfall.

My phone began to ring and I glanced at the callers ID and immediately pressed decline. I wasn't going to answer Aunt Suzy's call, especially when all she wanted to talk about was how heartbroken she is about her latest divorce. Especially when she was surrounded by the happy couples that were in a happy marriage. She knew that I was cynical about the whole marriage gig, so she felt as we could bond over it. Usually I was more tolerant towards my relative's. But today, after a busy day of trying to keep my home in one piece and confidential items locked up, I was in no hurry to talk to anybody that was related to me about anything other than saying goodbye .

Perhaps that is why I'm sat alone as the performance continues and the blonde star began to sing about being in love. I took another bite when my phone again notified me of someone's wish to have my attention. I glanced at it to find that it was actually a text from my mother, that they were now going to bed and to make sure that I had a key. I rolled my eyes and texted that I wouldn't be coming home tonight. Of course I had the blooming key, it was my house.

"Madame," a voice said behind me, I turned to see a waiter standing there, looking quite frightened, might I add. It was probably due to the scowl on my face.

"Yes?" I asked, composing myself, I even flashed him a smile to which he evidently relaxed.

"Are you ready for dessert?" he asked, I looked down at my plate, to see it was half eaten. Unlike others, I didn't like sending back half-eaten plates back at restaurants. My parents had always said that poor would do anything to have a decent meal when we went to restaurants, and that had stuck with me as I had grown older.

"No." I replied simply, taking another bite to emphasise my point. He nodded as if the simple two letter word was a command, before slipping into the darkness of the lightly dimmed room. I quickly finished my food and instantly the waiter reappeared and took away the plates, replacing it with dessert and another drink.

"Is that you Alessandra? You still have that awful scowl of yours, " a soft voice said from behind me. I turned to face the familiar face of Selena, a friend that I had made over the last couple of years from the exhausting balls that we had attended together. She stood there with a man I had not seen her with before. I smiled at her and greeted her with an embrace, hers obviously warmer. She laughed before hugging me back.

"It has been a long time," she whispered before pulling away. I nodded in agreement, but my eyes soon fell on the smiling man next to her and gave him a cold look. She turned to the man who was still standing beside her, 

"Ah, Alessandra, this is my fiancé, Aaron. Aaron babe this is Alessandra. An old friend of mine." Aaron nodded curtly, one which I returned.

I knew who Aaron was, very well in fact. You had to be living under a rock to not know who he was, especially if you were from the society. Aaron Miller was one of the most wanted bachelor playboys in the USA, owning a million dollar company that specialised in the construction industry. A profitable choice for a man with his interests in design.

He was also a ladies man, of course. The blonde hair, blue eyes and a large pocket had many girls going gaga over him. Hence, he left behind a heartbroken trail. I would know many of my female clients and associates talked about his skills in bed. But what had shocked me was that he was on Selena's arm! The delicate Selena with a fragile heart. From the look I was giving him, he must of guessed my thoughts. I mean, come on. It wasn't hard to not realise why one of the most coldest women in the world was giving you a look that should make you cower.

"How did you two meet?" I asked, "We haven't spoken in a long period of time, so I don't think I have been told the tale of your love affair." The question was clearly directed at Aaron.

"Selena and I have been together for a year and a half, we met at her mother's summer ball."

"He didn't have the guts to come and ask me out, he made a complete fool of himself when he did." Selena laughed at the memory, her voice slightly high-pitched. I raised my eyebrow at her, noticing her glance to the left away from her fiancé.

"Well that is a story that you need to tell me, maybe over lunch, tomorrow?" I suggested, she hesitated but nodded in agreement. "I'll pick you up, same address?" She nodded.

"Now let's see the ring," I asked with fake enthusiasm. Aaron hand tightened on her waist and Selena shifted uncomfortably.

"The ring, well it didn't fit so we've sent it for the alteration." Her hesitant reply didn't either go unnoticed by me. But tonight was not my night and I did not feel like embarrassing the two in front of an audience that seemed to be glancing at us. So like that, I smiled convincingly and saw the two relax.

"Which is why I came to see you when I saw you. You haven't come to my mother's balls in years. You should come this year, we are announcing our engagement, and Alas I really would like for you to be there with me. I need a rock, especially when mother will be absolutely insane!" Selena looked horrified and I noticed Aaron grip slightly tighten on her waist, but this time comforting her.

I looked up and met her pleading eyes and nodded. Her mother's ball matched with my schedule, I was supposed to be in Venice for a meeting with one of my suppliers. I'd be hitting two birds with one stone. But she didn't need to know that.

She smiled joyfully, "Thank you so much, you won't regret it! The invitation will are being sent out on Monday. Expect it!"

"I will."

"I'll see you again soon, I hope?" I nodded. Selena and Aaron smiled, before she hugged me and began to leave. I sat back down before she called my name, I turned.

"My mother's balls are also known for their love affairs. I'll see to yours."

With that she disappeared. Coward.

Hey there!!!
Thank you for reading the first part of the story. I really appreciate that!!! <3

Who do you think should be casted for our very own snow queen Alessandra, let me know in the comments below

Please do show your support in the comments below.

Yours
Cookies.are.delicious