HOW YOU LIKE THAT | JENLISA

Chapter 36

Jennie

I tried to remember the last time I'd worn something so beautiful and couldn't recall a single time that I had. It was a long royal blue velvet dress, off-shoulders with a dropping neckline. I didn't have huge breasts, but I had decent curves. I've had men turn around for a second glance at me when I walked down the streets during the time when I wasn't a captive employee at the Manoban household and so that proved I was attractive, at least.

A glimmering studded necklace adorned my neck; the sapphire gemstone in the centre was beautiful, and it matched my earrings. If I hadn't been their captive, I'd probably be tempted to steal the necklace, but of course, I didn't possess a stealing streak in my body. This necklace would feed a poor family for years. The Manobans had far too much wealth. It was old money, passed through generations.

The gown's length swept on the floor of the black limousine as I wondered if Nichkhun had ordered this particular gown for me on purpose, so if I planned to escape during the party, I would most likely trip and fall. Only, I didn't plan on escaping, no matter how tempted I was to do so.

Lisa sat in the limo facing me. She wore a tailored black tux, with her hair ruffled, and her eyes staring out of the limo's window intensely. When I'd first went to her room to help her get dressed, I couldn't stop thinking about her hands or the innocent way she would keep stealing glances at me with her mesmerising golden-brown eyes.

She was drop-dead gorgeous, and I felt a twinge of jealously for any woman she'd been with before her boating accident. If Lisa was normal, I was sure that she would have reeked of power. She seemed like the type of person who would be honourable, fair, but also strict when she needed to be. I enjoyed guessing what Lisa's real personality would have been, before the accident.

The Song's mansion was enormous, but if I would admit, the Manoban's mansion would easily put this one to shame. Marble floors, beautiful chandeliers and long hallways led us to the ballroom, where the party was taking place.

Sorn introduced me to the owners of the mansion, Mr. and Mrs. Song, an elderly couple who seemed warm and receiving. I didn't miss how Sorn said that I was 'Lisa's date' and when I looked at her in confusion; she smiled politely and kicked my foot.

I knew that I needed to play along with these psychotic people.

The more I stood there looking at all these people, the more I realised that I didn't belong with them. My life two months ago was nothing like this, and now I was dropped headfirst into a web of lies, deceit and manipulation. I hated it, but I also hated my old life with my Uncle Jiyong, where my wings were clipped. At least with Nichkhun, I knew where I stood. If I pretended to play by the rules, he wouldn't hurt me.

Lisa was settled at a round table with Lucas seated next to her. The two of them were drinking something.

"Ms. Manoban?"

I turned to find a handsome gentleman standing near me; with a strange look was on his face. He was blonde, with blue eyes and sharp features.

"Oh, I'm not related to them." I said quickly, "My name is Jennie Kim."

"My bad. I thought you were Nichkhun's cousin." he chuckled. "I'm Mino."

He offered me his hand. I took it, "Call me Jen." I picked up a cup from the table and started pouring a deep orange liquid into it.

"A little warning, Jen, that punch you're about to take. It sucks." He grinned.

I laughed, "Thanks for warning me." I emptied the contents of the cup back into the punch bowl and poured myself some red wine instead.

"The meatballs suck big time, too. The rest should all be good." Mino said with a sense of good humour.

I rolled my eyes. "How do you know so much about the food quality here? Did you do a secret taste test before the party?"

Mino flashed me a grin. "This is my house."

I choked on my wine, laughing, "Mino Song?"

"The one and only."

I couldn't hide my amusement. "I met your grandparents earlier, and they were talking about you, but never mentioned your name. That's why I didn't know who you were."

"I bet they tried to set you up with me." Mino said jokingly, "I wouldn't have any qualms if they had."

Mino was a flirt. A big one. He was the type of guy who was charming and hard to turn down.

"Not really. They knew that I came here with Lisa."

Just then, I felt a little nudge on my back. "Jen..."

Mino's expressions were unreadable as he stared behind me. Lisa was standing by my side, brushing her fingers lightly over my elbow. "What is it, Lisa?"

Lisa glowered at Mino silently, but that quickly faded as she turned to focus on me. "I want to leave."

"But sweetie, we've just arrived at the party." I said, while squeezing her hand.

The way Lisa seemed upset, something seemed wrong. I leaned in a bit and could get a whiff of liquor on her.

Was she drinking alcohol all this time?

"My head... my head feels woozy." She complained, while rubbing her head harshly and her breathing turned heavy.

"Are you feeling ill?"

She ran her hand through her hair, "Jen... let's go."

I looked at Mino. "If you'll excuse me, Mr. Song. It was nice meeting you."

Before he could answer, Lisa got a tight grip over my hand and dragged me out of the ballroom.