DMITRIY

Chapter -8

"Aria, it's been three months!" Natalia complained, her angry look comical.

"Yeah... remember my bodyguard," I reminded her, which she sometimes forgot.

"Even better. We will take him with us as well. Come on, bestie. Lighten up a bit ! Enjoy a little."

"I don't know, Nat."

"Girl, you have to!" She smiled, wiggling her eyebrows at me . .This girl, I tell you...

"Again, I don't care, Nat." I simply said. God, I really don't know if it's a good idea for me to go or not.

"Oh, come on. He's the heartthrob of our campus and is totally obsessed with you!"

"But -" Yeah I know, and he's sweet as well, I wanted to add but decided not to.

"No buts. We are going, and that's final." She said, as she took out the dress and pushed me inside the bathroom. I had no option, I see.

I slipped into the dress, its silky fabric hugging my curves. With makeup and hair done, I gazed at my reflection.

It's final. I'm going.

A spark of determination ignited within me. I usually shied away from parties and crowds, especially the chaotic ones. But tonight, I needed to break free.

It's high time for me to have some fun.

The thought sent a thrill through me. I took a deep breath, letting the excitement build.

Tonight, I'd let go of my reservations and indulge in the thrill of the unknown.

With a newfound sense of resolve, I turned to face Natalia.

"Let's do this."

We pulled up in front of Jacob's grand mansion, its imposing facade illuminated by twinkling lights. Natalia burst out of the car, her excitement palpable.

"Are you going to come or not?" she asked, already striding toward the entrance.

I hesitated, my uncertainty lingering.

"Yeah," I replied, still unsure.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of the car and onto the manicured lawn. My nerves began to simmer.

Why do I get so anxious around people?! I despise this about myself.

As we entered the mansion, my doubts intensified. The lavish interior and sea of unfamiliar faces overwhelmed me.

"Nat, I'm telling you, if you leave me here, I'm going to kill you," I whispered urgently, shooting her my best "don't-abandon-me" glance.

Natalia's reassuring smile calmed me slightly. She grasped my hand, leading us through the throng of guests.

Her confidence was infectious, and with her by my side, I felt a glimmer of courage.

We navigated the crowd, the music and laughter enveloping us. I clung to Natalia's hand, grateful for her unwavering support.

Cody melted into the crowd, his presence seamless. I had instructed him to keep a low profile, no drama. The last thing I wanted was to scare off people. Obviously I'm talking about the good ones here.

Natalia and I made our way to the plush couches, the music and laughter swirling around us.

Just as we settled in, Jacob appeared, a charming smile spreading across his face.

"Hey, isn't this the Queens themselves?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he winked.

Natalia giggled, and I rolled my eyes playfully, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks.