His brother

81. Chapter

Dallas, Texas
August

Today was my father's big day, but somehow I couldn't share the same joy with him. One of the main reasons was that he devoted more time to the company than to his family. Sure, I wished him success because he worked hard to get his name to where it is today, but I couldn't forget what he did and sacrificed for it.

He preferred to shut himself in his office as if to face me and his wife (my mother) who eventually gave up and ran away from us.

I promised him to attend his company's twentieth birthday Gala dinner, even though I was in no mood to be there and smile at those disgustingly snobbish rich people. Lately, I've preferred a long sleep, which I didn't get today, by the way, because two strangers broke into my room.

Rebecca made sure my look and feel was perfect, just like her.

That's why I've been sitting in my room in my father's house for at least two hours while Emanuel took care of the wet look of my hair and Talia put perfect make-up on my face. On my bed lay a long black custom-made dress with a slit on the right leg and Louboutin pumps, which I had received from my stepmother for my twenty-second birthday.

What a cliché.

My phone lit up again and my heart skipped a beat at his name. I have been ignoring his messages and phone calls for the past two days. I wasn't in the mood for him at all and I didn't want to talk to him.

"Honey, if you keep frowning like this, botox won't help you in your thirties," I opened my eyes and in the reflection of the mirror I saw the amused face of a beautiful Frenchman. I rolled my eyes, but a quiet laugh came out of my mouth, "I know the best aesthetic clinic in Turkey," he offered and I raised my eyebrows, "I've been going there for ten years. I can't stop bragging. I met my husband there, the perfect romance." he waved and I smiled.

Why are handsome men mostly gay?

"Just don't start saying it, please," said the black-haired girl annoyed, "I've been listening to it for five years over and over again. Emma, ​​stop it." she glared at him.

"As I see it, Thi, I will order you to my husband. You have unsightly wrinkles here and there." he spoke with a French accent - how sexy. I laughed and Talia gave him an ugly look.

"I'm pretending I didn't hear anything, Emma," she looked at me, "you're beautiful, Shannon, don't listen to him," she ran the brush over my lips and smiled, "done, Shannon, you'll shine at the party." she flattered me.

"Of course it will shine, Thi. I do my job perfectly," he boasted and I laughed, "what, honey, am I right?" he raised his perfect eyebrows and I nodded with a laugh.

"Perfectly beautiful," I told him and a wide smile appeared on his face.

"Now put on that disgustingly expensive dress, sweetheart," he stood me up and pushed me to the bed. I put on the aforementioned dress and put my feet in pumps, "this definitely needs a photo, Shannon. Get out of here, Thi, you're in trouble," he nudged her and walked over to me. He grabbed my waist and pulled out his phone, "Big smile!" he commanded. Talia stood to my right and put her hand on my shoulder. I smiled into the camera and he clicked. "Oh, so beautiful! It's definitely going to Instagram!" his positive mood was so contagious that he completely absorbed me.

They said goodbye with a big hug and left me alone. I sprayed myself with sweet perfume from and put on gold rings with a chain. I looked at my appearance in the mirror and the word perfect would be an understatement.

Before leaving, I stopped in her kingdom and kissed the top of her head. Holding a black handbag in my hand, I walked in front of the house, where my father's driver was already waiting for me. It took a few minutes to get to the party. The car stopped in front of a building where there were many people. I took a deep breath and got out of the car. The camera flashes were blinding me.

"Miss Shannon, is it true that you are seeing William Grey? Are you a couple with him? Why is he not with you today? Are you planning your future?" the journalists' questions came from all sides, but I didn't respond to any of them. My heart was stuck somewhere in my throat. I walked the red carpet and when I finally got inside, I breathed a sigh of relief.

I definitely did not expect this!

I was greeted by my father, who had a really heartbreaking monologue that I really couldn't listen to anymore. A young waiter was passing me when I grabbed a glass of champagne from him. I drank it for one glg when I saw a familiar person walking towards me with a smile.

"Hi Shannon, good to see you," she hugged me, "you look so divine. Men can't take their eyes off you." I blushed a little and looked down at my shoes.

"Thank you Ashley, you too," she was wearing a strapless dark green satin dress that matched her chocolate eyes and gorgeous wavy hair, "I didn't expect you to be here."

"My father signed a contract with you. As of today, we are the biggest investors," she told me and I nodded, "how long will you be in Dallas?" we moved on to refreshments.

"Just a few days. Why?" I raised an eyebrow.

"I'm probably moving to New York starting in September," I raised my eyebrows in surprise.

"Really? Great news! Sometimes we can go out to dinner or something." I suggested and she smiled widely.

"That would be great! Now I'm just looking for an apartment," she said.

"If you wanted, you could live with me. Lacey is gone, I have a spare room." She rolled her eyes.

"Really?" she asked and I nodded.

"Um," she threw herself into my arms and I laughed.

"I'll get back to you, okay? Now I have to step away for a while. The hot guy has been keeping his eyes on me for half an hour now." I laughed and nodded. I couldn't help but think she was so similar to Lacey in demeanor.

I missed her.

I turned around as I broke into a hard chest, "Sorry, my fault, I didn't notice-" I lifted my head and my eyes met his. I swallowed, my heart pounding at an unbearable speed.

"Shannon, you're beautiful," he spoke. I quickly came to my senses and stepped away from him, "may I ask for a dance?" my heart stopped.

Is this poor guy really asking me to dance? Am I dreaming? If so, please wake me up from this horrible dream. I was about to send him to warm countries when he grabbed my hand and dragged me to the dance floor.

This is really a bad dream!

Help!

I gripped the sled and tried to control my body. I didn't want to embarrass my father, so I calmed down all this time.

"You still smell so nice," he whispered in my ear and I got goosebumps, "I missed you." I couldn't take it anymore and stepped on his foot with my heel. Pain crossed his face, I smiled smugly.

"Shut your dirty talk up your ass, Jacob!" I broke out of his grip and ran away from him. I needed some fresh air because I was about to suffocate.

"Did you miss me, darling?" I stopped walking and my heart did a somersault again.