Why Don't You STAY

THE MASK SHE WEARS

"Hello, Catherine!" Victoria exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with warmth and excitement, making me feel like I'd known her for years. "It's lovely to finally meet you."

I smiled nervously. "Hi, Mrs. Laurier. I'm good, thank you."

Victoria's gaze softened with concern. "Are you okay? You sound a bit nervous. Does being around many people overwhelm you?"

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "No, it's fine. I love being around people," I lied, trying to conceal my discomfort. In reality, I was accustomed to a solitary life with Dad, our staff, and the occasional driver.

Victoria's piercing gaze suggested she sensed my unease, as if she'd known about my struggles with social anxiety for years. "Olivia always speaks highly of you," she said, gracefully changing the subject. "I've heard wonderful things."

I relaxed slightly. "Only good things, I hope?"

Victoria chuckled. "Of course! Olivia adores you."

Just then, a tall, fair-haired man with a fit physique entered the room.

"Ah, you must be Catherine," he said, extending his hand. "Olivia's always raving about you. I'm Andrew Laurier, Victoria's husband and Olivia's dad."

Victoria playfully hit him on the back ."You didnt have to announce that ."

I laughed with a tinge of unhappiness, the warmth of the gesture not quite reaching my eyes. "Good evening, Mr. Laurier. I'm Catherine Hernandez, Olivia's friend from University ."

As I spoke, my gaze drifted back to Victoria, who was observing me with kindness.

Andrew continued, "We're thrilled to have you here, Catherine. Make yourself at home."

As Andrew and Victoria stepped aside to converse, Olivia and I rejoined Lana and the others. My gaze wandered, inadvertently locking eyes with Victoria. Her husband's affectionate kiss on her cheek caught my attention, but it was the subtle squeeze of his hand on her waist that made my heart skip a beat.

I tried to look away, but my eyes betrayed me, drifting back to the couple. Victoria's gaze held mine, a knowing glint in her eyes. I felt a flutter in my chest, unsure what to make of it.

Andrew's gesture, though intimate, seemed possessive, sparking an unsettling sensation within me. Victoria's smirk, however, suggested she'd noticed my discomfort.

I quickly averted my gaze, attempting to shake off the awkwardness. "So, Olivia, what's the plan for tonight?" I asked, forcing a lighthearted tone.

Olivia's response blended into the background as my mind wandered. What was wrong with me? Why did Andrew's display of affection unsettle me so ?

♡𝕍𝕀ℂ𝕋𝕆ℝ𝕀𝔸'𝕊 ℙ𝕆𝕍♡

Today was the day - my dinner party! I'd been buzzing with excitement since I decided to host it a few days ago. Olivia's old friends and new university acquaintances were invited, but if I'm honest, I was most eager to see Catherine. Those striking green eyes with hints of hazel, paired with her luscious wavy black hair, had been etched in my mind.

As the afternoon unfolded, I heard Olivia's enthusiastic greeting at the door, followed by "Catherine's here!" My heart skipped a beat.

Olivia burst into the kitchen, and I asked about Catherine's comfort level. "Is she okay? Is she enjoying herself?" Olivia reassured me, "She's great, Mom. She's outside with the others, sitting by the pool." Olivia offered to bring Catherine to meet me, and I couldn't help but feel nervous butterflies.