Handsome and the Hideous

Chapter 5

My phone rang and I saw that it was my dad. Putting my book down and sitting up on my bed, I answered the phone.

"Hello?" I said.

"Charlotte, there's a business party tonight and I need you to come," my dad said. "Wear a dress."

"I need to come?" I frowned. "Why?"

"I need to show the future CEO to my business partners."

I bit my lip, not knowing what to say. Ever since I was born, I hated parties. I hated huge crowds because the last thing I wanted was to be around people who could see my face. It made me nervous, but my dad's tone made me know that I couldn't argue with him. I could never argue with him, so I sighed lightly.

"Okay, what time?" I asked.

"Six," my dad answered. "Bring Cody too."

"Cody?" My eyes widened. "Why does he need to come?"

"I just need him to. Why are you asking so many questions?"

Hearing the annoyance in my dad's voice, I decided no to say anything else. My mind went back to what Cody said about asking my dad why he sent me to live in the mansion and I knew for sure I couldn't bring up the topic to my dad. He hated answering questions and the last thing I wanted to do was make him mad.

"Okay, see you then," my dad eventually said. "Goodbye."

Before I could say bye back, my dad hung up. I placed my phone on bed and sighed again. Knowing I need to tell Cody about the ball, I got up from my bed and walked to his room.

When I reached his room, I knocked on his closed door. Almost immediately, I heard Cody say come in. I opened the door then and stepped in, and Cody looked at me from where he sat at his desk.

"Hi," Cody said. "What's up?"

"My dad just called and he wants the both of us to come to a business party tonight," I said. "Is that okay?"

"He wants me to come, too?" Cody frowned. "Why?"

"I have no idea."

"You didn't ask?"

"I did, but..."

I didn't know what to say. Flushing, I felt embarrassed suddenly. My dad hated talking to me unless it was business related and I was ashamed to admit that. So looking down at my feet, I hoped Cody wouldn't push for any more answers.

"Yeah, that's fine," Cody said, leaving me relieved. "What time and what should I wear? Do I need to bring anything?"

"Five," I said. "Wear a suit and bring yourself."

"Sounds good." Cody smiled. "Okay, I'll see you then."

I nodded, turning around to go back to my room. I wasn't looking forward to the party, but I told myself to suck it up. As a future CEO, I had to get used to business parties.

*****

Cody and I were standing in the hall as we waited for my dad to meet us. The both of us were staring at the scene in front of us. Many white tables surrounded a dance floor at the centre of the hall and currently, everyone was sitting down at their tables. Cody and I were awkwardly standing to the side and glancing at him, I couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked in his black suit. Glancing at my own black dress that hugged my incredibly thin body, I knew I looked unflattering.

The doors of the hall flew open and my dad entered the hall. He was with both my sisters, Evelyn and Darcy, and everyone's eyes flew to him. They remained on him because my dad was the type of man to turn heads. Because of his confidence and powerful aura, people couldn't help but look at him.