Where have you been, Alex?

Chapter 1

Desperation.

The air reeked of it.

Women flaunting their pearls and perfectly, polished hair. Men smoking cigars and pretending they aren't having an affair with some twenty-year-old blonde. Kids smoking weed in the bathroom, acting like they aren't upset because their parents haven't showed interest in them in the past month.

I guess that's what you get though when you take the upper one percent of society and stick them all in one room.

I didn't want to attend tonight. I really didn't.

I didn't have much of a choice though. When your parents are one of the most influential couples in the world, you must make appearances.

When you see a flash, you smile.

When you talk, speak confidently, with purpose and determination.

When you have an exam coming up, you better ace it. After all, you must take over the family business someday.

If you ask me, it's all a crock of shit. A complete waste of my time.

These people don't know me. They certainly don't like me. They are only interested in my last name and how many zeros are in my bank account.

Although, the show must go on.

So, I descend the enormous, lavish staircase wearing a smile showing off my perfectly whitened teeth. I wear a tight, fitted gown that is sparkled with red crystals that compliments my long, dark brown hair and deep blue eyes. I'm fully aware of all the eyes that are locked on me as I make my way down, but I wear an innocent mask and keep going.

I reach the bottom of the staircase and make my way through the crowd ready to put on my performance.

I spot my first target.

"Prime Minister, lovely to see you tonight."

"Likewise, Athena. Send your parents my best."

One down. Hundreds to go.

A slimy hand snakes around my waist. I look up to meet piercing green eyes. The President's son.

"Athena. Looking marvelous as ever. What do you say we take this party upstairs?"

"What do you say you move that nasty little hand of yours before you lose a finger?" I smiled.

Nate smirked back, but still didn't move his hand.

"You are always so feisty. I love it," he chuckled "What's it going to take for you to give me the time of day?"

"Nate," I started "you might be the president's son, but you will never have a chance in hell at getting with me."

His smirk faltered. Good. Serves him right for assuming every woman is just begging to have his attention for a night.

"You'll regret this one day, Athena." He whispered violently in my ear. "You may have everyone else fooled into thinking you are this precious little angel that does no wrong, but don't forget who my best friend was."

"Don't bring him up. He has nothing to do with this, and I don't know what he told you but don't act like he didn't tell me secrets too. Secrets so massive that it would put your father out of office."

I backed away from him and smiled triumphantly.

"Have a nice night, Nathaniel. Please send your father my regards."

I made my way to my next target. This is going to be a long night.