Never Again

Chapter 1

Sitting in a busy small town coffee house is always an exciting thing. I come down here to La Belle everyday after classes. It let's me clear my mind from a chaotic day I would have with school and my family. My family is a very known wealthy family here in New York. My father, Chad Sterling, is one of the wealthiest man alive to date. He runs and operates tons of businesses and companies, which is why he's never with the family. He usually sits in his office at home or is at work. Over the years I've gotten use to not seeing my father after my mother's death. Ten years ago my mother got into a fatal car accident, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The thought of my mother being dead these past years still taunts me. I was just twelve years old, so I can recall the day perfectly because I had a more developed mindset. Ever since that day, I've became very antisocial towards anyone, and just focus on pursuing my dream in business. I always dreamt of owning and running my very own business. My father does not know that I have these thought's, he believes women are too weak and fragile to own and run a business. When he mentions that I really want to stand up to him and just yell, but then a voice in my mind stops me and tells me that it is not worth your energy. Not long after my mother's passing, my father remarried to an awful woman, Valeria Solomon, the worst person you can encounter in your life. Along she brought with herself was a younger clone version of her, her daughter Patricia. They both made the past ten years the worst I could ever imagine to have. I never got to do what other kids my age would do because Valeria would go against it and my father would agree and then Patricia would get everything. I finally just took in reality and let them stomp over me because once I graduate business school, I'm moving and never turning back. My thoughts were interrupted with a barista coming towards me with my usual, a black coffee. I've also noticed a muffin with a note attached to it. The barista smiles at me and walks away. I look at the barista in a questioning look while grabbing the note which said,

"I hope you have a wonderful day! – M"

I look up from the note to notice a mysterious man starring at me up at the counter. He wore a black suit, but not to dressy. He had black hair and the greenest eyes I've ever seen. He kind of had that cold and mysterious look to him but yet managed to seem like a sweet guy and an asshole. All that left from me was a genuine smile that also led me back to my notes that were spread out in front of me. As what seemed to be a minute, I felt a cold breeze filled with a sweet cologne hit my nose. I look up and see the mysterious man looking down at me with his arms crossed and grinning. "You really seem out-going" he said with a smirk. I smile back and replied "I'm actually the complete opposite." He grinned. He was a very attractive man; I won't deny, but something about him spelled "bad news". "The names Maxwell Heights." He said in husky tone. "Callista Sterling." I said in a low tone. He smiled, "That is a beautiful name." All that left from my body is a friendly smile. There was a short awkward silence until my phone rang. I sighed of relief when the silence was broken. I looked at my phone and saw my father calling. "Excuse me for one moment" I say to him. He nods and I proceed to answer the call. "Finally, Callista, I need you to come home this instant. We are having a party for my business and I need you to be here to represent me and be on your best behaviour, don't embarrass me. Valeria had Layla leave you the dress she picked out for you on your bed. Talk to you later." All I heard after was the end dial. I put my phone away in anger and started to pack my books up. "You alright?" he asked concerned. "Yes, just my father needs me to go home." I said in an annoyed tone. I got up and started to head out. "Can I get your number?" he called out as I was walking. "I don't give my number out to strangers, Maxwell." With that I left the shop and entered the car that my chauffeur was waiting for me in. I look out the window to see the mysterious man fading away as I drove off. After about what seemed like twenty minutes, we arrive at my house. It is a sunny day, our gardeners were cutting the grass and putting in new flowers in our front garden. As walking up to the front door, I greet them and they greet me back. The second I entered the house, the air became tense and I can smell Valeria close by. Layla, my personal maid greets me. "Hello sweetheart, Valeria made me leave out the dress she chose for you out on your bed to wear for tonight." She explains kindly. "Thank you Lay, I appreciate it." I smiled back. "Would you like anything to drink or to eat maybe dear? I can bring it up for you shortly." I look back at her. "No it is fine, don't need to go through all that trouble." I said kindly. She smiles and nods and walks away. I went up the stairs to my room, on the way I saw Patricia's door slightly opened, she was on the phone. "Are you like KIDDING me? You were supposed to have that custom dress already finished! What am I paying you for? FAILURE? Just wait till I tell my father!" I laughed at her for getting angry because of her dress. Some people don't understand that others work hard. I approached my bedroom which was left opened slightly, from Layla being there earlier leaving my dress. On the bed laid a pink dress with ruffles. Rolling my eyes. I took the dress and hid it away in my closet. I them took out a red dress I bought a month ago that was beautifully cut on the chest area, it shows cleavage but not too much, it came down the to my knees and fit my curves perfectly. I giggled at the mirror and sat down at my vanity and did my makeup. It is rare of me to put effort onto my face. I usually walk out the door wearing mascara so I do not look dead. An hour past, making it 6 pm. I heard a knock and it was my father at the door. "Hello Cal, hurry up because the guests will be here soon, don't disappoint me today." With that he left my room. I look up at my mirror one last time and smiled, for once liking what I did to myself. I took a big breath in and walked out my door, closing it behind me. I walk down the stairs, noticing guests arriving. I recognized some faces from past deals and offers my dad had and worked with. I greeted them and exchanged Hello's and How are you's. I headed down the hall to the big living room which was now transformed into a party room for the guests. I saw my father and Valeria talking to some business man. My father saw me and called me over, making the man look at me. Valeria looked me up and down and gave me a disgusting look. I went over and greeted the three man. "This is my daughter, Callista." My father greeted me to them. They kept eyeballing me and gave off a creepy and seductive looks. My father walked off with the three men to show them the place. Valeria turned to me, "What are you wearing? Where is that dress I picked for you?" I turned towards her, "In my closet where I could never see it again." I walked away towards the food table. I grab a few pieces of fruit and pastries. I noticed Patricia walking in with a long gown that made everyone look at her. She looked very beautiful as usual. She walks over to me and bumps into me on purpose. "Get your ugly presence out my way, don't ruin my night and anyone else's." She says with a grin and she walks over to a group of man. I sigh and take a gulp of my champagne. I looked around the room and notice everyone having a good time, talking to one another about what they do and what their plans are for the future. After a few minutes of standing awkwardly in a corner, I feel a cold breeze and sweet cologne hit my nose again.