The Brightest Stars

Julia

I'm still wondering why I accepted Diego's date when Christmas Eve is probably one of the most important days for my family's business.

Yet, I'm reminded of those moments where my breath is taken away every time he smiles at me. The way he keeps searching for the good in me. What is it about me that he sees so special? If he knew the truth, will he still see me the same way?

The mansion is quiet today. I take this advantage to quietly walk down the stairs and into my mother's room. Yes. My mother has her separate room to change.

As I make my way there, a man turns a corner from my father's office. Instinctively, I raise my chin and give him a dazzling smile. "Hello. Can I help you with something?"

Shivers go down my spine at the darkness in this man's expression. Even if he smiles at me, there's a wolf inside his every move. "I thought the servants say that. You must be David's beautiful daughter."

He sticks out a hand and I let him give my hand a whisper of a kiss. "Well. I'm not always part of his conversation during the holidays."

"That's unfortunate. You should be part of his every conversation." I swallow at the hungry eyes he gives me as he studies me from head to toes.

Just then, loud clicks of high heels come towards us. My mother gives us both a smile and says, "Why James! Looks like you've met my daughter. Julia." She puts a proud hand on my shoulder and it's as cold as her eyes.

"I have. Looks like this visit was not a waste after all." He gives me a smile that sends goosebumps all over my body. "Do you mind me asking if your daughter will attend my party? There are a few things that your husband and I agreed to talk about tonight and...." His eyes fall on me as he says, "And I think there could be a few arrangements made to fall into agreement..."

My legs want to run. I want to scream. I want the ground to swallow me whole, but all I do is straighten my back. Just as I'm about to let him know that I have other things to attend to this evening, my mother quickly squeezes my shoulder and says, "Of course she will! She will be attending just like any daughter should."

Ignoring the pain in my shoulder and in my heart, I give the man a polite nod and he smiles widely. "That's wonderful! I'll see you both there then." With one last bow, his devious smile stays stuck on his lips as he makes his way towards the exit.

The moment the large doors close behind him, I step out of my mother's hand and let my anger rise up in me. "Am I really going just because of that creepy dude?!"

"That creepy dude is James Howardson. The man who's father will help us go international, and if it takes marrying you to him to get his agreement then we'll take it, darling." She puts a cold hand on my cheek and starts walking away.

"You don't really mean that, do you?" Tears start in my eyes as I watch my mother give me a devious smile and walk away without a word.

It's so usual now. I get hurt by my parents and run to my room. It's such a large house, but I barely know most of its secrets. I quietly cry at what just happened. Not only do I have to reject Diego's date, but I also may just have to marry a man I barely know.

I take my phone and sadly dial Diego's number. He must be so excited for tonight. Now I'm going to ruin his day. I think I might just stop talking to him to protect his heart. I'm used to having it cold anyways....

"Hey! I was just going to text you the address of the place! I'm sorry. I mean...I should've asked how was your morning and--"

"Diego. I can't go tonight. Something came up and I just...." I stay silent as tears slowly fall down my cheeks. "I'm sorry."