Athilda's pov
I stepped out of my car and made my way into the hotel venue. Tonight was Talia's birthday party. Honestly, I did not want to come, but I had no choice. It was expected.
I glanced at the time: 8:20 p.m. The party started at 7:30. Yes, I was late. No, I did not care. They should be thankful I even showed up.
I was wearing a black matte dress, backless, slightly showing some cleavage. Not gonna lie, I looked hot. A total head-turner.
As soon as I entered the hotel, a staff member approached and guided me.
"This way, Ma'am," she said politely.
With my chin slightly raised, I walked confidently toward the grand ballroom. When they opened the doors for me, I stepped in without hesitation, and, like I expected, all eyes turned to me.
Mom, Dad, Talia, even Lucien were all staring. I smiled sweetly at them. Fake, of course. But I wore it well. I did not bother walking over to greet them. Instead, I headed straight to Keturah's table. I had no plans of ruining my mood by facing Talia right away. I did not want to stress myself out, not tonight.
"Oh, wow, you actually came!" Keturah teased with a pout.
She was sitting beside her boyfriend, Prince. Their families were close to ours, childhood connections and all that.
"I had no choice," I said with a shrug as I took my seat. Keturah had been bugging me nonstop. Texting. Calling. Asking where I was. Annoying.
"So? What's the tea? Did they already announce that Talia's pregnant?" I asked while checking my reflection on my phone screen.
"Wait… what? Pregnant?!" Keturah gasped.
"Oh yes. That's the big surprise," I said lazily. Call me a spoiler, I do not care.
"They haven't announced it yet," she whispered, "but I think you just did."
Keturah's eyes widened. "Girl, your voice, half the people here probably heard you."
I looked around casually, and yep, several nearby guests were glancing our way.
I rolled my eyes and turned back to Keturah and Prince.
"Hey, Ath… your sister's coming this way," Prince muttered, motioning toward Talia.
True enough, she was walking over, smiling like the queen of the night.
"I'm glad you came. I thought you were not coming," she said with a smile, looking stunning in her gown. I was tempted to roll my eyes again, but hey, it was her birthday. Let her have it.
"Yeah, right. Happy birthday," I said with zero emotion.
"Thank you, Ath," she replied.
She was about to hug me, but I quickly stopped her with a small step back and a pointed glance.
"Hey, Lucien's calling you. I think it's time for your announcement," I said coolly.
Her smile wavered just a bit, but she nodded and walked back to her table.
As soon as she turned away, I rolled my eyes again and looked at Keturah and Prince.
"You're so mean, Ath. You could've at least hugged her. It's her birthday," Keturah scolded me with a frown.
"Nah. She's plastic. And I'm fire. I might accidentally burn her on her special day," I said with a smirk, shaking my head.
"Still? You still haven't forgiven her?" Prince asked.
I chuckled, sarcastically, of course.
"I already forgave her. A long time ago, actually," I said bitterly, shrugging. "But I cannot bring back the friendship we had."
The pain she caused me, along with Lucien, was just too much.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is time! Let us all welcome the birthday girl and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Aquian! Please give them a round of applause!"
I ignored the announcement. It was boring anyway.
"Kee, have you eaten yet?" I asked, changing the subject.
"Yes, a while ago," Kee replied, eyes fixed on the stage where my sister was smiling beside Lucien.
"I am starving," I mumbled, pouting.
"Let's just get our own food. Hey, waiter!" The prince called one of the staff.
"Yes, Sir and Ma'am?" the waiter responded politely.
"I want tempura, pasta, and red wine. Please be quick, I am already hungry," I said, yawning. This party was making me sleepy.
"Right away, Ma'am. Just a moment."
"My wife Talia is seven weeks pregnant!" I heard Lucien's voice announce joyfully from the stage, followed by clapping and cheers.
"Lucien really works fast," Keturah joked. "That's his second already. How about you, Ath? Still nothing, huh?"
I smiled awkwardly.
"I will have a child soon, too."
"Oh please, Ath does not even have a boyfriend. What are you expecting?" Keturah teased. "Maybe when she gets married, she will catch up fast. What about you, love? Should we start trying?" Prince added while sipping his wine. Disgusting. I gagged a little for fun, pretending I was about to throw up.
"You two are so gross," I said. "Cringe!"
"Ma'am, your food is here." The waiter gently set the plate in front of me.
But the moment the smell hit me, my stomach turned.
"Ugh…" I covered my mouth quickly as a wave of nausea hit me.
Keturah and Prince immediately looked at me.
"Where's your restroom? Please take me there," I said urgently.
I kept one hand over my mouth, trying to hold it in. A few people glanced my way, but I ignored them and hurried along.
"This way, Ma'am," the waiter said, pointing towards the restroom.
I rushed after him, but just as I was about to reach it, someone bumped into me, and I fell to my knees. Before I could stop it, I threw up right in front of them.
"What the..Are you okay, Miss?" the voice asked.
My stomach dropped again, this time from shock. No. That voice… That voice belonged to Enzo. I bent lower, trying to hide my face. I needed a chance to run. The moment I saw an opening, I pushed him aside and bolted. Imagine running in heels. But I did it. Amazing.
"Miss!" I heard him call after me.
But I did not stop. When I spotted the women's restroom, I darted inside and slammed the door shut, locking it behind me. Why was he here? Was he invited?
What kind of joke is this?
So my sister invited her ex-boyfriend, her first love, to this party? For what? Just why? Why does fate keep putting him in my path? What am I supposed to do now?
What if he follows me here? What if he is waiting outside? I did not even bring my phone!
I washed my face, thankful that my makeup was waterproof. Simple and clean, still intact. Fate, seriously, what are you trying to do to me? The more I want to avoid him, the more you throw him in front of me.
I stared at myself in the mirror for more than twenty minutes before a knock startled me.
"Ath?"
It was Keturah's voice from outside the door.
"Keturah!"
"Open the door, Ath."
"Is there anyone else out there?" I asked, panicking a little.
"No, just me. Why?"
I quickly unlocked the door and pulled her inside.
"Are you okay?" Keturah asked with concern.
"No, I am not!" I said, still shaken. "Enzo is here. I ran into him, literally and I threw up right in front of him."
"What?! Are you serious? What did he say?"
"Luckily, my head was down. I just ran off when he called me. I did not look back. I came straight here. What if he is outside waiting? That would make all my effort to run pointless!"
"Good thing I followed you. You were gone for so long. Your mum's already looking for you."
"I don't want to go back out there, not with Enzo around!"
"But wait, how did that guy even end up here? Did your sister invite him? I thought you said he was her ex?"
"He is. So she probably did invite him. But now what do I do?" I asked, feeling completely lost.
"Here's what we'll do," Keturah said quickly. "You head straight to the parking lot. I'll go back to the party and get your phone and bag. Sounds good?"
"Yes, I'll wait in the car."
"Alright, let's go."
Keturah opened the restroom door and peeked outside to check if anyone was nearby.
"All clear. Let's move."
She stepped out first, and I followed right behind her, walking as fast as we could. But just our luck, someone stood in our way.
"Ma'am Athilda," said Olivia, one of our house staff. "Your parents are looking for you."
"Please tell them you didn't see me. Just say I already left," I said quickly.
"Ma'am, your dad is in a bad mood. He'll scold me if I do not bring you back." She looked nervous, clearly afraid of getting into trouble.
"I'll handle it," I said through clenched teeth.
"Please, Ma'am? I don't want to lose my job," she pleaded.
I sighed and bit my lip.
"Alright. Go on ahead. Tell them I'll be right there. Promise."
"Really? Thank you, Ma'am! They're waiting over there."
I gave her a quick nod as she walked away. Then Keturah turned to me.
"So? Are you really going back?" she asked.
"Just for a moment. Let's go," I said, and we hurried back toward the party.
I scanned the room the moment we stepped in. Thankfully, I did not see Enzo anywhere. I breathed out in relief, the anxiety easing a bit.
We went straight to our table where my phone and bag were. I grabbed them, ready to leave.
"Ath, are you okay?" Prince asked, walking up to us. "Your sister's been looking for you."
"I'm fine. Thanks," I said, waving him off.
"Ye.." Prince started to reply, but was interrupted by a voice calling my name.
"Athilda!"
I turned and saw my sister, Talia. I rolled my eyes. Since it was her birthday, I decided to be polite, for now.
"Wait here. I'll go to her," I told keturah with a forced smile before heading toward my sister.
"What?" I asked as I reached her.
"I thought you already left," she said with a stiff smile.
"On my way out, actually," I answered coldly.
"That was quick. Did you even eat?"
Before I could reply, another voice spoke behind me.
"So, she's Athilda?"
My entire body went still. No. It cannot be. Maybe I am wrong. Maybe it is someone else.
"Yes. She's my sister," Talia answered with a sweet smile. I swallowed hard. I could not bring myself to turn around.
"Hey, Athilda. Nice to meet you."
Nope. I was not wrong. That was his voice.
"Ath, are you alright?" Talia asked when she noticed my reaction.
I gave a small nod and slowly turned to face the person behind me.
"Oh no," I muttered under my breath as I met his eyes.
It was Enzo. He was smiling at me like he knew exactly what was going on in my head. His eyes locked on mine, almost like he was saying, "Remember me?"
"Hey, Ath," he said again.
I quickly looked away and focused on my sister.
"Ah, yes. Nice to meet you too, Enzo," I said, forcing a polite smile and holding out my hand.
I had to pretend. I had to act like I did not know him. But the moment his hand touched mine, a chill went through my body. What on earth?
"You know him?" Talia asked, confused.
Crap. I slipped. Why did I say his name? I was supposed to pretend I had no idea who he was. What happened to that plan?
"Of course she knows me. Very, very well," Enzo said, still smiling, and then clenched his jaw slightly. I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole. There was no way out now. What should I do?