Chapter 2: Life is a Ball

Jovie's POV

I hated this stupid dress. It was way too tight. The dress I stole last week would have been much better.

It's not ugly though. Pink always went so well with my dark brown skin and my dark hair. It make it seem like my skin glows. It also compliments the diamond necklace around my neck.

Thank goodness for champagne! These work balls would be insufferable without it. I was on my third glass when a girl approached me. She's short and curvy, wearing a navy blue evening gown and white gloves. Her blonde hair was up in an intricate hairdo.

"Jovie, there you are," Naomi Warrington kissed both of my cheeks. "I heard you got arrested today."

"Total fabrication, they didn't use handcuffs."

Naomi giggled. "I thought you were done with all the stealing."

"I was but then I get bored and there's nothing else I can do." I shrugged. "Do you like my necklace?"

"Adore it!"

"It's stolen."

Namoi rolled her green eyes. "You're the worst, you know that?"

"You're just mad I didn't steal one for you." I smirked. 

"Shut up. I hear wedding bells are ringing."

"How did you know?"

"Your father tells my father everything. You're really saying yes?" She asked. 

"I have no choice. This is my sacrifice for my family."

"Jo, you don't love him."

"Mom says I'll learn to." I whispered. "I mean there's nothing objectively wrong with Jasper. He's intelligent, nice, handsome."

"He's boring! He is completely wrong for you, Jovie. You can't marry him." Naomi insisted. 

"You get to be the Maid of Honor at the wedding." I offered. 

"I'd rather be the Maid of Honor at a wedding you actually want. You are my best friend. I want you to be happy."

"Naomi, happiness was never going to be obtainable for me. These are the cards I was dealt."

"So do what you always do. Steal new ones." She smiled slightly.

"Ladies,"

We turned and saw Jasper Sterlington. He looked very handsome in his black suit. I noticed he had a pink bowtie that perfectly matched my dress. Now I know who picked it out. His dark eyes were filled with anxiety and he had a nervous smile on his lips. He looked paler than usual, causing his black hair to stand out more.

"Jasper," Naomi started. "We were just talking about you."

"G-good things I hope?" He laughed. 

I had never seen him so nervous!

"Of course." I smiled. 

"Jovie, I was hoping we could talk before making our rounds?"

"Sure," I gave Naomi a kiss on the cheek.

"Don't say yes." She urged in a whisper.

I let Jasper take my hand and pull me out to the garden. 

"So what's up?" I asked.

"I don't like when we fight. I want this to work so badly."

"Jasper, do you even like me?"

"I love you Jovie, you know that. I always have. Since we were teenagers." He insisted. "You're the most amazing woman I know."

"Don't you ever feel forced into this relationship that we're in? Like it's a contract?" I questioned.

"It's a contract I willingly signed. You and I are really good together. And I know there are other reasons for us to be together, but I'm in this for love."

"And it has nothing to do with my family's company?"

"That's just the cherry on top of being with you." Jasper smiled. 

His hand slipped around my waist and pulled me closer before kissing me. While I was sure I didn't love him, his kisses still always reeled me in. I think we were physically compatible and that's it.

"What kind of cherry?" I asked. "Merachino?"

"That's the best one." He said obviously. "Come on, let's go schmooze."

I hated this part of the evening. I just smiled and giggled and said. "Oh, I'm doing so well. Just trying to keep Jasper in line!"

It was so draining. 

I make myself feel better by stealing things from people. Hair clips, cufflinks, pocket hankies. I don't even think they notice they're gone.

"I saw that," Hobbs hissed.

"She won't miss this clip. It's ugly anyways." I breathed. 

"Then why do you want it?"

"I love ugly things."

"You have to stop this!"

"I'm just nervous alright? Jasper is going to pop the question and I'm not exactly thrilled to marry him!" I sighed. 

"I know. I don't want you to say yes either. I want to see you happy Jovie." Hobbs said seriously. 

"Stealing makes me happy." I patted his arm as Jasper motioned for me to come over.

He dragged me to the middle of the dance floor. Dancing was always the most fun part of these balls. 

"Jovie, there's something I have to say," In an instant he let me go and dropped on one knee.

Oh my god not here! Not in front of everyone.

"Jasper," I whispered. 

The music had stopped and everyone looked at us while gasps loudly.

Jasper cleared his throat as he pulled out a ring. His hands were shaking. "Jovie, I've loved you for ten years. You are the most magnificent woman to grace the earth and these last two years together have been absolute bliss. I want to spend the rest of my life with you and have kids and grow old together. I love you so much. Jovie Annalise Wimberly, will you marry me?"

My eyes darted around the room. Everyone was looking at us. My eyes found Naomi. She shook her head. Then I found Hobbs, he looked like he was in pain watching me. Finally I saw my parents who were nodding furiously.

I started breathing heavily. I didn't feel so good. I was feeling light headed. The room was spinning. I had to focus. Everyone was looking at me. 

"Um…"

My answer didn't come. Instead I felt myself falling backwards. I saw the ceiling and then black.

Reno's POV

I hate these stupid work balls. They do nothing for me. 

I have to wear an uncomfortable suit while being asked what I've been up to and I can't exactly say "Nothing much, just gambled away all of my money and my wife is leaving me! So how are the kids?"

That would not go over well. 

At least there's food and drinks. I'm on my fifth glass of champagne when I bump into a girl in a navy dress. 

"Oh sorry, getting a little too friendly with the champagne."

"You're just like my friend, she's getting pretty snockered right now too." She laughed.

"She sounds like my kind of girl."

"If you want her, I'd move quick. She might be off the market pretty soon."

"Then maybe I should go shopping." I winked before walking away.

I had no real intention of going after her friend. My marriage literally ended ten hours ago. 

Although going on the rebound wouldn't be the worst thing. I don't even really think I love Darla. But my parents didn't like her and I always loved pissing them off.

And look where that's gotten me. 

Alone at a work ball, on my ninth glass of champagne, wishing I was at a casino.

***

My reflection was blurry as hell. I have to stop drinking. I splashed some water on my face. The droplets glistened on my mahogany skin. My light brown eyes were red and irritated. I wanted to go home, I was sick of this.

A guy came up next to me at the sink. He seemed a little off. He was muttering to himself.

"You alright there?" I asked. 

"Yeah, it's just...I'm asking my girlfriend to marry me tonight."

"Congrats. Worried she'll say no?"

"I don't know. She kinda broke up with me this morning,"

"So your solution is to propose to her?" I laughed slightly. "No offense man, but that doesn't sound like a good idea."

"It's complicated. I know she's going to say yes, but I want her to want to say yes, you know? I want to know she's in love with me." He explained. 

"I see. You don't think she's in love with you right now?"

"She sure doesn't act like it."

"So why would you want to marry her?" I asked. 

"I'm never going to meet another girl like her." He smiled. "I mean she's incredible. She's just a little wild, but once I tame her, we'll be fine."

"Well all the luck to you, man. Marriage is tough."

"You married?"

"My wife said she wanted a divorce this morning."

"Yikes sorry to hear it." He winced

I shrugged. "As one marriage ends another begins. Really man, good luck." I patted his shoulder and walked out. 

"Where have you been, Reno?" Father asked. 

"The restroom. Don't worry, there was no gambling going on in there." I grumbled. 

"Fix your tie, we have people to talk to."

I huffed and did as he said. 

I was completely tuned out of the conversations. This company truly meant nothing to me. 

"You okay man?" Damien Graham asked, breaking me out of my thoughts.

"This ball is stupid." I muttered. "The most interesting thing is a guy's proposal might be denied."

"Nah, no one's gonna deny a public proposal."

"Wanna bet?" I grinned. 

"Hundred bucks says she says yes."

"I say she won't say yes."

"We'll see." Damien laughed. 

We heard gasps. We joined the crowd and there was the guy from the bathroom on one knee in front of a girl with a pink dress. I couldn't see her face but she sure looked good from behind. 

I waited for her answer. My eyes widened as she fell backwards and collapsed on the floor.

I turned to Damien. "Told you she wouldn't say yes."