Annalise's POV. Elsa's hoots made me flinch, the ridicule she hurled at me didn't even bother me, she'd always trash-talk me at any given opportunity, so today wasn't an exception. Elsa was a medical student before she decided to go into the fashion world after graduation. I don't know but the girl had always loathed me, rumors had it that I took something that belonged to her, and up to date, I had no idea what that was. She's the daughter of a wealthy lineage in the country and I don't know what a girl from my background would take away from her to make her so sore. "Calm down Elsa, you don't have to create a scene whenever we meet," I said, trying to appease her but that only seemed to enrage her because the next thing she did surprised me. *Pak!* She slapped me so hard that my left cheek burned due to the intensity of the slap. "What the hell?!" I let out a yell and gave her an incensed look."What's wrong with you Elsa? What in the name of God was that?!" I flared, my eyes
Annalise's POV. 'See you at the ball, Cara Mia,' Those words he mused at the fashion shop still rang in my ears like a broken record. Anytime it does, my body shivers in delight. Who was that man that I had healed? Why does he sound so….powerful?Why does everyone here look powerful?My eyes only tore from the door he had walked through when Grandmother came into the fashion shop. When I thought I had picked a very expensive gown, Grandma made me realize that we could buy the entire fashion shop and not still get broke. She has made me try a lot of gowns just to pick the perfect one for the ball. Ella was quick to run away after the man left, I was sure she would have been shocked out of her soul if she had seen who had followed me to the fashion store. Finally, Grandma was able to settle for the 'One'. An emerald green gown that slightly turned black at the bottom. It was an off-shoulder flowing gown. My eyes twinkled at the very sight of it and Grandma called it, 'The One'. Thi
I was standing in the midst of so many people. I had never been this exposed in my entire life. Although the mask had covered my face, I wasn't sure anyone would see me and recognize me, I was still feeling very self-conscious. Grandma had left my side to say Hello to her friends and I could see my father from where I stood with a glass of drink in my hand. He was speaking to some people as well. From the corner of my eyes, I could see familiar faces, like my step-siblings and stepmom. The thing was, they had walked passed me more than three times, yet they couldn't recognize me. Thank God for the face mask.The hall was so big and there were cameras everywhere. Father must have spent a lot to organize such a party in a short period of time. Not only that, the hall was full one would think that invitation had been sent weeks back. Everyone stood with a glass of wine in their hand as they spoke to another person. Everyone was dressed nicely and expensive, with one glance, one would
"Here you are," I turned to see the man whom my heart could not stop thinking about all day. I swear, this man is a lifesaver. He comes always at the right and perfect time. A sweet smile formed on my lips as I called, "Liam,"Without waiting for anyone to speak, I was quick to take his hand and walk away from where Benson and Lara stood. I didn't care if they wanted to speak to each other but Liam was my escape out of there. When we got to a safe distance away, I looked from my shoulders to see that the pests weren't following and I released breaths. I smiled at him and said, "Thank you," He didn't know why I was thanking him but he nodded. Under the light, I scanned him from top to bottom. He was dressed in a black tuxedo with a green pocket square in his suit making me narrow my eyes at it. Did he plan to wear something similar color to what I was wearing? Grandma had picked my gown for me and Liam had long left the fashion store so how did he… Or did Grandma call him to let
I watched my father take the mic as he stood on the stage. His face glowed with a smile, and everyone could tell that he was excited. He was dressed in a dark blue tuxedo, vibrant and full of life. One could tell without knowing him properly that he was a wealthy man. The way he carried himself spoke volumes. At first, he addressed the public, telling them how happy he was that they could make it to the party on such short notice. Even I am shocked about that, just yesterday they were invited and boom! More than a thousand people are here. "Are you okay?" Liam asked from the side and I forced a smile at him. My fingers were trembling, my palms sweaty and I couldn't stop stamping my left foot on the ground out of nervousness. "I'm fine," I replied before inhaling and exhaling some air to calm myself. I have never been in such a position before and I am praying earnestly not to faint before I get on stage. "Just yesterday…" Father's words flew into my ears, "I found out that I had
Annalise's POV. My heart raced, and I felt the room spin as my father's words hung in the air. "The heir... Annalise George Smith!" The name echoed through the hall. Gasps of surprise rippled through the guests, their eyes turning toward me and I wish the ground to give way beneath me."Dad, what... what are you saying?" I stammered, the weight of the revelation sinking in. The life I had known, one of humble origins, shattered as the truth about my life was revealed. The gasps around me reflected the disbelief that clenched my own heart."You, my dear, are the one with the gift," my father explained, his voice resonating, his eyes holding a mixture of pride and expectation. The world I thought I knew crumbled, replaced by the new responsibility of inheriting an empire."But... But... I... You.." I stuttered, my heart on the verge of beating out of my chest.Good Lord! What's happening?!"Darling..." I heard a familiar feminine voice called and I slowly turned to see my grandma headi
It was like I had suddenly become intimidating to them because their eyes kept darting left and right. Grandma kept speaking about how she got to know the Walford family and how nice they are and I couldn't help but smirk. Nice, huh? No matter how well Grandma said she knew them, I can boldly say that I knew them better. I stayed with them and have experienced each and every one of them firsthand. I didn't want to cause a scene here in the party, my party so when Grandma finally said,"Mr. and Mrs. Walford, meet my daughter, Annalise George Smith," I quickly stretched out my hand for them to take in a handshake, acting like I didn't know them, I forced out a smile, "Hello, nice to meet you," Nice to meet you. Definitely not them The look on their face switched immediately from fear to confusion. I swear, they might be wondering if I wasn't the same Annalise they had sent out of their house a few weeks ago. My hand remained hanging as none of them had taken it yet and Grandma sq
"Security!" Grandma kept yelling, causing everyone to look our way. I almost shrank as I inwardly prayed that the ground open and swallow me. I saw Father rushing towards us, and Liam also had come from wherever he hid himself. I didn't know why Grandma loved to be the center of attention. I am not against it but can you not add me to it, Grandma? "Mother, what's wrong?" Father asked and I glanced at Grandma hoping she wouldn't tell the world that her granddaughter got divorced. I don't know how I would be able to look at anyone in the eyes I think Grandma sensed how I was feeling because she said, "This family here disrespected my granddaughter, the heir to the Smith family and I want them thrown out of this ball right this minute!" Her voice was loud and if you didn't see her, you wouldn't know it was an old lady speaking. "Security!!" She screamed again and Father said, "Don't shout. The security will come, do not stress yourself they'll be thrown out," I looked at my father