CHAPTER EIGHT

                          I climb down the stairs, wearing a black long dress, my hair straight and down. I keep my gaze on my father. though I want to smile. Dad smiles at me. He stands near the last step. 

     I smile, but it falters when I see Luce walking toward my father. He mutters something.  

     Dad leans in to hear him. He's taller than my father. With a nod of my head, dad walks toward the courtyard. I fasten my steps and look at him with a frown, "What have you told him?" I stare at him. 

     He smiles softly and roams his gaze on my dress. His hands shoved in his pockets, "It seems a ploy for attention," He accuses. 

     I blink in disbelief. I put my step on the last stair. I glare at him in his eyes. I push my emotions away, "What did you say?" 

    &nbs