Chapter 1 - Kelly Paige

I watched the bright sky while sitting by my room window, wondering if the day could get any worse. Dad had just told me that I was meeting someone, so we could get to know each other. Knowing Dad, I knew what this plan was all about. Just then, I heard a knock on my door.

"Miss Kelly, your father says you should meet him in the garden in twenty minutes" a maid informed. I slipped into a better dress and styled my black hair in a messy bun.

I walked through the long corridors and down the stairs, going towards our exquisite garden. I spotted my dad with a young man talking. I hated the idea but I didn't have much of a choice.

He was probably one of Dad's friend's sons, and Dad wanted their votes in the upcoming campaign, so he was using me as an alliance medium. I approached Dad not even stealing a glance at who I was meeting.

"Kelly dear, good you're here, meet Luke, he's the son of a very successful friend of mine" Dad introduced and I finally looked at the stranger. He had dark brown hair, blue eyes, and freckles on his cheeks. He wasn't at all bad, but I wasn't ready to be married off to some random guy.

I smiled and he stood up to pull a chair out for me.

"What a gentleman" Dad praised.

I sat quietly, hoping they'd keep me out of their conversation, but I knew it wasn't possible.

"So Darling, what do you think of Luke, isn't he charming?" Dad asked, giving me a look I knew too well.

"He's fine," I replied dryly, pouring myself a glass of wine. I could tell Dad wasn't satisfied with my comment but I had nothing else to say.

"I heard it's your birthday tomorrow, I deserve an invitation, don't you think?" Luke smiled and asked, looking at me.

"That's my dad's decision" I replied, not looking at him.

"Oh don't mind her, she's just been paranoid, Of course you're invited and she'll save you a dance" Dad decided on my behalf.

"Well, I'll leave you two now, I've got a call coming" Liar… He got up, just like that and left.

"So..Sally right?" he asked. Seriously? He doesn't even know my name.

I smiled, not correcting him.

"You're prettier than any other girls I've laid my eyes on, and I'm sure you'd be impressed with what I've achieved at my young age" he blurted out.

"I work as the manager in my father's company and…" he spoke and I just wished I could bore him out somehow.

I chuckled, interrupting his speech.

"Well Mr Luke, why did you agree to this meeting?"

"Since you're asking, I saw how pretty you looked in a photo and I loved you instantly"

"Well, the thing is…"

"That's wonderful" I interrupted again.

"I think we should talk more tomorrow. I have to pick my dress for the party, you know how it is for girls" I smiled as I got up.

"But…"

"I had a wonderful time with you and, I'll save you the first dance, alright?" I stretched my hands out for a shake.

"Sure and by the way you look stunning in this dress" he shook my hand and I smiled leaving him standing there.

I breathed out a sigh of relief as I rushed into the house. As I walked through the corridors, I had the sudden urge that I was being watched. I looked behind me but there was no one.

"I'm going crazy" I mumbled as I continued walking.

"Miss Kelly, thank goodness I found you" Can't I be left alone for at least a minute?

"Miss, it's time to pick out your dress"

"Can I do that later?"

"I'm sorry Miss, but you still have to prepare a birthday speech after that so you have to do it now" he listed my schedule and I sighed following him to the mansion's boutique. Maids were already waiting there for me to pick, so they'd arrange it properly for me.

After the dress selection, I went to a quiet room to arrange and memorize my speech.

I could already see the guest arriving through my window.

"Miss, it's time to style your hair," my maid said and I sat down.

"You don't look okay, miss, are you nervous?" she asked.

I thought about the current situation of my life and how miserable I felt and just said…

"I'm fine"

I strolled to the hall slowly and elegantly. I walked into the room and all eyes turned to me. Trying not to trip on my shoes, I walked over to the seat beside my dad and just sat calmly.

The music played and the guests started dancing with their partners.

"I've invited a lot of guests for you so do well to behave and act nice, don't mess this up for me, is that clear?"

"Sure, it's not like I have anything else to do"

"Kelly…don't start, we have people watching"

"don't worry I won't, I'll wait till you have finally married me off to that self-approved individual." I blurted out.

"Careful with your language, that young man's family is our key to success"

"You mean your key to success, what am I even to you? A commodity?" I asked, almost tearing up.

"Enough of this conversation" He got up from his chair and walked to pick a dance partner.

I felt frustrated and angry and when I spotted Luke walking up to me, I got up and walked in another direction, leaving the party.

I couldn't hold the tears anymore as my eyes were already full. I walked fast with my head lowered so my face couldn't be seen. As I walked, I bumped into someone and I didn't bother looking up as I wasn't looking too good.

"Are you alright?" I heard a deep masculine voice speak and I was forced to look up. A young man with the most beautiful golden brown eyes and perfect silky jet-black hair stared down at me. He looks so breathtaking and good-looking. Is he even a man or a god?