C2

My nightmare began from six years ago. One evening I had returned home from school. I was really tired and all I wanted was to sleep. I had to take two exams today. Our college entrance exams would be done in a week. All the girls had already started making preparations for graduation.

I walked into the house. It was unexpectedly quiet. There was always something entertaining going on in my house. If it's quiet, that's a problem. Where's everyone? I called out to Mrs Diego. She was my personal helper. And I was closer to her than my own mother.

Madelyn told me that Mrs Diego had gone out for groceries. I relaxed after that. I didn't bother about mom. She was probably hanging out with her friends or at the company with dad. I can't believe they're still Inseparable after so many years.

I went to get the ice cream Mrs Diego left for me hidden in the freezer. She always made me desserts secretly. Mom never let me have any snacks. If I needed a snack, then it had to be fruits. She always went on and on about how I must uphold the prestige of our family name.

I took the ice cream and went upstairs to my room. I noticed a black Versace velvet dress laying on the bed. With a pair of matching black boots and a purse. This was totally my style. I placed my bowl on the nightstand to admire the dress. It felt so soft. "Did Vaughn send this?". I asked myself. I blushed hard. My face literally heated up.

Just then my phone rang. It was mom. "Hey mom". I said as soon as the call connected. "Hey honey. You like the dress right? It took me two days to pick that out for you". She said. "You got me the dress?". I asked her. I felt a little disappointed. "Of course I did. Who else would? Now listen. Quickly get ready. There's an honor event we need to attend as a family. The driver will bring you there". Mom instructed.

"What?! Right now? I just got home from school, and I'm exhausted. I can't attend no dumb event". I was irritated. Mom always does this. "Please listen to me honey. This event is super important to your dad. If anything goes wrong, he'd never forgive us". Mom said. "I'm really sorry for springing this up on you". She sounded desperate so I agreed.

I got ready quickly. The dress felt as comfortable as I imagined. When I looked in the mirror, I couldn't recognize myself. I looked half dead. I hadn't slept in weeks because I wanted to keep my grades up. I had dark circles around my eyes. But I was too lazy to care, so I just styled my hair in a messy bun. A really messy one.

I picked my purse and was about to walk out when Mrs Diego stopped me. "Hey. Where are you going looking like that? You look like a ghost". She said. I stopped in my tracks. I turned around to look at her. Then I ran to hug her. "I'm going to attend an event. Mom said it was important". I kissed her cheek.

"Okay... But is it a Halloween party?". She asked. I laughed. "Hahaha.... No Mrs Diego. Why do you ask?". She pulled my cheek. "Haven't you noticed the dark circles under your eyes?. I thought it was a Halloween party in June". Mrs Diego forced me to put on light makeup.

I already had a bunch of makeup items mom got for me. I used concealer for under my eyes. I was secretly thanking God I decided to wear makeup. I looked much better after I was done. Mrs Diego helped me with my hair and eyeliner. Then I chose a nude eyeshadow palette. I admired myself in the mirror for who knows how long.

Mrs Diego pushed me out. "Go quickly. Be safe child". She handed me a coat as I got into the car. When I got to the venue, I slowly walked in. Everyone stared at me for some unknown reason. This is why I hated large gatherings.

Mom walked up to me and held my hand. "Sweetheart, you're just as beautiful as I imagined you in this dress". She said. I smiled at her. She took me to greet some of her friends. While we were still talking, Dylan's dad, Mr Cooper, got on the stage and asked for everyone's attention.

After clearing his throat, he said: "I want to thank you all who took time out of your busy schedules, to attend the engagement ceremony of our children, Aura and Dylan". The moment those words came out of his mouth, I felt like I was struck by lightning.

I pulled on moms arm. "Mom, what's going on? Engagement? To Dylan? Why mom!?". I asked so many questions all at once. Mom pulled me to the ladies room. "Why did you react like that in front of everyone?". She asked. She looked really angry. "Mom, why am I getting engaged to Dylan? And without my permission? I can't marry Dylan! He's a jerk mom! Why me? ". I asked her without answering her.

She took a deep breath and hugged me. "We had no choice honey. We need this marriage to happen for the sake of our family business. Your dad is going through a lot now, and if we lose the company, he might not be able to take the shock". She reminded me that dad has a weak heart.

I pushed her away. "You can't do this to me mom. Dylan is an asshole. He changes girlfriends faster than he changes his own underwear. And I'm in love with Vaughn mom. You know this". I let out a breath. "Vaughn's family is wealthier than the Coopers. I can marry him for the sake of our company too". I said

Mom's eyes widened. "Did you just say Vaughn? Vaughn Altaras?". She asked. "Yes. Yes he's the one mom". I was glad she knew him. Dad must know his family too. Since they're all in the world of business.