Maria stepped outside just as a car rolled up to the sidewalk.
It was a sleek black beauty, a limited edition sports car released for the brand's tenth anniversary. In S city, even catching a glimpse of it was impossible.
But for Maria, it carried no novelty.
She wasn't allowed to drive or get a license. Her mother said things like that would ruin her "feminine energy" or whatever.
So, she'd removed any interest she had in cars. As long as it looked expensive and had tinted glass, she couldn't care less.
As soon as Maria got in the car, her mother was ready with a full mental checklist. They were both in the backseat with a driver in the front.
Her father, like always, would arrive separately.
"You look passable," her mother said, which was already pretty magnanimous of her.
Elina Lin was a woman who only valued one thing in life: beauty, and the power it held.
By most people's standards, she might be considered vain. To Maria, however, that would have been a blessing if it were true.
Elina Lin not only appreciated appearance, but she weaponised it. All her life, Maria had been forced to grow up in her mother's cage of values, only escaping out of them a little when she'd left home for boarding school in high school and the dorms in university.
Even now, sitting next to her twenty year old daughter, Elina could pass as her older sister.
Her features were sharp and delicate. Her hair a beautiful curtain of black shining to perfection.
For the occasion, she was dressed in a silver gown, with elegant and dainty diamond jewellery to match.
No doubt, her father would also be wearing a silver suit then.
"Who are the esteemed guests?" She asksed, opening her phone to scroll through. Might as well get it out the way.
"The Sanders, Hernz, Lovelace and of course, Valentine," Elina rattled off.
Great, not only do I have to dream of the douche I have to confront him here to!
Hearing the name soured her mood. She blocked out her mother, scrolling through Instagram. She clicked Viva's story, extremely jealous to see her friend hanging out with friends in some club.
Swiping through to the next one, it was series of shots from the club. Really, did everyone decide to go when she couldn't?!
Rapidly swiping, her fingers paused at a particular story.
A talk figure, decked in a black suit. The suit jacket emphasised his wide shoulders. The white shirthe wore underneath was tight over his chest and abdomen, though you couldn't see it clearly.
Maria swallowed. She hated how she recognised that silhouette instantly, even without the face shown.
Theo Valentine.
It was posted just an hour ago, which meant he was probably wearing this tonight. Posing like he was some hotshot with his hands in his pockets, showing off the shiny watch on his wrist as if he was afraid people wouldn't notice. Like how pathetic, right?
"Maria?" Elina called out, half exasperated and half done. "You kids and your phones. Excessive blue light isntgoid for you."
Maria wanted to groan. Anything but that lecture!
*
The hotel the party was hosted at was in the heart of S city.
Lotus Plaza was a five star hotel that boasted a three Michelin star restaurant, stunning views, and a gorgeous swimming pool. The tall glass structure shimmered in the night, the various lighting all about making gold and silver shine on its surface.
Maria and Elena stepped out together. There were numerous people about despite this party supposedly being "private". Journalists and photographers eagerly took pictures, despite guards pushing them back.
Maria waved at one, sending a flirty wink and smile.
Might as well enjoy the attention. She wasn't going to enjoy the type she would receive at the party anyways.
The reception was as spacious as it was glamourous. The golden walls, the chandeliers and a red carpet leading into the main hallyway to access the elevators.
They were received by an attendant who immediately guided them inside. Overhead some funky jazz music played. The moment she started swaying a bit to the beat, Elina glared at her in the reflection.
Right, right. Abracadabra, bring forth the temptress Maria!
The moment they entered the main hall of the party, all the eyes on the room were on them. Recognising Elina first, their gazes then shifted to Maria.
Especially, the guys.
It was inevitable really. Maria had taken after her mother, and her body was blessed with curves in all the right places. The cocktail dress seemed to only amplify her assets, a contrast against her softer facial features.
With the way Maria walked in full confidence...really, only a blind man wouldn't drool over her.
Maria, used to the attention, didn't give a shit. This was nothing new for her. Her eyes quickly swept the room, hoping to land on someone she could escape for some chit chat with-
"Maria Lin?"
She glanced back.
John Sanders.
His family owned a logistics company. They were pretty well off, but not as much as Maria's own family. "Hey," she said, taking the distraction. Anything, to not get roped beside Elina. All that petty sweet talk made her want to barf.
John smiled, stepping closer. He was the popular type; tall, blonde and blue eyes. With a handsome face and an athletic build, who wouldn't have a crush on him?
Ding ding! You're right!
Maria didn't!
In fact, she could barely stand him outside parties, and you'll see why soon enough.
"Care for a drink?" He said, naturally stepping closer to her. His cologne was so strong it was like he took a bath in it. Maria wondered if he wanted to cover up the stink of something. "You look gorgeous."
His eyes roved her body, pausing emphatically on certain places. Really, why were men so easy? "Thanks, you're not doing bad yourself. Also, too early for a drink."
"You never stay long anyways," John countered, which. Well. Maybe. But what about all the stuff that gentleman didn't force ladies to drink?? "I'll get some juice for you. Waiter!"
He stopped a passing waiter, grabbing a glass of white wine for himself, and then got her a glass of orange juice. "So, how's university? You're actually living in the dormitory?"
"Pretty good," she said, smiling, "I am actually, it's a good change of environment."
"Oh, Maria, don't humble yourself," he said with a laugh, "why would you need to do that? Proving yourself to someone? Why not have a place of your own then?"
So that my parents can install a bunch of people around me under the guise of 'helpers' and keep constant tabs on me?
No thanks!
"I don't like staying alone."
"That's a problem with an easy solution," he rolled his eyes, "our new office is actually not that far from your University. You don't have to attend regularly either."
"Thanks, but I don't think I'll be sharing a place with you anytime soon," she gave him a tight lipped smile. Was it just her, or was the juice more sour than usual?
"Oh Maria, it's nothing new nowadays. Lots of guys and girls stay together."
"As far as I remember those tend to be either couples or friends with benefits."
"Aren't we all here for some benefit though?" John said, looking at her over the rim of his glass, "your degree is what, two years more? Get rid of the hassle, just do an engagement and your parents will be out your hair."
"And it's not like you need it I mean...once you get married, isn't it enough for your husband to bring in the money? All you have to do is perform your duties as the wife; practically the best offer!"
Right that's enough.
Maria drained her glass, walking away, her heels clacking again the floors. She could hear him sigh, but this time, it seemed even the Sanders had put their son on a mission.
He followed her.
Maria was two seconds away from screaming at him to leave her be, when suddenly, someone else stepped in between them.
"Hey, can you move--"
"I don't think she's in the mood for conversation," a familiar voice spoke. It was deep and rich, and yet incredibly smooth and controlled. "How about we talk instead, John?"
Maria felt dread. Glancing over her shoulder, she looked back just in time as he glanced at her too.
Blue-gray eyes.
Lips in a thin line.
The dark suit. The quiet confidence.
Theo only looked at her for a beat more, before he left with John.