Every camera in the room pointed at them like they were royalty.
Erica's arm slipped through Jace's as they descended the grand staircase of the gala, perfectly in sync, their smiles polished and fake. Together, they glowed — tall, glittering, untouchable. California's Golden Couple. She wore a silver dress slit to the hip, rhinestones trailing like stardust along her bare leg. Jace's tux was tailored to his sculpted body, the crisp lines hugging every muscle he proudly flaunted on the court.
They looked perfect. And maybe they were if perfection came with secrets and spite.
I stood at the edge of the ballroom, swirling champagne in my glass without drinking it, pretending I didn't notice the way Erica's eyes flicked toward me every few minutes. Insecure bitch.
"She's just jealous," Isaiah had once told me when I was fourteen since Erica had shredded my recital dress because it 'looked too pretty' for someone like me. I wanted to cry but the tears weren't dropping. Erica claimed it was an accident. An accident my foot, and now she is a pretentious lying snake for a living.
But then, I knew better than to try reasoning with an idiot.
Erica had always despised me because she couldn't control my music, my mind, my quiet confidence that bloomed when no one was watching. And now… I was ready to unveil those hidden parts of myself.
I walked past a crowd of photographers, ignoring their questions, letting my hips sway a little more than usual. The dress helped. So did the heels. "I look like a fucking goddess" I said in my mind. I was happy and that's what matters.
I moved toward the bar. As the bartender poured me a fresh glass of champagne since I eventually decided to drink the first one which actually tasted really nice, I then felt a presence close beside me. "It seems mosquitoes are very hungry tonight" I said in my mind.
"Didn't recognize you at first," came Jace's voice, low and smug. "But then I saw the way Erica kept staring at you like you're intruding her space.
I scoffed.
"That's just her way of being supporting, that is attracting unwanted attention" I said but I don't think Jace is smart enough to know I don't want him here.
"You've changed Mia, a lot"
I then turned to face him.
His gaze….. was familiar. It showed curiosity which was something he does when sees something new, something he shouldn't touch. I had tilted my head a lil which was an habit of mine for when I'm deeply in thought.
"What are you thinking about Mia?" His very came through, interrupting my sassy mind.
"You're staring" I said, not bothering to answer his question as I sipped my drink.
"Can you blame me? You don't usually….. dress up like this"
"People changed"
He moved closer but I didn't back away. "Doesn't this creature remember his psycho girlfriend is lurking around somewhere" I said in my mind, feeling slightly annoyed.
"Tell me Mia," he said "Did you dress up like this to get my attention?"
I scrunched my face. "Him and Erica really fit together, they're both full of themselves" I thought.
I faced him and said "If I really wanted you, I'd already have you begging on your knees Jace"
His pupil flared with a mix of shock and arousal.
"Fuck" he murmured quietly, but I heard.
I leaned in close to the extent my lips were an inch away from his neck teasingly, "But I don't want you in the slightest bit, so don't get cocky" I said.
I them walked away from him while swaying my hips, enjoying the eyes that were piercing through my skin.
Across the ball room, I spotted Erica laughing with a designer that once called her "second-rate" behind her back. She then saw me and stopped laughing. You could think she was going to walk over to me and hit me.
But she can't.
Erica knew better than to commit a scene. She saves her cruelty for when no one is looking.
And tonight, I had already poked a nerve.
I went to the bathroom to touch up my make up and I smiled looking at the version of me they never saw coming.
The door opened as Erica walked in alone.
Her stilettos echoed around the bathroom as she walked closer to me. If looks could kill, I'm sure I'd be 12ft under by now.
"You think you're perfect now, huh?" She said while looking around to make sure no one was there. "Walking around like a cheap slut in my spotlight." She spat at me.
I laughed while remembering someone had called her that too. "Oh pls….. keep your fake light. Darling, I already shine brighter than your future."
She scoffed and said "You think you're hot now because you got a makeover and Jace looked at you? He looks at trash too but it doesn't mean he wants it."
I shrugged and said calmly "He was practically eye raping me when you were there beside him. Maybe you need to keep your dog on a leash, it seems he hasn't had enough trash looking over the years. I'm just saying tho."
She stepped closer while gritting her teeth in anger. "Don't mess with my Mia, I'll make your life a living nightmare." She hissed.
"But..! I'm already a living nightmare." I gasped, faking surprise. "Just because you sleep with athletes and pretend to the world makes you qualified?" I said feeling irritated.
Her lips curled. "You don't belong in this life"
"I don't want your life," I said sternly "I want mine. So stop throwing a tantrum and grow up"
She stared at me like she wanted me dead while I exited the bathroom. And maybe she might have killed me if this wasn't a public space.
———
Later that night, I wandered around the mansion after everyone had gone to bed. Erica's laughter echoed faintly from her room, probably talking to her fake friends. I'm sure she doesn't know she sounds like a hyena.
I passed my mum's office and the door was slightly ajar. Her desk light was still on.
Curiously, I went in quietly.
Books, piles manuscripts and stacks of some paper were everywhere.
And a drawer that was left open.
I walked around the table and plopped myself down on her chair.
Curiosity really is a bitch.
I saw a small envelope inside the drawer with no label.
I pulled it out and opened it.
A black and white photograph
A tall handsome Italian looking man with cold eyes wore a tailored suit in the picture.
On the back was my mum's writing:
"Santino De Luca - Florence, 2002."
I had a weird feeling in my chest knowing I had never heard that name before.
I tucked the picture back in the drawer and left the office quietly.
I went back to my bedroom, sitting at the piano which was my safe place. My hands felt the keys before I pressed one…. and then another…. until I was left in a melody of confusion and aching curiosity.
Who was that man?
And what is his relationship with my mother?