I was slightly out of it. Tired, bored, everything you could think of and I just wanted to be away from people.

Heck, the only reason I even decided to come to the bar was because Ethan wanted to go. Despite my annoyance though, it was better than going home. Or staying alone at my dorm room.

Then I saw her from across the room. There were too many people around me that wanted to get my attention, and she just looked like she wanted to leave this place.

I remembered her instantly. Regrettably, I didn't know her name. I never knew the name of the girls I slept with, and I never cared to know anything more. Though it's likely she told me and I just forgot.

After finally getting rid of everyone around, me I went to the balcony. Particularly to find her. There was really no reason for me to do that, but for some reason I just felt drawn to her.

I didn't know what led me to grabbing her and kissing her- definitely the drinks, but looking into her hazel eyes and her beautiful features, my brain couldn't help but remember that night. When we touched. And kissed. Through the look in her eyes, it was obvious that she didn't really remember what happened.

But that was fine because I didn't either. I did remember her face though.

Her lips tasted different this time. But it was still delicious. Soft, warm and welcoming ... I felt a sting on my cheek.

I backed away, surprised. I reached for my cheek, massaging it as I looked back at her. Her eyes widened as she took a step back. "W- what are you doing?!" she yelled.

I opened my mouth to speak, but I had no words. I didn't have the time to apologize or say anything before she walked away from me.

I tried to chase after her, but I missed a few steps, the alcohol in my body trying to take effect. I walked back inside, hands in my pockets as I scanned the room for her.

Then my phone rang.

I grabbed it and paused when I saw the caller ID. I contemplated ignoring it, but I knew there'd be consequences if I did, so I walked back out to the balcony and picked up the call.

" Hey, Dad," I said in a monotone voice, the breeze of the night clearing some of my dizziness.

"Where are you?" he asked gruffly. "Your mother has been trying to reach you for hours. She wanted us all to have dinner together, but I see you don't care about her. Or us as a family."

I wanted to groan out in annoyance, but I held my tongue, letting him finish.

" I think it's quite ungrateful that now that you're in the university, you think it's unnecessary to call your parents, especially your mother who obviously cares about you," he continued, his voice high. "Then again, you can't runaway from us. You are a Blackwell, and my only child.

You're going to takeover from me so no matter what you do to avoid it, that is settled." I sighed. " Dad, I'm at the bar with my friend Ethan."

The other end of the line was momentarily quiet. "Oh. That's great that you're with Ethan. At least you're not stuck in bed doing nothing." His voice got lower. "Have your fun, but make sure the grades are as high as they were in highschool, if not higher. You need to be the best of the best. Because if you can't do so well at school, how will you do well as CEO?"

" I'll do well," I said. "Are you done? Is that all you wanted to talk about?" "Yes," he responded. "Make sure to come visit next week."

Then he hung up.

I placed my phone into my pocket and walked back inside again, showing no reaction. I really didn't care. But I was dreading visiting them.

Just when I'd gotten so far from them and have more freedom than ever.

My mind went back to the girl ... I wished I remembered her name. I looked around for her, but I couldn't find a strand of her hair in the crowd.

Giving up, I sat on a chair. She was probably gone.

I grabbed another drink to sip. I was getting drunk, but I needed something to make me not think too much. Drugs were out of the question for me, and this was easier to get.

I watched with blurry eyes as people got down on the dancefloor.

I couldn't see my friend anywhere, but I knew he'd be alright. He was a big boy anyway.

I let out a breath as I watch beautiful people have fun with other beautiful people. At the moment I wasn't even sure if being at home would've been that mad."

Someone sat next to me and I didn't bother to look at them. It was probably a woman. I was getting used to being the center of attention at my new school. And I had an inkling feeling on what they'd say.

" Hi, I'm Stacey!" she whispered in my ear, over the noise.

I nodded, deciding to respond. " I'm Julian." I took another sip of my drink.

Her hands went from touching my arm to grazing my chest and I remained silent. She pressed her body against mine by the side. "You having fun?"

"Are you?" I shot back.

"Not really ... but I have a lot of ways to have fun tonight," she said.

I raised a brow, understanding what exactly she was talking about. So I finally looked her over for the first time since she'd sat by me.

She was pretty. And sexy with her offering me a sultry look.

I tilted my head and leaned forward to whisper to her. "What did you have in mind?"

She bit her lip seductively and got up. " Follow me." And I did.

***

The next day came quickly and I didn't waste anytime in going back to my penthouse. I took a warm shower and relaxed, deciding that I wouldn't go to class today with my aching head.

On the couch with no will to do anything, I replayed the unexciting events of the night before.

I really did want to apologize to that girl. But I was probably going to be seen as a dick to her now. Though I didn't know why I'd even care about what she thought; we're not friends.

I heard a knock on my door and opened my eyes. My phone buzzed and I picked it up.

"Open the door, bro," was all that was said, and I promptly got up and did as I was asked.

The door opened to reveal one of the very few people that had the right to arrive at my place unannounced.

Ethan had a grin on his face, with a few paper bags in his hands. " Hey."

"Come in," I said, giving him space.

I closed the door behind me after he got in and watched him jump on my couch, tilting his head back.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, sitting beside him.

He shrugged. "Just wanted to make sure that you ate. I know you didn't cook and since you didn't come for morning class nor pick up my earlier calls, I had a feeling I had to do some form of intervention."

I hummed, glancing at the paper bags to smelled of savory food. I had a feeling I knew what was inside. "Thanks for that then."

"So you left the bar with Jessica Castle," he called from the kitchen. I could hear sounds of cutlery and plates being removed.

My brows furrowed. "Who?"

"You're telling me you don't know who you left with?!" he screamed, his voice louder.

I winced, massaging my temple. " I don't know. I'm not that good with names you know."

Ethan walked back out with a set of plates containing tortillas. He gave me one and sat beside me, placing his plate aside to look at me.

"This is what happened last time," he said, a frown on his face. "You hooked up with a ... I don't know her name and I don't think I remember her face. But you hooked up with her! When I asked you her name at least, you didn't know it!"

"I usually have more important things to do with my life. Also, I don't think those women care that I don't remember their names," I said.

That was a lie. I'd had a few ladies walk up to me, complaining about how I called them another name or just plainly didn't know their names. It never really escalated because they liked me.

Ethan gave me a look of disbelief before reaching for his plate and taking a large bite of his tortilla.

He opened his mouth to speak, but had some spilling out, then closed it.

His eyes widened as he closed his mouth with a hand. " Drink!" he spit out as he rushed back to the kitchen.

I shook my head at him as I took a bite of my food. It was so warm and delicious.

Ethan returned and offered me a drink. "The Whistleblower talked about you and the girl you left with."

I rolled my eyes. "What a shock. I never expected to be talked about again. It's not like they haven't spoken about me even before I became a student," I said sarcastically.

He knew I never cared.

He nodded. "That's fair."

The conversation went on for a while until hours later, Ethan convinced me to go to the last class of the day with him.

Walking into the school grounds felt like torture. It was all so big and cagey, and not at all how I liked my life.

It was all predictable to me as I strode through the crowd of students around beside Ethan. I was careful not to meet anyone's eyes. And I did so till I got to class.

My mind was elsewhere, thinking about that girl. And how much I wanted to know her name. Being hit should have deterred me from thinking about her, but it made me all the more intrigued.

Nobody's ever dared to fight back against me. Except my father, of course.

After class, I got up to leave, but then I got passed a note from a red cheeked girl who gave me shy glances as she ran over to her friends.

I simply nodded at them in acknowledgement, grabbing talkative Ethan by hand and left before anyone else could reach out.

I stared at the note.

[Hi, my name is Gail, and I like you! Here's my number anytime you need a girl around you: ***] I raised a brow. I gestured to Ethan. "What the hell kind of letter is this?"

He looked at it and laughed. "She doesn't have any confidence to speak to you and she's not the best at writing something legible. But hey, from the number she dropped, it seems she wants a booty call someday."

I groaned, squeezing the paper and dropped it in the bin as we got closer to the parking lot. Then I bumped into someone.

"S- sorry!"

My expression had turned into a frown, and from the corner of my eyes, I could see Ethan opening his mouth to fiercely say something.

Then the person raised their head, and I was pleasantly surprised. It was her.

She blinked her wide eyes at me, hair disheveled, standing in shock.

I didn't know why she was so close to my classes, and I didn't care. Because I felt a little spark in myself.

I locked eyes with her, wanting to get her attention as I finally asked the question I should have at the bar before forcefully kissing her.

I should introduce myself, I thought. "Hi. I'm Julian. What's your name?"

I hated my life at the moment.

The only reason I went so far from my class was because Ava called me out here. I should've just told her I didn't want to go.

But I wanted to hangout with her. And even if I didn't want that, she was really forceful. But in a good way.

She's so nice and just wanted me to make many friends, and I needed to put myself out there.

Unfortunately, I didn't know this was where Julian's class was. I had no intention of ever seeing him. I was still shocked that I slapped him and I bet he's angry, but since he didn't try to set up a witch hunt for me, I assumed I would be fine.

Seeing his displeased expression when I bumped into him hit me hard, but him introducing himself with a small smile on his face and a pleasant voice hit me harder.

He offered me his hand and I took it, lost in the depths of his eyes. "I- I'm Emily," I said, my voice barely a whisper.

He nodded. "Nice to meet you, Emily. Again."

My cheeks flushed as he held my hand longer than necessary, relieved when he finally met go.

We stared at each other for a moment, only interrupted by a cough from beside him. The guy seemed to be his friend. I remembered him from the other day and... the party!

I remembered him from the party where I slept with Julian. But... that was all I remembered. Fuck.

"No need to curse."

I snapped my head upward as the guy, shocked. He smiled at me. "We won't ask you pay for damages or nothing. Just watch where you're going next time."

I nodded, mute.

I saw Julian look over me one more time, like he was about to say something, but decided against it as he walked away with his friend.

I stood in place, but I was brought back to earth when I heard the murmurs and the stares on me. So I ran away from the spot, unwilling to have my face captured by anyone.

When I got to Ava, she was alone and upset. About what? She wouldn't tell me. But from there, we had to go to our dorm.

I never told her about seeing Julian.

***

Settled in our large room, which was parted by a large curtain, Ava pushed it aside to talk from her bed.

I really just wanted to relax on my bed, but I didn't want to be rude, so I let her speak. I was absentminded until she mentioned him.

"... And Julian! From what I heard, he's dating Nadia Styles," she said, the corner of her lips downturned. "She's really not the best fit for him."

"Nadia?" I asked, curious.

"Gosh,I keep forgetting that you don't know anybody," Ava said impatiently. "Nadia Styles is a model, beautiful and powerful. Everything awesome. But she's a bit of a bitch. It's probably why Julian sleeps around."

I frowned. "That's not an excuse. He has a girlfriend yet he sleeps with other girls?" I mumbled. "What a dick."

Ava let out a sound of surprise. "Don't call him that! Julian is a very good guy, actually. If he's sleeping with other women, it's probably because he and Nadia are going on a rough patch." She shrugged. "She doesn't seem to mind, either."

I opened my mouth to protest, but with how combative Ava seemed at the mention of Julian, it was best to shut up.

My skin crawled and I felt a bit guilty at the thought of being one of the girls Julian cheated on this Nadia girl with. Just when I thought he was a pretty good guy, he ended up being a piece of shit.

Just like all the other rich guys I read about online, he's no different.

"What does she look like?" I asked curiously, glancing at Ava whose attention was on her phone.

At first, she didn't raise her head to look at me, playing with her phone a few more seconds longer. At least, that's what I thought. Until she walked up to me and handed me her phone.

She pointed. "That's her."

I froze when I looked at her face. Her body. She really was beautiful. With dusty blonde hair and bright eyes. Her aura through the phone was intimidating, I wondered how it'd feel meeting with her.

She really did look stuck-up, but I'd feel the same way if I had money like her. Or had her face. "She's gorgeous."

Ava was displeased. "I kinda hate that I don't know much about her to hate on, you know. Even The Whistleblower."

Seeing my expression, she groaned, muttering how it was crazy I came to this school and don't know next-to-nothing about the school itself.

I couldn't even defend myself because she was right. But I left my hometown for a reason. I

didn't care too much about gossip that's not going to benefit me. I just wanted a good education and money.

"The Whistleblower is a blog that was created about three or so years ago. I don't remember the date. But the main point is that it's a gossip page and seems to have information that no one does."

"Who owns it?"

She shrugged, walking back and flopping on the bed, eyes up to the ceiling.

"Nobody knows," she sighed. "Honestly, the mystery is exciting. Like Bridgerton. I don't know if we'll ever find the person, and I don't think we should... Why bother? As long as we're getting all the gossip."

I said nothing, deciding to go through my phone instead of bothering her again. I searched for 'The Whistleblower' and was immediately shown a site.

I glanced at Ava who had her eyes closed, her breathing slower.

I returned my gaze to read the articles, curiosity getting the best of me.

[Jessica Castle and Julian Blackwell were seen leaving the Haus Bar last night. Are they dating or is this a new fling?]

I felt a pang of jealousy in my chest when I saw it. This was the same night I left. So he went right to sleep with some willing girl...

I let out a breath, wondering why I was even bothered. We weren't close. We weren't in a damn relationship. Why should I feel some type of way? It seemed he would follow any willing girl to bed and it made me feel uncomfortable.

A bit disgusted with myself. And him.

"Ava?" I called.

"What?" she asked, her eyes remaining unopened.

I bit my lip, contemplating. "What kind of girls does Julian Blackwell like?"

"I don't know. Nobody can really figure the guy out," she said. "But at least we know he likes girls. Well, rich and hot ones."

"Oh." I searched Jessica Castle's name and sighed.

Yeah, she was right. Nadia Styles, Jessica Castle... where did I fit into all of this? And why the hell was I thinking about this so damn much?

I groaned internally and quietly walked out of the room to the kitchen for some water. While there, I looked through my message app, but what I saw made me freeze.

[Why aren't you picking up my calls?] [Did you block me?]

[You're such a fucking bitch you know!] [I'll kill you!]

[Emily I'm so sorry. Yu know how much I love you. I just felt so sad since we're not doing too well at home.]

My hands started sweating, my grip on my glass of water.

My hands shook when I received a call. An unknown number.

It buzzed for a few times before I finally got the courage to answer. "I'll answer it and tell him off!" I whispered to myself.

When I picked the call, there was nothing but silence at the other end of the phone. "H- hello. Who is this?" I started.

There was a dark chuckle at the other end. A familiar one.

"Emily, it's me," he said, his voice hoarse yet hyper. "I'm so happy you picked up!"

My grip on the phone tightened. "What do you want Ronald? I told you and Mom to leave me alone! I said not to reach out!"

I ran away for a fucking reason. And it's not like they cared when I left.

Ronald wasn't deterred. "You sound so angry. There's really no need to be, you know. We're all family. I just... I just wanted to..."

"Ask for money," I interrupted, forcing my voice not to shake. "I don't have it." " But you've always had money," he pleaded, his sweet tone sickening me.

" I. Don't. Have. It."

"Oh, stop lying you bitch!" he suddenly raged. "I heard you're in school now! A fancy one. You can get something from one of those rich kids!" His voice heightened. "Why do you keep lying? You don't want to help your family! You hate your mother and your brother! You-"

I hung up and blocked the phone number for the umpteenth time since I became independent. I knew this wasn't the end. He'd find a way to reach out. To harass me again.

I breathed heavily, trying to calm my nerves. I leaned against the kitchen counter, closing my eyes.

I couldn't file a police report because the last time I tried, nothing was done. Coming to Vincent Collins University was the only way for me to stay away from that toxic environment.

Will I ever truly escape it?

Tears trailed down my face and I cried in silence.

***

The next day, I walked to the school's library. It was large and even appeared to be ancient. With the most magnificent structure I'd ever seen.

Ava wasn't interested in hanging out with me, so I had the freewill to explore the school. All alone. Too shy to ask people for help, I used the school's map.

I was going to live a totally boring but fun life today, and I was excited thinking about it.

I almost hopped on my feet when I was let in, searching the large shelves for fiction mostly. Some books were larger than I'd ever seen and my heart fluttered with excitement thinking about how many I'd be able to read.

While picking out the fifth book, I stumbled a bit because of the added weight. But before anything could happen, a warm hand settled on my waist steadying me.

"Thank you ..."

I stumbled again when I saw who it was.

"What are you doing in the library?" I blurted.

Julian looked amused. "To find some books ... just like you."

"Oh, yeah," I replied in realization. "Good for you." Then I added. "Thanks for helping me."

He leaned against the shelves and didn't respond. His gaze was hot on me and I was torn between just leaving his presence or staying to see what he'd say. If he wanted to say something.

" I'm sorry."

I looked at him.

He had a wry smile on. "I'm sorry for kissing you without your consent last time."

My cheeks flushed. This was the last thing I expected him to say. "I'm sorry too," I whispered. He seemed surprised. "For what?"

"Slapping you."

Then he gave me a charming smile. The barely visible dimple on his cheek added to the charm, like a beautiful stab to my heart.

He shrugged. " I deserved it."

The air around us became tense with him doing nothing but looking right at me. But it was all suddenly interrupted by the click of heels. A sweet scent wafted around. And stopped right by Julian's side, a slender and feminine hand on his shoulder.

The person's attention turned to me, intimidating and curious.

I paused when I saw her face.

" I've never seen your face before," she said. " I'm Nadia Styles."

She tilted her head to look at me, a menacing look in her eyes as she analyzed my face. "And who might you be?"

"Her name is Emily," I said, sighing and taking a step away from the shelves. "Stop being so intimidating, Nadia."

I wondered what Nadia was doing here. She never called for about a week, and was here all of a sudden. She seemed to be glowing, smelling wonderful, too.

I turned my attention from her.

Emily looked so uncomfortable, eyes everywhere but locking on anyone's.

Nadia hummed, ignoring me. "What's your major?" " English," Emily softly said.

She was so dainty which wasn't my usual type. But her presence was interesting. The way she carried herself ... it all made me want to know more. It was such a shame I couldn't remember that night, but I comforted myself with the thought that at the very least, it was good.

And something told me that being around her would be a much better experience. But I couldn't do anything when Nadia with all her trouble was here.

She was really frightening Emily with her glare and while I appreciated it whenever she did it to other girls, I didn't this time. It kinda pissed me off.

" New student, right?" Nadia continued. " I've seen you around Ava Morales and she's pretty new, too."

Emily nodded, her hands red from gripping her books.

I reached out to help, but Nadia stopped me with a hand. I frowned. "What?"

"We have to leave," she spoke, not looking at me. "Your father called me." I let out an exhausted breath. "About what?"

She glanced at me over her shoulder. "Do you want me to say it in front of her?"

I looked back at the confused Emily and offered her an apologetic smile, for what? I didn't exactly know.

I grabbed Nadia loosely and dragged her outside before she could bother her further.

I could hear the click of a camera as we walked out of the library and ignored it. Even in the library, I'd never be safe from attention.

Outside, under some nearby trees, I let go of her, looking down at the blonde woman, questions in my head as she remained silent.

"Are you going to speak or just keep pissing me off?" I finally asked.

She smiled, her arms folded across her chest. "Just wanted to make sure you could still talk. He said he was having a dinner party with the VC of the university, and a few other important guys, so he wants you to come."

I knew what this was. Not a request. There was no way for me to refuse. " He could've just called me."

Nadia laughed. "Your phone is switched off." She smiled mischievously. " I bet that's intentional."

I sighed. "Just wanted sometime alone without him bothering me. Guess that'll never be possible."

"You didn't seem alone, with that ... new girl. She's cute," she said, sitting on the bench. "Where did you meet?"

I sat beside her, hands in my pocket as I tried to remember a few details other than the party. " Ethan's party. I think we slept together," I said, ruffling my hair as she gaped.

"You slept with her?" she questioned loudly. "Are you sure? Ethan told me you were drunk that night," she added, whispering.

"I was. But I woke up naked in bed with her," I mumbled.

I turned to see Nadia quiet, her expression unreadable. "What?" " Nothing," she said. " It's just interesting. So ... you like her?"

I tapped my chin. "Something like that. I do want to get to know her a little better. Maybe be friends."

She let out a laugh of disbelief. "You've never actively tried to be anyone's friend. I'm pretty surprised."

"Well, people change."

I got up, gesturing for her to get up.

" How did you know I was at the library?" I asked, walking side-by-side. " Ethan told me."

"Of course he did," I sighed.

We left for Ethan's place, stayed there for lunch, simply enjoying each other's company. Nadia eventually left for the guest room to sleep, tired from her various sessions and travels.

I sat alone in the living room, calmly staring off into space, thoughts swirling.

I was thinking about that party. I really didn't want to go. Sometimes I wished I wasn't the only son. I wished I had another family. So much pressure, so much expectations.

So much words of warning ...

'Do you want to embarrass this family? '

'You 're my son, do as I say. If you do, your future will be bright. ' 'What would people say? '

'If you follow the rules, your life will be great. '

'No. We don't report to the authorities in this house. ' 'Nothing is illegal if the people in charge support it. '

'Money. All that matters is money. Get money, more money, and more money. '

'Even if you report to the police, do you honestly think they'll do anything? I have money. We have money. So many connections, influence. '

'If you 're angry, suck it up. You know you have no choice. You never have. '

My mind couldn't forget those words ingrained into my mind. My bones. My soul.

I grabbed the half empty glass of whiskey on the stool before me and drained the glass.

I heard a door open and moments later, Ethan plopped beside me. "You know, you've turned moodier than ever," he began. "It's like you're a different person. I worry sometimes."

I could hear the concern in his voice, but no matter how close we were, I couldn't just say what's on my mind. It's deeper than that. Dark.

" Is it family stuff?" he asked, concerned. "You wouldn't understand," I simply said.

"Okay." Ethan gave up. "But just know, if you need anything, you can always reach out. I'm your friend. I'm here to support you."

He raised his fist for a fist bump, and I reciprocated the gesture. "Thanks," I said.

He poured himself a drink. " It's cool. You've never been the open type, and I won't give you to be. Unless it's something serious."

It was noon and I left for my place to decide on an outfit for the dinner party. I drove in silence.

"Incoming call," was said aloud, and I answered it.

"Did Nadia give you my message?" my father asked in his usual gruffy voice. "Yes, sir."

"Good. I sent you the address and time. I expect you to be at your best behavior. There's someone I'd like you to meet."

My jaw tensed. "Okay." The call ended.

I returned back to silence.

" He's definitely going to matchmake me," I said to myself.

"Incoming call. "

I sighed and picked it.

"Julian," a female voice spoke.

I paused breathing for a moment. " Hello, Mom." "M- my baby," she whispered.

I closed my eyes for a second, letting out air from my mouth. "What do you want?" I asked rudely.

" I- I just ... I just wanted to talk to you," she said pitifully. "To hear your voice."

" I already said I'd come visit next week, you'll be able to see me then, what else do you want?" I told her, fighting the urge to hangup.

" I know," she breathed. " But can you blame a mother for trying to reach out to her child?" She sighed sadly. "You never call or text anymore. It's happened since highschool, but I assumed it was just you being stubborn ... wanting to be independent. We really used to be so close. I love you so much, Julian. Why don't you want me to-"

"You know why," I interrupted harshly. "You know why; I've told you why. I don't know why you want to keep having this conversation when you don't really care about what I think."

I heard her sniffle. " But you know this is hard for me. I'm doing this all for you. All of this is for-"

"Save it," I said, trying to control the anger in my voice. " I'll see you next week. But we're not going to talk about this again. You've already made your point."

There was silence at the other end of the line. Silence, but I could also hear heavy breathing and sniffling.

"Goodbye, Mom," I said, right before hanging up and driving into my house.

***

The party was just like I expected. Boring and fancy.

As usual, I turned myself into the perfect extrovert and charmed my way into everyone's heart. It was difficult forcing a smile when I just didn't care. When I didn't want to be here.

I held a glass of wine in my hand, thoughts elsewhere.

I needed something warm and just ... sweet. Something totally new.

My mind went to Emily. I silently cursed myself for not asking for her phone number back at the library. That has been part of my intention until Nadia came.

I didn't understand why I was so interested in her and wanted to know her better. I could be with anyone.

Whenever I looked into her eyes, it gave me nothing but comfort.

A large man who looked like he'd burst out of his suit came up to me, a wide smile on his face. "Julian, my boy," he said enthusiastically. "You shouldn't be standing all alone. There's so many beautiful young ladies here. I've heard of your reputation for women." He leaned closer,

whispering, "We're both alike in that area, and I might even go home with one today."

I faked a smile, my skin crawling because of his words. I was nowhere like him, I internally denied.

" It depends on how I'm feeling tonight," I said, which he readily accepted, laughing loudly like I said the funniest thing ever.

" I like you. Ah, you're so funny, just like your father." He patted me on the shoulder before letting me be.

But my little peace was disrupted by my father, of whom I hadn't seen since stepping into the building.

He looked the same as always, his expression hard and eyes always showing disapproval. "Julian," he said. "Glad you could make it."

Not like I had a choice.

I nodded, offering him a small smile as he placed a hand on my shoulder, acutely aware that someone's always watching. Looking for something to post online. My father hated bad press, and me being shown to be a displeased son wasn't good press. Even if I hated him, the press didn't have to know.

"What do you think about the girls here?" he asked, locking eyes with me. " I don't know," I replied honestly.

I hadn't met all of them. They were okay. Some were a bit overwhelming, but I wasn't unused to it. I knew some of their names and their popularity though.

He shook his head. "That won't do," he said, his voice lowered and even. " I called you here because I want you to find your future wife." He continued, his grip on my shoulder starting to hurt. "I have a few girls for you to meet. Well, just one in particular. She's perfect."

My tongue felt so heavy that I couldn't muster the courage to tell him off. To refuse him.

But his eyes which never showed emotions, that felt like a black hole, sucking you in, leaving you paralyzed with fear wouldn't let me.

He called over a woman walking past us. "Angelina! Just the girl I wanted to find."

He waved over a gorgeous red head dressed in black. She fluttered her eyelashes when she got closer.

"Son, this is Angelina Ross. She's the daughter of Adam Ross, the owner of AM Technologies."

I could tell from his eyes what he was trying to communicate to me ' Don't fuck this up' and I sighed internally.

Turning to Angelina, I introduced myself. I didn't have to say much for her to swoon, which thankfully, made my father pleased.

" I'll leave you to alone then."

With that, he walked away. But my eyes followed him as he walked away, grazed the hands of a woman, and held her hand, kissing her before walking up the stairs acting lovey-dovey.

That woman wasn't Mom.