As we arrive at my dad's mansion we get out of the limo and hook our arms around each other. We silently walk past security and into the house.

I'm met with the sound of elegant music and decor. Everyone is crowded in the giant foyer with a snack table not that far away.

There's a chandelier hanging a couple of feet above them as some dance and some converse.

"Oh, wow" Carolina says with a shocked tone

"If you see a man in an all white suit, alert me immediately" I say with a serious tone as I release her arm and guide us towards the dance floor

"Why? Is there someone after you?" She asks with a curious tone

"No, he's just bad news" I say as we stop in the middle of the dance floor

She loosely wraps her arms around my waist as I reach up and wrap mine around her neck.

We slowly sway side to side as the beat of the music guides us.


After dancing for a couple of minutes we decide to take a break.

"Come on, let's go outside" I say as I lead her through the living room, where some adults were playing poker.

We walk through the double doors and I smile at the sight I'm met with.

There's a stone walkway that leads towards an underground pool. To the far right there's a garden maze that's lit up with fairy lights.

"Wow" I hear Carolina gasp as we stand there and observe the view

"Yeah," I agree as I lead her towards a bench

"I used to come here a lot as a child" I say as we sit and admire our surroundings

"What happened?" She asks as I look down at my hands and nervously fiddle with them

"My mom thought that he was a bad influence on me," I say before I take a deep breath

"He bought me whatever I wanted with no hesitation," I continue with a smile as I remember the memories

"She was afraid that I was going to t

"Come on, Aspen" I hear Carolina groan in an impatient tone as she continues to pace the floor of my room

"Stand still, you're creating a draft" I say teasing only to have her stop an glare at me

Bad crowd, I see.

Carolina has on her gorgeous dark green dress which she paired with a pair of nude heels. Her hair is curled into a half-up-half-down, which suits her facial features.

She's wearing natural makeup with a nude lipstick.

"Done" my makeup artist says which makes me smile as I stand up and face Carolina

My parents ordered me a makeup artist without any context or warning.

"I'm done, calm your horses" I say with a smirk as she glares at me.

I'm wearing a long low cut black gown that has a feather design on the chest area and a slit from my thigh to my feet. I pair it with my black pumps.

My hair is straightened. I have a black smokey eye with nude liquid lipstick on.

"Ha h

As we arrive at my dad's mansion we get out of the limo and hook our arms around each other. We silently walk past security and into the house.

I'm met with the sound of elegant music and decor. Everyone is crowded in the giant foyer with a snack table not that far away.

There's a chandelier hanging a couple of feet above them as some dance and some converse.

"Oh, wow" Carolina says with a shocked tone

"If you see a man in an all white suit, alert me immediately" I say with a serious tone as I release her arm and guide us towards the dance floor

"Why? Is there someone after you?" She asks with a curious tone

"No, he's just bad news" I say as we stop in the middle of the dance floor

She loosely wraps her arms around my waist as I reach up and wrap mine around her neck.

We slowly sway side to side as the beat of the music guides us.

Chapter 41