I have to be great behind her. I have to be just like her. I have to walk like her talk, like her, and be better than she ever was.
Being the heir of a company is not easy, especially when you would rather be anything else, well, almost anything.
My mother has sacrificed so much to take care of me, but in the process has also broken me down. I feel like a puppet, like a little doll meant to be looked at and not talk. Just smile and wave.
When it comes to my parents, they make it really clear where we stand. My mother is the matriarch, the figurehead, and the business owner. My father is the dickhead who's supposed to stay out of trouble, the leech using all the money that was meant for the company and the family.
I, as the future heir to the company, am supposedly an obedient child who listens to every word of my mother, with no opposition. But, to be honest, I still struggle with that even though it's supposed to be easy.
Even now, while waiting with the Bellums, I feel the air slowly suck from my lungs, shoulders tense as every second feels like an hour. Even with Bertram's kindness, it still doesn't change how he's supposed to be an enemy. Someone who is after my name and fortune, but naturally, in my heart, I don't feel like he wants my downfall. When I look into his eyes, I see a young man who just wants to make a friend, maybe get to know me.
Which I know is a contradiction in what I said earlier, yet I can't help but battle with my logical mind and my emotional mind.
He held out a hand, "I know it's probably not the ideal thing right now, but would you want to join me in a dance?" Lady. Bellum scoffed, rolling her eyes with folded arms as I took his hand without even thinking. "Sure, I mean it couldn't hurt, right?" "Right." He stated, with a soft smile.
He then pulled me onto the dance floor and carefully took my other hand, starting with a few steps, then a little twirl, and then we went forward, back, and around. Another twirl follows as my eyes sparkle a bit; it is actually enjoyable, and for a moment, I can almost feel like I am floating. Like a princess in her cloud castle, I feel like I am a feather.
We continued to lightly dance around the room until a familiar face came to stop us in our tracks; it was Charles.
I freeze, I know I don't owe Charles anything, but for some reason I feel in the wrong, bad even for him, seeing me enjoy myself.
He clears his throat.
"Lady.Acres requested you before dinner."
I let go of Bertram's hand, giving him a soft smile before dismissing myself, "Thank you for the dance." I turn to Lady. Bellum then Betram, "I will see you all soon."
I walked toward Charles, who held out his arm for me, as a security guard came for the Bellums, ready to escort them to the table.
I took Charles' arm, looking back at Bertram, but he lightly tapped my arm, looking toward the door. "You ready, my lady?" He asked in a quiet voice as I quickly nodded, "Oh, yes, yes, let us go."
We walked out of the dance studio and turned the corner to a hallway, Charles' eyes going to mine and he smiles when I lock eyes with him.
"You know, Lady.Victoria, you don't owe me anything."
"What?" I questioned as his face softened, "If you want to dance with Sir.Bertram, I encourage it, just as long as he's being respectful. I want you to be happy in whatever you choose. If you're happy then I'm happy."
Something in my brain lit up at his words and I couldn't help but smile. I don't know why I thought he would be upset with me. Maybe, because I'm used to disappointing people but Charles was not upset at all, instead he was happy for me and that truly did make me glad.
"Thank you, Charles, that really means a lot."
He shrugged a little, "My opinion is not the biggest, but I thought it would be better to let you know."
I squeezed his arm and leaned on his shoulder, "Your opinion matters to me, Charles, sorry it's been a while since we talked."
I could see his face turn red, as he lightly scratched his head, "You don't have to apologize to me, I understand we are both very busy."
He tilted his head to the side, "Even though, admittedly I have missed you a bunch, it's odd not seeing you at least pass by. I mean I can't even give you a friendly wave anymore because we are on opposite sides of the mansion." He frowned as we reached a huge wooden door, his face forming a sort of pout as he lets me go.
"Well, this is where we part ways, I hope to see you more, Lady.Victoria." I give him a nod and a goodbye wave, "Me too, Charles the Seamstress."
He chuckled at the title, waving goodbye as well, as the door opens for me and I am quickly pulled in by sharp nails.
"What took you so long girl?! Over there chatting with one of the workers when you know you're suppose to be ready?"
She shut the door behind her, narrowing her eyes at me, cigar in hand as the smoke made me nearly choke.
"Apologies, mother."
"Damn right apologies." She took the cigar out of her mouth and let the smoke fill the room. Two young women coming over to me with a gold dress in hand, shining like a mini sun.
"You're going to wear this, you hear? No objections, you are the future of this company so you are going to be our star. So you must look like one to be one."