NEFERTARY
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I don't believe it—Mathias Ludwig is here! I can't believe I haven't fainted... 'Are you just a regular girl now, Nefertary?' Of course not.
He hadn't even noticed me until my father introduced us. That black tux fits him so well for—God, Nefertary, behave.
—You have a beautiful daughter, Gregorio —Mathias's father says.
—Thank you, she's my treasure, the most precious thing I have. How about, so these youngsters don't get bored with us, Nefertary gives Mathias a tour of the mansion? —What the hell?— What do you think, Mathias? That way you won't be stuck with us old folks.
—Gregorio, don't exaggerate —Mr. Matteo said.
—Father, how can you say you're old when you're only 47? Don't be so dramatic —I give him a gentle smile. That word is definitely one of my favorites.
—Sweetheart, you'll understand why I say that eventually. And you, Mathias, do you have an answer? —no, don't say yes... you're crazy, Father, what are you planning?
—Sure, that sounds good. I'd like the tour.
'What!? This can't be happening to me. Oh God, why? Where's Vanessa when I need her to speak?'
—But Father, what about the other guests?
—Don't worry about them, your mother and I will take care of it.
—Yes, Nefertary, it's more important that you entertain the son of an old friend of your father's —this woman is insane. How can she side against me? Although... she always has.
—Alright then, Mathias, where would you like to start? —I silently thank the Greek and Egyptian gods for my calm tone of voice.
—I don't know, um...
—Nefertary, just be the guide and enough chatter before you age with us —my father interrupts, and the others laugh at his bad joke.
—Okay. Mathias, follow me then. Father, I'll see you later —my father just nods, and Ludwig follows me.
—Nefertary —God, his voice is so deep.
—Yes —I give him a smile.
—Could you take me somewhere more private? Where there aren't so many people around. I can't stand the weight of their stares —we do have that in common.
—Of course, I know the perfect place.
—Then I'll follow you.
With that, I take him to the main garden, since it's too cold for people to be here... unless they're crazy like the two of us.
—Thanks. But I didn't do it for me, I did it for you —what the hell is this idiot talking about? Wasting my time is something I do not tolerate.
—What are you talking about? —I asked in a cold tone that came out of nowhere. Patience, Nefertary, patience. 'Self-control, girl.'
—I'm talking about this, Nefertary —he looks me up and down—, about the damn façade of a perfect girl you pretend to be —when I say nothing, he continues. He steps closer to me, to whisper in my ear—: I came to free you, Nefertary Ibagon. I want to take off that mask of perfection because, let's be honest... that doesn't exist in the real world.
Unable to hold it back, a very dramatic laugh escapes from me. Is this some kind of joke? I cleared my throat slightly to say:
—And you, Mathias Ludwig, do you seriously want to unleash the monster?
I gave him a crooked smile. For the first time, I feel like someone truly sees me… and why pretend I don't know what he's talking about? 'Maybe he's wrong, but I'll play along.'
—I like danger, Nefertary.
—Oh yeah? Well be careful, you might get trapped —I drag out the words.
—I'll take the risk —he gives me the same crooked smile and in his eyes, those blue eyes, I can see the thrill. If only he knew this isn't just a game, that he really is in danger, that it's better if the monster stays locked up.
—Miss Nefertary, excuse me —a girl's voice, from someone who looks like staff by her outfit, makes me take a step back from Mathias.
—Yes? —I say so she can go on.
—Your mother is asking for you.
—Tell her I'll be there shortly —the girl nods and walks away. Once she's out of sight, I close the space between Mathias and me again to whisper:
—Enjoy the fresh air —I say it in a seductive tone, which makes him bite his lower lip. I turn to leave, but he grabs my wrist.
—Aren't you going to thank me?
—And what exactly should I be thanking you for?
—For getting you out of there.
—You're pathetic, I never asked you to—'Where do I know him from?'
With that, I head back toward the mansion's hall. The weight of those stupid stares returns to me. Is it really that easy to fool people? Everyone except Mathias? A few seconds ago, I could've pretended I didn't know what he was talking about... but why? If he "succeeded" in releasing the monster, the real me, he'd get hurt. 'He would be the only one to know her.'
Does he know how hard this is? Because he's triggering something he can't control.
After scanning the room, I finally spot my mother. She's talking to the pathetic Mrs. Sanguillen. She's super arrogant and thinks the world revolves around her... when it doesn't.
I wish she were dead!
—Good evening, Mrs. Sanguillen. Mother —I pause in a well-mannered "lady" kind of way. I turn back to Mrs. Sanguillen—. How have you been these days? I haven't seen you in a while —I give her the fakest yet most convincing smile ever—even the blind would believe it.
—Oh, Nefertary, dear, very well. And you? It's so nice to see you again —she says it "gently". She only treats people from her social class "kindly". Imagine how she treats a regular person... the contempt is clear in her eyes.
—I'm glad, Mrs. Sanguillen. I'm doing great, thank you —I look at my mother—. Mother, I heard you needed to see me.
—You're right, Nefertary. If you'll excuse me, Florencia, I need to speak with my daughter for a few seconds. I'll be right back.
Without another word, we walk away from Mrs. Sanguillen and go straight to my father's study.
—Alright, we're here. What does my dear mother need from me? —all polite, of course.
—Believe me, if you weren't my daughter, I'd believe that politeness you use to fool everyone. But that's not the point. I wanted to let you know that in half an hour it's your turn to surprise —whatever it is— the guests, and don't screw it up.
—Dearest Mother, couldn't you have sent one of the maids to tell me that? And when have I ever messed anything up? I've always given this family something to talk about... good things, obviously. Just like tonight will be.
—I know, and I'm surprised by how sharp you've been so far —so far… more like always.
—May I go now?
—Yes, that's all I needed to tell you.
Without another word, I turn on my heel and head out to the patio. This time I actually need some fresh air. There's something about my mother that always breaks my composure. It must be because she always reminds me I have to be perfect... yeah, that's definitely it.
I let out all the air I'd been holding in as soon as I reach the patio.
—Whoa, are you really that stressed?
I've heard that voice before. I turn toward the sound, toward someone in the bushes.
—Not going to answer? That's very rude.
—Forgive me, I thought...
—You were alone? —he finishes my sentence. Green eyes. What a night.
—Yes, Mr. Lorenz. And I wasn't stressed —with those words, he steps out of the bushes. He's wearing a gray tux.
—I'm surprised you know my last name, Miss Nefertary. And with that big exhale… if it's not stress, can I ask what it is?
—I'm just nervous, that's all —"polite smile mode".
—Lying is very rude. Being a hypocrite too, Miss Nefertary —what the hell, he said that so calmly. These two act like they know me, and I have no clue who they are. 'Or maybe they're just faking it.' Think fast, Nefertary, think fast. —Lost for words?
—I've never been speechless, and this won't be the first time —mocking smile. 'You're not being careful.'
—That's the real Miss Nefertary Ibagon. Your secret's safe with me… as long as you're with me, of course —his "polite" smile is replaced by a smug one.
—With me?! —I can't help but burst into laughter. Who does this guy think he is? Prince Harry? I take a deep breath to calm the laughter.
—Are you done?
—No, I plan to laugh more later. Besides… what do you want? Or better yet, what do you want from me, Michael?
—For you to be mine, only mine. To be the only one who truly knows you, besides your mother and father.
—How ironic. One wants to release the monster and the other wants to keep it —I can't help but laugh—. Sorry, I didn't mean to laugh.
—Well, I don't know who that other guy is, but he has no idea what a huge mistake he'd be making unleashing the monster. That's why he's no competition for me.
—Okay. And I don't get your obsession, either of you. You literally just met me and suddenly you "know" me. Like we grew up together or something. You already think you own me. But you're making a mistake: I'd never underestimate the real competition.
—Don't you believe people have a soulmate or an exact copy of themselves?
—And I'm yours? What an idiot you are, Lorenz.
—Believe it or not, I don't care —he closes the space between us and leans into my ear to whisper—: You're the damn crazy bitch I've been looking for.
What an arrogant, insufferable man... but I play better.
—Am I really the bitch you've been looking for? —I say seductively.
—Yes, you are. We'll be seeing each other more often, and we'll be closer than normal —with that, he walks off straight into the mansion.
What a night… I don't know which one knows me better—or fakes it better—Mathias or Michael.
Though I know the answer... him. Unfortunately, one of them will get hurt.
I'm surprised there's no one else out here. Then I remember… it's freezing as hell.
Well, I should head back into the hall now, only eight minutes left before the big moment.
Why the hell do I want to be alone with either of them? It's like I finally feel at peace and can stop pretending in this messed-up life of mine and be myself. Most people would be terrified in my place… I don't care. I can already sense they're going to change my life—for better or worse.
'You've lost self-control, Nefertary.'
What a damn party. Who celebrates a new contract that makes them even richer with a room full of social climbers?
Of course—my father.
MICHAEL
God, it's not just that I want her… I crave her with every fiber of my being. Nefertary, the fucking swan I need and want by my side.
—Where were you, Mich? —my mother asks when she sees me.
—Out in the yard. I needed some fresh air —I gave her a gentle smile.
—I hope you're okay. You got here just in time for the surprise.
—What surprise, mother?
—You'll see —with that, the sound of a glass being tapped grabs everyone's attention in the room.
—Good evening. I hope you're all having a great time. Thank you for coming to celebrate my husband's latest achievement, who is now going into business with one of the most important men in the United States: Mr. Wilson. Thank you for being here. Without further ado, my dear daughter has a surprise for you.
With that, Nefertary walks up to her mother. She's wearing a royal blue dress that looks stunning on her. It has a V-neckline that highlights her breasts, 'no idea how I managed to hold back my urge to fuck her outside', fitted at the waist, open back, floor-length, with a slit on her right leg that makes her look like the fucking goddess Athena.
After giving her mother a small bow, she walks toward the piano. One of the maids blindfolds her as she sits.
She starts playing a Beethoven classic: Symphony No. 5. It's the kind of piece that takes a lot of time to perfect… and blindfolded? Even more.
—She's amazing, that girl —my mother says. And yeah, she really is… not just because of how she plays the piano.
—She never disappoints. Perfect girl —my father adds, which surprises me because when I got here a few minutes ago, he wasn't even around.
—Perfection doesn't exist and you know it.
—If it weren't for you, I'd believe it… since she looks like a copy of you, only in female form.
I agree with you, father. This swan has all my attention.
Once she finishes playing, she stands up and bows to the guests like a princess… but in reality, she's a fucking queen.
—Thank you very much, I hope you enjoyed it —with that, she walks away from everyone and leaves the hall of the mansion.
I didn't see her again for the rest of the night.