6 Years Later
"Knock, knock," came a tap on my room door.
"Come in," I called, walking to my dressing table, wrapped in a towel.
"Hey, Bell, are you ready?" Theo asked, stepping into the room.
My heart skipped a beat at the sound of his voice.
"Oh, you're still dressing," he said, turning around and leaving the room.
The past five years with the Heben family had been surprisingly good. They had accepted me fully. I had met Theo and found friendship and sisterhood in Aurelle and Theresa. In short, everyone had treated me with nothing but kindness.
After a quick glance in the mirror, I stepped out of my room to find Theo. I had begged him the day before to take me to the get-together he was attending. At first, he resisted, but one word from Daddy (Uncle Shawn) left him with no choice. I could have gone with Aurelle and Theresa, but I didn't feel like it.
"How do I look?" I spun in a full circle for him.
"Stunning," he said, his gaze locked on me.
"Yes!" I did a little victory dance. "Alright, let's go."
He held my hands, and we walked to the car—an Aston Martin his father had gifted him a few months ago for his eighteenth birthday. I loved riding in this car.
"After you, Bell," he said, opening the door for me.
"I look like a passenger princess, right?"
"Oh yes, you definitely do," he replied, settling beside me.
The engine hummed to life, and we drove off. The ride was quiet. Theo focused on the road, while I stole glances at him. I could never get over how devastatingly handsome he was. The fact that he was a celebrity made things worse—girls were always around him, though he hadn't officially introduced anyone yet.
Even knowing it was impossible between us, I couldn't bear the thought of him with someone else.
"Here we are," Theo announced.
"Oh, wow," I whispered, taking in the sight. A massive white oval building loomed before me , impressive and intimidating. This must belong to someone very rich, I thought.
"Like what you see?" Theo asked, standing beside me.
"Yes… it's amazing," I said. "I'm sure there are a lot of high-profile people inside, right?" I added nervously. I had begged to come, but now I was starting to feel out of place.
"Look who's here!" a voice called as we stepped inside.
"Hey, Mark," Theo greeted, exchanging hugs.
"Hello, pretty lady," Mark said, his gaze lingering on me. I smiled politely.
Theo guided me through the room, exchanging pleasantries with others. We finally settled into a corner, observing everyone as they mingled.
This wasn't the lively party I had expected, it was more of a casual get-together, mostly friends, with a few outsiders like me.
"Is everything okay?" Theo asked, noticing my quiet demeanor.
"Yes, I'm fine," I replied, nodding.
A sudden clinking sound caught everyone's attention.
"Click, click, click!" Maya tapped her glass to draw everyone's eyes.
"Guys, this party is getting dull. Let's spice things up!" she said, twirling her hair.
"What do you suggest?" Mark asked.
"Truth or Dare!" Hazrel, one of the girls, suggested.
"Who else is in?" Maya asked. Everyone raised their hands except me.
"Alright, Truth or Dare! Everyone get in a circle," Maya announced. They all settled down, and I watched quietly from my spot. But it seemed fate had other plans for me.