HARLEM
After about an hour of speaking to all my mother’s siblings and step siblings, I finally get the go to from Violet to go change for dinner. So, I head upstairs with Ezra on my tail into my dressing room. Thank God, because I doubt I would want to head all the way back to the hotel to get clothes.
And I absolutely love this dress and all but trousers and I made a blood pact a long ti ago. I change into a one shoulder black long sleeve, showing off my tattoo sleeve, a fitted shirt and faded blue denim jeans. I sighed as I put on the sneakers; those heels almost took my life. Beauty is definitely pain.
I walk out and see Ezra seated patiently chewing on so gum. He doesn’t need to change because his clothes are versatile, compared to mine.
"We can head out." I tell him causing him to look my way. He doesn’t stand up imdiately, just gives the slowest once over ever, eyes lingering on my exposed neck. I swallow slightly because why does everything he does look so hot? God certainly has favorites.
He stands up, finally, and takes a step towards . Taking my palm, he drags to him almost causing to trip which leads to place my hands on his chest. My breath leaving completely.
He smirks, thumb brushing the pulse point on my neck. I’m sure I just died. "You’re turning red. I wonder why." Shit.
I scoff, smiling a little and shaking my head. I use the opportunity to adjust his bow tie and then I take a step back. "It’s just hot in here that’s all." I avoid his eyes, trying to calm my racing heart.
"Of course. After you?" he motions to the stairs. I blink a few tis at him, trying to figure out if he’s playing gas with but co up empty. I ntally shake my head and walk out feeling his presence following closely behind .
We pass the reception hall on our way out and notice there are still quite a good amount of people still eating and celebrating. I’m guessing they’re the people who might attend the after party because Vi and Zoran left a while ago.
On cue, I get a text from Vi telling that they’re headed to the restaurant; she drops the location and Ezra and I head to his rental. He opens the door for like a gentleman and gets in.
He then drives us to the restaurant using google maps. I notice he’s quiet and seems to be in a though so I try to make small talk. "What was your childhood like?"
His brow goes up in question but he smiles and I have no idea why I feel victorious but the feeling invades . "Wow, soone’s been thinking about ."
I roll my eyes and shake my head, smiling. "Okayy, pardon for asking."
He laughs "I’m kidding, frostbite. Truth is, people hardly ask about my childhood; I’ll say it was actually fun growing up as the last child of my parents with an older sister, I never saw my grandparents and we always had a lot of people coming and going in our lives. It was actually fun, I used to hang around with my dad a lot when I was younger even though I’ve always been a mommy’s boy you know."
I chuckle at that and he continues "I had everything I wanted undoubtedly. It was almost... too perfect. I rember what it felt like when my parents told I’ll inherit the business; I felt on top of the world. I thought it would BE the world, and as a matter of fact I used to be an asshole in my youth because of that, so you can guess it made more of an asshole." He smirks.
"Thought?" I ask him.
He glances at . "Yea. It’s just... not the sa anymore." He mutters.
I nod because I really don’t know what to say to that. What more could a billionaire want?
"We’re here, princess. And don’t worry I loved my childhood just fine. I just have a long way ahead of and I want to make sure that I’m getting the best of my life." He tells while trying to park.
"Totally. That’s very understandable." I reply. He smiles at and heads out to open my door. Oh, I understand, I understand that it’s going to take a lot to truly be happy in life. No matter who the hell you are.
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I feel the burn of the alcohol in my stomach as I pour myself another cup. This isn’t , obviously, but it’s also unlike my father to be at any family event that requires family ti. The said man is seated in front of , directly, while Mom is seated beside him, Vi and Zoran seated on my left and Zeke and Ezra on my right. There’s enough food to feed a Polish orphanage on the table and enough alcohol to get an elephant drunk.
I’m not exactly one to get so drunk uncouthly but I tend towards it when things are awkward and this family dinner is the definition of it. And to make things worse, father keeps staring at .
I try to distract myself with what Zoran is saying but the alcohol is getting to . Then, I try to cover it up with more food but it tastes like ash. Who even picked out this restaurant?
The ambience and service are good but the food tastes horrible. Probably Father. I wouldn’t put it past him. Is there a reason he’s here? Do I need to be worried?
A familiar palm cups my knee and I turn to Ezra but he’s not looking at . He’s right; I need to compose myself.
I shoot up as Zeke is talking about how his company realized they could develop toilets you could carry with you. Everyone turns to and I feel my food go up.
"Excuse . I need to use the restroom." It feels like Ezra wants to go with but thinks better of it. Thankfully. I don’t want to see the disgust on his face when I’m throwing up my guts.
I find the ladies room and stand at the mirror trying not to throw up. I think about splashing water on my face but decide it would be a horrible idea since I’m BAKED in makeup.
Eventually, I calm down and the world doesn’t feel like it’s spinning again. I may be overreacting but I know the exact trauma I’ve been through so I’m not going to downplay my emotions, at least that’s what my therapist told not to do.
I massage my forehead a bit and assure myself I won’t touch a pinch of the alcohol again as I’m walking out. Only problem is; Father is right in front of .
I startle slightly but stand my ground staring at him. He’s standing with his glasses perched on his nose and his suit unbuttoned showing off his slightly round belly.
"Father." I say trying not to show how his presence intimidates .
"Your little billionaire ca to see ." He says.
"Excuse ?" My brows scrunch in confusion.
"He offered to fix things, to soothe the distance YOU caused between us." My throat goes dry.
He scoffs "Said I should undo the damage. So, I’m here to tell you you’re welco back to the family. I’m a man of my word after all and let’s just say I’m going to be gaining a few things from it. But that’s not even the issue. Tell ... are you aware about this? Aware that your boyfriend thinks he can dictate what happens in your life? Because I was slightly shocked, not going to lie. But a man has to make ends et." He shrugs.
He stares at as if waiting for my reply but I’d rather die than say anything right now. "Not gonna speak? Well, when you’re ready you can join us at the table. Welco back, daughter."
He smiles at and finally walks away. I gasp for air like as though I was underwater and squat down to the ground, feeling my knees insufficient to carry . Oh, Harlem. You always learn the hard way, don’t you?
I stare at the ground in front of , no tears leaving . Just too stunned to speak. Is this what I am to him? A problem to be solved with compensation? I scoff. And I thought we were finally making progress. I... liked him. And the worst part is, it felt... good, at the beginning. I understand his need to "fix" things, but this is just crossing the line.
After a few minutes of cursing myself, I decide that it would be weird if I stay here any longer. But can I talk to him about it? I’m torn on whether to pretend it never happened and cut him off when we get back to Berlin or talk to him about it and still cut him off either way.
I decide it would be best to pretend. I walk back to the table, avoiding anyone’s eyes entirely. "Harlem, are you okay sweetie?" Mom speaks up first. Damn motherly instincts.
"Hmm? Oh, yeah. I was... uh, on a business call that’s why I took so long" I tell Mother distracting myself with my fork and knife trying to stab a cold piece of chicken in my plate to a second death.
"Oh, aright dear. Violet you were saying sothing?" I fake a smile as Violet shares a college experience where she was at the stage she hated Zoran while I feel like my mind is about to go crazy.
I feel a hand on my thigh and tense instantly. Thankfully, Ezra didn’t seem to notice. He cos close to , too close, and whispers in my ear. "You look way too pale for your already pale self. Are you sure you’re okay?"
I have to bite my tongue to refrain from asking him if he could kindly drop the good guy act and decide to just nod at him, not speaking a word. His eyes lingering on my face for a second before slowly retreating his palm and going silent. Shit, I hope I didn’t blow my cover?
After dinner, I tell Vi I can’t make it to her after party but I would be at their house tomorrow to see them before I leave. She doesn’t seem impressed about it but also not surprised. She kisses goodbye and I give everyone a goodbye hug and leave with Ezra. Father left a while ago but at this point, I’d rather be around him right now because this drive is going to change a lot.
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