Malik

“How do you like it, miss?” Hera asked, looking truthfully hopeful.

I looked at the mirror. I barely recognized myself. Hera did a good job, to be honest.

I would’ve stayed to look at myself a little longer, but the time wasn’t on my side.

Today was the annual evening party full of the richest mafia owners. I wasn’t the owner though, my dad was. And of course, he was forcing me. I smoothed out my clothing and looked properly just in case I was dreaming. My black hair was pin-straight and placed neatly in a back bun with a few skewer pins in it and two loose hairs at the front, which were curly and defined. I wore a red evening dress, which was tight at the right places, and had a flowy part at the bottom with a slit so large you could see my mid-thigh. To complete the look I had glossy, red heels but the dress hid their beauty. I was okay with it, but I obviously preferred jeans and a hoodie.

I lived a normal life though. I went to a private A-Level class, which was its own school, and I did really well in my classes. But for every action, there is a reaction. I was unfortunately bullied a lot and I was known as the school’s nerd. I know how weird it sounds, I’m supposed to be that girl. The one with a perfect body, a perfect relationship, perfect grades, perfect outfits, etcetera. But no, I’ve been taught the hard way that no girl has it all. Do you know what makes that even worse? If I told anyone my dad was the famous Martin King.

I took a deep breath and picked up my handbag, adjusting my show of cleavage on my way outside. I wasn’t someone who liked to showcase things that weren’t meant to be showcased at my young age.

“You did a wonderful job, Hera. And remember, just call me Stephanie. I’m not my dad!” I gave her a warm smile and whisper-shouted the last part. He didn’t need to hear that.

I stepped outside, startled by the only sound in the house is my heels. I turned and looked at Hera. She gave me a reassuring smile as I walked away awkwardly. I wasn’t used to walking in these all the time.

The air was cold, yet reassuring. At least the universe loves me. Unfortunately, my mum was killed by an ‘unknown enemy’, as my dad put it. But I can’t grieve someone I never knew. So the only person my dad knew I could trust was Hera. Apparently she was my mum’s personal maid. However, I don’t see her as one. I see her as an older sister. She isn’t like a grandma, more like a mid-twenty year old.

I slipped into the seat near my father and scooted toward the door so I could look out the window as the limousine drove past the mansion. I didn’t live there, this was my summer break. I felt my dad lightly nudge me.

“I know this is something you wouldn’t like to do. But we’re doing it in place of your mother. If she were here, I wouldn’t mind you returning back to your school early, just like you wanted. After all, education does come first.”

I nodded my head, but I still wasn’t facing him. My left leg absent-mindedly crossed over my right leg.

“So I just want you to at least act like you’re having a good time, alright?” I nodded again, giving him a chance to finally release my shoulder from his grip. My dad wasn’t one of those fat, rich guys who were crooks. He was a well-built man, for someone in his late fifties. He had brown hair with grey streaks gained from aging and just a few wrinkles in the right places. He’d barely aged.

We had finally arrived at the party hall. It was huge! It almost looked like it was made of marble. There was a set of lino stairs before the entrance. The hall was split into at least three more buildings at the side. Thankfully, the gigantic gates prevented the paparazzi from getting near us.

I could see so many flashing cameras but something caught my eye. There was one guy who was struggling to take my pictures. I couldn’t help but laugh a little. He had dark brown eyes and jet black hair which parted at the front side to give a perfect view of his furrowed expression. When he saw me, he gave me a boyish grin. It was lopsided but extremely cute. He was trying to wave at me, I wondered if I could go say ‘hi’ but with fame comes sacrifices. I erased the thought from my mind and continued to walk in. There were some men and women gathered outside with wine glasses, and they all seemed to be mingling quite well.

I looked around to see that my dad had somehow disappeared, forcing me to walk inside, sit on my own, and hope I get to leave on time. I usually hate having to wait for my dad to finish if you get the gist.

About ten minutes had passed before I got the sensation known as being thirsty. I walked over to the large buffet table but felt the need to cry. It was crowded! Yay. I crossed food off my mental bucket list and walked over to the bar. It was big, but not as big as you’d expect since waiters were already walking around.

I ordered a Screaming Eagle since I felt like spending six thousand dollars. I even let the bartender keep the change. He looked even happier counting the money himself.

My vision was slowly fading the more sips I took. It was so strong, it practically lured me to it. I was addicted to the burning sensation it gave me as its cold liquid slid down my throat. I hardly noticed the man sitting opposite me and before I knew it, we were already chatting away.

“I coming right back.” I heard him say. I was still on cloud nine but I was able to stand and stagger over to where I could hear distant screams. I wonder-

I looked around. I saw my father running toward the door and climbing into his limo. I stumbled my way to the door, trying to get out but then, I felt something hard hit my head. I tried to figure out what I was hit with and who but all I could see was a black suit tie being tied around my face as a blindfold. All I know is, father God...punish the hell out of my Dad!