CHAPTER 15 - He invited her to a party

Nearer to the seashore, he handed a can of beer to her. She opened it and had a few sips.

On the flip side, he watched her pale face. That tired look pierced his heart. He wanted to see her happy again. He knew he had no right or any other chance except winning her again.

Distressed, Selena looked over and found herself again with her past.

Why did she always end with something she didn't want? Her situation forced her to again fall for someone pathetic.

Her smile curved into a half-hearted smile, and she asked. "Go ahead. What do you want from me?"

"Selena, let's give each other a chance." His words seemed like a joke to her. It made no sense at all. Her mocking laugh explained totally.

"Are you kidding me, Mark? Do you think the past was not enough?"

"No. Hear me out. I know I caused a lot of trouble in the past. But trust me, I've changed." He gradually held her hands, which startled her. "Trust us once again, and give me one more chance, please."

"On what basis, Mark? I think I have no reason to grant you another chance."

"For the sake of the love we had once, please?"

He knew Selena had a soft corner for him. No matter how strong she tried to be, inside, she was soft-hearted. 

Her heart was made of glass that was easy to break. Still, she forgave others. 

Sometimes being a soft-hearted person proves your kindness. However, not all are the same as you. In the end, you would be left broken.

Her tongue was too scared to say those words. She was afraid of having a broken heart once again. Who could stop her? Once she got trapped in the emotional dilemma, it was hard for her to come out.

"Okay then. But you have to win my trust once again. I wouldn't accept us until I feel safe enough."

The relaxation on his face was on the next level, he tried to hug her, but she moved back. It declared her uneasiness between them.

He pushed himself back for the sake of her safety. He wanted her, but with her full acceptance.

"Selena, I'll prove myself."

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Days passed. Selena had completely molded herself within her personal space.

She was quiet and enjoyed her own company. In her free time, she worked on a few designs. It made her feel at ease. 

One such day, while she was working at her desk, her phone rang.

The call was from none other than Mark, who put his best efforts into their unnamed relationship.

She could feel his efforts, yet it wasn't enough for her.

She extended her hand and put the call on speaker.

Mark: Selena, are you there?

Selena: Hmm! Say?

Mark: Here's the thing. I have to go to a party with someone as my date. Can you come along with me? 

Selena: Me?

Mark: Please, don't refuse me. Remember, I have to win your trust. If you don't give me chances, how will I prove myself?

He was a skillful player. He knew how to use the words emotionally. Could it be one of his hobbies?

Of course, because Selena was being fooled again and again.

Selena: If you say so. 

Mark: Better then. I sent a dress to your address. Glow up, love. Now, I'm hanging the call. See you tonight.

Selena: See you.

She then made her way outside the room and saw Camilla with a box in her hands.

She called out her name and said. "Selena, your parcel."

"Oh! Thanks for receiving on behalf of me."

"Anytime, girl. Are you going somewhere?"

She hesitated to tell her about Mark. She knew it would make her furious. Camilla never really liked him. She felt disgusted even by his name.

At this point, it would be grave if she told her about him.

"I... I'm going to an office party." 

"Then, it’s must to look fantastic today. Everyone has a gaze only on you. My darling should be in today's spotlight."

"Is it necessary?"

"Of course! After all, you're Camilla's best friend."

She took no more time and dragged her inside the room.

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After an hour of hard work, Camilla turned her into a fairy. However, this fairy seemed spicy.

She wore a chic red velvet dress with a high slit. The full sleeves covered her arms, but the deep neck showed off her sharp collarbone. 

It was tightly fitted, above the knees, exposing her tiny waist and well-rounded hips.

The dress had a tail behind it and made her look elegant in each way.

Her brown hair rested over the shoulders and bounced whenever she walked.

"This red lipstick, and yes, we're done with makeup too." She moved back only for a look. She couldn't believe it was her best friend or a Hollywood star?

Her mouth was left open when she commented. "Darling, you're the star of tonight, trust me."

She tugged her hair strand behind the earlobe. Was she not aware of her beauty? Well, her elegance was on the top. 

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Later on, she met Mark. He had the same expression as Camilla. No doubt, she just didn't show off her grace. She was beautiful inside out.

Mark's admiration was over the moon. It took him time to finally get over her and start the car.

He tried not to peek at her, but who could control his fluttering heart? Literally, no one.

....................................................

Then they reached inside the hall.

Anyone could tell the party was organized by rich ones. 

The golden light and the atmosphere were new for her.

True, she never attended any rich people's parties. Her background belonged to middle-class roads that couldn't even dream of such parties.

She kept her nerves calm even if they were not. She held herself close and tried not to shout out of her lungs.

They later went to a middle-aged couple who organized this party. Gracefully, Mark greeted them, along with Selena following his way.

"It's nice to meet you, Mark."

"Pleasure is mine."

The lady who stood beside the man glanced at Selena and cheered for her. "Wow, Mark. Who's this beautiful lady?"

Smiling ear to ear, he grabbed her hand as she nervously acted along with him. "She's my girlfriend."

For a moment, she choked on her breath. 

Since when did she become his girlfriend? She remembered her promise, but it was not in the promise she gave to him. It was tolerably offensive in her eyes. She wanted to throw his hands away, yet she kept his respect first and played along.

Nevertheless, a person there was not happy to see them together. A voice with an exasperated tone reached their ears. 

"Since when did she become your girlfriend?"

The familiar voice was enough to give chills down her spine. Just then, she turned to glance at the guy, and her heart skipped a beat.