The Accident

Buy a new dress. Black suede, preferably. And high heels to match.

The St Daniels' charity foundation dinner party promises to be a high society affair. The wealthy elites will be in attendance.

Make sure she looked presentable and stunning.

Her mother have already texted her, reminding her to attend.

Mari looked into her overflowing wardrobe, where over a thousand dresses hung waiting for her to wear them.

But she knew that wearing any of them would be a mistake.

Her mother, Melissa Kings, had an unspoken rule. Never repeat a dress at a high society event.

It was a taboo that Mari dare not break, not tonight, when the elite and aristocratic guests would gather for the St. Daniels' charity gala.

For Melissa Kings, having one of her daughters snag a St. Daniels brother was the ultimate goal. And with Charlotte already close with Grayson as her best friend, her mother's ambitions were already partially fulfilled.

Melissa Kings had her sights set higher for Mari.

She wanted her to land an equally affluent and influential partner. Someone who could elevate their family's social standing.

Melissa would stop at nothing to ensure Mari attended every high society function. Every charity gala. And every exclusive gathering.

Attendance was no longer optional for Mari, it was compulsory.

Mari had no intention of giving in to her mother's demands today.

Feeling rebellious, she put off shopping for a new dress until the last minute.

As the evening of the charity foundation dinner party arrived, Mari reluctantly settled on an old dress, hoping that her mother wouldn't notice.

She chose a gown with an open back and a slit that went from her back to her waist. A pink lipstick completed her look.

Her bold intention was clear, she wanted to catch Raymond St Daniels' eye and make him admire her beauty.

Her mother sent a car to pick up Mari and her sister, but Charlotte had other plans.

"Tell Mom I'm coming with Grayson St Daniels," Charlotte said, a broad smile spreading across her face.

She watched as Grayson led Charlotte to his sports bike and sped off, Charlotte's excited giggles carrying away on the wind.

Mari glanced at her wristwatch, frowning as she realized Butler Joe was running late. She stood by the curb, waiting.

A honk pierced the air and she turned.

Raymond St Daniels and Sara emerged from the dormitory, giggling together. His eyes landed on Mari, and she quickly averted her gaze.

Why was he having so much effect on me, she wondered, trying to silent the thumping of her heartbeat.

Their driver pulled the car up in front of them, and Raymond, being the gentleman, opened the door for Sara. She slid into the back seat with ease and comfort.

Mari thought they had already driven off. And she could safely sneak a glance.

But when she turned, she almost screamed as Raymond suddenly appeared beside her.

"Care for a ride?" Raymond asked in a gentle voice, though his eyes crinkled with amusement. "You must be heading to my family's charity dinner party."

Mari's mouth went dry.

"No__actually I__I'm waiting for my mom's driver," she croaked out, tensed.

"Okay, if you say so, Catherine. See you at the function." He glided away to join his girlfriend in the car.

Mari kept on watching until their car sped away.

She let out the breath she didn't know she was holding.

Butler Joe arrived fifteen minutes later, and Mari cursed under her breath. She was already running late, and her mother detested tardiness.

"Hey Mari, how's school treating you?" Butler Joe asked, attempting to make small talk.

She sighed, an exaggerated sound.

"It's hell, Joe," she pouted. "My upcoming exams is killing me and I don't know what to study anymore."

Bulter Joe chuckled dryly, his eyes focused on the road as he drove.

"I'm sure you'll be fine. You're the most intelligent girl I've ever seen, always aiming for the top."

"Don't flatter me, Joe. I'm serious."

"You'll be alright, Mari. I trust you."

Mari smiled at the elderly man.

Melissa Kings didn't hide her displeasure as she took in her daughter's dress.

"Catherine, you're embarrassing me," she hissed. "Why on earth did you wear that old dress? Don't you know there are people of status and prestige here tonight?"

"But Mom, it's a new dress," Mari said, the lie slipping smoothly off her lips. "I got it at the mall today," she added, hoping to deflect her mother's disapproval.

Melissa Kings eyed her daughter, obviously she was not fooled.

"Don't you dare try to fool me, Catherine,"she said sternly. "I know that dress because I personally picked it out for you__ three months ago."

Mari was saved from her mother's wrath when her father, Cullman Kings, appeared and discreetly pulled Melissa aside for a hushed conversation.

Seizing the opportunity, Mari slipped away unnoticed.

She stood at the food court, her eyes scanning the room for a glimpse of Raymond St Daniels. So far, there was no sign of him.

Even his younger brother, Grayson had arrived, escorting Charlotte on his arm.

Raymond remained noticeably absent.

Was he going to show up with Sara? They had left school together, and Mari couldn't help but wonder if they were going to make their relationship official.

The questions swirled in her mind, making her anxious.

In an attempt to distract herself, Mari snatched a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.

Mari gulped down the drink, relieved that it was just sparkling juice and not alcohol. Her mother would have a fit if she got drunk and caused a scene.

For the Kings family, reputation was paramount.

And they took great pains to maintain a flawless image. Scandal was taboo to them.

Mari was starting to enjoy the party when a sudden, ear piercing scream tore through the air, drawing everyone's attention to Mrs Danielle St Daniels.

She's a refined socialite and petite woman, and always carried herself with decorum, making the outburst all the more shocking.

Mrs St Daniels' hysterics scream sent a ripple of alarm through the crowd.

A woman of her stature and composure didn't unravel in public unless something was horribly wrong.

And in the privileged world of the St Daniels, only major tragedies could trigger such a reaction.

Mari's legs moved of their own accord, drawing her closer to the commotion.

The crowd had gathered around Mrs Danielle, offering words of comfort as she wept uncontrollably.

Fragments of conversation drifted through the air, each one striking Mari like a physical blow.

"There's been an accident__"

"Raymond St Daniels__"

"The doctors said he's in a coma, and it's unlikely he'll ever wake up__"

"The St Daniels' first heir is in a vegetative state... how tragic... a curse on such a prominent family__"

Mari felt numb and shiverish.

Her legs propelled her forward, carrying her through the crowded room and out into the night air.

She didn't register her surroundings until she found herself alone in the secluded garden, the open sky stretching out above her like an endless canvas.

There, beneath the stars, she wept with a depth of sorrow she had never known before.