Chapter Two: Star

"You hooked up with him, didn't you?"

I pause bringing the fork to my mouth and frown, "What?"

Seated across the table from me, my best friend gives me a knowing look, "You hooked up with Neal. I can smell his cologne on you."

I drop the fork back down without taking a bite and chuckle dryly, "Since when did my personal life become any of your business?"

James pushes his plate away and rolls his eyes, "It's my business because you're my best friend and I want what's best for you."

"Neal is what's best for me."

James shakes his head, obviously frustrated, "He's using you, Star! How can you not see it?"

My chest tightens and my appetite disappears.

"Because I love him," I throw back.

"But does he feel the same way? Because it's pretty clear to me he doesn't."

Nausea bubbles in my throat, "James..."

"I mean, he's yet to take you out on a proper date, even though he's a billionaire," James rambles on, "I'll bet my life on it that he doesn't want to be seen with you and that fucking sucks."

I can't take it anymore; I stand abruptly.

"Our relationship is complicated and even if you don't like it, at least try to support me," I tell him.

"Star..."

I ignore him and make my way out of the diner. My day was already going great until James had to open his big mouth.

Neal loves me. Even though he's never outright said it. Even though he insists we keep our relationship off the radar. I tell myself that it's because he's such a closed off person.

That he's waiting until we're engaged or better still...married before breaking the news to the world.

Still, the doubt doesn't ease and a day later, I'm fidgeting at my office desk, lost in thought. Should I bring up the subject again? He won't like it but...

"Mr Ward needs you right now in his office, Miss Griffin," the head secretary informs me.

In less than a minute, I'm back in Neal's office. Today he's dressed in a complete three piece suit tailored to perfection.

"You wanted to see me?" I ask.

He turns to me with chocolate eyes that darken even more when they rake over my body. For the first time, I find myself questioning his affection.

Does he really love me or is he using me to sate his lust, like James said?

"Are you free to go out this evening?"

I blink, not at all expecting that. "W-what?"

"Today is my sister's birthday and the family is throwing a celebratory dinner," he offers me a patronizing soft smile, "I want you to accompany me."

Oh my God. He wants to take me to dinner...with his family?!

My head is nodding before I even realize, "Yes! Of course I would love to."

When he steps closer to press a kiss on my lips, the heaviness in my chest disappears and I feel silly for ever doubting him.

I can't wait to tell James how wrong he is.

*

"The driver's going to be here any minute," I gasp as I slip on my shoes. I rush out just in time to see an expensive looking SUV stop in front of the house.

The drive to Neal's family house is shorter than I anticipated. In just under forty minutes, I'm ushered into the gigantic mansion belonging to the Wards.

The interior of the house reflects more opulence and splendor than I have ever seen in my life.

"There you are," I look up to see Neal approaching, "I was worried the driver could not get your location."

"He did just fine," I say, smiling brightly, "Thank you for inviting me."

Intensity burns on his face and he walks a circle around me, admiring me. "You look... ravishing."

Then he proceeds to grab my hand and take us to the huge dining room. Already, guests are seated, leaving two empty spaces across the table.

The lively chatter stops the second we walk in. Eyes of all shades stare at me and I blush under the sudden scrutiny. The evening dress I'm putting on is the best outfit I own, yet it looks like a rag compared to what the ladies have on.

Neal pulls back a seat and I slip in, trying my best to act composed.

"You didn't tell me you were bringing a guest," a woman pipes up. She's beautiful and shares a striking resemblance to Neal.

"Everyone meet Star," Neal announces and my face reddens even more, "She's my secretary and a very efficient one at that."

My heart plummets. I thought he brought me here as his girlfriend.

"But we have a rule," the same woman continues, "We don't bring workers to family occasions."

Neal shrugs as he takes the other seat, "Star is exceptional and I didn't think Elora would mind," he turns to the girl seated at the end of the table wearing a birthday sash, "Do you?"

She gives me a wide smile and chirps, "Not at all."

Hence, the dinner commences.

I am uncomfortable, majorly because of the looks I keep receiving. The woman that protested turns out to be Neal's mom and she doesn't take her eyes off me, not even for a second.

"So tell me Star; what is the extent of your relationship with my son?" She inquires out of nowhere, "The Neal I know would rather eat rocks than become familiar with his employees."

Her eyes are sharp, digging into me like twin blades. I glance at Neal but he's not looking at me. He's immersed in conversation with a dark haired woman beside him.

"He's my boss and we're...good friends," I answer carefully, even though the words burn on my tongue.

"I highly doubt that," she scoffs imperiously, "Friendships require both parties to share similar interests."

I don't even get a chance to reply before one of the prissy guests chimes, "Social climbers are on the rise, I hear."

They share a laugh, like a good joke was made.

More snide statements are made and I when I've had enough, I abruptly stand and excuse myself.

Minutes later, I'm hiding in a fancy bathroom blinking back hot tears. How are we going to fare if I'm not welcome in his family?

"Everyone knows how cruel Bethany can be."

I turn around to see the dark haired woman Neal was talking to earlier. She comes to lean on the sink beside me and for the first time, I notice how stunning she is.

"I'm Catherine," she touches her chest, "Neal shouldn't have brought you here."

I look down at my hands and sigh, "I just wanted to meet his family and..." I shake my head, "It doesn't matter."

"You're right, it doesn't," she says, "Because no matter how much he likes you; if Bethany says no, then it's no."

I shake my head, refusing to believe what I'm hearing.

"Your relationship with him ends here, Star."