“You look real pretty, Natalia,” a tall and very handsome guy with an angelic face framed by light blond wavy hair called out to me. You would be forgiven for mistaking him for a professional model because he was one and still looked so much the part. Zak, my step cousin, had popped into the room.
“You flatter me too much. My face is probably less than half made-up,” I teased him a little as I laughed. His compliments always made me happy, and I bet he knew that well enough. I blushed a little, Zak looked so handsome in a white tuxedo with a black bowtie. The color combination complimented his facial features and hair so well.
“Not at all. I think you look super gorgeous even without any make-up on. Trust me, you know I’m super honest,” Zak said with a laugh. He seemed to be enjoying himself.
He sat down on the sofa and leaned forward to keep watching me as I continued to get my hair and make-up done.
“Do you want us to touch up your face for you, Mister Zak?” Ellen asked politely. It was clear that she felt at least a little uncomfortable in Zak’s presence.
I don’t blame her, many people felt that way around Zak simply for the massive influence he has on the entertainment and fashion industry. Actually, his influence extends beyond that into other industries as well due to his other job working for the family business in pharmaceutical. However, Zak was most famous for his career in entertainment, fashion, and the arts.
“There’s no need. Just focus all your attention on Natalia. I’m good,” Zak replied politely with a little smile. I swear all the women in the room just blushed and casted their eyes down to the floor in slight embarrassment at seeing Zak’s charismatic smile up close and in real life.
Zak definitely knew the effect he had on them and most other women as he winked secretly at me. I just rolled my eyes back at him.
“Are you certain? Since you’re here a bunch of paparazzi will be swarming around you,” Ellen continued after she had recovered her composure.
“Yup. There’s no problem. I should leave soon anyways,” Zak said casually as he leaned back onto the sofa and relaxed.
“Well then, please wait for a little while longer, we will be done with Miss Natalia soon,” Ellen said before smiling nervously at Zak.
After that exchange with Zak, the women returned their full attention to me and soon my hair and make-up was complete. Checking how I looked in the mirror, I was splendidly satisfied with what I saw. This should do very well for tonight’s event. The pink and gold tone make up I had on along with the slightly shiny rosy pink lip color should go very well with the dress. My hair was also swept up into an elegant bun showing off the contours of my face perfectly.
“Let’s go?” Zak said as he offered me his arm.
Smiling sweetly at him, I slowly but firmly hooked my arm in his. Gazing into his golden light hazel eyes had me captivated by how stunningly handsome Zak always is. I’ve known him for around ten years now and we practically grew up together, but his beautiful face and smile has never once failed to captivate me. It wasn’t something you could get used to no matter how many times you’ve seen it.
Chapter 2: Living as a Rosenhall
“Yes. Let’s go...” I replied softly before turning to wave and offer my thanks to my stylist and her team. I wished them good night as they started packing up their equipment.
“I wonder where Lucien is. I hope he’s not going to run too late...” Zak whispered to me with worry. Lucien did mention that he would be my date for this event, but he also told me that he was going to be late. He didn’t specify how late was ‘late’, so I guess I’ll have to make do with Zak until Lucien arrives.
“Yea, I mean it’s not my graduation prom event every single day, you know? Oh well...I guess I have to be thankful that he agreed to clear his schedule to come at all. Lucien is such a workaholic...” I complained a little to Zak. Zak was a very good listener among other things.
“Being the number one candidate to take over the Elder group of the family must be hard. He’s always been working hard. I guess we should be thankful to him...if he isn’t here, I’d bet my darn mother would be pushing much harder for me to take over. What a messy disaster that would be, right?” Zak said while making a disgusted face. His relationship with his mother was not the best. My relationship with her was not great either, to say the least.
“Definitely. She’s pushing you hard enough already...” I said comfortingly as I squeezed Zak’s arm.
“You should go on ahead. I already told my bodyguards to look out for you. They’ll be a lot of press out there waiting to greet you,” Zak said as he slowly and gently unhooked my arm from his.
“You can come with me, you know? I’m not worried that you’ll steal my spotlight, even if I’m sure you probably will,” I teased him. I truly meant it though, I didn’t desire the fame or coverage at all. It was like it came as a package when you’re a Rosenhall. Zak though was famous on another level.
“I’ll be out there shortly. Make sure to smile, you’ll grace the covers of many magazines for sure. You don’t want to look ugly for that haha,” Zak teased me while laughing cheerfully as he nudged me forward towards the exit where the press was undoubtedly waiting.
“Thank you, Zak,” I said softly as I turned to face him. I don’t know why I said that so randomly, but a sudden tenderness filled my heart.
“What for?” Zak replied with a charming smile.
“For simply being you. I love you...” I said simply.
Closing the distance between us with long and firm strides, Zak was standing right in front of me in a matter of seconds. Without hesitation, I closed my eyes in anticipation.
The next moment, I felt the warmth of his lips on mine as his fingertips held my chin, tipping my face up to him as he kissed me. I felt my desire for him stir immediately from his seductive little teasing kiss. However, after a short while, Zak quickly pulled away from me.
“We should stop here, unfortunately. I don’t want to ruin your make up...or your dress...” Zak said as his naughty eyes scanned me head to toe.
“You’re such a tease...” I said playfully before turning towards the closed double door.
Firmly placing my hands on the doors, I pushed them wide open.
...
I was momentarily blinded by the rapid snapping of photos and the accompanying flashes that were aimed at me. As expected, a crowd of reporters and cameramen were gathered in front of the entrance planning to capture photos and interview of the latest Rosenhall family member to graduate from university.
However, what they were truly interested in was the gossip related to my love life and who my potential marriage partners could possibly be. It was common knowledge and practice that once a Rosenhall graduated from university they were considered an adult and fair game for arranged marriages that would improve business ties and further strengthen the family business.
Of course, arranged marriages were an excellent source of endless gossip for these tabloid magazines. Making money by digging up dirt and baseless speculation of my family and my personal life was the norm that I had to live with. Well, if they are looking for a good show, I might as well give them one.
I smiled expertly at the cameras, knowing well which angle made my face look the best. As Zak mentioned before, you never knew which photo would end up on the covers of magazines and online media. I always found it so amusing to read the non-sense they made up about my family and I because no matter what they could conjure up with their strength of imagination, it was never as dark or as complicated as what my life and relationships were really like.
They deserve some points for their efforts though...
“Miss Natalia, can you let us know about your future plans after graduation?” a young female reporter with curly blond hair asked me while flashing me a friendly smile.
Another day with all the paparazzi following me around as if I was a movie star. I wasn’t but being one of the heiress to the largest global pharmaceutical companies as well as other business ventures made me very close to one. During my younger years, my stepfather made an all-out effort to keep me away from the press and the paparazzi but now that I’m about to graduate from university, they have been swarming around me like moth to a flame.
I presented the reporter with my celebrity smile, one that I had practiced many times in the mirror. Everyone in my family, the Rosenhall, had the responsibility to keep up appearances all the time in public. The ability to present a dazzling smile and give an interview to the press on the fly was a basic skill.
Chapter 3: Saved by Zak
“So far I have no solid plans, but I want to get a job or an internship,” I replied smoothly before presenting a confident smile to the camera.
“We’ve heard rumors that Nick Dunesgate asked you out, but you turned him down. Is this true?” another reporter asked as he shoved a microphone in front of my face.
Nick is a very popular movie star that had starred in many blockbuster successes recently. It was true that he did ask me out and it was also true that I turned him down immediately. The reason was simple. It was plain obvious that he would ask me out sooner or later. After all, I am the step-cousin and probably the closest person to Zak Rosenhall, the biggest and most successful movie producer in the industry. That’s right, Zak sponsored and produced all the films he starred in that gave him fame.
Dating a guy to help him progress his career is not my cup of tea. Plus, Zak would hate that for obvious reasons.
“I’ll leave you to ask Nick about that...” I replied vague as I faked a blush and batted my long eyelashes at the camera. I decided to give Nick some limelight all for the sake of promoting Zak’s new movie.
“We heard that your family is looking to expand into medical tourism, what do you think about that?” another male report with ginger-colored hair asked as he shoved his way through the crowd of reporters.
In response, Zak’s bodyguards stepped forward with arms wide open to retrain the crowd from getting any closer to me. Zak, just like other key Rosenhall family members, takes security really seriously. Although this was not a large event like the other red-carpet events that we usually attended, he had enlisted almost ten bodyguards to follow us around.
“I think it makes good logical business sense. The medical tourism industry is fast-growing, and it will allow us to utilize our international network as well,” I answered professionally with a confident smile, knowing full well that my business view was the last thing the reporter was getting at.
If he wanted to know if I was arranged to date or marry someone in the hotel industry, he would have to wait and see. Honestly, it was highly feasible but fortunately, I have not heard any of those plans from the elders yet. Marrying for love wasn’t something anyone in the Rosenhall family could afford to do...except perhaps for when Lucien married my mother.
“Oh my god! Mister Zak...Sir! Sir...this way!” a tall reporter screamed at the top of his lung as he spotted Zak. Yes, the real celebrity is here.
At Zak’s appearance all attention shifted towards him. I sighed internally as I started to relax. Finally, they were leaving me alone. Thanks to Zak and his well-time appearance. He undoubtedly did that to rescue from all those reporters.
I watched as bodyguards fended off the crowd of reporter as they started to get too close to Zak. Zak stood handsome and proud as he answered all the questions shot at him calmly. Dealing with the press came naturally like breathing for Zak and so did the ability to look deliciously handsome in all photos.
“That is enough questions. Please back off,” a low booming voice from the head bodyguard declared before the guard pushed back the crowd of reporter. Parting the crowd to make a pathway for Zak and I to slip through, after all, we had a prom to attend tonight.
...
Finally, we had the luxury to enjoy some privacy inside the venue. Zak gave me some personal space as he watched me from a distance as I chatted and danced with my classmates and friends. Calling them friends might be a little bit of a stretch since most of them were ‘friends’ with me simply because I was a Rosenhall and it seemed like whether they liked it or not, I was going to be a Rosenhall for a long time into the future.
The high-society is a very small and close knitted community. I knew everyone there was to know in our age group and they knew me as well. We probably attended the same school at some point and then the same university. I would never forget what they did to me when I first became a Rosenhall around ten years ago after I was adopted by Lucien Rosenhall after he married my mother.
I laughed along to a conversation although I had no idea what it was about. My attention was focused on the entrance as I watched and waited for Lucien’s arrival. After a few dances with some of my male classmates, there seemed to be some ruckus outside.
“If you will excuse me, I need a breath of fresh air,” I told my dance partner politely. He nodded with understanding before asking me if I was alright.
After I had reassured him that I was fine and that he didn’t need to accompany me, I managed to excuse myself and head to the front door of the venue where it seemed like something was going on.
Peering through the large entrance door, my suspicions were confirmed. There was large crowd of reporters and cameramen pushing towards a very tall and handsome man dress elegantly in a dark grey tuxedo. More than ten bodyguards were busy at their job, fending off the aggressive reporter who pushed in, trying to get their question answered.
I stifled a smile and a small laugh as the man’s striking emerald, green eyes met mine and narrowed in recognition.
“Welcome, Lucien,” I mouthed silently to him. The man I had been waiting for all night had finally arrived.
He flashed me a smile before turning back to address the reporters. I could see his effort to deal with all the press as soon as possible so that we could spend time together. Lucien was quite late but the reporters waited to catch some time with him. They correctly anticipated that Lucien would be joining my graduation party.
Chapter 4: A Dance with Lucien
“I can only think of one man who can beat Lucien at attracting the reporters,” Zak said teasingly to me. I turned to see that Zak was now standing close to my side.
“You mean besides yourself?” I teased back. I didn’t know what Zak thought, but to me his presence attracted as much attention as Lucien did and Zak’s interview responses were much harder to predict which has caused the family trouble more than a couple of times.
“Maybe...” Zak answered vaguely as he grinned at me.
After a short while, Lucien deemed that enough attention was given to the hungry reporters as his bodyguards parted the crowd for him to walk through. Lucien smiled at me as he elegantly strode towards us.
“Natalia...sorry that I’m late. Hi, Zak,” Lucien apologized to me in soft voice before turning to greet his nephew.
“It’s ok. I’m just glad that you’re able to make it,” I replied with a big smile. Now that Lucien was here, I just couldn’t believe it. Talk about a dream come true.
“You two enjoy, I’m taking my leave for the night,” Zak said to excuse himself.
“Are you sure that’s ok?” I asked Zak softly.
“Yeah...I was only intending to keep you company until Lucien turned up anyways. See ya,” Zak said briskly before turning to walk away. I watched after him until his broad back disappeared into the crowd of people.
Turning back, I was greeted with the sight of a regal-looking Lucien offering me his hand.
“Shall we dance?” He asked me with a charming smile. I couldn’t, and I bet my life that no one could, say no to such a smile.
“Yes...please,” I replied as I nodded shyly.
I gingerly placed my hand into his large and warm open palm. To Lucien, this may be a casual dance he was doing out of formality but for me, it was a dream I had waited for so long to come true.
Taking me by the hand, Lucien led me to the center of the dance floor where a romantic waltz was being played by the orchestra. The setting and the mood were so perfectly romantic that I lost sight of all the other couples in the room as I focused all my attention on the handsome man in front of me.
I thanked my dance instructor silently as I began to move my body to the music as led by Lucien. Thanks to my instructor, I was able to master many types of dances including the ballroom dance and waltz. I wouldn’t go as far as to say that I was an expert at it, but I was certainly good enough not to embarrass myself or the Rosenhall family, which was saying a pretty something.
“Congratulations on your graduation. I am so proud of you, Natalia...” Lucien whispered just loud enough for my ears as he brought his face close to my ear. I could feel his warm breath against my ear, and it tickled a little.
“Thank you, Lucien...” I whispered back to him.
“If your mother is still here with us, she would be so proud of you too,” Lucien said emotionally.
“You’re right. I hope she will be...” I replied with a sad smile.
“I’m sure she’s proud of you and everything that you do. You’ve grown into a beautiful young woman,” Lucien stated firmly.
It certainly was not the first time that Lucien had called be beautiful but for some reason, how he said it just now made it feel so special. What’s more, this was the first time he had voiced his recognition of me as a woman rather than just a young girl. That made me happier than anything.
“Thank you...” I replied shyly as I felt myself blushing despite myself. I couldn’t meet his eyes anymore and looked down at our feet as we continued to dance.
Suddenly, I felt his arm around my waist tighten, pulling me even closer to him so that our bodies were touching. I sucked in a breath as I felt the warmth of his body through his clothes. Lucien continued our dance flawlessly, twirling me around to the rhythm of the music. He probably didn’t mean anything by it but the hammering of my heart in my chest told me that I thought otherwise.
In time to the music, Lucien twirled me around before pulling me back into his arms so that this time he was hugging me tightly from behind. I felt the hardness of his firm body against my back and my body felt hot all over. All I could hear in that moment was the rapid beating of my own heart and his sweet voice as he whispered into my ear.
“I didn’t know you were such a good dancer,” Lucien complimented, and I heard his voice close to my ear. It was all I could do to stop myself from moaning out loud at the stimulation. My ears are so sensitive!
“It’s all thanks to my instructor...” I replied humbly.
“If I knew you were this good, I would have invited you out to this type of party more often...” Lucien said wistfully.
Turning my head around, I caught sight of his warmly smiling face next to mine. He is so close...
We stared deep into each other eyes as I got lost in the green depth of his beautiful eyes. I didn’t know how much time had passed and neither did I care.
We stayed that way with me locked in his endearing embrace until the song came to an unfortunate end. I wished the long and dance could have lasted forever so that we didn’t need to part; however, that was not how it was meant to be. Every happiness will come to an end inevitably or so I’ve learnt through my own personal experiences.
Lucien bowed and I curtsied politely to signal the end of our dance. I felt that our dance was perfectly in sync although this was our first time ever dancing together. The eyes of so many other people around us that were still glued to our every movement was evidence enough that they also thought the same. I turned to nod and smile politely at our observers to signal that they could get on with their lives now.
Chapter 5: A Present from Edward
“Congrats again. I’ll see you at home...you should enjoy the rest of the evening with your friends,” Lucien said as he patted the top of my head fondly. I loved this heart-warming gesture but sometimes it made me feel like a little girl and I didn’t like that.
“You have to leave already? You just got here...” I protested slightly in a soft voice.
“No need to be so depressed, we can see each other at home anytime. Enjoy the evening, Natalia. Chin up...you look stunning tonight,” Lucien comforted me before tipping my chin up with the tips of his warm fingers.
“Ok...” I replied softly as I felt my face blushing again at his touch.
I watched silently and with a heavy heart as the back of my belove walked away into the crowd. I wished he could have stayed with me a little longer. Now that Lucien and Zak were gone, I had no reason to hang around here at this party. Maybe I should just leave as well.
I made my way toward the back exit with the aim to sneak out unnoticed. I felt like I’ve had enough of this party for tonight, retreating and going back home was what I wanted to do the most right now. I waved at a few people as I walked by in response to their greetings.
Soon I was outside, and I felt the cold night wind on my bare arms and face, giving me goosebumps. It’s cold, I didn’t think about that and didn’t have any other article of clothing to protect my body from the aggressive wind. I let out a huge sigh and watched the smoke from my breath drift up and away. Standing there my thoughts suddenly started drifting randomly.
I thought about what I really wanted to do after graduation. How would my life change? What demands will the Elders make of me? Is an arranged marriage on the horizon?
I was so preoccupied with my thoughts that I didn’t realize a tall man had approached me from behind...
Suddenly, I felt warmth and the sensation of fabric being draped to cover my bare shoulders and arms. Stunned, I turned around to come face to face with a face I was familiar with. Lucien...
But not quite, although this face was very familiar and had the same striking green eyes, this face was younger and looked more mischievous.
“What are you thinking about out here all alone in the cold?” the man said as he draped over his suit jacket over my naked shoulders, enveloping me in his scent.
“Edward...” I whispered his name as I managed to gather my wits. This isn’t Lucien, this man is Lucien’s younger brother. Edward, the genius black sheep of the Rosenhall family.
In my ten years in the Rosenhall family, I have to say that I’ve had very few interactions with Edward and none of them left a positive impression on me. Most of the time he seemed crazy and out of this world and it left me feeling uncomfortable. Just like now, I mean, he just popped out of nowhere. I also don’t remember inviting him to this party.
“On your way back already? The party is still in full swing. Are you feeling unwell?” Edward asked with concern as he leaned closer.
Before I could get away from his unusual closeness, his face was right in front of mine and his warm palm rested on my forehead. What is going on?!
“Hmm...you don’t seem to have a fever. Should I drive you home?” Edward said with relief as he stared into my eyes.
He’s too close and for reasons unknown to me, I couldn’t break eye contact or move my body. Thankfully, after a short moment, Edward slowly removed his hand from my forehead and straightened up to his full height once again. I felt my tightened chest start to relax as he moved away.
“...it’s ok...Zak’s bodyguards can drive me back...” I replied, trying to keep my voice natural.
“I see. Let me know if you’ve changed your mind, I’ll be around for a while,” Edward said casually as he winked at me.
Edward is seriously so handsome and with a bad boy vibe. I could understand why some women were attracted to him. As for me, he’s not really my type...and the rumors surrounding him are too plentiful for my tastes.
“Oh, I almost forgot why I came. Congratulations on your graduation, Natalia. Here’s a present for you,” Edward said with a bright smile as he handed me a small light pink box.
“Thank you for coming and for the present,” I thanked him and presented him a small smile. I wanted our encounter to end but I still needed to remain polite. This man is my step uncle after all.
“Open it,” Edward encouraged.
I nodded in response and began opening the small box. What I found inside was...unexpected. To be honest, I didn’t know what it was or what to make of it when I first saw it.
Inside was a grey color keycard...like an access card? But what did it grant access to?
“A keycard...what is this for?” I asked curiously and Edward smiled at my question.
“This is a keycard to access one of the main lab facilities that I currently manage,” Edward replied without any emotions. Since he did not continue to explain why he had bothered to give this to me, I was left with no other option than to ask.
“Why did you give this to me?” I asked.
“You were thinking of what to do after your graduation, right? I thought gifting you an option to start your career might be a suitable present. You are welcomed to intern at my lab, and I’ll be glad to be your mentor,” Edward explained.
This man...he has the ability to read minds? Edward was spot on.
Working with such a famous person like Edward in one of the family business’s biggest labs is surely a wonderful opportunity. Despite the weird rumors surrounding him, being able to work for and be mentored by a man like Edward was a rare and precious opportunity.
