Chapter 10-The Party Part 1
1877 Words
(Giada)
I took one last look in the mirror, my stomach filling with nerves as my eyes dragged up and down my body.
I almost didn't recognize myself..the silver silk dress flowed down my body perfectly, clinging to my curves in all the right places. I turned slightly revealing my bare back and slipped my leg through the slit on the side of my dress, revealing my thigh. Jane found these gorgeous matching strappy heels that I decided to get and they pulled the outfit together perfectly.
I looked sexy as hell..I decided to put my hair up because I wanted to make sure Nico could see my bare back..I know, I'm being petty but if he is going to choose Isabella tonight. I want him to realize what he is missing as he watches me walk away.
I let out a deep breath before grabbing my clutch as I nodded my head once and made my way towards the stairs.
I gripped the banister, my palm sliding down the smooth wood as the sound of my heels clicking echoed off the walls.
"Gia, the car is ready..." Sebastian began, hearing me coming as he turned towards me before stopping mid-sentence. I swear his jaw practically hit the floor when he saw me.
I couldn't help but blush..yeah, I never wore anything like this in my life, so I understand his reaction.
"Thank you for driving me Sebastian." I said softly before stepping towards the door.
"O..Of course." He stuttered and practically lunged for the door before pulling it open for me.
I walked out, the warm summer night air blowing across my face as I inhaled it deeply. I won't lie, the urge to throw up was there..but I was trying to hold it all together. I knew what was waiting for me, and this time I wouldn't be a fool.
Suddenly Sebastian was by my side, offering me his arm as I smiled over at him, feeling grateful that he was here at least.
He helped me down the steps and led me to the black Mercedes as he opened up the rear passenger side door, helping me into the car.
Before he shut it I just needed to ask..
"Sebastian..you..you don't think I look stupid do you?" I wanted to make sure this wouldn't add fuel to the fire..that Isabella wouldn't scoff at me and whisper to the others that I looked like a w***e.
"You look beautiful Gia." He spoke gently, making relief flood through me. I know I should just be confident and own it..but I felt vulnerable..
"Thank you." I whispered, sitting back in my chair as I heard Sebastian close the door and walk to the other side.
I quickly took out my phone just as Sebastian pulled out of the driveway and began checking my messages.
I was giving Jane the play-by-play for my outfit and even sent her some pictures. She helped me pick what earrings to wear and told me how to style my hair. I put some light makeup on and decided to highlight my natural looks.
My dad always told me I was the most beautiful girl in the world..but..that's my dad speaking, so you can't quite trust that.. But otherwise, I never received compliments..well besides Jane and my Brother. So I guess I just felt so plain..compared to Isabella..which I hate myself for doing that but since she worked in the fashion industry she always looked so well put together.
I scrolled through my texts and just saw one from my brother pop up. I quickly clicked it and realized it was a picture.
It was a photo of my dad, Luca, Victor, and Nico all standing together with drinks in their hands.
I looked at it with confusion..so he really did meet up with my dad and brother..
He didn't do that last time though.
I tilted my head back, the events from the last two days played through my mind as I wondered why this time was so different..what has changed everything so much? Is it because I spoke up to Nico that morning when I hurt my foot? Did it make him say some things he was hiding?
"Gia, we are here." Sebastian suddenly interrupted my thoughts, making me sit up straighter as I glanced out the window, seeing my dad's mansion coming into view.
He often times held his birthday here. This was the home I grew up in, but my dad had it completely remodeled two years ago with wife number three. They added an indoor pool and a few extra rooms. It also had a huge banquet hall for parties.
I felt the car come to a stop as a man my dad must have hired for the party walked up to the door and was about to open it.
Before he could, Sebastian jumped out of the car and beat him to it, opening the door wide before reaching his hand down and offering it to me.
I glanced up at him, feeling my heart hammering in my chest as the realization of what was about to happen hit me.
Could I really see this again? Can I watch Nico fall for Isabella and see their undeniable connection?
"Gia, if you need to leave at any time, I will have the car waiting." Sebastian spoke quietly, his words kind and full of compassion..he knew how Nico was more than anyone. So he must've thought that this might end poorly too.
"Thank you." I whispered softly, as I stood up slowly and straightened out my dress.
Sebastian just nodded once before releasing my hand, I watched as he hesitated slightly but finally went to the driver's side and slipped back into the car.
Some guests were already arriving but I came a little early like my dad asked. I began walking up, the stares not going unnoticed.
I just held my head high and smiled politely as I made my way through the doors and that's when the wind got knocked out of me.
I knew it..I freaking knew it.
A flash of red caught my eye as I watched Isabella walk towards Nico, he had a drink in his hand and was talking to someone else..then Isabella slid her hand up his arm, and that's when I saw enough. I darted my gaze away, walking over toward where I remembered my dad would be as I ignored Nico and Isabella completely.
Suddenly I heard my name being called, I knew it was him but I ignored it.
I quickly picked up my pace, finding my dad as his eyes lit up and then instantly darkened.
"Princess, what are you wearing?" He frowned, and I chuckled softly.
"Happy birthday daddy, I just wanted to dress up nice." I explained, and I could tell he didn't like how much skin I was showing.
He suddenly looked around, noting the attention I was drawing from the other men that were now staring as he pulled me away from them.
"Maybe Marsha has something you can change into..did Nico let you go out like this?" He asked in disapproval.
"I don't care what Nico thinks..it's my body and he seems preoccupied at the moment anyway." I said like a brat while crossing my arms in front of my chest.
"Giada, can we have a word." Nico's deep voice suddenly boomed behind me, making me jump as my eyes widened.
"Good, see if you can find her a jacket or something Son." My dad stated, making me frown.
That's when I felt Nico's hand on my back, causing me to stiffen as my skin practically caught on fire.
"Let's go...now." He hissed in my ear, my voice causing me to turn my head and meet his hazel gaze. What I saw made a chill tremble down my spine. He was mad..no, he was livid.
She already got to him..that's a new record..
"I think I'm going to get a drink instead, if you will excuse me." I smiled up at him before pulling away abruptly and walking towards the bar.
Freaking asshole...I got you a ring..blah blah blah..yeah right. What a jerk.
"Giada! Come back here." He ordered and I quickly weaved my way through the party guests.
That's when I spotted Jane at the bar, talking with a couple of women as I made a beeline for her.
I knew Nico was hot on my trail, I swear I could feel his anger pulsing behind me and it seemed to intensify as I slipped between two men, touching one of their arms as I looked up at him and said "Excuse me" sweetly, earning a wide grin in return. He was about to say something when I continued on my way.
"What the hell dude, what's your problem?" A man shouted behind me and that's when I knew Nico must've done something to the poor guy..I wasn't going to turn around to find out what though.
"Gia! Over here!" Jane waved over at me excitedly. She wore a gorgeous green dress with lace sleeves and a straight across neckline. The color made her deep red hair even more vibrant.
"Oh my god, you look even more stunning in person. Here, have a drink." She said excitedly before shoving a cocktail in my hands.
"Thanks, I need it." I said, about to take a sip as I felt darkness looming over me, making me freeze mid-drink.
"You don't drink." Nico stated firmly, his chest rising and falling heavily as he stared down at me intently.
"I think it's a good day to start, you know..to celebrate not only my dad's birthday but the union of a new couple finally coming together." I said, my tone condescending as I turned towards Nico and lifted the glass to my lips.
I won't lie...it was hard not to gag as I poured the alcohol down my throat, chugging the drink quickly and making Nico snatch it from my hands.
"Woah..it's more of a sipping drink Gia.." Jane mumbled as I glared at Nico, feeling my stomach burning as I narrowed my eyes at him.
"We need to talk." He said, placing the glass on the bar and going to reach for me.
"I think you have talked enough Nico..Actions speak louder than words and from what I have seen, you have made up your mind." I said, watching his jaw tick as he searched my face intently.
He opened his mouth to speak, his eyes seeming to fill with an emotion I wasn't quite used to as he took a step closer to me.
"Excuse me! Thank you all for coming! I have invited you all here today not only for my birthday, but there is a special announcement I would like to make."
My dad's voice filled the room as I knew what he was about to say. I turned away from Nico, looking toward my father as two arms suddenly looped around my waist.
"I don't know what you think you saw..but you clearly didn't stay to see the whole thing." He whispered against my ear, causing my body to shiver as goosebumps prickled my skin.
"I don't want Isabella, Giada..I want you."
- Writer
