Broken Promises

one

|Sage's POV|

"Happy birthday, Ms. Princeton!"

"Who are you wearing tonight?"

"You look gorgeous Ms. Princeton!"

Flashes are going off and questions are being yelled at me, as I am ushered inside of our most prestigious club through hoards of media and photographers wanting a single look or reply from me.

I, however, could care for none of it.

Today is my twenty-fifth birthday, the day I have dreaded since the day I was taught about its significant.

It is the day when I would lose all my freedom, my hopes, my dreams and ambitions. I have prepared and have been groomed for this very day, however, no matter how much I try, I cannot bring myself to accept what is going to happen to me.

I step in through a small corridor before the final black doors leading into the club's main arena open up and my security guards stand behind me as I stop for a short moment and take in a deep breath.

The blaring music can be heard through the doors standing dauntingly in front of me and I have to place my hand on my heart in order to calm the rising anxiety.

"Are you alright, Ms. Princeton?" One of my bodyguards, Jackson, asks me in his soft yet firm voice.

Jackson was my first bodyguard, assigned to me when I was only sixteen. And for the last nine years, he had protected me and had stood by my side through thick and thin.

If anyone knows the true me, it is him.

I look towards him, my lips quivering with fear, "I am going to need one of those pills, Jax." I tell him in all honesty.

He looks at me with worry, his experienced eyes showing that he understood exactly what I am currently going through.

Without a word, he nods his head before his hand reaches into the inner pocket of his suit jacket and he pulls out an orange bottle containing my anti-anxiety pills.

He takes two out and hands them to me and I quickly take them off of his palm and pop them into my mouth. One of my other bodyguards, Roger, brings a water bottle in front of me and I regard him with gratitude as gulp the medicine down.

Adjusting the elaborate grey coloured gown designed by none other than Zuhair Murad, I turn back towards the doors and I give Jackson and Roger a nod.

They give me another few seconds of grace before all four of my guards straighten, and as Jackson and Roger take their positions in front of me and open the door, Riley and Liam follow after me as I step into the club.

The music slows down to a few octaves as all commotion halts the moment my steps enter the club.

I feel dozens of eyes staring at me, some I feel with admiration, some with envy, and a very small amount with mild hatred.

It is those people that I need my guards to protect me from— something which all four of them understand.

I keep my chin raised high, my shoulders and neck straightened as I take a few more steps and Jackson and Roger too step aside once their eyes are done taking a sweep of the premises and have deemed it safe for me to step forward.

This is just protocol to ensure the safety of the heiress of New York's biggest oil empire as well as the daughter of the Mafia head of one of the two leading families.

My eyes search the party, and when they meet the striking blue orbs of my father, a chill spreads through my entire body at the expression of utter joy and victory that I find on his face.

He spreads his hands wide, "my beautiful princess!" He says in a cheerful voice as he approached me, the music now only loud enough to be a background noise. "Look around, this is all for you!" He states waving his hands around.

I give him the smile that is expected to be present on my face and follow what he wishes me to do as I take a look around the interiors of Club Kalindi.

My jaw threatens to hang open as my eyes take in the decorations made in my honour.

Kalindi is one of the most prestigious night clubs in Upper East Side, Manhattan. And it is owned by my father and is run by a close friend of mine, Polo.

On most nights, the whole place is packed with socialites, celebrities, and politicians while there is a constant buzz of paparazzi at the entrance, throughout the 365 days of the year. Everyone comes here to either let off steam, make deals in secrecy, or even have secret rendezvous with lovers when they do not want the world to know. Everyone who is a member of this club, has to sign an NDA, pledging to never reveal whatever the witness inside this place once they leave.

This club is the safest place for the rich and influential of New York and tonight, it looked like angels had themselves come down to decorate it for my birthday.

Glitter and exotic flowers have converted this place into a hideout of mystical Fae folks. The earthy tones of wilderness blend seamlessly with the luxurious accents. From custom made designer peacocks built out of pure gold, to flower arched imported from all over the world, the whole club is flowing with rustic fountains and hanging garlands from the ceiling.

I feel like I am in a tropical dream, everything smells and reminds me of warm summer evenings and breezy walks by the beach.

"This is all incredible." I whisper out, the rare genuine smile on my lips never leaving my face— that is, until I meet my father's gaze once again.

My smile falters but I quickly catch my mistake and give him an even brighter grin for all those watching.

"Thank you so much, dad!" I exclaim in a cheerful voice.

My father steps towards me and places his hands on my arms, "happiest birthday, princess. You will make me the happiest man tonight." He whispers the last part softer than before, ensuring that only I will be able to listen to it.

My heart squeezes inside my chest in pain, and I nod my head, never allowing my smile to fall as I lean in to hug my father for the eyes watching us.

"Thank you, dad." I tell him with a grin but as his arms hug me back, I know that I am in a cage with no escape.

And even though my prisoner is going to change, my prison will always remain the same.