LARISSA

LARISSA "Oh, my goodness! Larissa, you appear to be very expensive!" Karina exclaimed and cupped her hands over her mouth. Her reactions made me roll my eyes. “Just expensive?” I c****d my brow at her. “You’re aware that you’re more than expensive, Larissa. You look fabulous! You know, I really like your freckles,” Nathalie replied. My best friends are Karina and Nathalie. I’m aware that our attitudes are diametrically opposed. I’m free, wild, and carefree. Karina and Nathalie, on the other hand, can be compared to geeks and nerds at school. But they are the only people who have accepted me for who I am. They’re not judgmental, and I love them. And if anyone dares to screw them over, I’ll make sure they pay for it. Even if these two nagged me like a mother. I knew they only wanted the best for me. And I think it’s really sweet. “All right, let’s go. Your family will be waiting for you at the party, Larissa,” Karina said, clutching my palm. So, another dull oldies party. Tonight is my parents’ 20th wedding anniversary, and I’m not feeling festive. It bothers me. I’m about to vomit just thinking about going to my parents’ boring anniversary party. If my mother hadn’t threatened to get angry at me, I wouldn’t have bothered to go to the party with my friends. It will be held in the WIC Company auditorium. This is my father’s business. Soon after, my driver takes us to my parents’ workplace. “Oh, I thought I was going to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding!  This party looks so expensive...” Nathalie muttered. When we walked into the big aisle, cameras started clicking all over the place, just to get a picture of me. I can see how everyone’s gaze was drawn to me. And I absolutely love it. I enjoy drawing people’s attention. Men’s eyes are filled with desire and lust, while women’s eyes are filled with jealousy. Who wouldn’t feel this way against Larissa Laurent? I, Larissa Laurent, and I am the sole heiress of Alice and Franco Laurent. One of our country’s most powerful businessmen. Many people hold him in high regard.  I have everything in this world—beauty, power, and intelligence. I can get whatever I want with a single snap of my fingers. And life can be so monotonous for me. There is no thrill, no excitement. “Is she the daughter of Alice and Franco Laurent?” I overheard a gentleman say. “She is,” “She’s stunning. A  lady with class. Her parents must be honored to have such a daughter.” “I’m sure they do!” Sarcastically, I smirked. I did not know Karina was watching my actions. “Are you all right?” I asked her. She blinked her eyes. “O-Of course, Larissa, let’s go to our reserved table,” she said, avoiding my gaze.  I furrowed my brows in her reaction. Nathalie grabbed my arm. “Larissa!  Your parents are waving back at us,” My friends dragged me to my parents. I noticed my father, Franco, dressed formally in a business suit and looking well for his age. “I’m so glad you tagged your friends, Larissa,” my father said as he kissed my head. Nathalie and Karina bowed their heads. “Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Laurent.” My parents smiled as my friends greeted them. “I’m glad you tagged along with your friends here, Larissa,” my father said. “Of course, I should accompany them here, dad.  This is not a party for young people like me,” I gave my mother a quick glance. In her gown, Alice appears to be quite young. My father loves her because she has an angelic and delicate face. His wife’s beauty completely smote Franco Laurent. I gave her a friendly smile. “Mom,” She looked at me, and our gazes locked. “You look like a true goddess,” I said to her. She returned my smile with a sweet smile. “I appreciate it, darling. You were also stunning,” she exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with delight. We were both smiling at each other when my father pretended to cough in order to get our attention. “Anyway, the party will begin any minute now.  Why don’t you find yourself a seat?” We shook our heads and sat in our assigned seats. I turned to face my father, who was now in the center of the stage, holding a microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. First and foremost, I’d like to thank everyone for coming. I know we’re all busy, but I appreciate you taking the time to join us today as my wife and I celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary! To my lovely wife, remember that I love you so much,” my father says, looking very emotional. He went on with his speech. “To my daughter, Larissa, we are so grateful to have you in our lives. I love you,” My father’s speech was met with applause from the audience. “Aww, that’s so sweet of him,” “He must adore his family,” I overheard some of the guest’s remarks. “What a lovely family. A handsome father, a timeless beauty mother, and a stunning daughter! They are the perfect family!” “Oh, how I wish I were like them!” Those are just common remarks that I hear from everyone. And it’s something I’m used to. The party began following my father’s speech. A group of my father’s investors came up to us. “Franco! Congratulations on your 20th wedding anniversary,” “Thank you, Mr. Brown.” “You have a lovely wife and daughter,” I can tell my father is flattered to have us. Mr. Brown gave me a look. “Good day, young lady. Do you mind if I ask whether you have a boyfriend?” My mother rolled her eyes at me. I inhaled deeply. “I do, Mr. Brown,” I said. My father remains silent. Mr. Brown’s face was etched with disappointment. “Oh, is that so? I have a son, and I’m confident you two will make a great couple.” I didn’t respond to him. He swallowed and cleared his throat. “Anyway, where is your boyfriend?” he asks once more. My boyfriend’s name is Jules Taylor. And it isn’t anything serious. I despise being alone, so I let him be my boyfriend. “I’m sorry, Mr. Brown, but my boyfriend isn’t here today.  Besides, he won’t find this place to be a stress-relief haven,” I joked. My remark was met with laughter from everyone. “Oh, Franco, I liked your child! I like how straightforward she is.” The party went on. But when the party was over, I was gripped by huge hands. I was on my way to the toilet. “Larissa,” someone whispered in my ear. In shock and fear, my eyes widened. “No! Help! Somebody help me...!” I screamed, but the darkness engulfed me…   ***