I was raised by my parents to be someone who is always in control.
To be in control of my mind.
In control of my feelings and emotions.
And in control of my whole self.
Father would lecture me in how to control my emotions my feelings, thoughts and my body.
"You are the master of you."
Papa would always tell me.
But if I was fully in control of me.
How can one person make my heart beat wildly as if I am running a marathon?
Make my thoughts go in a frenzy. As if I lost all the sanity in me.
And stop myself from being in control?
It all started on that day. That sunny Sunday of which I thought was just a regular Sunday morning while we were eating our brunch outside of our mansion.
The events still flash on my mind that it can probably described as watching a movie in the front seat of a cinema.
That it was as if those events only just happened yesterday.
I can still vividly recall the topics of our conversation. While we were spending our time together as a family on that warm Sunday morning.
"Daciana, what do you think about Marriage for convenience?"
My Papa suddenly asked me out of the blue. That I almost choked on my food.
The topic was so sudden that it almost made me choke on my food and mother was quick to give me a glass of water.
"I haven't thought about it. Why did you ask anyway Papa?"
"Well I was wondering about your opinions about it. Since your friend Jannina Falian is soon to be fixed to marry Gavriel Salaciana."
Father reasoned out. My best of the bestest best friend Jayda was indeed soon to be tied on to that particular heir of The Salaciana Industries.
It still feels like it was just yesterday when she asked me out to come with her and party.
"Don't you have any suitors Ciana?"
My mama asked in her soft gentle voice that can almost be mistaken as a lullaby.
"I have Mama, but I haven't really thought of getting tied on to them."
"So... What are your thoughts about it Ciana?"
There was silence on the table. My parents were patiently waiting for my comment. While I was in deep thought.
"I think it's okay if both sides of the family can gain something from it."
Dad nodded at my comment then stared at my mother.
"If it can help expand each sides businesses and help it develop into something more. Then it must be okay."
I honestly told my parents my opinions about the matter.
My parents nodded in approval to my choose of words. They stared at one another then looked at me and smiled.
Smiling back at them as I began to eat the meal that was served to me.
•••
Stepping out of the car. I heard the loud flashes of cameras that were held by the paparazzi.
This event will surely be the talk of the tabloids.
Walking down the long carpet as reporters flocked on to me asking me questions.
Reporters continued to throw in their questions to me.
Until two bodyguards came escort me. Helping me on my way towards the entrance hall.
Sporting a short sleeved Crystal-Embroidered Silk-Organza cocktail dress.
And a low block heel sandal with an ankle buckle strap closure.
While my hair was in an up do and jewels be seen sparkling from my earrings to my necklace as well as my bracelet.
I stood near the entrance hall as photographers flashed their cameras to take pictures of me on my attire.
The soft jazz of the music was playing softly out of the instruments.
Scanning the whole area I noticed how how the event is fully packed with foreign people.
Well it's and engagement party that is thrown by the riches of the riches.
On the sea of people I can faintly see a table which is taken seat by my parents.
On the center of the event the event I can clearly see my best friend being in a sour mood.
Sporting a beautiful 3D Floral Embroidered V-neck A-line dress with draped sleeves. The skirt of her dress beautifully draped to the floor.
While her soon to be husband is possessively holding her waist.
Guests surrounded the lovely couple.
I started walking towards them. My Louis Vuitton clutch in hand. And my gift for the lovely couple in the other.
"Congratulations on your engagement."
I sincerely to them when I was finally in their sight.
Jayda happily smiled at me and went near me.
"It's amazing of you to make it tonight."
She cheerily said. Getting out of his fiance's hold. Jayda looked beautiful in her attire.
"Of course I wouldn't miss this event. Considering it's your engagement party after all."
I told her teasingly as I handed my gift to her.
"Thank you."
Nodding at her gratitude I took a glace at her waist. That was once again being held by her soon to be husband.
Afraid someone might snatch her out of your hold Gavriel?
Jayda was now talking to one of the guests that were surrounding them.
I started walking out of their circle. Taking it my chance to socialize for the night.
In the deep see of people I van faintly see the beautiful Madame Salaciana sporting her flowing wine red dress.
She in deep talk with Donya Hydrana Vedianas one of the most well known socialite. Sporting an emerald jade gown.
Both Ladies images scream sophistication and elegance. They looked marvelous on their gowns.
I started my walk towards the table that was taken seats by my parents.
"Daciana you've finally arrived. Aleighra Medina came to us. She was looking for you."
My mother greeted me when I arrived.
She was wearing her silky white satin dress and on her left side was Papa sporting his navy blue suit as he stood next to my mama.
Father was talking to Don Simeon Vedianas and right next to him was Aldrich Vedianas.
I sat down on the vacant chair next to my mama.
Fishing the sea of people looking for one of my best friends. When my eyes finally spotted the person I was looking for.
I stood up from mg chair excusing myself from the group.
Starting my pace towards the Medina's table as I saw Alessandra sitting alone in the table with wondering eyes.
Taking a seat next to Leigh when my eyes caught the person who she was looking at.
"Don't you know that it is rude to stare. Leigh?"
I teasingly asked her. It was as if she was hit by a wave reality. When she turned her head to me and glared.
"I did not stare."
She said persistently.
"Yeah sure and you got a little something on your..."
I my index finger to the lower part of my lip.
Her eyes widened as she quickly shuffled on the table looking for a tissue.
Amused at her antics I let out a bark of laughter as she rapidly wiped out the false drool that she thought she had on her chin.
She gave me her most piercing stare which made me laugh louder.
"It's not funny"
Leigh said in a hard tone.
"Yeah right."
She stopped wiping her chin. As she looked up from her small mirror and smiled at me.
"Its hilarious!"
I told her. Which wiped out the smile on her lips.
"Oh, you should have seen the look in your face."
Wiping out none existent tears under my eyes as I let those words out of my mouth.
I gather my emotions and became more serious. Even though a smile can still be faintly seen.
"So... You're into that particular Cantalliano now. Huh?"
I asked her teasingly as she was now putting her mirror back to her purse.
"I am not into him."
She defended.
"You were basically swooning Aleighra."
"I was not!"
"Really Leigh?"
I swiftly took a glance at Rhysand Cantalliano and noticed how he was staring at my in denial best friend.
"He's staring at you."
"Really?! Where."
She then searched the sea of people.
When she noticed the I was right. Her cheeks flushed in crimson. That I swore that they could be mistaken as tomatoes.
"Really Leigh?"
I asked her suspiciously.
"Maybe...-"
She trailed off
"Just a bit."
Heaving a deep sigh I turned to her.
"You are so easy to read."
I told her.
"Hey, are you joining the after party tonight?"
She excitedly asked me.
"Yep."
I shortly replied.
"I wonder if Jayda can join us."
Curiosity was itched on her voice when she let go of those words.
"Of course she's not. I can clearly tell that her fiancé won't be letting her get out of his sight."
"Yeah I noticed that too."
We continued our chat until we not headed on our separate ways to talk to the guests.
"How are you Daciana?"
Paolo Morano asked me when I got near him.
"I'm fine Paolo."
He was sporting his black suit for the evening and on his side was a girl wearing a shimmering white dress.
"You?"
"Doing great Daciana. Oh, I would like you to meet my sister Sophia."
He said as he turned towards his sister. Sophia turned to me and just roller her eyes.
I continued to chat with Paolo when Sophia looked behind me and smiled.
"Adriel!"
She yelled.
Looking behind my back I spotted the familiar looking man.
Adriel Theon Vedianas silently stood on the entrance hall of the building as Miss Sophia Morano throws her arms around him.
I've met him before. In parties and different kinds of social events. Their family is not hard to miss.
Considering that his family is a socialite in the Business Industry. With their multiple companies.
Current CEO of Vedianas Minings and oils as well as Vedianas Steelworks.
The first born Vedianas is a well known tycoon in the business industry and is also known for his track on women.
With his thin red lips, well defined body muscles, angled jaw and sun kissed skin. The Gods really favored him.
He is one of Forbes most eligible bachelor.
Women beg on his knees hoping to be the next one in line to be bedded by him.
So she's his new play mate?
I stopped my trail of thoughts thinking that it was not my business to meddle with his life.
•••
The blinding neon lights of the bar flashed into my vision when I got inside.
"Ciana! Here!"
Taking a glance at the person who called me. I saw Leigh who was sitting with a group of people on a table.
The loud blast of music filled my ears as I started to amble towards their table. Scanning the group I noticed Jayda who was drinking shot after shot.
I sat down beside her.
"I thought you weren't coming."
I asked her questioningly. Her cheeks were already flushed from the amount of alcohol she consumed.
"As if I would miss this moment to Party."
She drunkenly replied to me. Soft spoken Jayda was gone she was now back to her usual party girl self.
Standing up from her seat as she soon joined the crowd of dancing people.
Three shots of tequila was served in front of me. I drank one shot tasting the familiar flavor of the liquor as its continents went down my throat.
I felt it's familiar effect on my body as the liquids vanished from my mouth.
Chatting along with the group as I drank the next five shots that was in front of me.
My vision was now hazy as I listened to their conversation.
Drinking six more shots when I finally felt my head spinning. Feeling the familiar sensation of alcohol on my system.
Standing up from my seat as I unsteadily walked towards the crowd of dancing people.
Swaying my hips as I moved my body with the rhythm of the loud blast of music that surrounded the entire place.
Minutes passed when I finally got tired of dancing. I started my pace towards our table.
"Dude she's hot."
I heard someone from a near table.
"Bro shut up. That's Daciana Syril. She's the-"
Because of the loud music I was unable to hear their whole conversation.
I took a seat on our table. The rest of the group was nowhere to be seen it was just me and Georgina Hernandez.
Georgina was a former classmate of mine back in grade school. She went near me with a cocktail drink in hand.
"Daciana! How are you? It has been ages since we last saw each other."
She drunkenly asked me while almost go of the hold that she had on her drink.
"Yes, it has been ages."
"Daciana did you hear about the news...?"
She trailed off as she sipped the remainder of liquid out of the glass.
"Sophia Morano and Adriel Vedianas engagement got called off."
"Really how come?"
"Because..."
Before she could even finish what she said she fell into a dead sleep on the table. Her cocktail glass falling out of her hand.
•••
I was knocked out asleep when I arrived last night.
I couldn't even remember on how I got back home.
So you can probably imagine what I looked like when I woke up from my sleep the next morning.
Still wearing the clothes that I wore last night as I rose up from my bed. My head was throbbing and my hair was sticking out everywhere.
Walking towards the bathroom as I did my usual morning routine.
Freshly out of shower I went out of the bathroom in my white robe.
I started my pace towards my walk in closet. Taking a white tank top from the closet as well as some shorts.
When I came out of the closet I went back to my bed. As I started blow drying my hair.
I then headed out of my room.
With a throbbing headache I went down the staircase and in to the dining room.
Taking in some supplements as I gobbled a glass of cold water down from the fridge.
It was a warm summer afternoon inside our mansion.
Walking towards the living room when I noticed Donya Hydrana sitting comfortably on one of our couches while reading a magazine.
It was shocking to see her in the flesh. When she noticed me staring at her she put her magazine down and smiled to me.
Confusion was probably written on my face.
What is she doing here?
The Donya walked towards me. She was wearing a luxurious red dress. On her left hand was a black Hermes bag.
Donya Hydrana Vedianas is the mother of Adriel and Aldrich Vedianas. She is a well known socialite due to her class and fame.
"Daciana dear, would you care to join me on our mansion in Isla El Fuego? I've been feeling pretty lonely recently and I wondered if you could maybe keep me company?"
She gently asked me.
Wait. What?