"We're finally in America", Ximena said as she got down from the plane with her luggage.
"Dieu Merci", Zuri heaved.
"Let me help you with that Miss Lavigne", Carlos, Ximena's personal bodyguard offered.
"D'accord", Ximena said as she left the luggage for him.
"Do I need to remind you Juan?" Zuri glared at her bodyguard. "You should be more like Carlos".
"I'm sorry Miss Zuri. I was just about to say it", Juan apologized
Ximena smiled. "You guys never get along", she whispered as they walked out if the airport
"Yeah. That's because he doesn't know his work", Zuri said. "Unlike you and Carlos, Juan and I aren't friends. He's only my bodyguard and nothing else".
The relationship between Carlos and Ximena was more like friendship than the one of an employer and employee. Carlos had been her bodyguard since she was twelve. She'd been attacked by some street guys when she ran away from home after a heated argument with her parents. She'd gotten injured. The guys made away with her phone and purse. Ever since, her parents hired a personal bodyguard for her and also for Zuri. Her parents may be tough and strict but deep down, they cared about her
"You should try to get along with him", Ximena said.
"Whatever".
"Dad said he'd ask a driver to pick us. We'll just have to wait", Ximena said.
"I wonder how long we'd wait", Zuri said with her eyes searching around.
Few minutes later, Ximena's phone rang. It was an unknown number.
"Who's that?" Zuri asked when she noticed the look on Ximena's face
"Je n'en sais Rien. It's an unknown number", Ximena said. "I'll just take the call".
Zuri nodded. Ximena picked the call. "Hello".
"Am I speaking with Miss Lavigne?"
"Yes. It's Ximena Lavigne speaking. Who are you?"
"Mr Armando Lavigne, your dad asked me to pick you and your sister. I'm at the airport already".
"Ok. What type and colour of car did you come in? You know, there're lots of cars here", Ximena asked sparing Zuri a glance.
"It's a blue Mercedes Benz with plate number L..."
"Don't worry, I think I've seen it. We're coming right away", Ximena said and ended the call. "Come on Zuri let's go".
"At last!" Zuri said.
5:36PM
💥NEW YORK CITY, MANHATTAN
The gates opened as soon as the driver pressed the car horn. The driver drove in after he was scanned.
"We're finally home", Zuri smiled exposing her white set of teeth a little.
Ximena looked at her sister and smiled also. Slowly, Zuri's smile faded.
"What's wrong Zuri?" She asked.
"I'm just worried 'cos dad and mom might not be happy to see me. You know, each time they visit us back in Paris, they always seemed more happy to see you than to see me. The same happens whenever we return from a travel. Especially mom..." Zuri said with her head bent. "It makes me feel less important."
Ximena tilted her sister's face to look at her. She could see the sadness and fear in her eyes. She stroked her chestnut brown hair which she'd gotten from her mother. Then her hand slid down to her cheeks to wipe away the tears that had been threatening to drop. She looked at her beautiful oval face adorned with deep blue eyes, a small straight nose and full pink lips.
"You know, you're really one pretty girl Zuri", Ximena said. "And what do I always tell you? Pretty girls don't cry."
Zuri smiled ruefully. "Come on Mena, I'm seventeen. That's not gonna work on me anymore."
"Come here", Ximena said and pulled her into a hug. "I can assure you that mom and dad would be elated when they see you. Ok?"
"Thank you sis. You're the best," Zuri smiled.
"We're here ma'am," the driver said breaking the sisterly moment.
"Oh, right. Let's go Zuri," Ximena said and held her hands. It was her way of telling her not to worry.
The two sisters stepped out of the car. Ximena watched as the driver drove into the garage which housed many cars of different colours and types. She shifted her gaze to the gigantic building in front of her. She shook her head and heaved a long sigh. She'd always wondered why her father loved building big houses. She always saw it as unnecessary because they weren't a large family; just four of them. But then, she always had an answer- It's just one of his numerous ways of displaying his wealth. Sometimes, she wished she wasn't born into a very wealthy family. She'd always wanted to live a simple life with a simple house. As usual, she knew it'd remain a wish because it was the will of God in her life.
"What are you thinking about sis? Let's go in," Zuri said.
"Oh! Right let's go in," Ximena blinked profusely and smiled.
The both of them walked to the front door with their bodyguards right behind them carrying their luggage. Two guards were positioned at each side of the door. They both bowed to the girls as they reached the door. It was made of glass. One of the guards pressed a button and the door opened after a green light appeared. The sisters went into the house.
Just as expected, the inside was breathtaking. The walls were painted white, a huge beautiful chandelier hung from the ceiling with lights glittering. There were two staircases; one with a golden rail and the other with a silver rail. An aquarium was mounted in the wall adjoining the living room and dinning. The windows were large to welcome any ray of sun.
Upon the walls were the photographs of their parents mostly and few photos of them. Each corner of the wall was beautifully carved and the designs were made with complete care. The beautiful high arched windows were framed with velvet drapes, the lace inner curtains remained drawn. The vintage vibes made it even more beautiful.
"Typical of dad," Ximena murmured.
"Oh Mia! You're here!" Nora Lavigne called from the stairs with the golden rail. "Armando! The kids are back."
Nora Lavigne walked down the stairs beaming. She was a woman in her early forties but one would think she was a thirty- year- old. Her long chestnut brown hair draped over her shoulders. She had a long diamond face graced with a pair of sand brown eyes with long thick lashes, pointed nose with a beauty mark on her left nostril and full lips adorned with a red lipstick. As soon as she got to her daughters, she hugged the both of them. Ximena gave Zuri a 'told ya' look.
"Oh my angels, how have you been?" She asked and disengaged
"We've been fine mom," Zuri smiled.
"Oh my Zuri is now a woman," Nora chuckled caressing her cheek.
"Mom," Zuri laughed.
"What about dad?" Ximena asked.
"Here I am princess," Armando said walking down the same staircase his wife took.
Armando Lavigne was in his late forties. He had a ginger red hair. His chiseled stubble- shaved face housed two bright hazel eyes, a Grecian hooked nose with thin lips which bore a smile. He was one handsome man.
"Bienvenue mes filles," he greeted pecking their foreheads.
"Merci papa", the two girls beamed.
"How was your journey? I'm sure you guys must tired," Armando said.
"You got it dad. We're exhausted," Ximena said.
"Jessica! Dahlia!" Nora called.
"Yes ma'am," the two ladies answered simultaneously as they rushed to meet her.
"Show Mia and Zuri their rooms."
"Okay ma'am." They both bowed their heads.
"Mia, if you need anything, tell Jessica. She'll do it for you because she'll be your personal maid from now henceforth. Likewise you, Zuri. Dahlia is your personal maid," Nora said. "Go freshen up and join us for dinner."
The two girls nodded and followed the maids. Carlos and Juan tailed behind them.
"Hmm, nice," Ximena said as soon as she got into her room.
She looked around the room. There was a computer, sound system, deluxe pillows and mattress. The room was large and kind of cold. Just like the sitting room, the walls were painted white. An arm chair with a sofa next to it were in a corner of the room and a plasma TV in front. In front of the bed, just a few feet away was a dressing table. There was a door next to it. She opened it and smiled. It was a dressing room. The first thing that caught her eyes were the shoe racks. There were lots of footwear which are of different colours and designs. She shook her head and her gaze shifted to the huge closet. She opened it and as she'd thought, it was stocked with the latest clothes. She shook her head again and was about to close it when a shopping bag caught her attention. She checked the content and saw a red fabric which was neatly folded. She brought it out of the bag and realized it was a red gown. She frowned a little wondering why it was kept separately and not hung like the rest. She placed it back the way she saw it and closed the closet. She went out of the dressing room and saw Jessica unpacking her bag.
"Hey! What are you doing?" Ximena asked, walking towards her.
"Uh... I was helping you unpack," Jessica replied looking surprised.
"No, no, don't bother. I'll unpack myself," Ximena said.
"It's my job. Please allow me to do it," Jessica said with her head bowed.
"I prefer to do it myself."
"Okay, miss. If you need anything else, call me," Jessica said.
"I will. You can go now."
After Jessica left, Ximena went into the bathroom to freshen up. When she was done, she put on a dark green turtle neck long sleeve shirt with a pair of white trousers. Then, she proceeded to the dining table. Her parents and sister were there already. She took a seat opposite Zuri.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting," she apologized.
"No worries. Let's eat," Nora smiled.
The four began eating silently which seemed kind of awkward to Ximena. Of course she knew about table manners but the silence was killing her especially when her parents were giving each other a weird look.
"So dad, why did you ask us to cone to America? You said it was urgent," Ximena finally broke the awkward silence.
Armando looked up at his daughter and saw the curiosity in her eyes. Then he wore a cold demeanour. Zuri dug her fork into the bowl of pasta in front of her. She had an expressionless look on her face.
"Well, Mena, the thing is..." He began but was interrupted by his wife's throat clearing.
"Mia, we'll discuss it tomorrow, okay?" Nora said sternly.
"But mom, let's just..."
"Don't forget your table manners," Nora maintained her stern tone.
"Fine," Ximena scoffed.
The quietness returned and Ximena kept sighing as she ate. From the look on her parents' faces, she knew it was a serious matter and the suspense was driving her crazy. She calmed down after some seconds and decided to ask her parents about the dress she'd seen in her closet earlier.
"Um, mom, can I ask you something?" She asked.
Nora studied her for a moment before replying.
"Go on".
" I found a dress... I mean, why did you keep that red dress separately. What's the occasion? The dress looked like a ball gown. Are we attending a ball or something?" Ximena asked, fixing her gaze on her mother.
"Yeah. I also got one. Mine was a purple gown. I also saw a mask. Seems like it's a masked ball," Zuri said, turning her gaze to her mother.
"You got one too?" Ximena asked and Zuri nodded in response.
Armando and Nora exchanged glances.
"Zuri's right. It's masked ball," Armando said.
"A masked ball? Is that the reason you called us here?" Ximena asked in disbelief.
"Kind of", Armando replied.
"Kind of? What do you mean?"
"The masked ball was organized as a pretext for an introduction."
"Introduction? What kind of introduction? Oh, is it business?" Ximena asked and dipped the fork into her mouth, chewing on the pasta.
"It's not business. It's..."
"Can't we talk about this tomorrow?" Nora cut in.
"No, mom. Let dad say what he wants. Why won't you let him speak?" Ximena said.
Armando gave Nora a look that Ximena couldn't make out.
"It's a wedding introduction."
"Wedding? Who's getting married?"
"The thing is that it's actually a betrothal. The man and woman to be married haven't met before."
"What? A betrothal? Does that still exist? And the people to be married haven't met yet?" Ximena had a shocked expression on her face.
"Yes, it does exist," Nora chipped in.
"This is ridiculous. Well, I'm glad I'm not betrothed to anyone." Ximena dipped the pasta into her mouth again.
" Me too. It's so old fashioned and outdated," Zuri agreed.
Ximena noticed the look on her father's face. It was as if he was hiding something from her.
"What? Is there something you aren't telling me?" Ximena asked.
"Actually, the ball is for you and your betrothed," Armando finally said.
"Armando," Nora called in a whisper.
"WHAT?" Ximena shrieked.
"Uh!" Zuri gasped.
"My betrothed? You are joking right?" Ximena forced out a laugh.
Of course she knew better. Her father hardly cracked jokes and he couldn't possibly crack a joke with something as serious as that. Her father was a tough man.
"You are serious?" She asked when both of her parents didn't say anything.
"You've been betrothed to him since you were in your mother's womb," Armando said.
"What nonsense!" Ximena scoffed.
"Watch what you say young lady," Nora said.
"Ha! Ha! Ha!" Ximena laughed. "You expect me to believe that I'm betrothed?"
"It's the truth, Mena and you're gonna accept it whether or not you like it," Armando said getting angry.
"If you really think I'm gonna get married to someone I haven't met then I'm sorry to disappoint you, that's not gonna happen. I refuse to accept this betrothal!" Ximena yelled and slammed her palms on the table, causing her glass of juice to spill, thereby wetting her white trousers. She stood up angrily.
"Mia!" Nora raised her voice and stood up too. "Do you realize it's your dad you're talking to?"
"Of course I do. Dad, I'm not getting married and that's final," she said.
Armando rose to his feet. "I didn't tell you this to get your opinion or for you to object to it. I'm only telling you so that you'll be aware. You can't object to it. Like I said before, it has been finalized even before you were born."
"I'm the one getting married here, so I have every right to object to it if I don't want to," Ximena countered.
"Mena's right dad. She has the right to object. After all, she's the one getting married," Zuri stood up too.
"Stay out of this, Zuri," Nora scowled. Turning to Mena, she said, "We're your parents so we'll make your decisions for you."
"No matter how much you decline, our decision stands. You're getting married to your betrothed," Armando said.
"But dad, I haven't even seen him before. I don't know who he is or what he's like. I don't even know if he's the right man for me, yet you want me to get married to some random man," Ximena huffed irritably.
"He's not some random man. He has a name," Nora said angrily.
"And what's his name?"
"Hugo De León," Armando answered instead. "His father is Santiago De León. You and Zuri went to his house in Spain when you were younger. Do you remember him?"
"Yes I do but I do not know Hugo De León. He wasn't there when we visited," Ximena said already pissed.
"You're right. He was in Italy at that time. He was there for..."
"Don't try to change the topic, dad. The fact remains that I'm not gonna marry him."
"He's a good man. I'm sure you'll love him when you see him," Nora said.
"Love?" Ximena laughed. "I won't be able to love him. I can't love him. You guys can't force me to marry who I don't want to!" She screamed.
"Shut up!" Armando yelled. "We aren't forcing you. It's something that has already been decided the moment we found out you were a girl. Why make a fuss out of it? The fact that you haven't seen him is not an excuse. The masked ball is the day after tomorrow so you'll meet him there. And it's not like you guys will get married immediately. The marriage is in two months. I'm sure you two will know each other better by then."
"Two months isn't enough to know your life partner," Ximena said and ran a hand through her hair. "Why didn't you guys tell me earlier? Why didn't you let me know that I was betrothed? It isn't fair. It... It... Really isn't fair." Her voice was beginning to quiver and her eyes became teary.
"Well, at least we told you now," Armando said.
"Dad," Ximena cried. "Can't you allow me to make this one decision myself? All my life, I've been listening to and obeying whatever you and mom told me to do. You guys have been the ones making every decision in my life even when it wasn't what I wanted. Am I not allowed to make my own decisions now that I'm of age? I too am a human and I alone know what's best for me. This is marriage we're talking about. Do you really want me to spend the rest of my life with someone I don't love? Huh? Tell me! She yelled and broke down.
"Listen, Mia, we're your parents and know what's best for you," Nora said.
"No, you don't! You don't know anything! Every decision you guys made for me was a burden to me. You decided everything about my life. What to eat, what to wear, who to make friends with. In fact I don't have any friends and it's all because of you guys. You made me the head of one of your companies when I was just sixteen. Do you even know how hard it was for me back then? I'm sure you don't. I'm not a child anymore, mom. I'm twenty-two. I can make my own decisions! You won't decide who my life partner will be," Ximena said with tears streaming down her face.
Zuri felt bad looking at her sister in tears. Everything her sister had said was right.
"Mom, dad. Please allow Mena to make her own decisions. She's not some small girl who can't make decisions for herself. She's old enough. Aren't you hurt by her tears? If she says she doesn't want to get married, I don't see any reason why she should be forced. It's her life," Zuri tried to convince her parents.
"I said stay out of this!" Nora growled.
"And why should she? She's the only one who understands me. All you guys ever wanted was for me to become the perfect heiress. All my life, I've been hankering for a simple life. You guys always make things difficult for me but you don't seem to care!"
"Enough Mena! I won't tolerate such words. No matter what, you'll get married to your betrothed!" Armando said.
" come off it, Dad!" Ximena clenched her fists. "I'm not getting married and that's final!"
After saying that, she ran out of the house. Zuri wanted to go after her but she was stopped.
"Go to your room, Zuri," Nora said.
"But mom, you know what happens each time she runs away from home like this," Zuri protested. "And besides, she's new to the city."
"I said go to your room!" Nora yelled.
"Mom..."
"Listen to your mom, Zuri," Armando said.
Zuri huffed and proceeded to her room.
As soon as Ximena got to the front door, she was stopped by Carlos.
"Miss Lavigne, it's late..."
"I don't care."
"At least let me come with you," Carlos said.
"Not this time, Carlos," she said, wiping her tears without looking at him. And with that, she went out of the house crying.
"I wonder what happened this time," Carlos muttered.
Ximena kept crying and walked farther away. At a point she began to run. She didn't even know where she was going. The city was unknown to her and she knew it was dangerous to move about by that time of the night. But she couldn't care less. She continued running without giving a damn about the few people that were on the road and what they thought about her. She didn't know how far she had gone or where she was. After running for some time she felt stupid. The last time she had run away from home was when she was nineteen. She stopped running but couldn't stop crying. She began to walk. Then she got to the road. She looked to see if there was an oncoming vehicle. Seeing none nearby, she made to cross the road but then, she saw a white car coming towards her at full speed. She was too shocked to move. The driver pressed the brake but due to the car's speed, it didn't stop immediately. Ximena was hit by the car. She fell down and slowly lost consciousness.