8:12AM
JUAN AND CARLOS' ROOM
Carlos turned around on his bed. He slowly opened his eyes and saw Juan staring at him. He sat up quickly and faced Juan.
"Juan, how did I get here? Last thing I remember, I was in a restaurant with Miss Lavigne," Carlos said rubbing his eyes.
"You were drunk, dummy. Miss Ximena rode the bike back herself with you unconscious. Who knows what nonsense you spewed out," Juan scoffed.
Carlos thought his heart stopped beating for a while. He held his chest and recounted the memories of the previous day.
"No!" He screamed and Juan had to cover his mouth with his palm.
"Shut up. How can you scream that way? Have you forgotten that you're in the Lavigne's mansion?" Juan said.
"I'm done for, Juan. I messed up pretty bad," Carlos lamented.
Juan creased his forehead. "Wait a minute, don't tell me you kissed her or did you tell her about your feelings?"
Carlos bit his lower lip and smacked his head.
"What am I gonna do now? How am I supposed to face her?"
"Which one did you do?" Did you kiss her or did you..."
"Both! I did the both of them!" Carlos yelled out in frustration.
"What?" A frown creased Juan's forehead but it suddenly turned to a smile. "Wow man! That's so cool. At least you'd be free of the burden of feelings that has been weighing you down for ten years."
"Are you for real now, Juan?" Carlos scoffed and ruffled his hair.
Juan chuckled and leaned towards him. "You have to take responsibility for what you've done, lover boy," he smirked and went into the bathroom, laughing to himself.
"Argh!!" Carlos groaned and threw the pillows away.
THE BRIGGS' MANSION
Walter smiled to himself as he sat on his bed. He got up and paced around the room. Then he went to the dressing mirror and sat down in front. He looked satisfied, staring at his reflection in the mirror.
'I look handsome even when I'm just waking,' he smiled at his thought.
He brushed his hair backwards with his palm.
"Ah! Today is the D-day, Mena. I can't wait to see you. You might not remember me but I'll never forget your beautiful face," he chuckled softly.
Just then, the door opened and his sister came in. He turned to face her.
"Roxy, aren't you going to school today?" He asked.
She strode to the bed and sat on it.
"Nah. I don't feel like it," Roxy said and fell backwards.
"What do you mean you don't feel like it? You haven't been in school for three days now." Walter frowned.
"I'm tired of going to school. If I go now, I'll just come back home angry," Roxy scoffed.
Walter stood up and walked to her. He sat beside her on the bed.
"What's going on? What would you come back angry?" He asked.
"There's this guy in my class that I have a huge crush on but he doesn't even look at me. To make matters worse, Heather called me yesterday and told me that a new girl transferred to our school and she's in our class. According to her, the new girl is hot and beautiful. And to top it all, she's Romeo's seatmate." Roxy rushed her words in frustration.
"Who's Romeo?"
"The guy I have a crush on. I think her name is Zuri La... Oh yes Zuri Lavigne, the daughter of the famous business tycoon, Mr Armando Lavigne. She just returned from Paris," Roxy explained and sat up.
"Did you just say Lavigne?"
"Yeah. What's wrong?"
Walter smiled. "Don't be on bad terms with her."
"Are you for real? I mean she's my rival and..."
"She'll be your sister in-law soon," Walter smiled.
"What?"
"I'm getting married to her sister, Ximena Lavigne," Walter smiled and sighed in relief.
"What?"
PHOENIX HIGH
11:45AM
"I'll leave you guys to solve these problems. Submit to the class president, Chloe when you're done," Ms. Slade said. Turning to Chloe, she said, "Chloe, bring the books to my table."
"Yes, Ms.Slade," Chloe answered.
And with that, Ms.Slade left. The class became noisy as everyone was talking about Zuri. Zuri took a quick glance at Romeo and saw that he was busy solving the maths problems. An idea crossed her mind which made her smile.
'You're a genius, Zuri', she thought and smiled to herself.
"Hey, Romeo," Zuri called with a smile.
Romeo tilted his head to her and adjusted his glasses.
"Could you help me out with the problems? I heard you're the top student in our grade," she cooed.
Romeo had this blank look on his face that made her feel like she was talking to a rock. She prayed silently that he shouldn't decline. Of course, she knew how to solve the questions. They were very simple questions and she'd come across them before. Besides, she was very good at maths.
"Sure." His reply was short.
Zuri's heart leapt for joy. "Thanks."
They began solving it with Romeo explaining to her.
"You're catching on pretty fast," Romeo said.
"Uh... Yeah, I'm a fast learner," she smiled.
Romeo continued teaching her while she stared at his face. He had black glossy hair which was slicked back over his ears. A pair of oval shaped taupe brown eyes shone through the transparent lenses of his glasses. His nose was narrow and he had pink lips. Most people's attention diverted to them.
"If only Roxy were here to see this," Heather muttered through clenched teeth.
"I can't believe she's actually talking to Romeo," Raya whispered to Wendy.
"I know, right?" Wendy whispered too.
"Uh, are you listening?" Romeo asked Zuri who was lost staring at him.
"Yeah. I am," she replied. "Actually, I'm wondering if you could be my maths tutor."
"What?" Romeo's eyes widened.
"I mean, you're really good at explaining things. It'd be very nice if you agreed and in return, I'll help you with French."
"Um... Wendy told me you're not really good at French."
"Well, that's true. French had not been very easy for me especially the oral aspect. I chose French as my foreign language because I thought it was easier than Spanish and Italian. And I also..." He stopped suddenly, realizing that he had spoken more words than he should. "Why am I telling you all these?" He muttered.
Zuri frowned a little.
"And why can't you tell me?"
"I can't be your maths tutor. Go find someone else," Romeo said bluntly, ignoring her question.
"Uh? But I offered to help you out with French. It's not like it's for free. It's also beneficial to you," she pressed on.
"Listen I..."
The bell rang for lunch break.
"We can talk over lunch. Let's go to the cafeteria together," Zuri said.
"No thanks. I can go alone," he said promptly.
'Playing hard to get, is it? Don't worry, you won't be able to resist me for too long. After all, I'm Zuri Lavigne,' she thought.
"Okay then," she said and turned to her new friends. "Come on, let's go grab lunch. I'm starving."
Raya and Wendy chuckled as they left the class with Zuri, Juan following behind them.
"I can't believe you were actually having a conversation with Romeo," Wendy said as they walked.
"Me too. Romeo never talks to anyone in class. I'm really surprised he spoke to you," Raya said.
"What do you expect? She's very beautiful and hot," Wendy said.
"And she's Zuri Lavigne after all," Raya added and the three of them laughed.
"Oh that's right. I've always wanted to ask you, were you really living in Paris?" Raya asked.
Zuri nodded.
"Really? Tell me about it. I heard it's very beautiful. Which other countries have you visited?" Raya asked excitedly.
********
THE LAVIGNE'S MANSION
4:30PM
Ximena and Zuri were in the living room with their mother, waiting for the hairstylists and make up artists. It was evident on Ximena's fave that she wasn't happy. Just then, the make up artists and hairstylists showed up.
"They're here," Nora beamed as they walked up to her.
They exchanged pleasantries.
"Make sure you guys are done before 5:30. The party is starting by that time. And Mia, you know you're the reason for the party so make sure you arrive on time. Your dad and I are leaving now. We'll see you guys there," Nora said and pecked her daughters before leaving.
Ximena and Zuri exchanged glances before going to their rooms with the make up artists and stylists.
********
Zuri came out of her room dress in her beautiful purple dress. The style was off-shoulders. She wore a pair of purple gloves too. She looked stunning. She was about going down the stairs when Ximena came out of her room in a magnificent red dress. It was a sleeveless dress adorned with glitters. She had a silver shawl around her shoulders due to the chilly breeze. Her ears and neck were beautified with diamond jewelry. She was also putting on a pair of long red gloves.
"Wow, Mena. Tu es bien Dan's cette robe," Zuri said. "No, you look... You're really beautiful. I'm proud to have you as my sister."
Ximena chuckled. "You're not bad either. You're absolutely gorgeous."
They both went out of the house to the garage and walked towards their cars. Ximena saw Carlos standing beside the car. Ignoring him, she went into the car.
'Is she upset about yesterday? Or is it because I didn't pick her calls?' He thought before entering the car. He sat beside her.
Zuri's car had already gone. Ximena's car drove off too. Both Ximena and Carlos were quiet for a long while which made him uncomfortable. He decided to break it by speaking up first.
"Miss Lavigne..."
"You're fired Carl," Ximena cut in like she'd been waiting for him to speak up first.
Carlos' eyes dilated in shock. He was dumbfounded for a while.
"What do you mean?" He asked when he finally found his voice.
"What part of 'you're fired' do you not understand? It's self-explanatory," Ximena said with a cold expression on her face.
"But why?"
"Are you seriously asking me that?"
Carlos gulped. "Miss..."
"Don't talk to me." Ximena maintained the cold expression.
"If it's about yesterday, I'm truly sorry. I know I wasn't supposed to say that. It's just that I was drunk. I wasn't in my right state of mind. I'm sorry Miss Lavigne. You can't fire me like this. How..." Carlos went on but stopped when he saw the look on Ximena's face.
She couldn't hold herself anymore and burst into an uncontrollable laughter.
"You should have seen the look on your face, Carl," she said amidst laughter.
"Wait... Was it a joke?" Carlos asked, feeling stupid.
She nodded and continued laughing.
"I was only pulling your legs. How could I ever fire you, Carl? You're my only friend. I'd be at a greater loss if I ever did that," she said with a smile.
Carlos sighed in relief. "You have no idea how scared I was. Don't do that again Miss Lavigne. You got me."
"Why didn't you pick my calls?" Ximena asked with a slight pout.
"Actually, I... It was because of yesterday. I didn't know how to face you or what to say to you. That's why. I'm sorry," Carlos said.
"I'm not angry about yesterday. You were drunk so I understand," she beamed.
Carlos returned the smile. 'She's so beautiful,' he thought.
"I meant everything I told you yesterday. Everything I said was the truth. I know it's foolish of me to be in love with you but it can't be helped. And I know you don't feel the same way about me but it's okay."
"I'm sorry, Carl."
"You don't have to be sorry. Rejection enables one to move on," Carlos smiled.
********
DE LEÓN HALL
"Oh Hugo! For how long will you keep your gaze at the entrance?" Eliana chuckled.
"How long will it take her to get here? Her parents are here already," Hugo said.
"Look who's in a hurry to get married," Chloe laughed.
"I thought you didn't want to get married, Hugo," Eliana teased.
Just then, Zuri came in with Juan behind her. She'd worn her mask already. Juan also wore a mask.
"Is she the one?" Hugo asked with his gaze fixed on Zuri.
"She's wearing purple silly. I told you she's gonna wear red just like you. Be patient, okay?" Eliana smiled.
"She looks familiar though," Chloe said.
"Do you know her?" Hugo asked.
"I'm not sure,"Chloe muttered.
"She should be here already. What's keeping her?" Hugo muttered.
"You're too impatient, little bro," Eliana said.
***
"Why isn't Mia here yet?" Nora asked worriedly.
"She was supposed to come with Zuri, right?" Armando asked.
"Yeah. Zuri is here already but Mia hasn't arrived," Nora said.
The both of them exchanged glances.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Armando asked.
"Oh God! I hope she hasn't run away. God please let it not be it," Nora clasped her palms together and prayed to God.
Suddenly, the hall became quiet.
"Look who's come in." Armando nudged his wife.
Nora sighed in relief as soon as she sighted Ximena.
"Hugo! Look! Look!" Eliana called excitedly.
Hugo looked at her. "What is it?"
"Not at me. Look over there." Eliana shifted her gaze to the entrance.
Hugo turned to the entrance and his mouth went agape as soon as he saw Ximena with Carlos by her side.
"You don't want a fly to go into your mouth, big bro," Chloe giggled and pressed his lips together.
Hugo didn't break the stare. His eyes followed her as she walked. She was resplendent in her red dress. He made to go to her but was held back by his sister.
"Where do you think you're going?" Eliana asked. "Don't you know you're not supposed to go to her until you're asked to?"
"They're making me nervous. Why are they staring at me like that?" Ximena whispered to Carlos.
"You're beautiful," Carlos whispered with a smile.
Ximena returned the smile. She sighted her parents and sister and walked up to them, relieved that she'd seen some familiar faces.
"I thought you weren't gonna come," Nora said. "You're gorgeous, dear."
"Thanks, mom."
"Now that you're here, the party will begin," Armando said and walked away from them.
"Isn't this place beautiful?" Zuri asked looking at the decorations.
"It sure is," Ximena agreed.
"Ladies and gentlemen," someone spoke into the microphone.
They turned to see Santiago De León.
"Why is he the MC?" Ximena asked her mother.
"That's what he wants." Nora shrugged.
"The hour we've been waiting for is here. The bride-to-be and groom-to-be will now come on stage. Let's applaud as Hugo De León comes to the stage.
"Go bro. It's your cue," Chloe smiled.
Hugo looked at his sisters before going to the stage. The audience clapped for him.
"He's cute," Zuri smiled fixing her gaze on Hugo.
"Cute," Ximena scoffed staring at him.
"Of course he is," Zuri frowned.
"How can you tell when he's wearing a mask?"
"You'll never change, Mena. Can't you see his physique? His walking step is magnificent. And besides, the mask is only covering his eyes. His nose and lips are visible. Can't you see..."
"That's enough, Zuri," Ximena sighed.
"Ximena Lavigne will now come on stage. Give her a rousing ovation," Santiago said.
Zuri gave her two thumbs up. Ximena exhaled deeply and began walking towards the stage. The applause increased when she got on the stage. She felt weird and nervous being the center of attraction. Closing her eyes, she exhaled deeply. Hugo noticed her uneasiness and made to reach for her hand but stopped himself midway.
'What are you trying to do, Hugo? Control yourself,' he thought.
"Now, you'll both remove each other's masks," Santiago said, facing the both of them. "Ximena, you'll go first."
Ximena nodded and turned to Hugo. She took few steps closer to him until they were inches apart. Slowly, she reached for his mask and pulled it over his head. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw him. He was just as cute as Zuri had said. She blinked nervously as she checked out his facial features. He had deep brown hair which was styled as a curly undercut with two short curls sticking out on his forehead. His eyebrows were the same color as his hair and they were neatly carved. He had a pair of slender oval shaped eyes and a unique eye color; a pair of bright emerald green eyes. He was adorned with a Grecian narrow shaped nose. His lips had the color of a peach and a sharply defined jaw.
"Como me veo?" Hugo smirked. "Are you pleased with what you're seeing?"
Ximena rolled her eyes. "Your turn."
"Por supuesto," he winked.
Then he pulled her mask gently over her head. He smiled when he saw her.
"You're even more beautiful than I'd expected," he said.
Ximena turned away from him and faced the guests. Her face was a cloak of sadness. Her attempt to leave the stage was rendered futile by Santiago.
"Not so fast, Ximena. You'll have to dance together before you leave the stage."
Her eyes dilated. "What? I didn't bargain for this."
"Just do it. You don't want to create a scene, do you?" Santiago whispered.
Ximena bit her lower lip and let out a sigh of exasperation. The lights were turned off leaving only the both of them in the spotlight. A slow waltz music was playing in the background. Hugo stretched his hand out to her and she took it. He pulled her close and placed one hand on her waist, the other was locked in hers. Ximena placed her hand on his shoulder.
They began to dance, moving according to the rhythm. Hugo's hand around her waist made her feel nervous and uneasy. He seized every opportunity to pull her closer to himself.
"I didn't know you dance so well," Hugo said.
"I can't say the same about you, though," she said with an eye roll.
After few minutes, the dance ended. The guests clapped and cheered for them. When the lights were turned on again, Ximena left the stage.
"You two look good together," Zuri squealed when Ximena came to her.
"I don't like him," Ximena said bluntly.
"Uh? Why? You two had... I mean I saw the chemistry between you two when you were dancing. What happened?"
"Chemistry?" Ximena asked with a scoff. "He's a flirt. I don't like him."
"What? A flirt? Of course he'd flirt with you. You're his bride-to-be after all," Zuri said with a frown.
"He should have behaved well. We're meeting for the first time. And besides, I do not approve of this marriage." Ximena folded her arms.
"Mena," Zuri said placing her palm on Ximena's folded arms. "I know you do not want to get married but there's nothing that can be done about it. If only..."
"Hey!" Eliana chipped in.
She walked towards them with Chloe.
"I'm sorry for interrupting your conversation. I'm Eliana De León, Hugo's elder sister," Eliana said with a warm smile.
"And I'm Chloe De León, Hugo's little sister," Chloe chuckled.
"Chloe? You're Hugo's sister?" Zuri said with wide eyes.
"You know her?" Ximena asked.
"Yes. She's my classmate. Now we're gonna be sisters in-law," Zuri beamed.
"Zuri? I knew you looked familiar!" Chloe chuckled.
"It's nice to meet you", Ximena smiled.
"You're beautiful," Eliana complimented.
"Thanks, you too," Ximena said.
"So, what do you think of my brother?" Eliana asked, grinning.