Page 6 of His to Own

“Are you ok?”

“Fine. I just want to go.”

“All right. Get in.”

Her driver, Boris, takes us to her mansion. Her own mansion she shares with her husband. My adult, put together sister. Never have I felt more jealous of her.

“I called every contact of Nikolai’s,” she explains as we enter her house. “I was able to find a party planner who could put together something very last minute. The party starts at one since I know Father wants you home by five. I don’t want you getting in trouble. Don’t worry. But you deserve this, Elena.” She walks me into the large ballroom that’s been decorated in soft whites and pinks. Tables fill the room and waiters are coming by with drinks on trays. “I have a chef making food.”

“Is this just for us?”

“No. I invited a few other guests. You haven’t had a large party… ever. You deserve it. You should know what it feels like to be the center of attention for once.”

In this moment, I’m glad my mother insisted on me wearing this dress and heels today. It matches the theme of the party.

“The guests should be arriving in the hour. Why don’t you get some rest? After your test you had today. How did that go?”

I falter. “It was… fine.” Except, I don’t think I passed. In fact, I know I didn’t. You can’t pass a test when you didn’t answer half the questions.

Lana’s smile falters. She knows. She always knows something is wrong with me. Thankfully, Lana doesn’t push. “I want you to be happy today. It’s your nineteenth birthday. Do you feel older?”

“Not really. I still feel…” Under father’s thumb. Trapped. Alone.

But I’m not alone. I have Lana.

Before I can help myself, tears slip down my face.

“Elena?”

“I’m fine,” I say quickly, wiping at my tears. “I’m fine. It’s just a lot, you know?”

“Typically, when people cry, they’re not fine.”

“I am fine, Lana. I’m fine. I just want to enjoy the party you’re throwing for me. Is Adriana coming? She’ll be upset she missed it.”

“She’s at school. I couldn’t bring her here without alerting Father. You were hard enough. Adriana can deal. She’s got to learn to be a big girl. Now, let me take these from you.” She grabs the books from my hands. “You can rest in the guestroom. I’ll let you know when the guests arrive.”

“I don’t even know who you’re inviting. I don’t know many people.”

“I know. It’s just a few people. Nikolai’s men. Their wives. I want you to feel celebrated.”

“But I don’t know those people, Lana.” I’m starting to wonder if this party is really for me or if Lana is doing this because she feels guilty she’s not able to come around that often.

Lana sighs and shakes her head. “All right. The truth is: I wanted the party to just be you and I. I knew that’s what you would like. But Nikolai insisted we invite more people. He gets his way. I am sorry, Elena. But think on the bright side: you’ll have a ton of people wishing you a happy birthday. It will feel great. Trust me.”

“Not everyone needs to be the center of attention like you,” I say before I can stop myself. Lana is the only person I can truly speak my mind with.

She looks taken aback. “Elena…”

“Sorry,” I squeak. “I didn’t mean that. Thank you for the party.” I hurry out of the ballroom and to the nearest bathroom, calming my racing heart and flushed cheeks.

I hear the moment the guests arrive. The low murmur of chatter. The sound of thumps on the floor from footsteps. My heart rate spikes.

Knowing Lana did this party for me, I force myself to leave the bathroom.

When I enter the ballroom, all I see is a large group of people I have never met before. Lana is standing next to her husband, Nikolai. His strong presence is felt throughout the room. All the men look to him like they want to follow him and all the women look at him like they want him.

He sees me and motions me over. “There’s the birthday girl. Happy birthday, Elena.”