Second Chance Rival

The sick feeling in my stomach intensified, and I found it hard to breathe. Panic began to set in, and I could no longer control my thoughts from running wild. I anxiously tried to find my resolve, though it was no use.

It was long gone.

In a matter of seconds, my life changed once again. Bile rose in my throat, fighting its way up as tears streamed down my face.

“I hated you for so long. I don’t know how to love you again.”

“Kitten, I’ll tell you what you want to know.”

He grabbed my hand and took the bottle before leading me to the couch. It felt as if time stood still. I never thought I’d hear the truth from his mouth and now that he was going to tell me the truth, I was beginning to think that everything I ever wanted…

Began and ended with him.

Chapter 25

—Belle—

Then: Debutante Ball

To the average person, everything and everyone blended in, but I could find the one guy I was looking for amongst my family and my parents’ friends.

Tristian.

My debutante masquerade was the ball of the year, as they called it. They turned our already extravagant home into an enchanted masquerade which was as impressive as it sounded. They spared no expense on the gold furnishings, the gaudy furniture, and high-end accents. Both the interior and exterior of the estate boasted nothing but money and wealth.

It wasn’t a ball.

It was a production.

A statement.

I disregarded my family’s looming presence that shadowed my thoughts as I descended the stairs, right on time.

Within seconds, a choreographed performance took front and center stage.

My father approached the stage and accepted the microphone from the emcee. “Everyone, please stand and give your undivided attention to my princess, Belle Montgomery.”

The crowd quickly parted like the Red Sea, creating a large space for the spectacle that was me. As if on cue, soft light illuminated around the open room. Candlelight illuminated the room like it magically appeared out of thin air, and it gave the ballroom a translucent aura.

Through a fascinated stare, I watched the people in the room watching my introduction into our elite society. I was a true Southern belle, dressed in my designer gown, a white lace applique bodice full tulle skirt had a rich scarlet satin underlay. It was perfect. Tristian was obsessed when he saw it on me for the first time that afternoon he snuck into my fitting. I felt like the elegant princess my father announced me as.

I was Southern royalty, and for the first time in my life, I loved it.

The cascading diamond earrings I wore that my mother let me borrow only accentuated my long neck. My hair was pinned up with soft curls framing my delicate yet defined face. Black eyeliner and mascara accented my bright blue eyes. A white mask covered one side of my face. All eyes were on me as I twirled around the room. It was my time to shine, entrancing everyone with my charm as I basked in the attention.

My dad grabbed ahold of my hands and pulled me in to a tight embrace.

“My darling princess,” Dad acknowledged into the microphone, smiling at me with pride and adoration. “I can’t believe this day has come. I’m having a hard time trying to find the words to say to you. Tonight we celebrate your transition into womanhood and honor you with a debutante ball, a tradition that has been carried on for generations in our family. I remember carrying you into this home as a baby as if it were yesterday. How has it been seventeen years since I first held you in my arms?”

I beamed at him and gripped his hands tighter, seeking strength for the emotions he was evoking in me.

“You’re the only little girl in our family. We waited years for you to make your appearance. We couldn’t wait until you were finally here to spoil and love. You’re the angel God sent me from heaven above. I remember every detail of your birth, and often find myself replaying it in my mind. I wish you were still my little girl. Now, here you are, standing before me as a young woman ready to take on the world.

“I want you to know how proud I am of you. I know there are times you wished we wouldn’t protect you like we do, but you’re a treasure. I have high expectations for you, sweetheart. I know there will come a day where I won’t be the only man in your life.”

“Oh, Daddy…”

“No, no, no,” he adamantly responded. “I want all of your greatest dreams to come true. You deserve the love of a man like I love your mother. Someone who will protect you, respect you, and put you above all else.”