Love’s Twist

Chapter Two

Esther’s POV

Smiling genuinely at Henry, I tugged the hem of my dress to make it less revealing, but who was I kidding? I’m the only one showing more skin while my sister, Kate, is being covered up in a knee-length dress, at least it’s not exposing like mine.

“Esther, behave yourself and stop trying to make me look bad,” Dad said through gritted teeth. All they care about is their name, fame.

“I’m sorry.” And I forgot to mention that James is also one of my dad’s business associates who can’t seem to keep his hands to himself…

“Oh my God, Dad, the Sinclair’s are here. Let’s go do some introductions,” she said in a pouty, exciting chatter, dragging my dad to the side of the hall.

I gave Henry a very reassuring smile saying that I was okay or going to be. I wish I could go far away. I had tried running but ended up locked in the basement.

I didn’t even get the chance to brighten my features. Next thing mom was walking towards me, smiling like I was her favorite daughter.

“Now you better make yourself useful before your sister and my husband come back.” She said, touching my hair, something she only does outside, handing me a drink.

Anyone who sees us would think she’s the sweetest mom based on how perfectly she slips in and out of her mask.

“Yes Mrs Cecily, you don’t have to worry about a single thing,” Sadness clawing its way to my heart… she had always told me to never call her Mom.

Putting my face in my hands, I groaned inwardly, taking a drink from the bartender since I didn’t drink the one mom gave me, before one of dad’s associates came.

“Hello beautiful, you didn’t come with a match tonight,” he said, running his hands up my thigh.

“I came with my dad and you?”

It was supposed to come out with confidence rather it came out as a forced a smile onto my face. I forced myself to play along.

“Wouldn’t be again if you agreed to a dance.” Searching the hall, I locked eyes with dad, which meant to play along.

“Only one, ‘cause I’m already getting blisters,” he took my hand to the dance floor.

“You know, your dad told me so much about you.” He said hands on my waist, rubbing his bulge on my stomach, making me painfully aware of what he thinks I do to him.

“Oh, so tell me what you do.” Watching him closely.

“I’m one of the investors in Blackwoods, and I’ve heard so much about your dad, and thought it would be nice to work with him,” he said, running his fingers lazily inside my thigh…

“OK, that’s nice and how about we go over to my dad's, and I’ll see what I’ll do?” Shame and guilt washed over me.

We discussed a few more before he agreed we should go meet dad. Sad thing he doesn’t know about collaborations with dad could ruin him.

“Good, how about a drink tomorrow? Just you and me.” He said, smiling, while rubbing my core through my panties.

I just want to crawl out of my skin, my eyes already misty.

“Jacob, nice to see you, I take it you’ve met my daughter, Esther.” I didn’t realize I'd been holding my breath, before releasing a sigh. I don’t know if it’s relief or exhaustion.

I hate my life. I hate the fact I was born in this cruel world, my childhood was never sweet, everything was all about Kate. Growing up, I was never a beauty. That was why my parents had to send me to a foster home.

I didn’t realize I’d been chewing on my nails, before dad cleared his throat, pulling me out of my head.

“Yes, I have, and, what a lovely daughter you have here.” He shook hands with dad, composing himself.

“Come on, why don’t we go discuss business.”

“Thank you dear, for the…” Before he could complete what he was about to say, I excused myself.

“Anytime, now I’ll excuse myself, and leave you two,” I said, cutting him off before leaving, slowing my steps as I went to the bathroom, trying not to run, when all I wanted was to lie in bed and eat ice cream…..

……………………………

“Esther, don’t you have any manners?” Kate said, angry I had interrupted her fine time. I had knocked on the door like five times because the other toilets were occupied, and I was so pressed.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t think you heard me, I’ll just excuse myself then.” I said head down, not daring to look up, I pressed my legs together, trying to hold it in.

“Eyes on me when I’m talking to you.” She said, shoving me hard enough to land me on my butt.

“That’s enough.” Dark. Rich. Deep voice fills my ears, making my head snap up with an unnecessary force.

“Oh my God, I’m so.so sorry.” Keeping my head down, still on the floor, but I really need to pee.

The only mistake I made was looking up to find a pair of black eyes taunting me. Like he could see right through my soul, ripping me open and vulnerable right here.

“I’m sorry, but I really need to use the restroom.” I stood up and was about to pee on myself when someone walked out of the other toilet. I was no longer paying attention to whatever they were saying.

After relieving myself, my sister was already outside fuming with anger, demanding I stay till she’s done.

“Or you could come join us.” Okay, I thought he was here to save me, not demand I join them. I think that gave my sister some kind of sick pleasure.

“What, no,” I said, hurriedly standing. I got my heels broken, while both of them were laughing.

Clutching my bag to my chest, and heels on the other hand, I fled…