THE DRUGGED BRIDE

CHAPTER ONE : The Party

Riley's POV

My palms sweat as I flatten my dark dress, again and again. The cloth feels frail and worn, not like the rich clothes others will wear tonight. Vanessa, in her posh gown, will mock me from afar, I guess. Stepsisters poke at your tender spots, yes? They pinpoint your flaws and push deep.

Dad wants me to help prep for the Riverside Hotel bash. He runs a huge land firm, so tonight matters a lot. Big shot folks will show up. I should feel thrilled, yet my core is tense and knotted. I just want to fade away and make Dad happy by acing my task. Standing out seems worse than staying unseen.

"Riley, you’re behind," Vanessa barks when I hit the big room. She's near the heart, checking her list like she’s in charge. Her fair hair is styled sharp, and her face looks costly. She seems costly, even when being harsh. "I said be here sixty minutes back."

"Sorry. The bus made me late, and—" I try to say, but she stops me with a flick of her hand.

"Spare me the details. Go fix the blooms. And try not to wreck them like you wreck all else." She goes, not hearing me, chatting on her device about this dull bash.

I keep busy for hours, shifting blooms, aligning seats, and aiding the food staff with tables. Folks ignore me. They don't glance my way. It's okay with me. I prefer it that way. The less they see me, the better. By seven, the room shines like new. Glass lights gleam above us all. Tables wear white clothes. All is spot on.

"Go home, change clothes," Dad says as the man shows up. He wears his best suit, looking worn but glad. "Then come back here. Vanessa needs your help through the night."

I nod, go to the back door. Of course, Vanessa wants me here. She wants me here so she can see me trip up near VIPs.

By eight-thirty, I'm back, in the black dress from before. It's my best piece. Some girls pour drinks and field questions, in matching clothes from the hotel. I'm the odd one in this old dress, sticking out like a sore thumb.

The room now teems. Men in fine suits laugh way too loud. Women with good hair and teeth kiss the air. All reeks of cash and strong scents. I snake through the crowd with bubbly, trying to help but hide at once. It's tough to pull off.

That's when I spotted him there.

Among big shots, he's so unique. Quite tall. Black hair. His face is like sharp rock art. He has a black suit, pricier than my old ride. People want his gaze so bad. This is Landon Cooper, I guess. He's a hot topic at my job. They say he's a big deal here. They say he gives off a spooky vibe.

Near the bar, he speaks with Dad. Dad nods, like he's hooked. Dad seems tiny to him, so weird. Landon's gray eyes search, like he seeks something.

I stare too long, maybe two ticks, then he sees me. Our eyes lock for a split second. I feel a weird body heat. He doesn't grin at all. He sees me like a chair, then faces Dad. I feel happy and sad mixed up. It is a strange feeling.

"You seem parched," Vanessa holds my arm. Her grip hurts, her smile is soft, but her eyes are sharp. They look evil to me. "Here's a drink I made. You work a lot. You earned this."

She gives me bubbly champagne. It's gold and fizzy, but has something inside. A thing floats at the bottom, unseen. I can't ask, Vanessa grips my arm.

"Drink up," she whispers, voice now icy. Not my stepsister at all. It sounds like she wants to harm me. "Come now. Don't be impolite now."

I am busy now. I shouldn't—" I want to give it back, but her grip holds my arm still.

"Just a quick sip. You seem so down and blue tonight. This might lift your spirits." She moves the glass to my mouth, and I'm too caught off guard to resist. The drink tastes sugary and fizzy and off. My tongue feels strangely thick. "See? That wasn't too bad, was it?"

I see her go, and a strange feeling in my gut says I messed up badly.

Soon, the room starts swirling fast. Not just a little. Not like after a light drink. Everything is moving as if I'm deep down. The lights are too sharp. The music's too strong. My legs feel heavy and limp, like they aren't even mine. I try to set down my tray, but I can't find my hands.

Fear fills my chest, but even that feels distant and muted.

"You good, hon?" A man in black asks, holding my arm. I don't know him. His face looks odd and pulled long.

"I need to sit now," I mumble. My own voice sounds oddly foreign to me.

The last thing I see is Vanessa's face there, and she's smiling wide. She's smiling like she just got something great. Then someone is leading me out of the hall. Strong hands guide me. A voice I don't place. The smell of rich stuff makes me feel worse.

I try to ask where we go, but the words won't form right.

"It's fine now," the voice says. It sounds like it's far, far away from here. "Just be calm now. Everything will be just fine."

But things aren't so smooth. It feels like stuff will go upside down very soon.

I can't guess the strange events that are set to unfold in my life.