THE GIRL THEY BROKE

CHAPTER 1- DEBUTANTE I looked at myself in the mirror. Pretty was an understatement. Anything more than pretty, I was. Being the daughter of Sinclair Jasper was a duty on its own. Dad was so strict. He had a high-class thing in him, and he wanted us to go with the flow. We were two kids. Mum was dead. She died of a heart attack when she found out that dad had cheated on him with my cousin, Amanda. I didn't find out till days later. I was hurt, devastated. It took me months to heal from that ailment. I slacked academically. I wasn't myself at all. I couldn't believe she left us in the hands of this man who didn't give a f**k about us. “You are beautiful like a painting meant to be stared at and get completely lost in. As if light forgets roses and chooses you instead. As if the sun for one selfish moment wanted to take a glance at you” he said as he stared at me from the mirror. My brother. Always chooses me first against the world. Always has my back at all times. Mum taught us always to love each other and to never be envious of each other’s progress. We aren’t perfect but we try to be there. And now mum ain't here, we have to stick and flow together cause dad….. “You just want to use me to memorise the lines for your girl” “Why do you hate her?” “I don't hate her, you are just so mad about her and I don't understand it” “But I'm mad about you more” “Oh please, Damien,” he smirked as he picked my hair clip to help me with my hair. “Your eyes shine so bright like a thousand sapphires” “Jesus! You are crazy” I said as I threw my stuffed teddy at him. He laughed. I hadn’t seen it in a long while. After mum's death, smile became a foreigner on his face. Not merely because he didn't want to smile but because Dad made life so miserable for him. I was amazed seeing him dressed in his tuxedo and satin labels, his neatly crisp pressed shirt. He didn’t have a bow tie on. Yeah, that’s what makes him Damien. He is never ready, complete or active for something he didn’t bargain for. To be honest, his main reason for going there is just for his content creation. Another reason might be to get into the hands of a rich and classy debutante who would be charmed by his look and appearance and love him and give him money. Sometimes, he can be shameless. “I’m nervous,” I said. “Why?” “I don’t know” “Hey, you’ll do fine” “The car is here sir” one of our housemaids said. He nodded. “Come on. You’ll be fine ok” he pecked me on my forehead and smiled. “If you didn't see me, just know Mum is watching you. She is watching everything and you'll do so better than I did” “You didn't give a f**k” I said and laughed. “That's true. But, you'll be fine” I had to enter a separate car as the debutante. Dad didn't even wish me luck. He only threatened me as he had always done. “If you aren't able to get yourself a responsible Mr, you’ll go to-” “I’m aware, Dad.” “Better” he said and left. The streets of New York always looked busy on occasions like this. It is obviously that time of the year. “We are here, ma’am,” I sighed and stepped out of the car. For a few seconds, it felt like the world stood still. I looked at the tall structure standing in front of me. The Waldorf Astoria- has a tall, elegant exterior made of light stone in a classic Art Deco style. Its design rises straight upward with strong vertical lines, making it look grand and timeless among the surrounding skyscrapers. Its many windows glow warmly, giving the building a soft golden shine that feels both powerful and royal. I couldn't believe I was a debutante. Mum had always wanted to be here for this day. “Let’s go” Dad called out as he set out his arm to lead me in. I hooked mine in his. Anxiety held my tummy and squeezed it up. I couldn’t breathe. It felt like I would trample my feet against something. Moving on the red carpet, all eyes were on me. Cameras flashed, conversations paused. I was at that moment the centre of attraction. I didn't feel nervous anymore. This warmth clouded my heart. I walked slowly with grace and poise. My gait- I felt this strong urge to be confident. I didn't dare to look sideways. What if Damien was at the corner? He’d make a weird face and I'd laugh and disgrace myself. I chuckled like I was tutored. “Laugh like a lady, hahaha” That Mrs. was the funniest tutor ever. We got into the lobby where classical music played softly. I bowed and Dad left me. For the sake of my sanity, I asked God to please bring someone who would dance with me. “Hey Miss Debutante, may I have this dance?” “Damien, why are you after my life? How am I supposed to get a dance if you are occupied with me?” “I just want to make it easy for you. Dancing with Prince Charming and the guys would be jealous of you. And the girls would be jealous of me as well” It did make sense. This boy! We enjoyed the dance together. Laughing, talking about things that mattered at home. Filling our hearts with the void of happiness. “Hey dear, do you mind if we excuse your Mr for a minute” two girls who approached us said. Damien smiled and left me. That wicked smile of his. I stayed at the corner and took a glass of wine. My mates were dancing and I was here, on this chair. Dad was gonna roast me and I was ready for it. “Tiffany & Co,” someone close to me said. He looked attractive. His braided hair, his dress, everything about him speaks of royalty. “Your parents must be rich to get you such jewellery.” “He is,” I said plainly. “The dress. This is your first ball?” “Yes”, he scrolled me from head to toe. Why was he staring at me that way? It made me feel cringe. “I love the way you covered yourself up. It’s giving St. Mary vibes” “Is that an insult?” “It’s not,” he sighed. “Look around. 80% of the girls are either showing off their backs or cleavages or….” he did not speak further. “May I have this dance?” he asked as he looked at me. I accepted and we moved to the dance floor.