Blossoming Seduction (Second Time Around)

Mess

(Thala's Point of View)

Loud music and deafening screams from those dancing in the middle can be heard. I was at a bar, drinking alone. I can't even count how many bottles I've gone through. I'm feeling dizzy and my vision is also getting dark due to the drunkenness.

Arranged marriage is really terrible. Even if it's said that my fiancé and I have known each other for a long time, I still won't agree.

I stood up in a daze and stumbled my way to the dancefloor. I need to savor my freedom before my father takes it away from me. I don't care if I bump into someone or if they bump into me. All I did was dance with my eyes closed.

I felt the presence of someone behind me. Instead of pushing him away, I danced intimately. I feel happy about the idea that this goes against daddy's wishes. I felt like I was on fire because he brought himself closer to me and danced along with me. I can feel his hard bulge with every dance move I make. I swallowed because of this, and also due to his goosebumps-inducing touch on my waist.

"You're a great dancer," he laughed.

I don't like his flirty behavior, but damn, his voice is driving me crazy. Especially when he started showering me with shallow kisses on my neck. It's tickling but at the same time it's giving me pleasure. I usually ignores men who hover around me. I don't know if it's the alcohol, but I don't want him to stop what he's doing.

I turned around and opened one eye because I was still feeling dizzy. I was stunned by the man, and I was taken aback when he claimed my lips. The music is incredibly loud, but I can clearly hear the deafening beat of my heart.

He's sucking on my lower lip and kissing me passionately. His hands were holding my waist, moving up to my chest. He explored my mouth, causing my knees to weaken. I let out a shameless moan and, in frustration, found myself caught in this man's trap. I am so wet, what the heck?!

Before we could go that far, he surprisingly pulled away. He looked at me with his dark eyes. I wanted to kiss him more, but he began to put up some walls between us. I can hear his continuous curses as his eyes caught my parting lips.

Did I bore him? I am a virgin and not a pro in kissing someone. That must be the reason why he stopped. I am a bit insulted and disappointed.

"What the hell did that jerk do in his past life to deserve you?" he said in a cryptic manner and pulled me away from that crowded dancefloor.

What the heck is wrong with this man?

The last thing I remembered was being escorted by him out of that bar. I thought he changed his mind and wanted a hot night with me but he just stood beside me. He hailed for a taxi for me, and when I finally got in, he gave the driver some instructions that I didn't hear.

"I have your information. Don't do foolish things or you'll be driving straight for hell."

He opened the door next to me, and all I could do was stare at him weakly—irritatedly. I can't quite see his face properly because my head is starting to hurt. I'm also annoyed by what he did earlier. I felt rejected. What a mess.

"Until we kiss again, Zara,” he chuckled mockingly and finally closed the door.

The heck? Who is that man? What's his name? Damn, what a good kisser—no! He's a jerk, Thala!

I was startled awake because someone was shaking me constantly. I'm still lethargic and sleepy at the moment. I also had no strength to get up and greet anyone, yet that person is persistent enough to just leave me alone. It kind of irritates me so I moved to let him or her know that I am awake. My head hurts so much that I can barely open one eye. My mom's worried face suddenly appeared in front of me.

"What is it, mom?" I asked in confusion.

My spirit was completely awakened when I received a strong slap from my dad. "What are you doing, Myrthala?” My dad's voice resonated throughout my entire room. I couldn't understand what he was getting at until I noticed the man who was extremely scared sitting next to me. He had no top on while I was only wearing a bra.

“D-Dad, it's not what you think!” I can only shake my head because I have no idea what's happening either. From what I remember, I went home and slept alone last night.

He's not even my type. Even if I get drunk, I wouldn't make out with this guy!

Oh, I've had quite a bit to drink, but I know what I'm doing. I'm also not easily drunk, and above all, this man won't be able to get in that easily even if I say I know him. The security here in our mansion is extremely tight, and I don't even know this man; I just saw him today.

Did I miss something out? Damn it!

"You're shameless!" Daddy shouted in anger. His ears and entire face are turning red, while his eyes are blazing. This is the first time I've seen him this angry.

"You, son of a b***h!” Daddy was shaking with anger while pointing at the man. “Get out before I hurt you!" he threatened him.

The man was terrified as he quickly ran out of my room. He was almost about to fall over in panic. As soon as he opened the door, my cousin peeked in. She grinned and even winked at me, as if she were enjoying what she was watching a while ago.

"Surprise," she mouthed and smirked.

What the heck? This b***h is trying to tarnish my reputation over again! She had the audacity to speak negatively about me in front of my parents.

My dad insisted on adopting her, so me and my mom welcomed her wholeheartedly as a part of our family. Yet she's the one with no manners! I can sense her overflowing jealousy and envy. What an ungrateful b***h!

I combed my hair back using my fingers and stared darkly at my wicked cousin. "Did you do it?" I wore my robe irritatingly before standing up. I close my eyes in anger to stop myself from pulling her hair in front of my parents. My blood is boiling even at the sight of my cousin's face.

"You set me up!" I shouted angrily as I pointed her. Daddy looked after his talented niece. He really treated her as a daughter and as a new princess. I'm kinda bitter at that thought but I won't be this petty if she knows exactly what respect is all about. I rolled my eyes as I saw a familiar scene from last month.

"I-I don't know what she's saying," she said, pretending to be in tears. She acted nice again, and there she is, with her trying-hard pity effect.

My cousin, who always acts like the main character, is playing the victim role once again and me as the bully of course. She'll even accompany that with crying, which would be unacceptable even in a TV acting audition. What a phony! But of course, she's an orphan and the favorite princess, so she won my father's heart again.

"I don't know, your face! Enough with the acting, Penelope. You can already be recycled with that plastic personality of yours!" I said sarcastically as I closed my eyes after the sudden wave in my vision. I already have a hangover, and my damn cousin just made it worse.

"Why are you blaming her? Is it her fault that you are like that? Neglectful?" my dad interrupted and tried to save the princess once again. "You consume alcoholic drinks so much to the point of bringing just any ramdom guys at home!" he added, enraged.

My mom approached daddy and gently stroked his arm to calm him down. Her forehead was knitted with worry.

"When will you finally get your act together, Thala? Why don't you imitate Penelope?" Here we go again with this ridiculous comparison. "Marissa spoiled you all the time; that's why you grew up to be useless!" He shook his head while glaring at me disappointedly. He belittles me like I am some sort of nobody.

I was affected by what Penelope did to me, but I was killed by the words spoken by my dad. Every word becomes a dagger that continues to pierce my heart. How come that my cousin weighs more on him than his own daughter? Why do I need to be wronged all the time and has to bear the consequences?

My eyes are really hurting today. Any minute now, these tears of mine will start to fall. I bit my lower lip, hoping to hold them back. "W-Why would I? I’m not going to play the victim role like—" I close my eyes at the surging pain I felt again from my dad's slap. I glanced at Penelope, who was smiling, and even managed to raise an eyebrow at me.

You're enjoying this, huh?

“How dare you insult your sister?" Dad's defense of her made me smile bitterly. A runaway tear has finally traced its way down my cheek.

Sister? Funny. The best joke I've heard today! Penelope's father, who is my dad's brother, has passed away. I could understand dad's living situation and the adoption of Penelope if she weren't such a show-off. I will accept her without any complaint, but with the way she is treating me, it's impossible. I will never consider her a sibling!

"One more mistake, Thala. You have nowhere to go home to," Dad threatened, attended by Penelope. I couldn't help but laugh at what I was witnessing.

"You really can't wait to replace me, can you?" I blurted to my cousin, who is still acting.

She ignored me and wiped her fake tears while accompanied by my dad. They left my room, leaving me and my mom both crying. I was seething as I watched the new father and daughter walk away.

What a sight!

“Honey, please don't hate your father. He's just surprised. Please, Thala. Stop arguing with your dad. Maybe he pitied Penelope—”

I interrupted my mom's consolation or should I say manipulation. “Pity? Does she look pitiful to you? She's evil, mom!” My voice cracked.

“Maybe you'll calm down if I left you alone,” she concluded. “Thala, please know that we love you,” she said as she reached for my cheek and gave me a peck.

There she goes again. Thinking that I am too brave to face this alone. No one in my family could understand my freakin' inner torment. What a miserable family.