Clashing Hearts

Chapter One - Denise’s POV

“

“Perfect,” I whispered to myself as I applied mascara to my long lashes and leaned back to admire my reflection in the wide vanity mirror before me. Behind me lay piles of clothes I’d rummaged through to find the perfect dress for tonight.

I was torn between three choices; a red silky dress that flowed down to my ankles, nothing fancy, very simple. But Mother had said I needed to look my best. Men of high calibre would be present, and she needed me to make a good impression, so that dress was a no.

My second option was a black one. It sat on my curves nicely but was still quite simple, nothing fancy and definitely not to Mother’s taste. One of the reasons I loved when she wasn’t around: she couldn’t impose her choices on me.

Finally, we settled I settled on a light pink dress that flowed to my mid-calves. A halter neck that at least hid my very blessed bosom, with a soft floral pattern scattered across it. It was cute. I paired it with my silver heels and some jewelry, keeping my makeup simple. I looked amazing, if I do say so myself.

“We need to leave now,” Leon said. “Do you want to go with me or with Mom and Dad?”

I turned to face him, giving him a knowing look. “Is that a question?”

“I’m driving,” he added, smirking.

“I’ll take going with you over sitting in a long car ride with Mom rambling about how I need to be married for the sake of the family business, Leon. Even if my life is on the line.”

I smiled, grabbed my purse, and gave myself one last glance before moving toward him.

“Great! Let’s go,” Mom squealed as Leon and I walked down.

“We’re not going with you both,” I said but Leon, being himself, walked straight out without saying a word.

“We need to go as a family,” she frowned.

“No, Mom. We don’t. See you at the party,” I said, kissing her cheek and hurrying after Leon.

“Can’t believe you’re back to stay,” I said as I fastened my seatbelt. “Always thought you’d never come home.”

The faint smell of his cologne and the new leather filled the car. I leaned back, sighing. This was how it had always been Leon being my safe space. That was until we moved out ten years ago. The most chaotic ten years of my life. And now he was back, and I could only hope he wouldn’t up and leave again.

“I have some unfinished business,” he said.

I nodded, knowing not to pry. Leon had always been, and would always be, a man of few words.

He started the engine and drove out of the estate with classical music playing softly in the background while I settled back into my thoughts.

“You look like you’re going to war,” his voice broke through.

I gave a weak smile. “You wouldn’t understand, and it’s fine. I’m just glad you’re back, Leon.”

He nodded, eyes fixed on the road ahead.

I already knew how tonight would go. The hall would look extra fancy, pearls and diamonds glinting under the chandeliers, fake laughter spilling through the room, heels clicking against marble floors. Everyone would ask how I’d been, but what they really wanted to know was whether I was still worthy of being in their presence.

And, of course, Mother would be herself parading me before every “eligible” man she could find. Men I wouldn’t spare a second glance, let alone consider courting.

The thought alone drained me. For a moment, I wished I could vanish from the face of the earth or better yet, wake up somewhere no one knew my name and live a life that was simply… normal.

I turned up the volume of the classical music and fixed my gaze on the city lights a view I’d seen a thousand times, yet somehow, tonight, it felt heavier.

As we approached the gates, I straightened my back, adjusted my hair in the mirror, and added a coat of shiny gloss before smacking my lips. Leon confirmed his identity with the face recognition device at the side.

Cars filled the parking lot ladies in exquisite gowns, men in tailored tuxedos.

“It’s going to be a long night,” I sighed.

“It’s been ten years since I did this, Nise. I don’t know if I can cope,” Leon admitted. His expression stayed the same, but I knew those words meant more than they sounded.

“You’re the most confident, audacious person I know. The folks in that room have nothing on you. Let’s endure the night together but remember, any plans you have of running away should involve me. Deal?”

I held out my hand. He chuckled, shaking his head before taking it. “Deal.”

Just then, our parents’ car pulled up beside ours, and the guards rushed to open their doors.

“This behavior is not acceptable for the image of our family,” Mother began the moment she reached us. “You both must come with me. I hear the daughter of the oil company owner from the Netherlands is here and they have a son too.”

Leon and I didn’t wait for her to finish. We walked away before she could continue her rambling.

“As I said before,” I muttered under my breath, “this is going to be a very, very long night.”