Beautiful and Better (ENGLISH)

Three

I smirked at myself in the mirror as I combed my hair, and then I smiled again. I've been doing this since I returned home yesterday. I even ignored my parents' lecture the day before. I didn't show up for the luncheon they had prepared for our guest. I'm not sure why I have to go when all they do while dining is speak about their businesses and hobbies.

When my phone rang, I dashed to it. But, to my disappointment, it was Ari, not the person I had expected.

Ari hasn't believed me when I told her what Matthew had said. I'm not sure why, but it seems impossible that Matthew may like me. Yes, I'm overweight, but I'm not unattractive.

"What's taking you so long, Tally?" Mom yelled at me.

We're attending a charity ball organized by Mommy's amiga for their weekly get-together. They made frequent use of their get-together. They're gathering information on other companies and nonprofit organizations. However, the majority of them were doing so in order to learn about new strategies that other businesses were employing.

"Mom, I'm coming."

Before I left the room, I put my bow tie headbands back on. I was dressed in Dolce and Gabbana and wore Dolce and Gabbana shoes. Mom's pals were also boasting about their high-end, limited-edition ensembles. This is how I grew up; in fact, I've been doing it since I can't remember. So, today is one of those average days for us.

As I walked out the door, I noticed a new Mercedes Benz parked in front of me. I assumed it was a visitor from Dad, but I was surprised to find Mom waiting for me inside.

"Do you want me to take you inside Tallulah? Because if you do, I won't be able to do it. You already knew that "she remarked as she slammed the glass shut.

"Sorry for the inconvenience. I was unaware that you had bought a new vehicle."

"I'm going to sell the old one, sweetie. Anyway, I love the bow you've got on your head. You appear to be a valuable gift, "After that, she began to laugh at me.

"I'm not," she says. I let out a snort.

Mom is a pain in the neck. Throughout the ride, she teased me about the bow on my head. When we got at the place, she almost burst out laughing as I climbed out of the car, frowning.

"It's wonderful to see you again, Carmela. Oh, thank goodness Tallulah was with you. I, too, was with my son. I heard he paid you a visit recently?" My mother's chatty acquaintance, Mrs. Pendleton.

She is the charity's President. She's been raising money for the kids in a big way. They also fund a number of institutes. Dad and Mrs. Pendleton, we're best of friends. I guess I see them at my parents' parties and other gatherings all the time.

"Aunt Mariz, it's good to see you as well." As I greeted her, I kissed her on the cheeks.

"Oh, I like you a lot. You and Marciu would make an excellent couple "She clapped her hands and smiled as if she had seen something lovely.

I looked at Mom, who shrugged her shoulders as if she didn't know what was going on. I'm not sure if Dad tells her everything all of the time.

I'm getting bored of welcoming my Mom's coworkers.

I sit in the corner and watch them have a good time. Simultaneously, rather than waiting for a message or a call, I was busy exploring my phone. But I'm guessing I've been here for an hour and haven't gotten a single word.

I sighed deeply.

"Oh, that's a little too deep." That sentiment astounds me. "Sorry. I apologize for startling you. Drinks?"

"No, I'm not authorized to consume alcohol. If my mother sees me drinking, she'll go insane."

"Wow, I've never heard of a lady being terrified of her parents before."

Is he complimenting me in some way? I'm not sure why he bothers to speak to me. He's a complete stranger to me.

"I don't want them to get upset on me," I said, shrugging.

"Marciu, I haven't introduced myself yet... and you are?" When he extended his hands, I was taken aback.

I was staring at his hands, expecting to accept it.

There's nothing wrong with establishing new acquaintances and meeting new individuals. Mom won't mind, I'm sure. He belongs to the same social circle as us.

But not before I was able to reach his hands. Someone had already piqued my interest. Since then, I've been waiting for this person.

"Tallulah. Where are you going, Tallulah?" While I was going away from him, he called me. I'm not sure how he was able to recognize my name. But I'm looking for someone else, and he's considerably more important than he is.

Matthew was nowhere to be found, so I took a look around. But I can't seem to locate him. Mom met me upon my return to the event.

"I was hoping to find you. What happened to you?" She seemed to be concerned.

"Mom, I had to use the restroom. I'm not going anywhere, so don't worry about it "I tried to soothe her with my words.

"Yeah, remind me of that because the last time you stated that someone almost hit you with a piece of wood," I grumbled in response to what she said. I was only attempting to prove that I was fine, not to find a solution to my problems.

Only until Aunt Mariz arrived did she cease nagging. "Oh, Tally, there you are. I wanted you to meet my son who was here a while ago, but we can't find you. I'm guessing he's already gone."

"It's wonderful to know," I said quietly to myself.

Right now, I'm not in a position to entertain someone. I'm not sure anyone can attract my attention now that I've seen Matthew here.

When I couldn't find Matthew, I slumped into the settee. I've already looked around the venue without ever seeing him. I guess I've gone insane once more.

"You appear to be upset."

"How come you always show up wherever I go?" I yelled at him, but he merely grinned when I expressed my displeasure.

"Sorry. I had no idea you were so forgetful. When I approach you, you continue to cringe."

"I mean, who doesn't? When, first and foremost, I don't recognize you, yet you appear to be following me."

"I am," he says.

"Did you say something?" When I didn't understand what he was saying, I turned to him.

"Anyway, I hope you were able to find what you needed tonight. I'm going to depart right now. It appears that I am still unwelcome "With a tiny smile on his lips, he muttered something.

For a moment, I kept an eye on his back. He reminds me of someone I've met before. I'm not convinced he's the same person. But if he is, I will definitely remember him.

"Ari," I said as soon as I saw her walk down the corridor. "What is it that takes you so long?"

"On the way here, something happens. How's it going at the party?"

"Bored. Is it possible for you to cover up for me on Mom?" I yanked on her sleeve.

"Yeah, sure, do I have a choice?" I grinned and kissed her on the cheeks.

I tried to hide from everyone. God, this with Matthew is making me crazy and a little paranoid. I'm not sure if he's the one I saw a while ago, but I wanted to be sure, so here I am. Peeking in each room, I passed by to make sure Matthew is not here.

A familiar figure caught my eye, and I rechecked it. It was Matthew with a woman as age as my mother. I was going to call him when the woman touched his face and kissed him on the cheeks. Surprise and curious about what they are talking about. But it's none of my business what he's doing here who is that woman with him. I respect his privacy, so I decided to turn my back and forget what I see.

What matters to me right now is what he said to me. He likes me, and I'll hold on to that.

But before I could step away, I bumped into someone I didn't expect.

"Matthew…"

"Tallulah--what are you doing here?" he asked. Shock, fear, and confusion. That's what I see on his face.

"I was passing by; I didn't know you were here, " I said, trying to remove the awkwardness between us.

"I'm with someone, and you?" He said while looking around.

"I'm with Mom and Ari."

"I need to go now. I'm here for a job. I'll call you later, " I was taken aback when he kissed me on the lips. I didn't know how to react to what he did because I never expected it.

I never expected he would do such a thing, and I wasn't informed that it includes kissing if you're courting someone.

The whole time I was there, I'm excited for us to go home and wait for Matthew's call. After Matthew's confession, I was restless and nervous at the same time. This is the first time someone would court me, to think that my parents don't know about it.

"Tally, you're fidgeting. Why?" Mom called me.

If I told her that someone is courting me, would she allow him?

I doubt it!

Mom has a standard that only privileged people can fit. Her standard we're not normal like other mothers. She maintains her elegance every time she picks a woman in my brother's life. As for me, I think that's going to be Mrs. Pendleton's son. That merely comes to my mind a while ago. This is why it's a must for me to attend the party.

My mom already picks who will be my man.

I lean back when I get in the car, feeling tired. While I did nothing but eat and talk to the elders. Ari also disappeared, so I don't have anyone to talk to anymore.

"How's the party?" Dad's question greeted me. "Did you meet Pendleton?"

I was right, after all. He's the one they chose for me.

"No. There are too many people at the party," I reasoned out.

I don't want to tell him the truth. I'm afraid that I'll wake up and marry someone I don't know. With someone, I don't have a feeling even a little bit. They love me, but that is not enough reason for them to choose who I'll marry.

That is the difference between the middle class and lower-class families. You are free to love the person you want. While people like me will wait for the person, they will choose for me. It's funny that no matter how rich you are, you have no right to choose but accept the life you want instead of the person you want.

"Before this year is over, we need to get things right about the two of you," Dad said. My brow furrowed when I turned to him.

"Why? What's wrong with the two of us?" I already have an idea, but I don't want confirmation from me. It hurts to hear the fact that they only treat us as a business proposal.

"Hasn't your Mom told you yet? I thought you met Mrs. Pendleton?"

"Dad, we meet but not to talk about such things."

"We agreed to marry you to her son. Her son is fine, so there will be no problem--?" I clenched my fist.

"Is it okay with him that I'm fat? Is it okay with him that I look like this? Is it okay with him that the only thing I have is money?" I was so furious when I asked my Father.

I'm not too fond of the way I act in front of them. But I can't help it. Even with the idea that I am the pain, I still accept everything. It hurts to think that a loveless relationship bounds you.

"Tally…" Mom called.

"Tallulah, what are you saying?" Dad asked me in astonishment.

"Dad, I don't want to get married. I don't want you to make me a business just because no one will like me. It's okay even if I'm alone, ``I furiously cried. "I wanted to be free and decide on my own life. I know I haven't explored life outside this house yet, but I wanted to try. I wanted to meet new people without them holding my neck like some trained pet."

A life that lets you experience all life can offer.

Shocks were written on their faces. As if they really can't believe that I've said that.

"You knew nothing about life, Tallulah."

"And you are Dad? Did you know life? But here you are too afraid for me. I'm not the little girl that will follow all your orders. I also wanted my own life. Not just some random heiress that was spoon-fed by their parents, " I declared before I walked away from them.

I never wanted to be their biggest disappointment. But judging on what's happening in my life, it's already been written.

They already drew the life that they wanted me to have.