The New me

When mother was telling me about the party, she emphasized the word 'intimate'. She said she wanted me to feel at ease so we're only going to invite people close to us. As someone acting as the real Iris Lin, I thought that's bad. Real bad. My anxiety gauge shall be filled quickly.

I was expecting a small gathering of family and friends where we can laugh and chat casually. Even if

I don't recognize them, I can at least make up few stories to share with them. But I forgot that they are businessmen. All guests lining up to chat with my parents are of the same kind. I often overhear them mention their own enterprise.

Lily decided to make small talks with few acquaintances leaving me at a corner. Coincidentally, someone had approached me. I turned and met the handsome face of Luke Wang.

"Brother Luke."

"Why are you standing here when you're the main character today?" He offered me a glass of red wine.

Am I trying to blend into the background?

"I--was waiting for you." I smiled as I received the glass.

"That's sweet. But tell me honestly." He knocked over my forehead. This time he only used a little to none force.

What are you insinuating mister?

I looked around preparing to reply. By now, most of the prominent figures have met Ginger. Since she stuck close to my mother, they sure would not ignore her.

But aren't I supposed to be an optimistic girl? how can I find fault with this?

Or is that only what I pretended to be? Wait, I am pretending.

F***! This is confusing.

I opened my mouth but before I could say something, Ms. He came back.

"Riri, why are you standing here?" Her voice lovely.

Wow, it's like deja vu. Luke had asked me the same.

But hey, didn't you leave me behind? or is that an illusion?

"Oh! Brother Luke, you're here." Her eyes have been fixed on him since the beginning.

Is she taking me as an extra?

"He came to accompany me," I told her. Let's see how she reacts.

"Yes, just arrived a few minutes ago. You?" Luke answered, almost at the same time with me.

"Me? I've met with few acquaintances and was chatting with them when I saw Riri. Then I came over. I did not expect to see you here with her." She explained. You can't help but focus on her face as she's simply beautiful. Every move she makes, any expression she gives, it grabs your attention.

Like h*ll sister. We were together before.

"Why don't you stay with us and chat then? It's been months since the three of us hang out." Luke said, his eyes expectant.

"Yes, join us." I seconded. My tone unfamiliar.

"S-sure." She looked surprised at how I sounded and worded my sentence. I can't help it, we're total strangers, dear. Even Luke raised an eyebrow.

I overdid it, didn't I?

I hooked my arm on theirs and drag them to the veranda not minding their thoughts. Sometimes you need to be thick skinned to get out of a situation. I somehow managed to keep the conversation in my favor. You got to control the flow to make sure you won't get caught.

Someone must have asked for me as mother sent in a maid to call me, so I left the two alone. I came to meet a male of similar age with my parents. The man had the same features as Luke. We shared a bit of day to day conversation before he went to chat with some other men.

That was Mike Wang. Ms. Jade Tian and a lady I've seen in pictures also came to greet me a happy birthday. The Lady's eyes were the same as Luke. This is Cindy Tian.

"I've missed you~." She gave me a long hug.

"Me too, Aunt. How are you?" I hugged her back and peck her cheeks. This was the most intimate act I could give.

"Oh~ Aunt is doing fine. The surgery is a huge success." Then she went on with her narration."You should go to our house next time. Aunt has been learning how to bake."

"Then I'll eat everything you'll make." I did not agree but did not also reject the offer.

We sat down for another round of chitchat while Jade Tian excused herself. I noticed how often she'd take a peek on the left where some important entrepreneurs at.

As chance may have it, It was the direction of Mr. Wang. Wait, Is the guy with him the one from the diner?

"So the other day, Liam came home with this girl. She's very charming..." Aunt Cindy brought back my attention. She talked about Liam's model girlfriend. She's been going about how she's physically attractive and how they've got the same interests.

I honestly can't be bothered. That's his life. His decisions.

I was just smiling the entire time with eyes full of interest.

"She's honestly perfect..." she wasn't able to continue. She only squeezed out a smile.

Marriage in business is also a form of investment. She meant she's perfect if she was born in a good family. Liam is, after all, the eldest of the brothers. They, as parents, naturally wanted the best for him.

What's best for him should also benefit the family. And it would be more beneficial if the rich marry their kind. It's a cycle.

"Well, let's talk about you. Why did you not put on the necklace? Did you not like it?" She said as she saw nothing but the earring I'm wearing.

"That~ I really like it." I avoided eye contact. "It's so precious I'm keeping it stored." Enduringly I acted a little shy.

"Oh~ but the more precious things are, the more reason to show off." She shot me a meaningful look. "Luke picked the design himself."

I nodded. In my head, I was thinking of escaping. We've been chatting endlessly since we met today.

And because of our topic before, I subconsciously compared myself to the model. My status is more in league with them.

Is my relationship with them premeditated? Would they like me if I was born low?

Finally, we moved on to the dining hall as it was time for meals. As I have no intention of staying another minute with Aunt Cindy, I made an excuse and sat in between my parents.

Ginger, of course, is seated after mother.

It was a candlelight dinner party. The long table was filled with flowers and candles of various sizes decorated nicely in the center. The dining utensils were placed neatly in front of us. Food was served fresh and in varieties.