In Love With My Evil Stepbrother

Chapter 50: Awkwardness And we finally get to the day of the anniversary party.

If this party dragged on any longer, mom would die out of anxiety, and she would take every single one of us down to hell with her.

On that day, she forcesout of bed at 6 o'clock sharp and pinsdown in the makeup chair. Before ! even realize, there are already three people doing my hair, face, and nails at the stime.

“Mom!” | protest. “This is your big day. Just leavebe.” “Oh honey, but | want you to look great as well...Apply more contour to her nose.” She instructs the stylist, while wearing a super expensive facial mask which costs like 100 USD per piece.

Luckily, my makeover is done a little past noon. Just when | thought | was finally able to grab a bite, mom toldthat | should stay famished, to better fit the evening gown.

“Are you crazy?” | snap. My temper becomes worse because of hunger. “I'm not going on a hunger strike just because of a stupid fucking gown!” “Language!” Mom dodges the stylist’s brush and yells at my direction. “Is this how you want to behave in front of all other guests?!” But I've already stormed out of the room before she could finish.

| rush down the hall and almost bump into someone around the corner. Looking up, | find it’s Eason.

“Hey,” his eyes light up immediately the moment he sees me. Then he smiles, “What's with the long face?” “Mom forcesdo a fasting before the party. She's completely out of her mind.” Eason bursts into laughter, “You don’t need that. But | thought this could happen so...here, | brought you a sandwich.” “Wow thanks!” | take it and gobble down as fast | can. The burning feeling in my stomach finally eases up.

His eyes trail across my face as | eat. Then he brings up his hand and caress my cheek. “You look absolutely stunning today.” I'm wearing that silver gown that he got me, which is tailored to my own size. The cut hugs my body perfectly.

And the diamond necklace serves as a finishing touch, completing my look.

The way he looks atmakesblush.

“Thank you. You look nice too,” | murmur.

He does look nice. Today he’s wearing a very formal three-piece black suit, with his hairs wore back. He looks handsand sophisticated today.

“So, shall we?” he offers his arm to me. “Dad askedto find you. We are supposed to be at the front gate, greeting all the guests.” | take his arm and head downstairs with a heavy heart. “You sure | need to be there? Sof the Ramirez relatives are not very fond of me.” He pats my arm, “Don’t worry. I'll be there for you.” All preparation works are finished at this point and the entire garden looks wonderful. A thousand small lanterns hang from the tree, glowing like stars and fireflies even in the daylight. Slong tables are situated on the lawn, with centerpieces of white lilies and roses. Clusters of flowers decorate the dance floor and paEason and | walk across the lawn and arrive at the front gate. The driveway is already parked with cars and a few servants are busy directing the traffic. We join Mr. Ramirez, who is standing right at the gate and talking to people.

“Eason!” a middle-aged man who seems to be Mr. Ramirez's business partner greets Eason with a hug.” Haven't seen you in a while. What've you been up to?” : “Uncle George, long tno see.” Eason gives him a polite smile. “School works keepoccupied. But | definitely want to visit your firm again sometimes, if that’s not too much trouble.” “Oh god no, you are welcomed at any time. You are graduating next year, right? Do you want to do an internship at my firm? Or are you taking over your father’s company already?” Mr. Ramirez pats Eason’s shoulder, ‘We haven't discussed that yet. But I'm sure Eason will appreciate the opportunity.” | don’t know a thing about what they are talking about and just stand there awkwardly. Luckily, the man noticesand asks, “And who's this attractive young lady? | heard your mom is setting you up with someone. Is this” Eason quickly cuts him off, “Uncle George, please meet my sister, Natalia. And Natalia, this is George Hannigan, the owner of the biggest law firm in NY.” “Sister?” Mr. Hannigan frowns, “When did you...Oh.” | beceven more embarrassed seeing his smile fades away right after he realized who | am.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Hannigan,” | nod at him.

“Um-hun. Right.” The man answers dryly and turns to Mr. Ramirez immediately. “So, I'll see you later.” He leaves and Mr. Ramirez goes to greet another group of people. I sigh, feeling more out-of-placed than ever.

“Isn't this nice?” Eason whispers beside my ears. “He thought you are my girlfriend. People really think that we are a great couple.” | snort gloomily, “Stop fooling yourself. He thought | was the golden girl you are supposed to date. That's why he said that.” “Hey, you are you, alright? Don’t let those shallow minded people ruin your good mood.” shake my head and lapse into silence.

The situation only gets worse when the Ramirez relatives arrive. Someone of them just completely ignore me.

Their eyes never land onthe entire teven though Eason tries to introduceto them. A woman even throws her coat atand asksto check it for her.

There's this old lady-I think she’s Eason’s cousin's grandma-and she starts talking about Eason’s marriage partner nonstop. Even Eason can’t get her to shut up.

“...I heard that she’s a wonderful lady. Well-educated, beautiful, and she comes from a great family. This is a match made in heaven. You should definitely meet her sooner and stop wasting your ton those cheap missies,” “I know what to do with my life,” Eason has to increase his voice even more. “The resting area is over there.” | feel that there's a lump at my throat. After the only lady, | turn to Eason, “I'm heading out for sair.” “Wait!” Eason grabs my hand. “We got more guests coming,” “And why do they need me, Eason? Most of them don’t care about my existence at all. They wantto be gone.

I'm not staying here and make a fool of myself any longer.” | snap and hurry away immediately.

The garden and the house are full of people. | wander all the way around to the Staff's Exit and finally find a quiet place to be alone.

| finally get a taste of how it feels like to be a billionaire’s second wife. Being overlooked, despised, undervalued... this must be mom's daily life. And if | continue my relationship with Eason, sooner or later this will be my life.

Is it truly worth it? | don’t have an answer now. So | just keep sitting there with an absent mind. The ttravels by fast and later | hear music coming from the garden.

The party is going to start.

| take in a deep breath and pull myself together. Ill think about these later. Right now, my mom needs me.

| stand up from the bench and start heading towards the garden. I didn’t watch where | was going and suddenly | bump into a staff with a trolley.

“Oh I'm sorry,” | quickly apologize.

But when the staff raises his head and meet eyes with me, | freeze on the spot. Cold shiver instantly runs down my spine. “How-what are you doing here?!” | cry out.

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