CHAPTER 56

MIA POV.

I unfolded the letter, my eyes scanning the page, not knowing what to expect, and my heart sank. It was a letter from my father, inviting me to yet another party. Another party? So soon? The hunt’s party still lingered in my mind as the memories of the fear and adrenalin of the danger were still fresh in my mind.

The party was tonight. Short notice with no explanation. I stared at the letter in my hands, frustration simmering. Did he think I was just a pawn to be moved at his whim? I wondered, but I knew that I didn’t have a choice. Dominic's voice cut through my thoughts, his tone firm. "I have already accepted the letter on your behalf.” Dominic said. I looked at him incredulously. Even though I didn’t have a choice in the matter, I still felt angry that he didn’t ask me first what I wanted to do.

"You'll be attending the party with Tony. It's essential you present a united front," He said, and his voice left no room for argument. I will also send additional bodyguards to accompany you and Tony to ensure your safety." My mind raced as I processed the information. Bodyguards? Was this a precaution or to keep an eye on me? I wondered but didn’t voice those thoughts out loud so I nodded instead. "When do we leave?" I asked, resigned. "He is already getting ready, so I suggest that you hurry and do so as well.

I hurried up stairs where Elizabeth waited for me. She had already picked out an outfit for me to wear tonight, and I smiled at her gratefully. Within an hour, I was dressed and Elizabeth was just doing my final touches on my hair when a knock came at the door.

Elizabeth opened the door just as I put on my heels to reveal Tony standing there. He had on a tux and a expression that almost mirrored my own. He, too, was not looking forward to the party tonight. “Shall we go?” He asked and I nodded. I thanked Elizabeth as I walked past her and left the manor with Tony and the bodyguards.

We arrived at my father's house a little while later. My stomach felt like knots as I saw the buzzing of guests going in and out of the manor. When I stepped out of the car, Tony offered me his arm and I took it to keep up appearances. We entered the house, and I was mesmerized at the transformation. It was lavishly decorated, it made me feel like I didn’t belong there but it was beautiful nonetheless. As I scanned the crowded ballroom, my gaze collided with a striking figure. He was older than Tony but younger than Dominic. He was a handsome man with tattoos adorning the tops of his hands and part of his neck that was visible. His piercing blue-grey eyes immediately locked onto mine, and he raised his glass in a silent toast, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, sending a shiver down my spine.

My eyes lingered on the mysterious stranger, unable to look away from the bold, black ink that adorned his skin, and I wondered what the rest looked like under the elegant tuxedo that he wore. His gaze held mine, a spark of intensity igniting between us. He had my curiosity piqued by the contradictions he embodied: rough edges cloaked in refined attire, a rebellious spirit tempered by poised confidence.

As Tony's hand tightened around my waist, steering me through the crowd, I pasted on a bright smile, bracing myself for the social marathon ahead as we headed to the party area. Upon seeing us, my father, also dressed in his tailored tuxedo, beamed with pride as he came over to us. "Mia, so wonderful to see you again!" He kissed my cheek, his eyes shining with warmth which I returned. I didn’t know what this party was for, but it felt nice to see the genuine warmth that he embraced me with. “Come, there are a few people I would like to introduce you to.” he said, and walked into the chattering crowd. I looked at Tony, who sighed, but we followed after my father.

With a practiced smile, I murmured greetings, exchanging air-kisses with my father’s guests that he introduced us to. Tony played the charming fiancé to perfection, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with ease. I nodded and smiled, pretending to be interested in the conversations that I didn’t know anything about.

As the evening unfolded, I found myself surrendering to the rhythm of the music and the sparkle of the champagne. Definitively the champagne. Tony's grip on my waist relaxed, and I seized the opportunity to move about more freely as I engaged in more conversation, and I was starting to enjoy myself, and it felt liberating to do my own thing among the guests with my father by my side.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that Tony's attention wandered, his gaze locking onto a bunch of stunning girls, laughing and sipping champagne nearby. His eyes roamed over their curves, his smile growing predatory. I rolled my eyes as I saw him make his way over to them, but I didn’t care. I was having a nice time mingling with my father’s guests. “Mia, there are some more people I would like to introduce you to.” My father said with a smile and I noticed his eyes darted to where Tony was. I got the feeling that he had patiently waited for Tony to wander off, but it could also be the champagne making me think like that. I brushed off those thoughts when my father took e by the elbow and started to steer me away from the spot. We flowed through the guests, exchanging more pleasantries and small chats, but I noticed that my father was taking me towards a group standing on the other side of the room.