Chapter 12 I Messed up the Party

Elena Romano's POV:

Before Dad called me over, it was Mom who got Sofia and me on the line.

Isabella was chatting with a bunch of ladies, all dressed to the nines like her. When she spotted my outfit from afar, she gave me that classic mom frown.

Yep, she wasn't digging my look.

One person thinking your outfit's a disaster? Just a difference in taste. But when everyone's giving you the side-eye, it's time to admit maybe you need to rethink your fashion choices.

That realization hit me like a ton of bricks.

I sent Sofia ahead to find Isabella while I made a beeline for the restroom.

I found a maid to help me ditch the ridiculous bow on the back of my dress and lose a few over-the-top accessories. Instantly, I felt less like a walking Christmas tree.

Judging by the maid's approving nod, I knew I'd made the right call.

I headed over to Isabella.

She wasn't thrilled about my tardiness but still managed a smile and introduced me to her lady friends.

These ladies were way more polite and kind than the young crowd that had just roasted me.

I couldn't tell if any of them secretly disapproved of me, but when I showed off the etiquette I'd learned from Vivian, their eyes lit up with approval.

At least they wouldn't openly diss me and make things awkward.

"Isabella mentioned you need to brush up on your etiquette, but you did wonderfully, sweetheart."

"The Garcia family has another social butterfly. I'm a bit jealous."

"Sweetheart, why don't you stay and chat with us for a bit? Those young kids don't like hanging out with us, and we're feeling a bit lonely."

"Of course, ladies, I'd be honored," I said, noticing Isabella's expression soften. My performance had pleased her, though she still seemed to have questions about my outfit tweaks.

I wasn't sure if she approved or disapproved of my changes, but that wasn't my problem right now.

These ladies had their own stuff to talk about and didn't really need me to chime in. I just had to respond when asked and throw in a compliment here and there.

My sales job had prepped me well for this. When a customer has their own ideas but still wants you to listen, you just nod along and give positive feedback.

Sofia, on the other hand, was clearly out of her element. She tried to join the conversation, but the ladies weren't really feeling it.

Eventually, Sofia gave up and awkwardly told Isabella she needed to go greet some friends.

I caught a glimpse of discontent on her face as she left.

I watched her rejoin the group that had mocked me earlier, where she quickly regained her confidence and poise.

One of the ladies noticed my gaze and asked, "Are you looking at your sister Sofia?"

"Yeah, I'm a bit worried about her. I just went over there to say hi, but some of them weren't very friendly."

"Don't worry, sweetheart. Sofia can handle herself. She's a social queen among the young crowd."

A lady next to me whispered, "As long as she wants, no one can dislike her. She's used to being the center of attention."

From their words, it was clear Sofia had a stellar reputation. I thought it was a compliment, but I couldn't figure out why they seemed reluctant to talk to her when she was around.

I nodded and said, "Mom's always said Sofia is amazing and that I should learn from her."

"Isabella? She's always been proud of Sofia, but I think you're great just being yourself, sweetheart."

Isabella was too busy chatting to hear my conversation with the other ladies.

I glanced back at Sofia. She happened to look over and we made eye contact.

She forced a smile, and the girls she was with gave me the stink eye.

I decided to ignore them.

The banquet was about to kick off. Dad, James, was already on stage in the banquet hall.

Like a show host, Dad stood in front of the mic, raising his glass and greeting all the guests.

Mom nudged me to stand closer to the stage. When Dad called my name, I had to go up and give a speech to everyone at the Garcia family banquet.

To avoid any screw-ups—and probably because Dad didn't trust me to write a decent speech—the PR team had a speechwriter whip something up for me, and I'd rehearsed it a bunch of times.

I started feeling a bit jittery.

Back in high school, I did some public speaking gigs, but those crowds were friendly and just regular folks.

But now, the banquet hall was packed with the rich and the noble, and some of them were naturally judgy.

I took a few deep breaths to calm myself down.

They were just people. As long as I stuck to Vivian's etiquette tips, I'd be fine, just like when I greeted those ladies with Mom.

When Dad called my name, I was back in control.

The spotlight hit me, and I put on my best smile.

As I walked towards the stage, I felt all eyes on me. In front of me were Mom and her elegant friends, plus Sofia and the crowd that had mocked me.

I walked quickly, but the long hem of my dress was a pain.

I figured I'd make it to the stage as long as nothing went wrong.

But as I passed Sofia and her crew, I felt a tug on my dress.

Someone had stepped on my hem and yanked it hard.

I heard the fabric tear and lost my balance, falling backward.

I twisted my body, trying to grab something to steady myself, but the closest thing was a table with a champagne tower.

I ended up on the carpet, soaked in champagne.

Gasps and mocking laughter filled the room.

I looked around but couldn't see who was laughing or who had pulled my hem.

Everyone had worried and shocked expressions, even those who had mocked me earlier.

In that moment, everyone wore masks, hiding their true feelings, even the culprit.

When Dad called my name again, I realized I'd ruined the banquet.

My heart was racing, and I had no idea what to do.

I desperately wanted someone to help me. I even thought of Rosa, but she was gone, so I looked to my family.

Mom looked mortified.

I looked at her, hoping for help, but she stepped back under the ladies' gazes, trying to distance herself from me.

Sofia was nowhere to be seen.

I started to tremble.

Then a black coat covered my head. "Are you okay?"

I couldn't hear his voice clearly, but he sounded gentle as he saved me.

He picked me up and called for a doctor.

Under the maid's guidance, he carried me to an empty room. My parents finally reacted, and I heard them calming the guests.

"I'm fine, thank you, sir," I said, my voice shaky with tears.

"Are you hurt anywhere? The doctor will be here soon. Tell me if you're uncomfortable."

"No, sir, I'm fine. Just... believe it or not, someone stepped on my dress. I didn't want to mess it up."

I was a bit incoherent, holding onto his arm because I couldn't see his face.

I was desperate to explain what had happened.

He squeezed my hand. "Calm down, Elena. I believe you. It wasn't your fault."

His reassurance calmed me down.

We let go of each other's hands, but I still didn't dare to take my head out from under the coat.

My tears had ruined my makeup, and as Vivian had said, it was very impolite to let a gentleman see that.

When I heard the doctor arrive, I took off the coat, but the room was already empty.

I asked the maid about the gentleman who had helped me. She said he had left because someone had called for him, and she vaguely heard the name "Mac."

I remembered that name.