"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for coming to this party. It is my pride and joy to present my youngest daughter to the business world. Mackenzie Young, will you come forward?" He spoke loudly as he held a glass of champagne. Everyone in the crowd had one, including me, however I just planned to pour it into one of the plants.
Walking slowly to the front, the light was directed toward me. I smiled and waved to everybody taking off my mask, since my father did the same. Many people spoke up about the dance and I smiled, happy that they were pleased with my performance.
"Daughter." He smiled as I placed a kiss on his cheek, and gave him a light smile. "This is my daughter, and many have mentioned, she performed very well on the dance floor tonight. I'm happy to say that she can finally work in the business."
Many applauded lightly, then the room went silent. I paused to study the room and caught many eyes. I knew there was a mixture of people attending the party, and this is the time that I show who is in control.
"Good evening, the name is Mackenzie Young. Thank you for the praise you have given about my dancing." People chuckled lightly, however it didn't make it up to their eyes. "I'm actually excited for what the next couple of years will provide for not only my family, but for the customers that buy our products.
"It makes me happy and satisfied when my company is truthful, but also when it thrives. Many of you are wondering who I am. Yes I have graduated from high school this year and was even the Salutatorian." I looked up at the ceiling taking my eyes off the stares, taking another deep breath
"My dream is to bring more women into the work field, for any type of work. I don't know who my father will pick for the inheritance of the company." I looked in Julian's direction and took another breath. "However I hope he thinks of the company's situation, than his own personal desire." I turned to him and smiled lightly.
When I stood before the crowd it felt exhilarating, but unnerving. I looked into Jacob's eyes and he gave the look of approval before he looked in Julian's direction. The flashes of the cameras as they took pictures, made me grimaced. Alex coughed and gain everybody's attention again.
"Thank you for your words, Daughter, toast!" He looked toward me and smiled lightly, I couldn't help, but smile back, I toasted then poured my drink into a bush. "Everyone, thank you for coming tonight, however I have to ask for the night to come to an end." He raised his glass and people cheered, but there were a couple of grumbles within the crowd.
I stood by the entrance bidding the guests farewell, many wanted to speak for a couple of minutes about the party and the only thing I could do was listen.
About halfway through I wanted to leave the rest for my father, however that would make me look bad. 'This is exhausting.' I watched all the guest, all dressed elegantly, ladies in different dresses, and the men in their tuxedos.
"I hope we can do more business in the future Miss Young." Someone grasped my hand and pulled it to their lips, placing a soft kiss, I scrunched my eyes at him, a little shocked 'who is this man'.
"The name is pretty famous, you'll have to figure it out." I looked at him with confusion and he placed my hand back to my side, he glanced behind me, then smirked.
"Why should I?" I muttered, he caught what I spoke and turned and chuckled. It made my spine shiver, it was another mafia leader. Coming to gauge what was actually happening in the Young household.
"You'll find out soon enough, my dear." I nodded and he left into the summer night, slightly humid since there was a storm coming in. I watched the man walk to his waiting suburban the held three of his guards.
The storm in the distance could be seen, with it throwing a fit in the clouds, colorful streaks of lighting could be seen. Just a beautiful sight to see, since the night began, other than Jacob, of course.
When the final guest left, she was a middle aged woman who wanted to speak about my performance. I nodded and plastered a smiled, while slowly leading her toward the door, when she finally left, I turned around and face planted into a solid chest.
"I'm sorry." I mumbled and then smiled, breathing in his scent of pine wood and lavender, overflowing my senses. I backed up slightly and looked up to him.
"Kenzie are you okay? It seems it's time for my departure." I nodded that I was alright and then drooped my shoulders. He reached out an brushed my cheek, and smiled. "Now look who is upset." He chuckled lightly then walked to the door.
"Wait, it only right for me to walk you to the door." I turned around and looked into Jacob's eyes. Maria was watching them from a distance, under Alex's order. Even Ronda was with the old lady watching the two.
Taking a couple steps forward, I walked outside and watched the sky. He followed and closed the door behind him.
"When will I be able to see a young lady like you again?" I know he was being polite since we were being watched.
"Life presents the unexpected, however my schedule is full. Perhaps we can grab a cup of coffee later?" He nodded his head and walked to his car that had someone in the driver's seat. The car was the latest model of a Lamborghini, I watched the car drive off, then walked to the gardens.
Walking down the soft pathways, I looked around at the plants and smelled the fresh air. Honestly the night was tiring, but fun and interesting. My body still felt fuzzy and warm wherever he touched me.
"He get's jealous over such tiny things." I chuckled lightly as I found my favorite bench by a weeping tree with purple leaves. I remember coming out here when I was little to read a book, or to just be outside, however it's been a little while since I've come out to the gardens.
The gardens were vibrant green, with few weeping tress with benches under them, what makes this one special is the source of water by it, and how close to the wood line it was. There was one time that I ventured to deep into the woods and received a huge scolding.
I wasn't hurt however I met such a strange old man, one that spoke in riddles. He spoke about a prophecy, I just shrugged it off as he spoke. He disappeared after he spoke however he looked worried and upset, when a glowing light took him away.
"I was only five at that time, now I can't remember what he said." I looked into the water as it reflected my image, I smiled then reached to touch the water feeling the cool liquid. I stood up and looked around the garden, I swear it felt like I was being watched.
I took the steps toward to the backdoor, leading though the kitchen. I startled some of the kitchen workers, but they regained their composer as I walked through to the exit. While taking a back staircase to my room, I bumped into George.
"Miss?" I smiled then walked away.
"Goodnight." I spoke then left him alone in the hallway, I took off my dress carefully, then wiped off the makeup. I skipped taking a bath and instead took a ten minute shower, I placed the hairpin in my jewelry box, planning to wear it almost everyday.
Walking to the side of my bed I turned off the lights and listened for any noise. I still felt like I was being stalked, but I couldn't pinpoint where. I crawled into the queen bed and fell into a deep slumber, it was one exhausting night.
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