1. Sierra

~ SIERRA's POV ~

 

 

It was a warm summer day in New York City and Sierra was spending the afternoon reading her favorite book with her trustee sidekick, Winnie the Poodle. 

 

Although she had been living here all her life, the city with millions of people outside her doorstep, Sierra was always homeschooled and she never had many friends. She never went partying or even had dates with guys. She didn’t mind it, though. Winnie and Rosie were all she needs.

 

“Come on, Si, this is your eighteenth birthday we’re talking about. Aren’t we supposed to do something fun?” Rosie chirped and batted her eyes playfully.

 

“Something fun?” Sierra asked back.

 

This weekend was Sierra’s eighteenth birthday, and much like her previous birthdays, she preferred spending it at home with a simple dinner with her family. She had her dad, Rosie, and her uncle and aunt. Sierra had an older brother, Sebastian, but he passed away in a car accident ten years ago, along with their dear mother. Ever since that accident, Sierra was homeschooled and her dad never let her go anywhere. He was being extra protective and Sierra understood why. The world outside was a difficult place. She’d much rather stay in the comfort of her home.

 

“Yeah, like why don’t we go to a club?!” Rosie clapped in excitement. “I know a guy that can get you a fake ID!” 

 

“Oh, no, no, no,” Sierra shook her head quickly. “I’m not getting into any trouble, no thanks,”

 

“It won’t be, your dad won’t even know you’re gone!” Rosie argued.

 

“No, thanks, Rose,” Sierra said firmly. “I’m not in the mood to be cramped up in a room with a bunch of sweaty strangers,“ 

 

Rosie’s smile turned into a frown. She had been wanting to take Sierra out for a long time and introduce her to all her guy friends, but Sierra always refused. 

 

“How are you supposed to have fun and find love if you don’t even go out?” Rosie muttered under her breath.

 

“I’ve found love,” Sierra said defensively, picking up her book. “Right here,”

 

“You know you can’t keep falling in love with those fictional characters,” Rosie rolled her eyes.

 

“I totally can,” Sierra shrugged and smiled. “Besides, we have that party that dad’s throwing for me,”

 

Sierra’s dad had been wanting to throw her a big party ever since she turned sixteen, but two years ago, the world was going through a pandemic so the event had to be postponed. This year, however, everything was back to normal and Sierra’s dad went all out. He rented the ballroom at the Plaza Hotel and invited hundreds of guests from all over the country. Sierra was the last heir of the Ascott family, one of the oldest and most prominent families in the nation. So it was no surprise that her turning eighteen was a big deal.

 

“You mean the cotillion?” Rosie raised her eyebrows. “Been there, done that. It’s not as much a party as it is a showcase,” she shrugged.

 

“A showcase?”

 

“Yeah. Don’t you see? Your dad’s trying to show you off to the world. I mean you’ve seen the guest list. Look at how many guys he’s invited!”

 

A few days ago, Sierra and Rosie saw the guest list and they were shocked. Hundreds of people RSVPed and most of them she didn’t even know, but they were all famous families and billionaires. Mostly they were guys who were her age or older and single. 

 

“Those people are just… dad’s closest friends,” Sierra muttered lowly.

 

“Oh, Sierra. Don’t be so naive,” Rosie shook her head. “You know how our family works. There’s no such thing as friends around here. There are business partners, but there are no friends,”

 

“So what are you saying?”

 

“This cotillion is gonna be your debut into New York’s high society. A lot of prominent families will be looking at you as a potential… business partner?”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Wife, you dummy!” Rosie shoved her elbow to make a point. “Guys are gonna be lining up to ask for your hand in marriage!”

 

“What?!” Sierra gasped in terror. “No way!”

 

“Trust me, I know these things. My mom and dad tried doing the same to me, but luckily, I already met Ethan before I turn eighteen. So they can’t just auction me off like some show horse,” Rosie scoffed.

 

Unlike Sierra, Rosie went to a normal private school in the city. She met her boyfriend Ethan Vanderbilt when she was a freshman at The Trinity School. They were inseparable ever since and they might even get married in a few years.

 

“But I’m only eighteen…” Sierra trailed. “I’m just a freshman in college. I’m not ready for a marriage,”

 

“I know, but unfortunately, those things aren’t up to us to decide,” Rosie gave her a sad smile. “When we’re born into this family, our life story’s already written for us,” 

 

Sierra threw her gaze down and sighed. She knew Rosie was right. Rosie and her shared a lot of the same fate, but luckily for her, Rosie had an older brother and sister, so her parents didn’t have to worry about not getting an heir from her. Sierra, however, was now an only child. If she didn’t marry well and produce an heir, his father’s empire would be affected.

 

“That’s why it’s best you don’t read stories like that, Si,” Rosie pointed at the book on Sierra’s lap. “Those stories never come true for us,”

 

Sierra’s shoulders slumped in defeat. As much as she hated to admit it, Rosie was right again. Love was not something a girl from her family was supposed to have. She only had responsibilities and duties. The only love stories she’ll ever know were the ones she read in these books.

 

“Aw, come on. Don’t frown,” Rosie cooed and pulled her into a hug. “You know what? Let’s get your dad’s credit card and go shopping. The birthday girl needs a new dress, right?”

 

Rosie’s eyes held a playful glint and Sierra’s lips twitched into a small smile. Within seconds, the two girls leaped up from their seats and raced into the house.

 

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

 

 

“Hey, where are you girls going?”

 

Sierra’s dad caught the two girls racing out of the living room as he was descending down the stairs. He was wearing a dark three-piece suit and his long neat grey hair was slicked to the side.

 

“Soho!” Rosie waved her hand carelessly in the air as she skipped to the door. “We’re going shopping Uncle H!” 

 

“Okay, have Yuri drive you girls,” Sierra’s dad replied. “And don't forget to bring the bodyguards,”

 

“They’ll come even if I don’t invite them to,” Sierra replied and rolled her eyes. Everywhere she went, she could never escape the bodyguards her dad hired. Even if she was only walking Winnie down the block, they would always be following her.

 

“Alright, have fun,” her dad stepped closer and kissed her forehead.

 

“Thanks, dad,” Sierra was about to turn to her heels, but she stopped herself. Rosie was already out the door, but Sierra held back.

 

“Um, dad, actually, can I ask you something?”

 

“Yes?”

 

Sierra paused for a moment before continuing, looking for the right words to say.

 

“The party that you’re throwing for me… Does that mean I’m gonna be auctioned off like a show horse?”

 

“What?” her dad gaped.

 

“Is it a party where I’m supposed to find a husband or something like that?” she asked again. “I just wanna know what to expect…”

 

“Where did you hear that?” her dad narrowed his eyes.

 

“Rosie said so…”

 

“Don’t listen to that crazy cousin of yours!” he scoffed and shook his head. “You’re just going to meet some of my friends and their sons, it’s just a cordial event,”

 

“But—“

 

“Don’t worry, it’ll be fun! There are plenty of wonderful and good-looking young men out there, so if you happen to meet someone you like, that’s a good thing too,” he said reassuringly. “But if you don’t, there’s no pressure,” he added.

 

Her dad was smiling so reassuringly and Sierra let out a relieved sigh.

 

“Oh. Okay, dad,” she smiled.

 

“You’ll have fun, sweetie. Trust me,” he beamed.

 

Sierra stood on her tippy toes before kissing her dad goodbye. She was smiling from ear to ear, no longer worried about the party.

 

Maybe Rosie was wrong, she thought to herself. Maybe a girl like me could still find love and do my duties at the same time.

 

Sierra didn't quite know what to expect at this party, but for some reason, she had a good feeling about it. Normally, she was anxious about big parties and meeting lots of people. But this time, she was feeling excited. 

 

Who knows maybe her prince charming would be there? 

 

No one could know what this party would bring. But whatever it is, she’ll be ready.

 

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- - - - - To Be Continued. - - - - -