Page 60 of The Spotlight Effect

“Now where did you hear a thing like that?” I ask, acting clueless.

“Garner. He’s here dressed as Dracula somewhere.” My father rolls his eyes at his sentence.

“Hmm and who would that guest be?” I ask him. I know me playing dumb is only going to irritate him, but I don’t care.

“Haven’t I made it clear to you that this girl is not good for publicity?” my father grits out and I look at him boredly.

“You told me to be wise on my choice and I did. I picked Alexia,” I reply and stand up.

“Alexia is nobody. You need someone people know to make your image better after your previous choices in women,” Dad says, us now standing eye to eye.

“If you’ll excuse me, I have somewhere to be,” I say, not acknowledging what he just said, and I walk around him.

He’s right, my previous choices in women weren't great but Jazzlyn doesn’t have anything to do with Alexia. They are different. At least I hope so.

As I walk out of the pumpkin patch, Alexia comes toward me with Astrid and Aaliyah.

“I was looking for you,” she says.

“Well, here I am,” I say and grab her hand, turning her around and leaving this space.

“Why are we leaving?” she asks. I don’t answer, I just pull us through the crowd.

“Your dad is here, isn’t he?” she says and I feel a weight holding me from walking. “Are you embarrassed you came with me?” she asks.

“No, I just don’t like his assumptions,” I answer.

“What he thinks I’m like is not good enough or something,” she says, letting go of my hand. “You’re running away because your dad doesn’t like something.”

“I’m not running, I just don’t want to worry about him tonight,” I tell her, as I turn around to face her.

“Then you should stand up to him, Popstar. Stop pulling away and following your daddy’s plan,” she says, grabbing my hand again. I’m not sure if she’s meant to be comforting me or not.

“Me coming with you is nowhere in his plan. If anything, isn't this standing up to him,” I point out.

“So, what, I'm your pawn to stand up to your dad?” she says.

“No.” I really hope she believes me. Sure, my dad does not like her but I like her, and I don’t see a reason to stop. Plus, it getting on my dad’s nerves is just icing on the cake.

“Go to your room, Beatrix,”Dad orders as soon as we step into the house. Bea looks at me and I reply,

“Go, I’ll be up soon, Bee.” Beatrix sighs and kisses my cheek before retreating to her room. This good night is about to be ruined. One moment, I’m dancing with Alexia, having fun, andnow I’m about to have an argument with my dad before going back to The Fortress.

“Yes?” I ask.

“I told you not to be seen with her, she may be the winner of some contest, but she is nothing!” Dad yells. “If you disobey me anymore, there will be more consequences. There are going to be pictures of you two at the party everywhere,” Dad states.

“You think so, I can’t wait to see them,” I tell my dad, and he steps closer to me.

I stand up straighter, looking slightly down at him.

“She’s nothing but a slut like your mother, do you really think she’ll truly love you. All she cares for is the money just like Jazzlyn did,” Dad grits out. My fists tighten at my sides.

“I don’t give a shit about Jazzlyn but my mom really, we’re going that low. Last time I checked, you married her and cheated on her. She loved you and you fucked her over. And it seems you’re doing the same to Lena,” I reply.

“They both deserve it,” Dad states.

“Don’t be seen with the girl again.” He starts to back up from me.

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