Page 13 of Ensnared
A slow smile spread across his face, a predator satisfied with its prey. He extended his hand to me. "Then, my dear Josephine, I believe we have an understanding. I still need to interview a few other women, but you’re answers were stellar."
As I placed my hand in his, allowing him to pull me to my feet, I felt as though I was sealing a pact. For better or worse, I had just taken the first step down a path that could change my life forever. The question that lingered in the back of my mind was whether I was truly prepared for where that path might lead.
I followed Orville back to the ballroom, my mind still reeling from the intensity of Colson's interview. As we entered, I could feel the weight of judgmental stares, but I held my head high, snagging another glass of champagne from a passing tray.
Sipping the bubbly liquid, I circled the perimeter of the grand room. My eyes swept over the opulent decorations, the glittering chandeliers, and I couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to host an event here. It was a far cry from my previous experiences in this very room, where I'd been on the other side- serving drinks, clearing plates, pocketing every hard-earned dollar to fund my Yale dreams.
"He'll never want you," a venomous voice cut through my reverie. "You're a fucking joke."
I turned to find Simone leaning against one of the open French doors, her lips curved in a malicious smile. The sight of her brought back a flood of painful memories.
"He invited me," I replied, struggling to keep my voice steady.
Simone's laugh was sharp and cruel. "You can't think he was serious. You're pathetic, Joey Shaw. You've always been pathetic and sad... a wannabe who will always be looking in from the outside. You're not invited, and you will never be."
Her words hit me like a physical blow, leaving me momentarily speechless. I shouldn't have been surprised - this was vintage Simone, the girl who had made my high school years a living hell. She had always gone out of her way to torment me, turning the other girls against me, making sure I knew I didn't belong.
As I stood there, champagne glass clutched tightly in my trembling hand, memories of those painful years washed over me. The lonely lunches, the whispered taunts, the constant feeling of being an outsider. If it hadn't been for Logan's presence during my freshman year, I'm not sure I would have survived the halls of Windmere Haven High.
But I wasn't that scared, insecure girl anymore. I'd fought my way into Yale, worked tirelessly to better myself, and now stood on the precipice of a life-changing opportunity. Simone's words, as hurtful as they were, couldn't take that away from me.
I straightened my spine, meeting Simone's gaze head-on. "You're wrong," I said, my voice low but firm. "I'm exactly where I'm meant to be."
Before she could respond, I turned on my heel and walked away, my heart slamming in my chest but my resolve stronger than ever. I wouldn't let Simone, or anyone else, make me doubt myself. Not now, when I was so close to securing everything I'd ever dreamed of.
As I moved through the crowd, chin held high, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. The road ahead would be fraught with challenges, judgments, and attempts to undermine me. But I was ready. Ready to fight, ready to prove myself, ready to show everyone - including Simone - that Joey Shaw belonged in this world, whether they liked it or not.
I leaned back in my seat on the train, a sense of relief washing over me as I turned to Logan. The rhythmic clacking of the wheels on the tracks provided a soothing backdrop to our conversation.
"I think I'm in the clear," I said, unable to keep the hint of excitement from my voice. "It's been two weeks since that ridiculous party, and I haven't heard a peep from Colson or any of the Ashworths."
Logan raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of skepticism and hope. "Really? Not even Vaughn? He's usually all over you like a bad rash."
I shook my head, a small smile playing on my lips. "Nope. Last I heard, he was living it up in The Hamptons. Good riddance, if you ask me."
I still was in disbelief with the statement he made before the party. Vaughn wasn’t the type to pour out his feelings unless it was anger. I couldn’t trust him, and I wouldn’t because all the Ashworths had ulterior motives except Easton.
As we made our way home to our small house on the edge of the Ashworth estate, I felt lighter than I had in weeks. The constant anxiety that had been my companion since the party seemed to be finally lifting.
Later that evening, I sat on our tiny porch, enjoying the warm summer air and the sense of peace that came with believing I'd dodged a bullet. The vast expanse of manicured lawn stretched out before me, leading up to the imposing silhouette of Ashworth manor in the distance.
The sudden appearance of a figure crossing the lawn shattered my tranquility. My heart leapt into my throat as I recognized the stiff posture and measured gait - it was Orville, Colson's butler.
He approached with precise steps, his crisp uniform a stark contrast to our modest surroundings. "Miss Shaw," he said, his voice as formal as ever. "Mr. Ashworth requests your presence at the main house immediately."
I felt the color drain from my face. "Now? But it's..." I glanced at my watch, "almost 9 p.m."
I was hardly dressed for a visit with Colson, wearing a pair of terry shorts and an old Led Zeppelin t-shirt well past its prime.
Orville's expression didn't change. "Mr. Ashworth was quite insistent, Miss. He said it's a matter of utmost importance."
“Can I change?” I asked, looking down at my clothing. Anything to delay so I could gather myself. My mind raced. What could Colson want at this hour? Had I been foolish to think I was in the clear? The relief I'd felt earlier evaporated, replaced by a gnawing dread.
I stood slowly, my legs feeling suddenly weak. "I... I need to tell my parents."
"There's no time, Miss Shaw," Orville said, a hint of impatience creeping into his tone. "Mr. Ashworth is waiting."
As I followed Orville across the expansive lawn, my heart pounding in my chest, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was walking into something I wasn't prepared for. The cocoon of safety I'd wrapped myself in over the past two weeks was unraveling, thread by thread.
