Marissa:
Saturday evening had come, excitement and anxiety filled me up.
I had planned my outfit weeks ago for the party at the Holloways.
I was nervous and excited at the same time. While shopping for my outfit, I was unsure, scared that it wouldn't be good enough for the party.
Tonight was important and I didn't want to mess that up, especially for Justin.
I had planned out a black long tight dress with a slit, ruffles on the shoulders and little gemstones plastered all around it. I laid it out on my bed.
The gorgeous Givenchy shoes Justin got for me two days ago as my anniversary present were placed by the side of the bed, and my Chanel bag which my sister Camille bought for my birthday.
I started to doubt if I'd look good enough and even fit into his social status.
Doubts crept in, my mind running wild with thoughts.
I started to get really hot even with the air conditioner on.
My doubts kept growing.
"What if Justin didn't like my outfit? What if he thinks I look tacky?"
" Would I even fit into that type of party?"
"What if —what if people see me and talk about how it's obvious we never really looked good together as a couple and I wasn't good enough for him?"
My family was comfortable, but Justin was a Holloway and there was the constant need to impress.
I started to doubt my outfit choice, but I decided to shove it aside.
He would definitely love my dress.
I got into the bathroom, showered, and got out ready to beat my face to perfection.
I got started off on my makeup and put my hair in a slick bun.
I looked in the mirror and a small smile curved my lips, and I was satisfied with how stunning I looked.
Orrr at least that's what I thought.
I did some finishing touches, and my doorbell rang.
My heart pounding, palms sweating, I started to miss my step.
I pulled myself together before getting the door.
I paused and took a long breath before I opened the door, and there he was. Justin.
Looking at Justin's face, I was searching for something, anything that shows that I have impressed him by my look,but... but I found nothing.
His face was straight and unimpressed.
"Let's go," he muttered.
He walked to the car and I followed behind, getting into the back seat with him.
" Was this the best outfit you had?"
I couldn't believe what I had just heard. I didn't even know what to say,but I managed to get word out of my mouth.
"You— you don't like my dress?"
"Babe, it's a beautiful dress, but you could have done better."
"Justin, I put effort into my outfit. I wanted you to be impressed."
"Well, I'm not," Justin said flatly.
My shoulder fell flat. It felt like all the effort I had put into my outfit went unnoticed.
I wanted the ground to just swallow me.I felt cold water had been poured over me.
We rode in silence.
***
We got to the party, got out of the car, and we headed in.
Justin locked arms with me, and I forced a stiff smile and walked side to side with him.
We got in. The party hall was short of exquisite.
Crystal chandeliers hung from the high vaulted ceiling, scattering bright light across the room.
The walls were encrusted with gold. Tall windows lined one side, draped with gold curtains that floated gently.
The marble floor reflected the lights above.
Guests scattered around, and everyone was chatting and looking like they all fit into the cover of a magazine. Servers with gold champagne glasses lined the entrance.
It was a beautiful party, and I started to feel a little out of place. It was also the first party Justin would ever bring me to.
"I would be back," Justin said quickly.
" Would you be long?" I asked.
"No, I wouldn't," Justin said quietly.
"Okay."
I decided to wander around a bit, got some champagne and chocolate cake slices, and attended different performances—from the exquisite dancers to the beautiful ballerinas.
It was breathtaking. The dancers moved with such grace that it was indeed a beautiful sight to behold.
I noticed Justin had been gone for a while. I decided to go up to look for him since I saw him go up.
I checked the first room, but he wasn't there. I moved to the next one where the door was slightly ajar.
"Ohhh yeahh....Justin don't stop"
I didn't believe it. I didn't want to believe it was my own Justin.
The sound grew louder as I got closer to the door.
With trembling hands, I pushed the door open... and froze. There was Justin —and Peyton.
My heart clenched; it felt like air had been ripped off my lungs. Everywhere suddenly got blurry.
I ran away from the scene. Justin ran after me, screaming my name.
"Marissa!!! Stop right now"
He said it with the most commanding tone like he didn't just cheat on me with my best friend. She didn't even seem fazed by the catch.
I didn't look back. I ran down the stairs, my makeup ruined, mascara streaming ...My chest tightened as if I had forgotten how to breathe, my vision blurry.
Before I realised it...Justin had caught up to me. He dragged me by the arms and whispered..."don't cause a scene. "
I yanked my arms free and I was taken aback when I saw cameras flickering and out of nowhere someone came and pulled me out of the scene.
I didn't even realise where I was pulled too. My emotions were a mess , I was scattered and hurt all at once. My hands trembling. All I knew was I was in a strange man's car.
I couldn't believe what I just witnessed. How could he —how could they do this to me?
I raised my hands to my face to wipe away tears from my eyes when a hand suddenly appeared in front of me, handing me a handkerchief.
I looked up. I hesitated a little bit then I took it.
I started to notice my surroundings: brown leather chairs with dim interiors and the engine humming.
That was when it hit me. I was in a stranger's car... my hands trembling as I spun around to take a look at him.
"Will you marry me?" He asked with his voice calm —like he hadn't just asked a life-changing question.
