Chapter 9 9

Julia.

That night, I was overcome with anger. I locked myself in my room after an encounter with Dr. Knight. His cruelty was beyond belief, and it broke my heart. Overwhelmed with sadness, I hid under my blanket. My father, concerned, wanted to know what happened that had left me so distraught.

I gave him no answers, especially because Dr. Knight had started working at my father's hospital, and I didn't want to cause any issues. The issue was deeply personal. My father was my best friend, but I could not bring myself to share this ordeal with him.

A knock on my door came from my mother. To her, I replied, "Mom, I am sleepy. Please leave me alone.".

However, she opened the door and slowly made her way to my bed. Gently, she pulled back the blanket and told me, "You need to get out of this bed now."

Feigning sleep, I closed my eyes, "Mom, please turn off the lights. I want to sleep."

But she was not persuaded, "Listen, I don't know what happened, and I won't force you to tell me. But I cannot bear to see you crying yourself to sleep. Get up now."

Stubbornly, I retorted, "I am not crying."

Unfazed, she responded in a stern tone, "Really? Well, I've invited your cousin over for dinner. You know, the one who just returned from Australia."

"I am not well. Please don't do this," I begged, my eyes firmly closed.

But she was resolute, "Too late. Get dressed. He is already downstairs waiting for you. Unless you want him to think you're avoiding him."

David was my cousin and I had harbored a crush on him since young. I didn't want him to feel unwelcome, so with a sigh, I sat up in bed, "Okay Mom, I see what you did. You intentionally did this to get me out of my room."

Her smile was both teasing and soft, "Exactly. I hate to see you upset. You mean everything to me."

Finally, I relented and got off the bed to give her a kiss on the cheek, "I will be okay, Mom."

She patted my head gently, urging me softly, "Okay then, freshen up and get dressed."

She walked into my closet and picked a sultry, sparkling silver dress for me, "And wear this," she instructed.

I furrowed my brows in confusion, tilting my head, "But this isn't appropriate for a family dinner. I'm confused."

She winked at me, "Just dress up. Don't forget to apply some makeup, and put on your sexy silver high heels."

Feeling weak, I gave a weak smile in response and decided to do as my mother asked, hoping that seeing David would help me forget about Knight.

I retreated to my bathroom, undressed, and took a lukewarm shower. After about ten minutes, I brushed my hair, applied some makeup, and slipped into the silver dress and heels. I checked my appearance before leaving the room – I looked stunning.

Descending the staircase, I found my cousin David, who was looking his best. His toned physique and piercing blue eyes could allure any woman. Flashing a wide smile at him, he expressed his surprise, "Wow! You have transformed into a true lady! You look gorgeous."

I blushed, recalling those days before he left for Australia. When he was in college and I was only a timid 13-year-old crush harboring feelings for him.

My mother suggested, "Why don't you both have a night out together?"

Surprised, I looked at her, "But Mom! You never let me stay out at these places at night!"

My father cupped my cheeks and said reassuringly, "Yes, but you're not alone. You're with your cousin."

Despite my embarrassment, David welcomed the idea enthusiastically, "I've been away from the country for years, so why not? It would be incredible if Julia agrees, of course."

Turning to my dad for approval, he nodded, "Yes, sure. But take care of her, don't stay out too late and, I swear David, don't dare lay a finger on her or you'll regret it."

My father's stern warning resonated in the room. That was my father – ever so protective.

David raised his hands in surrender and jokingly responded, "I swear on my life, I will protect her – even from myself."

My mother approached, patting my back, and said, "Enjoy the night, sweetheart." David took my hand, leading me toward the door. However, my father interjected, reminding David with another warning, "Don't be late and remember: don't touch her." David saluted him obediently, replying, "Yes sir."

We made our way to David's car where he graciously opened the door for me. Once we were both seated in the car, he turned to me and questioned, "Honestly, you look stunning. Do you have a boyfriend?"

After a gulp, I replied, "A boyfriend? No, I have never had one."

He looked taken aback and asked, "What happened to the men here? Are they blind or something?"

Feeling shy, my gaze fell to my lap as I explained, "My father never allowed any guy near me."

Starting the engine of his car, he remarked, "Well let's go then. It feels like a lucky night, considering you've never fallen in love yet and are single."

His comment made me sad as I was sure that I had developed feelings for Knight, but he had left me heartbroken. I hoped to never cross paths with Knight again, even by coincidence. However, I knew our paths would eventually intersect at my father's hospital.

The silent drive continued until we reached a nightclub, a place unfamiliar and intimidating to me.

David reassured me as he opened the car door, "Let's go, princess. Don't worry, you will enjoy the night."

As we entered the eclectic club, David seemed more comfortable, and everyone's attention soon fell upon him. With his wallet flush with cash, he distributed tips generously as we walked by the doorman, manager, dancers, and bartenders. I knew both my father's and mother's families were wealthy, but David's ostentatious behavior felt distasteful and showy.

David secured a VIP table, and to my shock, I spotted Knight at a nearby table. The scene escalated quickly: Knight spotted us, strippers danced around him, he shamelessly flirted-it drove me to pull David onto the dance floor. I danced with him in a seductive manner for the very first time. Regrettably, David took this as an invitation to invade my personal space, an act I found unnerving.

Despite our dance, Knight's gaze never wavered from me. In a heartbeat, Knight was beside me, accusing me of behaving like a call girl. He callously threw money at me, sneering sarcastically, "So, how much is he paying you for the night? I can afford to pay more."

I couldn't calm myself. My head lifted and, gathering all my strength, I slapped Knight's face, yelling at him, "He's my cousin, David."

David, eager for confrontation, began to shout, "Who the hell is he?"

I interjected before things escalated further, "He's nothing. Let's leave now."

As we departed, Knight remained behind, visibly shocked and confused, his gaze following us out.

My sadness threatened to spill over in tears. Nearly running, I made for David's car when a strong hand caught my arm.

Turning, I saw Knight standing there. "I'm sorry," he said.

His apology, though desired, came too late. He should have said it the night he humiliated me, not now.

Brushing his hand away, I pointed a finger at his face, "I'll make you regret this. I promise you."

I gave his chest a firm push, distancing him from me. Turning away, I got into David's car, tersely instructing, "Drive to the nearest restaurant. There's one at the end of this street, by the beach."

David, to my dismay, showed no sign of indignation or caring about the confrontation. He made no attempt to fight, seemingly not wanting to ruin his own evening. His lackadaisical response made me feel a pang of disgust.