BLACK CARD, SOFT HEART.

Have always wanted and dreamed of being seen, appreciated, but everytime I tried, it seems to be like I shouldn't have tried in the first place.

The hall sparkle with bright furnitures, extravagant gold tables, crystals and stones.

It was well decorated with luxurious chairs, best fit for everyone. It was a classic gathering of the elite yet for me, it wasn't with a warm welcome, rather, with cold gleam of deceit. The air was thick with luxury scents of different brands, it was as if they were auctioning for the best perfume scent.

"Leila!"my father snapped, all dressed in his shiny black suite, eyes balls landing on me with a frustration, and anger.

I shivered, my fingers tightened on the tray, knuckles whitened, not like it was heavy... Holding it wasn't a problem, if it meant for me to be seen or appreciated in that way, then I will do it without complaining...

But the voice of my father kept echoing in my ears, "Wear something simple, don't draw attention... this is your sister's night." That alone put me in frustration, but I couldn't complain reasons because I will do anything that pleases them.

I rushed to the table were the family of three sat... I drew out one of the chair to sit, at least, just to also be part of them. Just like my father said, I didn't draw attention. Just sit and enjoy too.

But immediately I sat, "leila" my father snapped, " what are you doing, are you planning to sit with us? Have you forgotten your place?" I broke down in silence, face bowed to the ground in shame "I'm sorry, please don't punish me."

I pour the liquor in the glass with tears in my eyes.

"They really do deserve being together as a family of three" I chuckled. I wasn't heartbroken, I just missed my mother... the days she was alive, life wasn't hell for me.

But after her demise, I have always wished to sit with them, eat with them as one family.

As the eldest daughter of the Jones family, I serve my family like a slave and walk away like humble servant I was.

They laughed and chatted happily together, while me, the invisible, problematic,and irresponsible daughter was out the picture!.

Across the table sat Lydia, the adorable daughter. She was all dressed up in silk. Her necklace was made of diamonds. She was radiant like the sun.

She walked up to me with intentional smile. Her eyes glittered with that poisonous shine she wore whenever she wants to be cruel.

"Sis..." she cooed, "...You look so... inappropriate"

It sounded like a compliment, until she added, "the help should never outshine the main character of honour; right?"!She didn't need to smile... the crowd smile for her.

.....

My cheek burned with humiliation. It was like the ground should open for me to enter.

All eyes and fingers pointed at me. She leaned in, her lips brushed my ear and her voice dropped to a sharp whisper only I could hear.

"Remember... stay quite tonight. Tomorrow will be louder....for us all"

"What does that even mean?"

"Dumb as always." She smiled and walked away. I stood still, stared as her heels clicked the ground...

Lydia mastered the art of being adored, while I was called the useless.

......

The whisper never stops. People kept murmuring and pointing at me in their disgusting gazes.

I never cared about their gossips. I only retreated to the kitchen in a cold feet, gasped for air in a house filled with others poisonous air.

At that, I chose to be happy.

"Leila" my heartbeat stuttered. I look back and there he was, the only one that I proudly called mine... It's Derrick, my boyfriend.

He walked in quietly, closing the door behind him. He wasn't dressed as a guest, which meant that he came for me alone."

"Why are you here Derrick?" I asked and he shrugged, " you look overwhelmed."

My lips twisted. He was the only one who noticed things my family never cared to know.

With a little pull and those musk scents, something I could never name wrapped around me. I felt a little comfort from him, and that moment, all the sadness seems to be erased from my memories.

"You let them walk all over you..." He murmured, "I don't like it Leila."

But my response was vague... "I'm used to it, Derrick. Those are part of me already.

"That's the problem. You always let them win. Why can't you just stand up for yourself? Do you want to be everyone's punching bag?"

I forced a weak smile, "But you are here now"

"Yes I'm here." He replied.

I allow myself to be cherish at the moment, and the comforts flows

in naturally.

....

The dinner kept buzzing, toast were given.

The busy hall was soon still, and all the guest were gone. Derrick got a call and asked to rushed home for a serious appointment......he left.

I struggle my way back upstairs. My heart was exhausted, hope thin and my soul shattered.

Opposite my door, a familiar voice behind the partially close door hit me.

Curiosity made me peep for a clear hearing and view, and there he was...

Is that my Derrick...? My voice dropped in a trembling whisper? wasn't he gone? What is he doing in Lydia's room?

A lot of questions with no answer came in.

...

Her laugh floated out, "Relax..." She purred, "She's too naive to suspect anything"

His voice followed. It was low, almost boring. "Are you sure she won't find out about us?"

"Please... Leila can't find out what's right in her hand. She trusts everyone... how pathetic." Lydia said, as they both kissed and laughed like two sweet lovebirds.

I froze in shock. My throat closed. My hand trembled to my mouth to stop the sound rising in my chest, "The one person I cherish, and trusted so much was the same person leading the troops of the enemy into my dens."

She continued... This time around, her voice was darker, "Tomorrow, we will throw a little party. Make sure to be there. The deal Will be sealed once the announcement is made. Leila becomes the perfect scapegoat".

Derrick exhaled in relief, "so she will take the fall? I can't wait to openly be with you,. I have been hiding and doing this for many years, finally the long awaited time is here."

"Of course," Lydia said sweetly. "Where else does she belong...."