My Sweet Punishment by Amelia Brooks (best book club books of all time .TXT) 📕

      As if Olivia had the feeling that I don't have an appropriate outfit, and she brought a few evening dresses with her.

      The first one she made me try on, she literally did, because I would never have worn one of those gowns in my life. The long tight-fitted red dress with a revealing neckline almost to the navel and a side slit that practically bared my thighs. And no matter how much my friend convinced me that I look like a million bucks in it, my psyche is not ready for such outfits yet. So I chose the second, less challenging, one.

      The long also tight-fitted black dress with a high neck, but with no back. Olivia didn't let me put a bra under it. She said it won’t look nice. Okay, I can put myself through that. It’s only one night. After all, I could hide behind my flowing hair.

      Olivia herself wore the long evening dress covered with golden sequins, which looking like scales. The outfit fits the girl, setting off all the advantages of her figure, which are numerous. Now she looks like a doll.

     As a student, Olivia had been followed by a lot of guys, and she enjoyed her popularity. But all her relationships never got so far, I mean the wedding. And it’s all because her wealthy father wants to find a no less wealthy son-in-law. And those guys that he matchmakes for her, Olivia rejects even without really getting to know them. She says they're too old and ugly and boring. In short, she has a pretty strained relationship with her father now. Until someone will give up.

     A few hours later, we are standing in front of the gates of a fabulous country mansion. It seems that in the 19th century, such houses were owned by aristocrats, and now almost all of them, except for some, are used as museums. The building really impresses with its scale.

     We entered the territory of a huge garden. Though it's already dusk, it can't stop you from enjoying the surrounding beauty. And the lanterns lit everywhere add even more magic to the place. The blooming citrus trees spread an unforgettable fragrance that mixes with the wonderful smell of a huge number of different flowers. And they are all selected in such a way that the “flower drawings” look like ornaments on Persian carpets.

    There are also symmetrical sculptures of mythical creatures everywhere, the details of which can be viewed for hours. This entire splendor is completed by a huge fountain, in the middle of which stands a sculpture of a nude girl. And there is not even a hint of vulgarity in this sculpture. It is so organic with the surrounding nature, and from a distance, it seems that she is literally alive.

      So fascinating! I think I look now like a kid in a candy store. Can’t take my eyes off it.

     Yeah, here you feel like Cinderella, and not in a good way. It seems that as soon as I enter the territory of the house, the evil stepmother will ask what this ugly duckling is doing here, and not sitting in the attic and sorting grains.  In my case, in a tiny apartment, writing a graduation work. I feel as uncomfortable as possible, although Olivia claims that I overthink it. Yeah, it's easy to say because 'someone' has lived in luxury since childhood.

     According to the girl's talk, I realized that Olivia's father is engaged in a business related to alcohol and tobacco products. And quite successfully, since the man has already opened several companies abroad, not to mention a huge number of stores.

   The party place is fully in harmony with the people who are present here. There is the city's elite everywhere you look. And this is clear not only by the fact that all of the guests are wearing expensive branded clothing or jewelry but more by their behavior. Perfect posture, confident, and slightly haughty looks, reserved, calm.

     Although looking at Olivia, I can be wrong about who's who. Because she's not exactly a reserved person, she’s quite different, there’s no arrogance in her behavior. Perhaps that's what I like about her. Her straight-talking, confident personality. That’s what I sometimes lack myself.  

     As soon as we got to the drinks table, I noticed a young guy walking toward us, and I became a little alarmed.

      He is brown-haired, about twenty-five years old, pretty good-looking. He’s wearing a beige suit and a blue shirt with an open collar.

     “Olivia! Lovely to see you. I’m surprised. You're not often seen at such social gatherings. We know you're more of a night club lover.” He hugged her and kissed her cheek.

    “Well, I couldn't miss my own father's birthday. It's good to see you, too, Mike.”

    I just chuckled at her words. Of course, her father is the main reason for her visit, not some handsome billionaire named Henry Collins. The girl saw my overly speaking glance, mentally begging to keep my mouth shut.

     Then the guy shifted his gaze to me and looked me over from head to foot as if ranking my appearance. It doesn't feel good. I shivered slightly. Then his eyes lit up strangely. Probably he’s satisfied with what he sees.

     “And who is this lovely lady? Olivia, can you introduce us to each other?” The guy smiled at me.

     “Mia, this is my cousin, Mike. He’s working with my father. Mike, this is my bestie, Mia.”