Unexpected Love

| 8 |

A week had passed since the incident at the bridal shop. Tonight was the engagement party. My mother had contacted me throughout the week, begging me not to come but I couldn't give her that satisfaction. 

I was going to come and I was going to make a statement to Jenna and my mom. After tonight, they should think twice before messing with me.

I picked a modest yet elegant dark beige dress with my hair in a simple ponytail. I kept my bangs to the side of my face with some light makeup. I paired the dress with black heels and a small black clutch and my gold hoop earrings. 

I looked at myself in the mirror one last time. My features were plain but this style gave me some character. I had to admit that I looked expensive. 

My phone pinged, notifying me that the cab I requested had arrived. 

Grabbing my clutch, I left the apartment and took the elevator down to the lobby.

A yellow cab was waiting by the entrance.

I got in and we drove off towards the Barrett Mansion located in Mayfair. 

It was a 30 minute drive but when we finally arrived, my eyes widened at the entrance of the mansion. There was a long red carpet leading down a steep hill of stairs with security guards lined up on each side of the carpet. For vehicles to enter, they had to go through the gate and their vehicles had to be registered for entry. 

"Ma'am, this is private property so I'm going to have to let you off here," the cab driver said, motioning to the security guards surrounding the entrance gate. 

"Of course. Thank you for the ride," I said, quickly getting out.

I watched the cab drive off and then looked at the mansion. It was immense, much bigger than the Kensington's. Allen was old money rich but his parents hadn't done a good job of continuing their wealth, leaving him with only a few millions to live off. 

I walked up the stairs to the gate and smiled at the security guard.

"Ma'am, is there something I can help you with?" one of the security guards asked, walking up to me. 

I turned my attention towards him and nodded my head. "Yes, I'm here for the engagement party."

He nodded and asked me to follow him to the gate. "May I get your name?"

"Helena Andrews," I patiently replied. 

"Check for Andrews on the list," he said to another guard.

"No Andrews on this list," the other guard said.

"Check again," the guard stated, looking at me with a raised brow. 

The other guard shook his head. "Nope. Not on here."

This was embarrassing.

They had really done it. They took me off the guest list. 

The guard turned back to me and shook his head. "Sorry ma'am. Unfortunately, you're not on the guest list."

I slowly nodded my head, disappointment evident on my face. "It's alright. It is what it is."

The guard sent me a pitiful look and returned back to his post. 

I looked at the mansion one last time before heading back down the stairs. 

"LENA!" I suddenly heard while I was looking down at my phone, trying to request a cab. 

I looked up to find Julia sticking her head out a limousine at the entrance of the gate. 

I awkwardly smiled at her and walked up to the limo. "Hey Julia. You're back in London?"