The party Nathan took Nia too was not the kind of party she expected. Of course she knew of his background, and it wasn't the first time he took her to a fancy party. But this one, was what she would call a royal ball. People in the ballroon (who were undoubtedly toyalty and politicians from all around the world thanks to their flagged sashes) wore gowns and suits that looked like they would cost a fortune-and they did cost a fortune, women wore jewelry that if thrown into the sky, it would be shinier than the stars and everyone carried an aura that screams that they have a rather opulent lifestyle. Nia could swear that she saw Prince Harry five feet from where she stood before he vanished into the crowd. She eyed the back of his head in shock. The red racy dress from the thrift shop made Nia look down in embarrassment. She felt underdressed.

And of course, like the perfect boyfriend Nathan was, he thought otherwise. "Stop hiding your face love, people are staring at you."

"Thanks for making me feel better babe. I totally feel confident now." She flashed a fake smile. The dagger in her eyes made Nathan laugh though, he always found it cute whenever Nia gets mad.

"I meant-" he composed himself "-is that they like what your wearing. Look around darling! You're being photographed."

Indeed, the press surprisingly took interest into ordinary Nia, a commoner in a room full of royals, rich people and politicians. Nia brought her arms to her sides instead of covering her form as she grew comfortable to the attention.

"Ciao bella"

The couple turned around to see a strange man starring at Nia. He had hair as black as night, his skin was whiter than milk, his red eyes could make children cower in fear but his killer smile. He was grinning from ear to ear at the sight of Nia which made her more spooked. But it was the fangs that made Nia took a step back.

"Bella, do not be afraid." The young couple glanced at each other. "My name is Aro. I am Volterra in Italy." He held out his hand.

Nathan, who considered it a crime to be rude chuckled shaking his hand. "Oh right! You must be the mayor. I'm Lord Nathan Grey. My friend from my uni days in Oxford-I believe his name was Marco. He mentioned that his uncle was the mayor of Volterra and-"

"-you're mistaking me with someone else child. I represent something more important than politics." Aro's tune turned low and his toothy grin deepened. Nathan nodded awkwardly retracting his hand.

Aro's attention went back to Nia again. "Nia Swan" She offered a kind smile when he kissed the palm of her hand. She shivered slightly when his cold hands cane in contact with hers. "Pleasure to meet you both. Especially you Bella." His red glowed again. Then, he disappeared into the crowd.

Nathan protectively wrapped an arm around his date. "What a peculiar man."

"Tell me about it hun."

Nia knew that Aro was a vampire. But that didn't scare. What did was he kept saying her sister's name. She knew Aro came from Italy and 'bella' is actually an Italian word, but his tone implied something else rather than 'pretty".

--------

"You look rather dashing my love." Nathan twirled his date around as they danced. Nia shook her head smiling.

"You've said that literally a thousand times tonight." She stepped backwards

"It's actually 'figuritively', adding the word literally would be grammatically incorrect." He placed his hand on her bare back bringing her closer.

"It still feels like it though. What's up with you? You've been rather sweet lately." They swayed to the live music.

"Are you saying that it's wrong to compliment my girlfriend?" He dipped her.

"I'm saying that you need something from me." She kissed him. "Now tell me what's on your mind."

"Actually, there is something I would like to ask yo-"

"Well look who my son brought." Nia mentally cursed. They both stopped dancing and came closer to the owner of the voice. Both wore smiles, one fake and the other genuine. Nia calls her Cruella de Vil, however Nathan simply refers to her as "Mother! You've finally arrived." He kissed her cheek.

Nia moved forward to greet her with a kiss on the cheek before she flatly said "Nia-so my darling! Why did you pick out the wrong suit? I specifically told the help that you must wear the other one." Lady Victoria Grey bombarded her son with unnecessary questions. This was how she always snubs Nia, acting like she didn't exist.

Nathan, an angel as always, noticed the tension. "Mum" he motioned towards his date.

"Yes?" Lady Victoria cluelessly asked.

"My girlfriend of five years is beside you and would like to greet you." He sternly said.

"Oh darling!" She laughed it off. "I'm sorry if I seemed rude pet. You're practically family now! No need for formalities." Lady Victoria's words may have fooled her son, but the little death glare she sent to Nia made her clench her wrists.

Nope, I can do this. I can tolerate Cruella just for the night.

"Oh wherever did you get your dress? It looks very...interesting."

Screw it.

Nia coughed a little. "Nathan, would you do me a favor and get me a glass of water?" She innocently asked.

"Of course love." He obeyed before lovingly kissing her head. Nia smirked at this.

As soon as he was gone, the hostility between the two began.

"I see you're still poisoning his mind pet."

"Ohh Cruella-"

"-It's Lady Victoria to you-"

"-like I give a rat's ass." The older woman covered her mouth in shock. Along with a few people around them who heard what Nia said.

It was an improper thing to say but boy, it sure felt good. Told you, Nia's changed.

"I am no longer a pushover. Five years ago, I may have begged for your acceptance but as soon as I started loving myself again-not for my money, not for my brains, not for my fancy new job but because I am a good decent person Cruella. And nobody-not even a Lady-would tell me who I can and cannot love. Just because I wasn't spoon-fed my whole life, doesn't mean that I am less the person you are." Nia ended her statement with a glare.

The older woman simply laughed it off. "Are you done with your TED talk?"

Nia scoffed.

"I just want what's good for my son. And that's not you. So please do yourself a favor and spare yourself a heart ache." Lady Victoria saw her son coming back. "You know that he's going to propose to you tonight right?"

That caught Nia off guard. "Wh-what?"

"Don't act so surprised. Don't tell me that you haven't been receiving signals tonight." Nia's mind went back to the continuous compliments Nathan kept throwing at her and the question he was about to ask Nia before his mom ruined the moment. "I've seen it before. Boy wants to settle down, but girl still wants to live. Nia, you're young, you have a great job and I know that you're not ready yet."

"I want to settle down." She lied.

Lady Victoria gave her a look. "I'm a mother, so I know when children are lying. C'mon, do you really want me as your mother-in-law? To live in my residence until my dying breath? The grandmother of your children whom I'll always look down upon because of your heritage?"

Nia couldn't care less of the petty comments. She was uneasy because this was all too fast. Five years maybe a long time for someone to be in a relationship but for Nia, she felt like she was about to pass out.