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I had completely blanked about Noah's party until the day came rolling around. I told Audrey about it mainly because she's an expert when it comes to rich, snobby parties.

"I wish you had told me earlier. Most of my gowns are at my parent's house," she frustratedly calls out from her closet. A spark of inspiration comes from within like a lightbulb. I grab her arm and pull her to my closet.

"I have something. I don't know if it'll do, but I've worn it to a party before." I pull out the black garment bag that's been tormenting me since the day Harry brought it back with him. I unzip the bag to reveal the emerald dress I had worn at Anne Styles' charity masquerade.

"Woah," she gasps. Her hands reach out and touch the fabric. "Okay, this isn't some Macy's shit. Where'd you get this from?"

"Remember how I told you I went to a masquerade in England? This is what I wore." 

She takes the dress from my hand and takes off the bag. She holds it up to the light and inspects it thoroughly. "I thought you had left this there?"

I plop down on my bed. "I did, but Harry brought it back. I guess it couldn't be returned, and his mom refused to take it, so here it is."

"Perfect," she grins, gently hanging it on my closet door. She then makes her way to my dresser and shifts through whatever jewelry I have. "Okay, found earrings and a bracelet. No necklace, right?"

My hand instinctively shoots up to the chain around my neck. I still wear the necklace my dad had gifted me for my 18th birthday. "Nope."

"Come here, let's get you glammed up!"

Audrey works her magic on me. She always knows how to dress for an occasion, but she never overdoes it. I excitedly wait as she helps me get ready. 

I have flashbacks to the night I wore this dress. Anne was so generous to let me get ready with them. It was also the night I gave myself up to Harry. My cheeks burn at the memory.

"Hm, with the amount of red you've got going on, I might just have to skip the blush," Audrey teases. I stick my tongue out at her and try to cool myself down. I'm probably sitting there for an hour before she finally finishes. Someone rings the doorbell and she gets up to answer it, all giddy from her work on me.

I sneak a glance in the mirror and grin. As always, she's outdone herself. I look so... sophisticated. That's something Noah's mom would definitely appreciate.

Besides, tonight is all about good impressions.

A tall figure leans in the doorway. "I thought that dress was reserved for me," Harry says darkly. I shrug and stand up to meet him. His eyes do a once over, shamelessly checking me out. 

"Do you like?" I spin dramatically. 

He keeps a grim expression on his face. "I'd like it more if you were going with me instead of parading around as someone else's girl." 

I soften at his tone. I had already explained the situation, but that didn't mean he was happy about it.

"I know," I cup his face. "But, I'm doing a friend a favor."

He dramatically sighs and takes both of my hands. He plants a kiss in both my palms, making my heart flutter. "He better behave."

"Please," I scoff. "It's Noah. I think he's terrified of you."

That seems to satisfy him. He no longer holds a frown, but rather a smug smile. I smile and kiss his lips.

The doorbell rings again and I feel Harry stiffen up. Audrey squeals as she runs across the apartment to open the door. I swear she's more excited about this than I am. 

She's never met Noah in person, but I guess I talk about him a lot. She was just dying to meet him tonight.

"No. Freaking. Way," she gasps. Harry and I share worried glances before dashing to the door. I see a shell-shocked Audrey gaping at Noah.

"Everything alright?" I ask warily. 

She snaps out of her trance and leaps into Noah's arms. "I cannot believe you're here right now!"

I furrow my brow. How does she know him?

She pulls back and fixes his suit jacket. "Ellie, when you said your rich friend Noah, I had no idea it was Noah Murray!"

"I didn't even know his last name..."

He gives us a boyish grin. "We're childhood friends. Our parents knew each other," he explains.

Of course, they did. All rich people seem to know each other.

"Damn, if I had known it was you, I would have taken you tonight. My parents love you."

I dramatically gasp and put my hand over my heart. "Hey!"

He shrugs. "Sorry, El." I hint a teasing tone, so I don't take offense to being the second choice. "By the way, you look stunning."

Harry's arm protectively wraps around me. "You clean up nice," I say nonchalantly. 

"Shall we? Mother hates when I'm late."

I nod and follow him to the door. Audrey straightens his tie and fixes a stray strand of hair. Harry follows us out. He's definitely not the happiest.

"If you even touch her..." he says menacingly. I roll my eyes and urge Noah to hurry out. I stop and give Harry one last kiss before leaving. "Don't forget you're mine." I annoyedly nod and go to walk away, but he grabs my wrists to stop me. "You are breathtaking you know," he whispers so only the two of us can hear. 

Swoon. 

I blush and kiss him on the cheek. He lets me go and I find myself wishing it was Harry who I was spending the night with.

Maybe it's not too late to trade places with Audrey...

"Ellie Belly, come on!" Noah calls out. He's standing next to presumably his car. It's a white Tesla, definitely a car I can see him driving.

I duck in and wave a final goodbye to Harry and Audrey before peeling out of the apartment complex.

We drive to a super nice part of town. I've passed by it once or twice, but the neighborhood we pull into has maximum security. Not only is there a gate, but a security guard manning it. Noah has some type of special pass that lets us drive through without stopping. 

"Okay, anything specific I should know before I walk in?" I smooth my dress, but in reality it's to wipe my clammy palms. Noah's mother seems anything but inviting and I doubt I'll truly be welcome here.

"Actually, the less you know, the better. If you sound rehearsed, they'll think you're a golddigger." He sees my incredulous look and puts his hands up defensively. "I know, it sounds dumb, but it's true. They just need one flaw to cast you out."

"In my defense, I didn't know how rich you are." I point to the mansion in front of us. It's definitely traditional, something only people with old money could afford. It looks like something I'd see in Pride and Prejudice. 

He brushes my comment off. "As far as they know, we've been dating for four months, okay?"

I nod and take a mental note. If our stories are even a little off, we could be exposed. I'm not too worried though. I don't plan to keep this charade up for long. It's Noah I'm worried about. He needs this. 

Before we enter, Noah grabs my hand. I stiffen. I know we have to act at least semi-affectionate, but actually doing it is a different story. 

Focus Ellie. You're a class A actor. Don't break character now.

I put myself in the right headspace and plaster a bright smile on my face. Noah reassuringly squeezes my hand and leads me up the entryway. A security guard - yes, a guard - greets us outside the doors. He gives Noah a curt nod before opening the doors for him.

The doors are a gateway to another world. Right away I'm greeted with classical music. At first, I think it's from a sound system, but I notice a freaking orchestra in the corner of the room. My brows can't help but shoot up in surprise.

Around the hall, there are many people mingling. It's mostly an older crowd, but I see a few young faces scattered around. Suddenly I feel relieved I'm wearing such a high-end gown. It's obvious this is an event you don't want to underdress at. 

Noah leads me straight to a table. A couple of older folks are sitting there, but we don't mingle with them besides a few mutual smiles. 

He sighs and puts his head down on the table. I take this break to keep looking around. The hall we're in has tables scattered around. I see a buffet being set up but no food is being served. Waiters are crawling around with trays full of champagne glasses. A bar is set up near the buffet and from the looks of it, it's an open-bar event. I don't expect anything less from the Murrays.

I sympathetically pat Noah on the back. He's been here for five minutes and he already seems stressed. 

"Hey buddy, do you wanna introduce me to your family?" I say quietly. He stays still, keeping his head down. I subconsciously rub his back in an attempt to make him feel better. 

He slowly lifts his head up and slumps in his seat. "Sorry, I'm already over it and it hasn't even begun."

"Don't worry, I'm here," I say encouragingly. "We got this, okay? Besides, I'm not scared of beating someone up if it comes to it."

A small laugh escapes his lips and he visibly relaxes. "We'll start with some easier company. My aunt is super chill and she'll be more than ecstatic to meet my girlfriend."

I gulp down my anxiety and nod. Noah and I can't both be nervous or else it'll ruin everything. I can fake confidence, especially for him.

Now, I've been surrounded by rich people my entire life and I'm immune to their backhand compliments, but Noah's parents are on another level. I've never been to a party with a live orchestra, but I'm sure it ain't cheap. Something about this crowd exudes arrogance. They know they're better than you and won't hesitate to show it.

The only thing keeping my head held high is the fact that I'll never see these people again.

"What's this aunt's name?" I ask, standing up and offering my hand to him. He graciously takes it and scans the room. His eyes focus on a point and he starts dragging me there.

"Julie. She's the youngest on my mom's side."

I tense momentarily. His mom seems so... intense. I can't imagine her bloodline.

"She's right there," he warms before stepping in front of her. A younger woman stands there, minding her own business. When Noah steps in her sight, her eyes light up and she immediately pulls him in for a hug. She can't be more than five years older than us.

Her first impression is definitely different compared to her sister's. She doesn't seem as strict, but rather laid-back. Her warm brown eyes are welcoming.

"Noah, it's been so long!" She playfully ruffles his hair. "You've been busy?"

"As ever!" He beams. She smiles at him and her eyes notice my hand in his. She looks a little shocked but quickly fixes her face with a polite smile and outstretches her hand.

"Hi, I'm Julie, Noah's aunt. And you are?"

I let go of Noah's hand and shake hers. "I'm Ellie."

"She's my girlfriend," Noah chimes in. He takes my hand in his again and kisses it before dropping it to our side.

Ew. 

Her brows raise and this time she doesn't even try to hide her shock. "Girlfriend? Is that why you're busy all the time?" Her voice has hints of playfulness, but I can sense her doubt. 

He must sense her disbelief because he wraps his arm around my waist. I grin and lean into him, pretending I'm hopelessly in love with him. She seems to buy into our act. "No, as much as I wish I could spend all day with her, work is calling my name," Noah sighs dramatically. "Why don't we all take a seat?" He nods toward an empty table and we both follow him. I give a small pout when he lets me go but take a seat in one of the chairs. 

To my surprise, his aunt sits next to me instead of him. She grabs my hands which rest on top of the table.

"So, Ellie, tell me everything! How long have you two been dating?" 

"Four months," I grin. I decide to keep everything else truthful, like how we met. She grills me through every last detail and I eagerly answer her questions. I make sure to lovingly look back at Noah and sprinkle in affectionate gestures once in a while. Even he seems proud of my act and I pat myself on the back.

 He uneasily glances around the hall several times and I know he's looking for his parents. I'm sure if they showed up right now, he'd bolt out. I squeeze his leg and although I'm focused on my conversation, I know he'd be grateful for the reassurance. 

A little girl comes out of nowhere and tugs on Julie's dress. She smiles down at the girl and asks her what she wants.

"Mommy, I need to use the potty!" The child squeaks. Julie laughs and faces Noah, who's so focused on his surroundings, doesn't even notice the girl. 

I'm surprised that Julie has a child. She seems so young. The more I observe, the more motherly she seems. 

"Baby, did you notice cousin Noah? Go say hi and he'll take you." Julie pushes her daughter toward him. He snaps out of his paranoia and gives the girl a full-fledged smile. 

"Hey, cookie!" He picks her up, but she screams so loud that he immediately puts her down. Julie gives her daughter a warning look. "Oh, you need to pee? Let me take you. I'll be right back Ellie Belly." He gives me a swift kiss on the forehead and skips to some far away hallway with the child.

Julie looks amused. 

"And he's good with the kids? What a Godsend," I tease.

"Yeah, he's always been good with her," she replies. Her gaze is cast in the distance and I can only imagine she's pulled into nostalgia.

"Enough about my love life. What about yours?" I attempt to change the subject. I hate being the focus of conversation. Plus, I'm a being a little nosy want to know more about her daughter. I figure an innocent question will get me some of the answers I want.

She looks deep into my eyes as if she's judging my character. I don't back down and keep confident. 

"You know Ellie, I trust you for some reason. Noah doesn't bring home the best girls, but I sense something different about you," she decides after a minute. I nod, wondering where she's going with this. "I saw you were surprised when my daughter ran up to me. If you do the math, I had her when I was eighteen. Yeah, pretty young. I'm assuming that's around your age."

A shudder runs through me. I can't imagine having a baby at my age. 

"Exactly. I was dumb and careless with a guy who I thought cared about me. When my parents found out I was pregnant, they cut me off. I was kicked out and had no money. Naturally, I went to the baby-daddy's house. When he found out I was no longer rich, he rejected me." A bitter laugh escapes her lips. "He was a son of a bitch and a gold digger. I'm glad he's out of my life now, but I was so heartbroken. I got a loan from my sister and got my own place. I worked two jobs just to pay rent, but I did it. I've been so busy with her that I haven't had time to date."

Guilt fills me. I shouldn't have asked her such personal questions. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."

She violently shakes her head. "No, don't apologize. You asked me a simple question and I made it all about myself." She laughs, playing it off. "I totally just overshared, I should be the one apologizing."

"Well, if you ever need a babysitter for date night, feel free to hit me up," I laugh. 

Noah meets my eyes from across the hall and jogs to meet up with us. "Ladies, if you don't mind, mom caught me and wants to introduce us to some people." He reaches out his hand and I take it.

"It was nice meeting you," I bid farewell to his aunt. 

"You too, Ellie. I look forward to seeing you again."

My heart hurts for a second. 

It's fine, I can still visit as Noah's friend, right? 

"We don't have to stay for long. Just a few introductions and we'll be on our way, okay?" He mumbles in my ear.

I nod. "You're the boss. I'm just your escort."

He scrunches his nose. "Ew, you're making me out to be a perv or something."

"Actually, being a prostitute would be better. At least I'd get paid."

He narrows his eyes at me but fixes his stance as we near his parents. He grips on to my hand for dear life as his mom comes into view. She stands poised as ever. She's surrounded by a man who I can only assume is her husband. He radiates a power off him, just like his wife. I'm already intimidated by the pair. It's crazy to think these are the same people who birthed bubbly Noah. 

A few others linger around in conversation. Even from afar, the conversation seems dull. Not a single youthful face in sight. 

His mom catches Noah's eyes first. She smiles superficially and invites us into the conversation. 

"Noah, so good to see you here," she gestures to the group around her and introduces Noah to each. After, she adds, "and this is his girlfriend."

"Ellie," I chime in, waving to the group. They all give friendly responses and I breathe of relief. At least not everyone's as rude as his mom.

His dad mumbles something to Noah and gives him a hard pat on the back. Noah stands back and pulls me closer. 

"Father, this is Ellie. She's my girlfriend."

"So I've heard," his deep voice rumbles. "I'm Asher, Noah's dad." I give him a firm handshake, but it seems wimpy in his strong grip. "Excuse me, I have to go greet someone. It's good to finally meet you."

"Happy Anniversary," I say. He nods and leaves us. 

His mom grabs Noah's shoulders and begins navigating him through different crowds. I follow behind like a lost puppy.

I meet several influential families. The greetings are short and sweet. Noah is charming as ever, while I give short responses. With the agenda that his mom has, time is an issue. It's like she wants us to meet everyone at this damn party.

I even meet the Porters, the family that likes to spread rumors about Noah's sexuality. I make sure to up the charm with them. They seemed shocked when I'm introduced, but I play the same act as I did with Julie. We both truly seem like lovers. 

"Just one more family and I'll let you go," Ethyl Murray tells us. We follow along, navigating through the maze of people. A blond lady meets his mom's gaze. "Ah, Suzana! It's been so long." They hug and kiss each other on the cheek. "Noah, this is Suzana. She's a dear friend of mine."

Noah shakes her hand. The lady calls a man's attention.

His mom continues. "And this is Suzana's husband, Adam Marsh."

My breath hitches in my throat. I stare at the man in front of me. He seems oblivious to me, but rather so focused on the Murrays. I can't help but notice his arm slithering around his wife's waist.

My chest tightens as his mom introduces me. I stand there, paralyzed. Once his eyes meet mine, his smile drops. 

"Dad," I whisper under my breath. 

His eyes narrow at me like he's trying to see if it's true. Then, his eyes travel to the necklace he gave me. 

"Excuse me," I say before turning on my heel through the crowd. I get dirty looks as I push past people. I desperately try to remember where the bathroom is.

A hand reaches out for my wrist and effectively stops me from running. 

"Ellie! Stop, it's me," Noah grunts. I spin around to face him, tears welling in my eyes. His face softens at my state. 

"Bathroom," I plead. He nods and connects his hand with mine before directing me to the room. Once we're there, he follows me inside. I'm too distracted to even care at that moment.

"Was that... was that him?"

I grab some toilet paper and dab my eyes. "Yes," I sniffle, blowing my nose into another piece. 

"Shit, I had no idea."

I take a couple breaths. "I need to go home. I know it's your parent's party, so please don't come with me. I'll call an Uber or something." My chest feels tight and I feel like I'm going to collapse at any moment. 

"Don't be ridiculous," Noah huffs. "I'm taking you home."

"No," I grab his arm. "Noah, please. I don't want your parents to resent me or you for missing out, okay? I'll call Harry for a ride or something." He looks wary. "I'm not asking, I'm telling you." 

That seems enough to shut him up. I text Harry a cryptic message, saying I need to be picked up now and the address of the place. He responds back in seconds, telling me he's on his way.

I camp in the bathroom until he shows up. Noah keeps me company, but I can tell how awkward he's feeling. I eventually shoo him out of the bathroom and force him to socialize with his family.

I also threaten him about giving any information about me to my dad. The last thing I want is him in my life.

Harry texts me that he's outside. I fly through the people, slipping out unnoticed. Harry meets me by the car. I run into his arms and start sobbing. He soothes me by whispering comforting words in my ear. He doesn't question me, but solely offers comfort. When my tears have dried, he drives us back to my apartment. 

The car ride is enough for me to break again. When we get home, he carries me into the bedroom while I silently cry in his arms. 

Even Audrey, who seemed to be anticipating my homecoming, seems disturbed. Harry shakes his head and strokes my hair.

I lie on his chest, heaving. I hate for him to see me like this, but it's the least of my concerns. He's seen me at worse.

"Baby, you should change." He whispers, handing me one of his t-shirts. I numbly sit up and let him unzip me. Once the dress is open, I stand up and let it pool to my feet. I take the shirt and pull it over my head. 

I crawl back into my sheets into Harry's arm. He seems troubled with my behavior, but I don't have it in me to explain. Now right now.

And I'm grateful doesn't ask.