6
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to my school and became my deskmate, even
with all the girls staring at us.
Before school let out on Friday, Ethan gave
me an invitation to his birthday party.
I accepted it and handed it to my dad when I
got home.
My dad was thrilled, but Mrs. Smith said
Tiffany should go with me.
“Grace hasn’t been to events like that before.
Tiffany can help her, so she won’t embarass
the Smiths.”
My mom tried to convince him.
My dad thought for a while, then agreed.
Of course, I played the good daughter and
agreed with my dad.
Saturday night, I put on my gown and went to
the Johnsons‘ with Tiffany.
On the way, the partition in the back seat
went up, and Tiffany gave me a nasty look.
“You’re a hick from the sticks. Do you even
TOUTO a tvN TEOLLI LETO OLIVNO. DU
know how to ballroom dance?”
I looked at her. “What, you haven’t had
enough already?”
She flinched, but then puffed out her chest.
“I’ve been a Smith for sixteen years. I’m the
rightful heir. Ethan’s gonna marry someone
like me. What are you?”
I laughed and ignored her.
My dad was trying so hard to get Ethan’s
attention.
The dresses Tiffany and I wore were both
from the new season. They made my body
look good.
The Johnsons were loaded. Their place was
unbelievable. It made the Smiths‘ house look
cheap.
At the party, Mrs. Smith introduced me and
Tiffany to Ethan’s mom, a classy woman.
Tiffany saw Ethan and her face went red.
“Ethan it’s been a while ”
Ethan didn’t even look at her. “Not really. We
were in class together, right?”
Tiffany didn’t know what to say. I lowered my
head, trying not to laugh.
Mrs. Smith was embarrassed and about to
say something, but Ethan’s mom took my
hand.
“You must be Grace! Ethan talks about you
all the time.”
I nodded, watching Tiffany’s face.
“Good kid! I can tell you’re responsible. Ethan,
you should listen to her!”
Then she pulled me into the middle of the
party and introduced me to all the other
ladies.
When the party started, Ethan asked me to
dance. I glanced at Tiffany, who was glaring
at me, and said yes.
Tiffany, I’m stealing your fiancé.
The party went on for four hours. Before we
Tiffany saw me wearing the bracelet and
stormed off.
Mrs. Smith apologized to the Johnsons, but
Ethan’s mom waved her off. She kept talking
to me for a while.
My dad had heard about the party and was
waiting for me at home.
When I got home, he grabbed my hand.
“Make sure you catch Ethan! Your brother’s
gone! You’re the only one who can make the Smiths great again!”
The door crashed open and Tiffany ran in,
screaming. “I’m the Smith’s daughter! Why
are you treating a stupid orphan better than
me?” She ran at me.
My dad was so focused on the Johnsons that
he grabbed her arm and threw her away.
“You’ve lived with the Smiths for sixteen
years, but you have terrible grades! Ethan
doesn’t like you! You don’t know anything.
doesn’t like you! You don’t know anything
about business! Do you think you deserve to
be the heir?”
Mrs. Smith tried to help Tiffany up, but my dad shouted, “Don’t you dare help her! You
spoiled her! That’s why she’s so crazy!”
Everything turned into a mess. Tiffany got
sent to the basement, and I moved into her
room.
