Ch.5 Mr. Forward and Bereft "Hello!" Josephine smiled at the next visitor. Her cheeks hurt. The visitor handed to the maid next to Josephine his hat and cloak. Josephine looked at the next guest. "Elaina! How nice to see you," Josephine said with a false smile. Elaina glanced at her and then haughtily walked past with her nose in the air. Josephine grimaced again. Elaina used to be her friend, that was until Aaron Cornea's attention had turned her way. "You can go now," Josephine's mother smiling smiled at her. "Go mingle!" "Yes, mama." Josephine turned and let her smile drop. She walked over to the refreshment table and helped herself to a glass of punch. Someone came up and tapped her on the shoulder. She turned. "Raisa! I was wondering when you would show up!" Josephine exclaimed. Raisa, a pretty girl with raven black hair pinned up in a elegant bun, with brown eyes and dark skin, smiled broadly. "What were you lonely?" She asked smiling more. "A bit, yes," Josephine said as they began walking away from the refreshments. They sat down on some chairs on the outer edge of the room. "These parties are becoming to frequent and too extravagant," Josephine said looking at all the food, gifts, and decoration's her parents had purchased for the party. "I agree, but that isn't to say they aren't fun," Raisa said. "Some are, but when Aaron shows up they take a definite down. ," ".Speaking of Aaron," Josephine said with a nod of her head at the door. Raisa turned and looked. "Would you like to go to the powder room?" she asked sweetly. "You're so.so...cruel," Josephine said. "Yes, lets go." They got up and hurriedly walked towards the grand staircase. "Let's hurry before we attract his attention.to late," Josephine said sighing. Aaron Cornea was walking towards them. "Gotta run," Raisa said springing lightly up the first couple steps. "You deserter," Josephine hissed as she turned and followed Raisa with her eyes. How she wished she could run. A perfectly manicured hand tapped her arm. Josephine turned and put on a fake smile. "Mr. Cornea, how nice to see you," she said with false brightness. "Miss Madelin, you look beautiful.like a pretty pink rose," Aaron said. "So original!" Josephine thought sarcastically. "Thank you," she said with false graciousness. "Would you care to accompany me to the refreshment table?" he asked her, offering her his arm. "no, No, NO!!" Josephine screamed inside her head. She took his arm and imperceptibly grimaced. "Certainly." Tall, well bred, with a wealthy family, a wave of elegant blond hair, and eyes to match, Aaron Cornea was one of the most handsome men in the village. Most likely every girl in the village would be glad to be in her position right now, every one but herself. He escorted her the table. "O server, punch please," he stated. He drew her over to the side of the room. "I just can't get over how amazing you look," Aaron said, placing his arm around her waist. "Thank you," Josephine replied. "How is your father's business doing? Making lots of profits I hope," he said. "Just like him to turn the subject to money. He probably thinks he is subtly checking to make sure my to be inherited fortune is still intact," Josephine thought with disgust. "Would you care to dance?" he asked her. "I don't really feel up to it tonight." She had no intention of dancing with him! He leaned in closer to her. "Come on. We would make quite a pair, you and I," he said with a soft invitation, brushing his blond hair out of his eyes. Josephine was amazed of his forwardness. "Mr. Cornea.." "Aaron," he interrupted, leaning in closer still. "I just don't think this is the best idea," she said, very uncomfortable. He nodded, not listening. "Don't worry, darling; I won't tell any one," he said. In a sudden instant his lips pressed on hers in a merciless grip that wouldn't let go.