Submitting to My Father's Driver

ARIA POV

"Smile, Aria." My dad said quietly. The warning in his made my spine stiffen. I've heard that tone my entire life.

Around us were ballroom decorations, the hall and lounge were filled with wealthy guests, expensive champagne, and fake laughter.

Everyone looked happy.

It was the perfect ball party.

But standing beside my father, forced to greet people I barely knew, made me feel like a decoration placed beside him.

My smile stayed on my lips, but my fingers kept tightening around the champagne glass.

I found myself staring at the ballroom doors again... wondering how long before I could leave.

I kept the smile on my face anyway. Years of practice made it easy.

"Mr Bennett, your daughter is stunning tonight," one of his business partners said his eyes lingering a beat too long.

"Pervert," I muttured under my breath.

"Thank you," my father replied grinning, resting his firm hand on my shoulder. "Aria understands how important these events are, and she makes sure to dress her best."

Important.

That was his favourite word to use.

Everything in my life was important to him, my school, my friends, even the way I dressed, even who I dated.

Everything except what I actually wanted.

I scowl at the thought of how he stopped me from joining the dance crew in my school. Insisting it is 'noble like' and I would end up worthless like my elder sister who absconds with her boyfriend after much pressure from him.

She grew tired of being told what to do and being Daddy's pet.

Sometimes I wondered what my life would look like if I made even one decision for myself. If I decide to follow my elder sister's footsteps.

But I know it wouldn't be as easy as it looks.

Just as another guest approached us, I heard a familiar whisper beside me.

"God, you look like you're held hostage."

I turned slightly and saw Ashley, my best friend, holding a glass of champagne with a mischievous smile.

I felt relieved instantly at the sight of her. Ashley was also dragged here by her father. However, the difference between mine and hers was that he made sure she was genuinely happy and had a good time.

I stared at her wild curls and that tattoo peeking from her sleeve, something her dad actually encouraged. While mine must even see a single dot on me

"You have no idea," I muttered cenching my fist behind my back to hide any hint of frustration.

Ashley leaned closer, lowering her voice. "I sure do. You look like you want to run away from here," she added, grinning.

"Of course. Any chance I get I would."

"Then escape with me for a day." She muttered in a low voice.

I frowned. "Escape where?"

Her smile widened.

"The kind of place your father would lose his mind if he knew you were there."

I stared at her like a lost puppy.

Ashley lifted her glass and