Chapter 16 Don't trip . Don't trip . Don't trip . I chant the mantra to myself as we walk into the massive ballroom and onto the stage . I squint slightly , blinded by the huge spotlights pointed at the stage . As we line up , my mantra changes : Don't throw up . Don't throw up . Don't throw up . I can barely hear myself panic , though . The huge ballroom is packed to the brim with not only reporters and their cameramen but an actual audience , too . I squint through the blinding lights to see that the crowd is made up mostly of girls , which doesn't surprise me in the least . " Oh God , it's Lara Ellington ! " a voice screams from the crowd . " Lara ! We love you ! " another screams from the other side of the room . I glance at the girl in question , and she just smiles politely , as if she's used to all the attention , maybe even expects it . " Valerie St Clair! " I'm surprised to hear a voice scream , and other voices join , yelling about how pretty Valerie is and that they love her . Unlike Lara's polite , passive smile , Valerie gives a self - satisfied smirk , obviously reveling in the attention . I hear the crowd call other names , but Lara's and Valerie's are the most predominant . And , of course , not a single soul knows who I am . Not that I care . I'm too busy trying not to hurl all over the perfect stage . Everything - the lights , the cameras , the crowd ... it's all too much for me . 1 glance down at June in worry . If I'm feeling this awful , how much worse is she feeling ? I'm surprised , however , to see my sister unfazed . She's smiling at the crowd excitedly , her eyes aglow with curiosity and wonder . For the umpteenth time , I think how much better it would be if our roles were reversed and she was the one in the competition . My gaze shifts from June to the other side of the stage - where the Ashfords are seated . Glamorous and stunning as usual , they look comfortable , like they experience attention like this regularly . And Nathan , of course , looks handsome and dashing , like something out of a magazine . My dream flashes through my mind . Audacious and delusional . I turn away . Easton steps on stage , and the crowd quietens a little , but the spotlight is still blinding , and the cameras still flash . " Good day , Chicago , " his voice booms across the room , thanks to the microphone in his hand . He goes on to give an opening speech , thanking the audience , the reporters , and most importantly , the Ashfords . " It's an honor to introduce you today to the prospective brides of the three Ashford heirs . " He turns to us and beans . It's a smile I've never seen on Easton's face , and I wager that it's fake - something he only whips out for events like these . " Three of these beautiful young ladies will marry the three Ashford heirs and usher in a new age for the family . " " He's not talking about you , " a voice whispers in my mind . " You're audacious and delusional if you think he's talking about you . " " Now , without further ado , " Easton says , and my stomach gives a violent lurch as I realize what's coming : " The contestants will introduce themselves . " He turns and bows deeply to Lara , handing her the microphone reverently like it's some precious jewel . She takes it and steps forward , her simple movements filled with such grace that I have to force myself not to stare . The crowd roars at the sight of Lara , and she has to wait a while for the noise to subside before she can finally speak . " I'm Lara Ellington , " she says ; even her voice is soft and melodic , " the last daughter of the Ellington family . I'm twenty - two years old and a Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!