Chapter 25 Chapter 25
Chapter 25 Chapter 25
CHAPTER 24.
DARIUS
Once I saw the car make its way into the compound, I quickly dropped my compound happiness filled my veins. I knew it was her; it was Blair.
She's back. She stood by her word and would be staying here with me to win the elections. At first, I was scared that she would change her mind, but I chose to stay positive that she wouldn't change her mind.
I quickly drank up the wine in the cup I was holding and dropped it back on the mini bar I have in my office. Then I proceeded to go welcome her, but on stepping to the door, a knock sounded, and it swung open at once. It was my wife, Seraphina.
Seraphina closed the door behind her and made her way inside, her face full of adorable smiles.
Her heels clicked softly against the floor as she stepped farther into the room, her eyes gliding over every surface like she was seeing it for the very first time in years.
She comes in here most of the time, so I wonder where the fake shock and fake enthusiasm came from.
“Wow,” she breathed. “You have really done a lot with this place, honey. The curtains, the paintings—everything has changed, and they look so elegant right now. I miss being here.”
She ran her fingers over the desk, admiring the sheen.
She kept walking around and around, but I just stood there, my hands tucked into my pockets.
My gaze fixed on her, my face stoic. I didn't move an inch and also didn't return her smile.
The atmosphere slowly slipped to being very awkward, but she kept walking and walking and kept complimenting what we both knew she had seen before.
The fake enthusiasm made my stomach twist.
The silence stretched until it started to feel heavy… too heavy.
Finally, my voice cut through coldly. “What is it you want, Seraphina? You can quit the fake acting already; I don't have time for that today.”
Her smile faltered, then disappeared completely. The warmth in her eyes dimmed as she blinked.
She was clearly taken aback. She opened her mouth to say something, but for a moment, nothing came out.
“I—uh, I just came to see you,” she managed to mutter at last. “It's been a while.”
I scoffed and turned away from her; I headed towards the window.
“You never come here just to see me, so just say what is it you want, Seraphina.”
Seraphina blinked a few more times, her eyes darting toward the floor, clearly unsure of how to react to my question.
But just as quickly as the hurt had flickered across her face, it vanished, replaced with that bright, practiced smile she wore so well—her mask sliding perfectly back into place.
“Come on, Darius, we're married for crying out loud.”
“I'm actually curious about something,” she said. “Blair…”
She called that name, and I looked up at once. “How did you get her to come here? I just saw her car drive in here now. I can't believe she will be running our campaign for us. That's really, really, really fantastic! I thought she would never agree to it since she's married to Dominus, but then when I saw her step out—and oh my goodness, Darius…” She paused and placed a hand over her chest, a little dramatic. “She's grown more stunning and confident. Her style is just…”
“Goddess, Darius, she's just so beautiful, and her fashion sense is just so epic. She feels unreal every time I see her, even if I went to the same school with her. She just seems new every time and every day.”
For a split second, she paused and glanced over me for a reaction.
But I didn't give her any. I would not give her any. I said nothing and just stood by the window, with one of my hands tucked in my pocket.
She continued anyway. “Darius, I meant I have always known that Blair was beautiful, but she's got that… aura, you know?... That confidence and aura that just draws everyone in. The kind of woman everyone notices the second she walks into a room.” She chuckled softly, almost wistful. “I adore her, honestly. She’s such a strong woman, full of poise and confidence. No wonder people respect her so much. She's always been fantastic! Right from our old school days.”
“I was actually thinking,” she went on, circling slowly toward me, “how on earth did you get her to agree to campaign for us? I mean, Blair hardly does that sort of thing, right? She’s always been so… reserved about politics. You must have really said something convincing to bring her here. The only time she fully brought her guns out to run elections was for her husband, Dominus Jones. And I know that's understandable since she's also Luna there, but running elections for us?... This is crazy, honey…”
“Come on, Darius, tell me. What did you say to her? You can’t just stand there like a statue when your wife is dying of curiosity.”
“I really want to know. I could have asked her, honey, but if I say I'm not so nervous to talk to her, then I'm lying my ass off.”
The silence that followed was deafening, and I wondered how dumb she could be not to realize that I don't care what she thinks or care to answer any of her questions.
“What designer brand should we be wearing for our campaign interviews... Gucci, Burberry? Which one do you think, Darius?”
“I'm so excited! With Blair, we're going to win these elections!”
“We?” My eyes darkened at once. “We?..... What's your contribution to call it we?”
Those fake smiles vanished immediately from her face.
“I'm your wife, Darius,” she said firmly. “You have to get used to it already. It's been years. This is a win for us, and you know it. She helps us win the election, and we both…”
“Don't act like we're friends, Seraphina,” I stated coldly. “Not after everything you have done. Not after everything tainted the back of your name. We're not friends, Seraphina. We're only husband and wife.”
“Stop acting like we're friends.” With that, I left her in the office. She can look so much, but I won't be part of it.