Chapter 41: CHAPTER FORTY: HOUSE PARTY

/-ARTEMIS-/

Alexander still didn't believe that Bella could do such a thing, but he had agreed that the picture must be a sabotage and that I and Jamie had no good relationship. He had also felt guilty and had decided to make it up to me with several outings and gifts.

I loved him nevertheless. Jamie and Bella's plans had never once worked, and there was no way it was going to cut the ties between me and Jamie. Never! 

"Have you seen your sister Artemis?" Mom walked in, her hands clinging to a bubble wrap. She had made it a habit to burst the little bubbles whenever she was worried.

"I have no acquaintance to get in touch with her. According to you, I'm the bad sister here, and she's the good one. Why bother with my opposite?" I asked, scaling up the measurements of the ribbon I had been asked to cut. 

"She's been gone for three days now, Artemis, and her phone isn't reachable. I'm worried, darling. What would the people think about me when they find out your sister isn't in attendance at the house party?" Her hands moved, short, rapid sounds emanating from the bubble wraps. 

"That's their choice to make, Mother." I stared at the ceiling, my thoughts on her next move. "She'll be back, that's for sure."

"She better be." Mom clutched the wrap, countless bubbles going out at once. She was furious, her smile tied to a frown.

"How about we go decorate the hall before the event begins at 5?" I held up a smile, holding her hand along with the red ribbons.

The hall of the mansion was the only room in the mansion that I didn't visit frequently. It was spacious enough to hold a grand wedding if given the chance. 

The maids were all dressed in beautiful attires; they had been given the day off to celebrate in appreciation for their dignity. Bella had shrugged off the idea of their holiday several times, but I was able to convince Mom to make it happen. 

They moved around, getting the hall ready for the party. I exclaimed seeing how beautiful the empty room had turned out. It had been leveled up from a high school teaching hall to a classical one, the interiors screaming gold and silver with marks of colorful ribbons that matched its exterior. 

Alexander walks in, his hands lurking in his pockets. Behind him were several men in black suits, several layers of gift packages in their hands. "Arte"

"Darling," I walked into his arms, wrapping my arms around his neck.

"You look stunning today, Arte, just like you've always done." His gaze lingering on my black jumpsuit paired with sneakers. 

"So what do you think about the hall?"

He tilted his head, observing the decorations before returning his gaze. "It's wonderful, a classic."

Mom paced around the hall, coordinating the decorations while fuming like never before. From the looks of it, she was anticipating Bella, who was yet to come. She was usually around to spoil my time with Alexander, so I couldn't help but enjoy this moment. 

“Why don’t we enjoy ourselves then!”

The halls grew cold as the hand of the clock hit 5. The maids lined up by the side of the hall, acting as waitresses for the guests that had been invited. The live band walked in with their tools and large speakers ready and positioned at strategic places in the hall. 

Alexander and I, on the other hand, had been made to wait upstairs till we were called upon. Mom claims it's the family heritage to take things step by step and not disorderly. 

"So… I want to apologize for not believing you that day." He lowered his head, his shoulders slumped as he stared at the marble tiles. 

"It's okay; there's nothing to apologize for. I shouldn't have let him hug me; I'm at fault." I clasped his hands in mine, staring at his wry smile.

"I don't know what will happen to me if I lose you, Artemis." He reached for me, his hands sitting pretty on my waistline. 

"You wouldn't…" My eyes widened as our lips met. I opened up, our tongues syncing in a blissful kiss. His hands began to move down, grabbing my ass as he pulled me closer. 

He broke the kiss, our lips parting with sharp, short breaths. "I love you, Artemis."

His lips were wet, taunting mine as I stared at it. I stood on my toes, bringing him closer as our lips inclined once more. He opened up, our tongues intertwined as he sucked on my lips. 

"Big Mom wants you downstairs…" Catherine's voice crept in our ears, followed by the sound of shattering glass.

We broke off, our eyes settling on Catherine, who stood at the door. "I'm so sorry." She coughed, bending to pick up the broken fragments on the floor. 

Without a second thought, I walked out of the room, Alexander's footsteps echoing behind me. My heart beat rapidly, short, hazy breaths escaping as I ran towards the hall. 

I love Alexander, but the thought of the both of us becoming one felt slim each time I saw Jamie. Would Alexander stay forever? Would he end up rejecting or leaving me like the rest of them? Would I ever get a chance at love? The questions loomed each time. 

He grabbed me by the arm, spinning me to meet his gaze. "Let's walk in together."

"Yeah," I said, positioning my hand in his as we headed for the hall. 

The sound of applause clouded the soft harmony of the orchestra as we walked in. It was time they all realized that I and Alexander were engaged and would soon be a couple—if everything falls into place.

"Why are you just walking in? Didn't you say you wouldn't be caught lagging behind?" Bella said. 

"I'll never let you win this war, Bella. I'm winning this. No, I've already won." I said, barely above a whisper.

"Tonight will be the last time you'd be known as the heiress Artemis; enjoy it while it lasts." A smirk appeared on her face.