When love dies, the flame of hope perishes too. It takes two to tango and it’s the same in a relationship. Don’t carry all the burdens on your own. Don’t force the other person. You’ll only find that person heading for the door. If it doesn’t work out, it simply doesn’t.
Chad Montgomery’s request of holding a party for the official announcement of our partnership came true after five days. The same day the small bump in his head deflated.
Apparently, he told his parents, and they just couldn’t contain their happiness so much that they decided to host the party in their hotel. Chad commented that throwing the party in one of their hotels was a sign of true friendship between the two companies. Harvey thought Chad just wanted to be a gentleman, sparing me all the stress.
To me, he just wanted to rub it in my face that, even if he has a busy schedule, he never fails to get things done.
I slightly squinted as I got out of the car while trying not to step on my own evening gown. The cameras flashing made my eyes hurt.
“Rachel Maxwell! Smile here!”
“Miss Maxwell, is it true you’re dating Chad Montgomery?”
I inwardly sighed. Even now, they’re still pestering me about my relationship with that man. As the bodyguards blocked the photographers, my parents and Harvey followed behind me. My lawyer, Mr. Beckett, did the same. Once I got to the entrance, Chad greeted me with a smile. I took off my coat and gave it to the Coat Check person.
“I hope we arrived early.”
“Actually, you’re just in time,” Chad commented. “You look good.” He grinned and took my arm, wrapping it around his own.
I looked down at my evening gown for a moment. The royal blue gown was given to me by Mom’s friend from France. What I liked about the gown was that it was simple and sophisticated. Brushing back a curl behind my ear, I stared at the interior design of the hotel.
“So, what do you think, Maxwell? Does it live up to your tastes?” Chad gestured to the elegantly styled lobby the moment we entered. It didn’t meet the hotels that we, the Maxwells, had, but it was still stylish and had a sophisticated atmosphere.
“I’ve seen better.”
Chad seemed speechless by my comment. I let out a small sigh and squeezed his arm, apologetically. “I was only teasing.” By this, he was even more stunned. His blue eyes were wide before turning back to their normal size.
“You were? Geez, next time you joke, don’t sound so serious.”
I allowed myself to grin. “Sorry, didn’t mean to. To be honest, the hotel is beautiful the way it is.”
Chad let out a short laugh. “My, my… Didn’t know Rachel Maxwell could get guilty.” He rubbed the spot on his head where I hit him five days ago. “I thought you weren’t merciful.”
When I smirked slyly, he visibly gulped. “I am when I want to be,” I answered softly and tauntingly.
Chad chuckled nervously. “That’s a joke, right?”
I was about to answer when something wrapped around my other arm. Looking down, I saw Harvey staring up at me with big brown eyes. Immediately, I knew what he was going to say next.
“You’re not leaving me behind with the old people, are you?”
I giggled. “I won’t.” Giving Harvey a pat on the head and a reassuring smile, he clung to me as we walked further into the hotel. I glanced back to see my parents following behind us. Mom occasionally nodded back at a few guests who greeted her. The same goes with Dad, but there was stiffness behind every smile and wave.
Outside, I was smiling at everybody who greeted me. But, inside, I was sighing. Is Dad still doubtful? I wish I could read his mind and ease those thoughts that trouble him.
“Is there something wrong?”
When Chad pointed out my scowl, I blinked before fixing a smile on my face. Now is not the time.
“No, nothing,” I assured him, and followed him to the ballroom where a lot of people were chit chatting around. The musical ensemble playing Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons—Spring”, which filled the place. This made Harvey groan.
The lights were bright, making those sequined gowns glow. I stifled a giggle when I remembered Harvey calling them walking disco balls. Speaking of Harvey…
“Do you want to sit beside me?” I questioned the tired boy. Harvey scratched his head and scanned the crowd.
“I didn’t want to appear like a baby, but I guess I have to sit beside you.” Harvey laughed. His laughter died down quickly and his face turned serious. “I don’t want to be separated from you, anyways. You’re the only person who is very close to me in this room.”
I shook my head at his words, hoping to make those negative thoughts go away. Not you, too, Harvey.
“Harv, you’re never alone—”
“Rachel, darling!”
I looked up to see Rebecca Montgomery and her husband smiling at us. Harvey released my hand and hid behind me.
“Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery.” I greeted them with a small smile.
Rebecca’s sharp blue eyes landed on her son and gave him a sweet smile. “Chad, be a dear and take the Maxwells to their table.”
“Hello, Rebecca,” Mom greeted, and kissed Rebecca’s cheeks. The older woman returned the greetings and that was the sign of their endless conversation that would go on until the end of the night.
With Harvey still clinging behind me, I followed Chad, who led the way to our table. While we passed by tables, I could feel people staring at us. It was a familiar feeling that still made me uncomfortable.
Pride. Admiration. Envy. Fear. Hatred.
The same stares that people gave us whenever we walked by.
Once we arrived at the table set directly in front of the small stage, I let my parents sit first. Just as I was about to sit, Chad suddenly placed his hand on my shoulder and shook his head.
“You’re not sitting here.”
When I realized what Chad meant, I nodded softly. “Oh.”
“What? She’s not sitting with us?” Harvey asked. I stared at my brother, only to see him already staring up at me. His eyes did all the talking. Don’t leave me here. Don’t leave me. Please!
“Where am I sitting, then?”
Chad pointed to a table near the stage. “My mother said we should sit there before we sign the contract. You brought yours, right?”
“Of course. I even brought my lawyer with me.” I gestured for Mr. Beckett and took the folder he handed.
Chad smiled and gestured to the table. “Shall we go?”
I was about to leave when I remembered Harvey. “Um, can he sit with us?” I asked. Harvey’s eyes sparkled in delight and he clung to me like a feral monkey.
“Harvey, let your sister go,” Mom whispered. She tried pulling Harvey away from me, but it only caused him to hang on a bit tighter. “Harvey.” Mother sighed. “Chad, is it all right if Harvey sits with you two?”
Chad scratched his head while looking down at the boy. “I suppose he can.”
“Yes!” Harvey cheered and pulled me with him. “Come on, Sis!”
“Is it really all right?” Mom questioned Chad once again. This time, he responded with a shrug and followed me. Once we reached the table, Harvey didn’t waste time and demanded a seat to be placed beside mine. Chad pulled out my chair and I sat down quietly. In a few seconds, a waiter came and presented our food. I glanced at the table where my parents were sitting, only to see people blocking my view of them. I gave up craning my neck to get a glimpse of them.
Just as the waiter was about to pour wine into my glass, I waved my hand in declination. “No, thank you. Water will be just fine.” Seeing Chad smirking, I refrained from rolling my eyes at him. Does he want to get hit again? When Harvey wasn’t looking, I raised my fist at him. Chad’s eyes went wide before diverting his gaze to the boy eating.
Gosh, if Mom could see me now, she’d probably go ballistic for not acting like a grown woman.
“Hey, Harvey, do you want some dessert?” Chad inquired.
Harvey looked up from his plate full of food, utensils in hand, and nodded vigorously. “Yes, please!”
I frowned. “Harvey, we haven’t even begun eating. You’ll get your dessert afterwards.”
Harvey’s only response was to lower his head and pout. Chad waved his hand in dismissal.
“Nonsense. It’s all right to eat dessert.”
I raised a questioning brow at the man. “Harvey is my brother. His welfare is my priority.”
“Then, just let him eat his dessert.” Chad signaled to the waiter to come forth. I narrowed my eyes at him as he asked Harvey what he wanted.
“Chad Montgomery, at least let him finish his meal.”
The blond man sighed and nodded. “Fine. Harvey, listen to your sister.”
I couldn’t help but laugh softly. Honestly, it would probably take him years to get Harvey following his—
Much to my surprise, Harvey gave him two thumbs up and a bright smile. “No problem, Big Bro!”
If I was drinking something right now, I would’ve spat it out. Big Bro? Big Bro?! I shifted my gaze between the two males. The other was busy eating, and the blond man put on a calm face when all he wanted to do was laugh until his mouth fell off. The jerk.
“Why the face, Rachel? Is the ham bitter?”
My bitter expression disappeared and I turned back to my meal. “It isn’t.”
After dinner, Chad’s Mother ushered him up to the stage where everyone could see the signing of the contract. I took Chad’s arm and went up the stage with him, leaving Harvey happily eating a parfait.
“Ladies and gentlemen! We will now witness the signing of the contract, a symbol of partnership!” The female host smiled at everybody. Chad helped me sit and I took the pen sitting beside the contract.
It was nothing exciting, at least for me. We both did the contract signing last time – this was just announcing it with another set of terms. As I was signing my name, I glanced up at my parents. Both were staring back at me. Mom merely smiled encouragingly. Dad, however, looked grim. I fought back a disappointed face. Seriously, Dad, you act like I’m signing a death contract.
“Rachel, are you finished?”
Chad’s question snapped my attention back to the matter in hand. Releasing a breath, I stared at my signature. The union between Maxwell Inc. and Montgomery Inc. is now known. Both of us stood up and shook hands in front of the applauding crowd.
“Mr. Montgomery! Miss Maxwell! Here!” Photographers used this chance and snapped pictures of us. Cameras flashed at us as they took countless pictures until we walked down the stage.
“Are you satisfied now?” I asked softly.
Chad turned to me and frowned. “Not really.”
“What? You’re not?” This man was absurd. We just did the signing of contract in public and he’s not yet satisfied?
Chad placed a hand under his chin and appeared thinking deeply. “Come to think of it, I forgot to do something.”
I cocked an eyebrow at him. What did he forget?
“What do you mean? We did everything you wanted.”
“Well… I forgot to announce our relationship,” he mumbled softly.
I backed away slightly and began to stammer in surprise. “S-seriously? We have no relationship!” I covered my mouth quickly, knowing that there were people nearby.
Chad burst out in laughter so loud it made his shoulders shake. “I was just kidding, Miss Maxwell. But, if you want me to, I wouldn’t mind telling the whole world.” He winked.
I clenched my fists, trying to contain my embarrassment and anger. Keep it cool. You don’t want to read the news about yourself punching your business partner out of anger. And you’re a woman. Act like one, Rachel.
“Rachel, darling.” Mrs. Montgomery approached us with a huge smile, her husband behind her as usual. “I’m overjoyed that you decided to be partners with my son.” She took my hand with hers and squeezed gently. “I’m looking forward to your future.”
I sheepishly smiled and pulled my hands away, letting them fall to my sides. “T-thank you, Mrs. Montgomery.”
The older woman laughed. “Call me Rebecca, darling. You’ll be working with Chad, which means you’ll see me more often.” When I heard those words, I felt a chill run up my spine. How can she sound so nice when those words seemed like a…warning? I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.
“Mother, don’t we still have guests to entertain?” Chad wondered aloud.
Rebecca’s attention shifted from me to her son. She smiled. “Well, of course. Can’t just stand here. Well, enjoy the night.” With that, she walked off without another word.
Once she disappeared into the chattering crowd, I secretly let out a sigh. Glad that’s over.
“You okay?”
Looking at Chad’s concerned face, I nodded in reassurance. “I’m fine.”
That was all it took to ease his mind, I guess, for he never asked again and followed me as I talked to the guests. Hearing their positive feelings about our partnership was putting me at ease. But I knew better. Some say those words to appease and talk ill behind the back. The thought alone made my mood go plummeting down and down.
“So, tell me, Miss Maxwell. Are you dating Mr. Montgomery?”
My lips parted in surprise before my jaw dropped at the woman’s curiosity. I felt my cheeks grow aflame. “N-no! I-I… We… Um, we’re not dating,” I answered sheepishly. “At all,” I added, just to be sure.
The woman’s smile faltered. “Oh? I thought you two were, seeing as you are so close.”
I took a step to the left, making sure there was space between us. “No. There’s nothing between us. We’re just business partners.” I tightly smiled. Please just accept it and change the topic. Please.
“Huh? Gosh, you’re so mean to me, Rachel. I thought I was your friend?”
I jolted when Chad placed an arm on my shoulders and pulled me closer. I felt him patting my head and this caused my blood to boil. Even if I wear these heels, that are as tall and sharp as skyscrapers, I still have to look up at him. It didn’t take long for me to see that he enjoyed towering above me. The jerk.
“Don’t be so mean to me, Rachel. We’re friends and business partners, are we not?”
When I didn’t reply, Chad merely chuckled. The woman in front of us gushed and giggled.
“You two look good together. Like a married couple! Are you sure you two don’t like each other?”
I laughed aloud and waved my hand in a dismissive manner. “I can assure you, we’re just business partners- I mean, friends,” I corrected. Slightly turning to the side, I watched as Chad grinned. “Um, why don’t you try the parfaits? They’re delicious!” And that was the end of it. I made sure to avoid answering questions similar to the woman’s by recommending the parfaits.
“You have a fine talent in advertising, Miss Maxwell.” Chad winked.
“Please be silent.”
The night went on smoothly. Famous and talented singers who were hired sang on the stage, entertaining the crowd. After talking to the guests, I retreated to the table, only to find Harvey doubled over and groaning aloud. I quickly went to his side and bent down, anxious to know what was happening.
“Harvey, what’s wrong?”
Lifting his head up, Harvey’s eyes were squinted in pain. I felt panic rise within me and began to search for my parents. “Hang on, Harv.” I was about to leave when he grabbed my hand. He shook his head.
“D-don’t! Don’t t-tell Mom. I’ll be all right.”
I raised an eyebrow at the groaning boy. “H-huh? What do you mea—? Why can’t I tell them? Tell me, what did you do?” When he pointed to what caused his pain, I closed my eyes and let out a breath. “Seriously, Harv, why did you have to eat so many?”
The glasses of different kinds of parfait sat empty on the table. Signaling for the waiter to clean the table, I gestured for Harvey to stand. “Come on. Let’s just get you home.”
Harvey shook his head and pointed to the comfort rooms. “I-I’m just… I’ll be right back.” With that said, Harvey broke out in a run heading for the toilets.
“Oh, Harvey…”
“Rachel.” I glanced up, to see Chad holding two glasses of champagne. Handing the other one to me, Chad sat down beside me and smiled. “We should toast to a successful day.” He lifted up his glass, waiting for me to toast with him.
“Seriously?” he whispered. Shaking his head, Chad lifted my hand and made my glass toast with his. I grinned at his antics and willingly toasted to him.
“Well, are you going to drink it, or not?”
I gave him a small frown. “I’m not going to drink.”
Chad raised a brow and let out a chuckle. “Are you sure? Not even just a little sip?”
Seeing the face he made, I pretended to sigh in irritation and took just a little sip. I squinted.
“Oh! I knew you’d do it!” He cheered.
“Sis!” Hearing Harvey’s cry, I sharply turned to where the sound was coming from, only to see him running towards me. His face was panicked and he panted hard. I raised an eyebrow, set the glass aside and stood up, meeting him with open arms.
“What’s the matter, Harv?”
There was sweat rolling down his forehead and he was breathing hard. Chad handed a handkerchief and I used it to wipe Harvey’s sweat. “Just breathe, Harv.” I handed him a glass of water to drink. He immediately grabbed it and gulped the water down.
“H-he’s here!” Harvey panicked.
“Who? Who’s here?” I questioned.
“Rachel.”
I froze. My whole world suddenly went red and I felt it spin faster. I stood up slowly and looked up. It had been a while since I’d seen his face. Usually, he’d appear in some magazines. Avoiding seeing his face proved to be an inevitable plan. But, to see him face to face was something I wasn’t expecting. It drove me mad.
“You.”