Chapter 81 Midnight Teal
CHAPTER 81: Midnight Teal
Vera
“I don't know, Cher. It's there from every angle,” I bit my lip anxiously, the phone pressed to my ear.
The mirror had turned into my enemy, suddenly. It was a cold, silver witness to a transformation I wasn't ashamed of, but was sure might create unnecessary attention.
I sighed agitatedly, turning sideways for the nth time, my breath hitching as I smoothed the midnight-teal velvet over my hips. It was a waste of the previous few minutes I had left. Silas came walking through those doors, because no matter the angle I turned, the soft, unmistakable curve of my belly felt like a beacon… calling and drawing attention to my obvious condition.
“Cherry, it’s noticeable. It doesn't matter how I stand or how I breathe,” I groaned into the phone, my voice bordering on a full-blown meltdown. “It doesn't even look like a food baby. I look pregnant.”
“So?”
I sighed heavily. “I don't want to draw too much attention, especially from the press.”
“Vera, stop it,” her voice came through the line, firm and grounding. “I saw the pictures you sent. You look divine.”
I winced slightly. “Really?
“Yes. Girl, you look like a goddess,” she squealed.”
“A bloated goddess,” I muttered under my breath.
“Remember that your body is going through something beautiful. You're doing something sacred, and that gorgeous dress makes you look like royalty.”
I chuckled lightly. “Really now?”
“Of course. Silas does have an impressive taste,” she mused.
I laughed lightly, some of the tension ebbing away.
“Unlike Miss high and mighty, Natalie,” she sneered.
“Come on Cher. It wasn't bad,” I sighed. “Just…wasn't me.”
I could feel her roll her eyes from the phone. “Oh, whatever. Anyway you look stunning. So, please, just breathe.”
I let out a long, shaky exhale, clutching the fabric of my skirt. “I’m trying. It's just… this seems like a big deal,” I rushed my words. I paused to take a deep breath. “I don't want to embarrass Silas.”
There was a short pause.
“Vera, what do you mean? Did anything—”
I cut her off quickly. “No, no, of course not,” I added hastily. “It's just that I'm still quite new to all this.”
I held my breath hoping that she believed me. I didn’t want to drag her into my problems.
“Oh,” she finally replied. “You’re not alone there.” She let out a nervous, high-pitched giggle. “I’m practically vibrating over here. I‘ve retouched my hair and makeup three times in under thirty minutes.
I laughed despite myself. Cherry was going to the ball on Lucas’s invitation as his partner.
“It's good that you can find humor in this, Vee,” she said. “I’m literally jittery over here. I’ve never seen a red carpet in my life—oh, okay, maybe on television. But I've never walked on one. I’m terrified I’ll trip over my own feet and fall flat on my face.”
“Don’t think such thoughts. We’ll stay together,” I promised, feeling a small spark of comfort. “As long as we can keep each other company, we’ll be fine. “Think of it this way, we can be nervous together.”
“Deal,” she agreed, sounding immensely relieved.
There was a distant sound of a car horn.
“Oh, Lucas is here. His car just pulled up. I have to go, Vee. But I’ll see you at the venue! You’re going to be the most beautiful woman in the room. Don't you ever leave me alone, okay?”
I chuckled. “I won't. I promise. Go ahead. See you later.”
After the line went dead, I stood in silence… in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection.
I contemplated calling Lily just to hear her voice. I hadn't spoken to her since she went on the trip. But I knew she was having fun with her friends, and I didn't want to drag my shadow over her light.
My gaze drifted back to my reflection. I straightened, rubbing my stomach—obsessing over how ‘filled out’ I looked. My face seemed softer, my silhouette heavier. Even my hair looked more lustrous and shiny.
I was so lost in the critique of my own skin that I didn’t hear the door open, nor did I notice the tall, dark figure by the door.
“You look perfect.”
I jolted, spinning around to find Silas standing in the doorway. He was a vision of lethal elegance in his charcoal tuxedo. Raven hair and beards, perfectly styled and groomed. He looked painfully sharp and handsome.
But as my eyes met his, and I saw the awe in them, I also saw the shadows. They were deeper tonight, a dark, turbulent storm swirling behind his iris that made my heart skip a beat for reasons that I didn't even know.
“You scared me,” I breathed, my hand flying to my chest. “I didn't hear you come in.”
“I didn't mean to—,” he murmured, his voice unusually low as his gaze swept over me, lingering on the teal velvet with a strange, searching intensity. “—scare you,” he concluded.
My fingers curled tightly into the fabric of my dress.
The air suddenly became too thick to breathe.
I was too aware of his eyes on me. My eyes darted around the room…anywhere but at him.
He cleared his throat, once.
“Tonight… you need to relax,” he said. I finally looked at him. “Follow my lead, and don't say anything if you're not sure. Just stay close to me.”
I nodded. “Okay.”
I noticed the way he was looking at me, it wasn't the cold, steely observation, neither was it the dark brooding gaze he often wore.
There was something of a question in his eyes… something haunting and raw. I almost asked him if there was a problem, but the set of his jaw told me he wasn't ready to answer it. The words died in my throat.
The arrival at the venue was a blur of blinding camera flashes and a cacophony of shouted questions. I wasn't sure I could ever get used to press.
Silas was the ultimate performer; his hand stayed snaked firmly around my waist, resting protectively over my growing bump, his smiles to the press appearing effortless and warm as they shouted questions and congratulations on the pregnancy.
I followed his lead, playing the role of the glowing, doting wife and enthusiastic mother to be, until we finally crossed the threshold into the grand hall.
Silas’s hand never slipped from my waist. I was grateful for his steady strength.
Inside the hall, the opulence was staggering, but my eyes immediately sought out a familiar face.
It wasn't long before we found Lucas and Cherry near the champagne tower. She was laughing at something he said. But I could see the tension in every inch of her body.
“Oh, Vera!” she gushed, rushing over to pull me into a careful hug, her eyes bright with excitement, whispering quietly in my ear. “Thank God you're here. I was about to make an excuse to rush to the bathroom and call you.”
We pulled back, but Cherry still held firmly on to me.
“I'm glad you're here, Cher.”
“Me too.”
“Silas. Good evening,” Lucas greeted, and Silas replied with a nod. He turned to me. “It’s good to see you again, Vera. I must say you look quite lovely tonight.”
“Thank you, Lucas. It's good to see you too.”
Cherry took a step back, to take in my full outfit, still holding my hands. “See, I told you! Why were you even worrying? That ‘cute’ little bump looks stunning in this dress. It’s like velvet was made for it!”
I laughed, feeling the tension finally begin to drain. “I almost thought it was a bad idea.”
“And this hair!” Cherry added, circling me to admire the sleek, sophisticated style. “The stylist did an incredible job. Though, honestly, if you'd kept your old red hair to twin with me, and match this style, it would have been absolutely breathtaking with the teal.”
I laughed lightly. “Oh no. I’m good.”
Silas, who had been half-turned toward Lucas, while they conversed in low tones. went perfectly still.
He turned back toward us slowly, his face a mask of sudden shock
“Red?” he asked, his gaze flicking to me. “Your hair… it used to be red?”