Chapter 17 CHAPTER 17
Evelyn’s POV
We spent the evening of the following day in a large ballroom that glittered like a scene from Aladdin. Crystal chandeliers hung above us, so high that I promised myself not to look up again. I sipped the drink in my hand, trying to calm myself down while Alpha Michael stood beside me like a brick wall. My gown was midnight blue, a color that convinced me that whoever was in charge of my wardrobe loved me. It was a little bit off-the-shoulder, exposing a birth mark I was pretty insecure about. The concealer I had laid over it was doing a pretty good job. His hand rested lazily on the small of my back as a guest approached him and greeted him. He introduced me to the stranger and smiled politely. I had lost count of all the people we had met in the gathering. When the man left, I moved away, letting his hand fall off from my waist.
I hadn't forgiven him yet. And there was no need to be chummy when we didn’t need to.
He had rejected my proposal without even looking at it. Then he had sent me over to his mistress who laid more insults on me. I would endure it all for now, but I didn't need to suffer unnecessarily by being close to him.
He moved close to me and placed his arm around my waist. “Smile,” he murmured before I could say a word. “Alpha Raymond’s watching.”
I looked up at the podium where he stood, silverhaired, yet as agile as ever. “Tonight we celebrate the beautiful people of New York who have constantly given back to the city. But above all, this city needs a leader who has the power to make his visions and dreams a reality. A leader who is noble and just.”
The crowd erupted in applause. I joined my hands together, not pleased by his lackluster speech.
“I want to also specially thank the two people who have made this year’s gathering possible,” he continued.” My son, Michael Greywood, and his beautiful wife, Evelyn.”
Beautiful? The crowd clapped and I scoffed. Alpha Raymond had never uttered a word to me. Why was he pretending in the presence of a few hundred guests that he cared about me?
Michael leaned close as the applause died down. “You aren’t impressed? You are getting recognised on such an exalted stage by an important man.”
“He is using me for his campaign,” I spat out. “You and I.”
“He is using me,” he corrected, his voice low and menacing and a gentle smile on his face. “You are a plus one.”
“How does having a married son help his career as Mayor?”I asked, creasing my forehead and sipping my champagne again. I was pretending to enjoy the drink. It tasted horrible.
“There are a lot of things you don’t know, Evelyn Greywood," he said. The way he called me Evelyn Greywood always sent my heart beating erratically. He called it in such a way that made it seem as though I belonged to him. “But if you learn quickly, you’ll learn a lot in this one year you have with me.”
I was about to speak when Rosaleen crashed into our conversation. She hugged him and smiled widely. “It’s so pleasant seeing you outside the office, Michael," she said while I battled with the odour of her strong perfume. She looked at me. “That dress is lovely.”
“Thank you,” I replied, curtly.
“Please, can I borrow Michael for a second -”
“Not here,” Michael cut her and I felt my heart flip over and over again in joy. Yes, not here bitch. You can only have him behind closed doors.
“It’s pretty urgent,” she begged.
He turned to me. “Give me a minute please.”
I smiled at them. “Sure.”
I watched her lead him to a corner and then turned around. A woman mistakenly bumped into me and I almost spilled my drink. “I’m sorry," she said. “I saw the news on the TV and I wanted to meet you.” She was smiling so wide as though she expected me to know what she was talking about.
“I don’t know what news you mean, ma’m,” I said, politely. “The wedding?”
Her eyes darkened suddenly and just like that, she turned away and was lost in the crowd. I remained there confused by what I had just witnessed. Who was she and what did she want?
Michael arrived by my side. “Are you okay?” he asked, holding me. “You are trembling.”
I felt something stirring within me and my head spun for a while. Was it the wine? I knew that champagne tasted awful. “I think I need to sit down,” I said, handing the glass cup to him.
“You don’t look good,” he said, ushering me to a seat. One of the bodyguards appeared by his side. “Get the car ready,” he commanded.
The floor seemed to be tilting as I looked at it. I closed my eyes and placed a hand on my forehead. I was burning up.
“Evelyn,” I heard Michael’s voice. “We are leaving now.”
His hand pulled me up and he moved me out of the hall. When we stepped outside, I suddenly felt relief wash over me. I took in air and my chest felt free.
“I feel better,” I said, stopping him. “We can’t leave before the end of the ceremony.”
He handed me over to the driver. “I’m not leaving,” he said. Then he faced the driver. “Ensure you get her home and have her checked by the doctor.”
Yeah, right. He was sending me away so he could have time with his mistress. I yanked my arm from the driver and headed towards the car and just as I moved away, I felt a vision hit me.
I was standing in some place that seemed to be ancient with the walls carved with stones that bore symbols on them. Moons in different phases, spirals and foxes.
Then it was gone suddenly. I blinked. Was that a vision, a hallucination or did I hit my head somewhere?