The Reclusive Wife

“Bye, Dad! Bye, Sharmienne!”

I waved my hand to my older sister, Carmienne, before I went inside the passenger seat of my Dad's car. Today, he asked me to join him to attend a party of one of his colleagues in the business world. I don't know why I need to go with him, but since he doesn't take a 'No', I didn't have the choice to disagree.

My father and I will attend the birthday celebration of Velasquez's firstborn son. I am not a fan of celebration, but my father dragged me with him. Aside from the fact that he's not that young and he needs assistance, he also told me that I need to interact with people. I always look stiff and aloof. Only some know me too well.

“Talk to them, Sharmienne. You need to socialize, too. You're too young to always lock yourself inside your room.” My dad said as we were in the middle of the road. I just nodded as I focused my eyes on the buildings we're passing by. It's already late afternoon, and the sun is up. Its rays are touching my skin, which is very unusual for me.

I always wanted to stay at home. I want to read a book and not socialize with people. I seldom talk to them, even with my family. It just... I am not comfortable being surrounded by people. I am afraid that they're only staying with me because they need me. They will just use me for their gain.

That's why, growing up, I became more aloof. I become distant from people, especially my age. It will always take minutes for me to practice my social skills before I talk to them. Even a simple greeting makes me weak.

I am trying my best, but it feels like I've gotten worse than before. I am already 18 years old, yet I am still acting like this. Only people who are close to me know that I am like this. But they still accept me being who I am. And I am grateful to them.

We stopped in front of a modern, bluish-painted three-storey house. The gates opened and our car went in. The lights from the house are blinding my eyes. There's a double door as soon as we enter. It opened as the servers are waiting for us.

This celebration is grand. There were young men and women in their casual attire as we got inside. There's also a chandelier in the center of the ceiling. A long staircase joins the first and second floors. Tables were arranged parallel to each other, and beside the grand staircase is a mini stage, wherein there's an MC in front.

“I'll talk to my colleagues, Sharmienne,” my dad said as soon as I found a table.

A waiter abruptly served my food and a wine. I looked at my father first before I nodded, eventhough I'm hesitant. I'll be left alone here, but maybe it will be fine.

“Okay, Dad,” I muttered softly. He kissed my forehead before he got lost out of my sight.

I looked down at my food. I started to eat as I enjoyed myself watching the MC talking in front. He's hilarious. I keep on roaming my eyes to look for the celebrant when my eyes diverted to the man my father is talking with right now.

He has those gray eyes that captivated my sight. He's talking with my father as if they are close friends. The way he carries himself is so professional. He looks like he's still in his early 20s based on his physique.