Chapter 54

Still lost in my thoughts I took the call without seeing the name. The person on the other side said “Hello” and my eyes widened in recognizing the voice from the other side.

It is the same voice that I heard in my dream.

I immediately looked at the caller Id and my eyes widened in shock.

I never knew the owner of this voice was there on the accident scene when my family had an accident.

Why no one ever told me about it. I was semi-unconscious at that time and my brain erased that painful memory from my brain.

But why this person never talked to me about it.

Hundreds of questions were coming to my mind. Why they kept this away from me.

“Hello Jane are you there,” asked the person from another line and I came out of my thoughts.

“Y..yes,” I said, a bit lost.

“Good, it's just I called you to remind me that every year we host a charity gala for our foundation, and this time you are going to attend it with Zanvil. The official invitation is already sent” the owner of voice said in a happy tone. I was still a bit lost while listening to that voice.

I don't know why this person never talked to me about that day.

“Hello, are you listening? Did I disturb you? If you want I will call you afterward” the person from another line said.

“No no, I'm listening. It was just I was a bit lost. Yes, I received the invitations” I said.

“I'm so excited this is going to be your first public appearance but I'm going to miss Jennifer this time” the person replied in a sad voice.

“Me too Samantha” yes she is the person whom I'm talking with. I'm still in shock why she never talked with me about it. I cleared my throat and continued the conversation. “I miss her a lot,” I replied to her.

“Yeah me too. You know when I called her she told me not to miss her and to make sure that her daughter looks best and hot during the gala” she said in a cheerful voice.

“Hot,” I said in a small confused voice.

Why I need to look hot for a charity ball.

“Yes hot. You have to look hot so we can raise more money for our foundation” she said in a tone you don't know.

“What now,” I asked her in confusion.

“What you don't know. See this is the reason why you should have attended our previous charity gala but you always refused me” I could imagine her rolling her eyes.

“Sorry,” I said in a small voice.

“Nevermind sweety listen. Every year we collect charity by endorsing new fashion designers and their new clothing line and some special guests are given their clothes to wear and if any reputed company finds their design unique and new that designer is given a job by auction of that dress and auction money comes to our charity. So by this charity gala, new talent gets a good platform and we get funds for our foundation” Sam explained to me everything.

“Wow, it's something new for me. But I liked the concept of this charity gala so much” I said in admiration.

“Thanks to me I was the founder. So you have to come for a gown fitting today so you can wear it thereafter tomorrow,” she informed me.

“Sam, do you think I'm the right choice to wear one of their dresses? I mean their career depended on it. I think I won't be the right person for this work” I said in a small voice. I don't want to ruin anyone's career.

“What are you talking about? Have you seen your body? It's the best for this kind of work. I don't want to hear any ifs and buts you are coming for the trial. I'll message you the address” she said in her commanding tone leaving no space for me to say no.

I puffed air out of my mouth “Ok let's give it a try” I agreed but I was still not sure about it.

“Good if you had refused me I would have dragged you to trial and then to the gala,” she said in her cheerful but I will do that tone.

“Yes, ma'am, I will be there. You don't need to take that many efforts” I said in obeying tone. I heard her laughing and then we said our byes.

I too need to meet her and ask her about that day. I need to know why she never talked to me about it. Maybe mom knows about it should I talk to her. Yeah, I should ask her.

I called her and she received it “Hello, Jane I was waiting for your call,” mom said in her all-time happy voice. Usually, l call her at this time to ask her about her and dad's health.

“Mom, how is dad doing? Is everything ok? Did you have your lunch?” I asked her.

“Yes, Jane, everything is ok. Stop worrying about us and your uncle is doing great in recovering,” she said in not to worry tone.

“Mom I think I should come and see it with my own eyes,” I said to her in a still worried voice.

“No need to do that, everything is fine. You know your dad and I want you to concentrate on your work don't stress yourself by thinking about your dad's health. He is fine and the doctor even told me that if he keeps on recovering at this rate he will be soon discharged” she informed me.

“What great news, I'm dying to meet you guys,” I said in a happy voice.

“Yes, we too want to see you guys. How is work going on and how are Zan and you doing” mom asked me.

“Everything is fine,” I said in a small voice, remembering what happened yesterday. He is still mad at me.

“Jane, what happened is everything ok,” mom asked in her worried voice.

“Yes, mom. I forgot why I called you. I wanted you to ask about Sam..” I said it but mom didn't let me complete it.

“I too forget about it, yes Sam called me. You and Zan are attending that event. I'm so excited about it. I wanted to see your guy's first public appearance with my own eyes but not to worry if I'm not there Sam is going to be. I have told her to dress you in the best dress I want everyone's eyes on you and she too has agreed with me. Jane, I think your dad is calling me. I will talk to you later, don't forget to send me pictures bye” mom said in an excited but hurried tone.

“Yes bye,” I said in a small voice. I sigh in discomfort. I was not able to ask her today. I should try to ask her some other day.

I saw on my watch it was lunchtime. I went to the cafeteria and I saw Scott was sitting on a corner table.

Why is he sitting there?

“Hey,” I said after going near him.

“Hi,” he said in low but shock and a little-pained voice like it was painful for him to talk.

“What happens,” I asked him while sitting in front of him.

He saw me “Thanks to you devil husband,” he said while holding his jaw.

“What happens,” I asked in a concerned voice.

“Don't you know yesterday when I tried to give him a little piece of reality he punched my jaw? It was like he almost broke it” he said while holding his jaw.

I saw him with sorry eyes and said, “I'm sorry this all happened because of me.”

“You don't need to feel sorry for your husband's deeds forget about this. I thought you won't come back to the office. Where did you disappear yesterday? You know he was searching for you like mad” he asked me in his questions voice.

I took a deep breath and opened my mouth “I was at Nina's place and yesterday whatever Olivia told us it was all misunderstanding. She was talking about some other James, not about my James and when he came to know about this he was so mad and he is still mad at me. I don't know what I should do” I sigh in annoyance while resting my chin on both hands on the table.

He studied my face “Finally you accept that he is your James” he said with a mischievous smirk.

My cheeks burned red. Did I say that? I wanted to argue but his gaze was telling me not to do it because his jaw is hurting like hell.

“Can we concentrate on a more serious matter? He is still so mad at me” I said while rolling my eyes.

“So what's the problem? Go and talk with him and sort out everything,” he said while touching his jaw to support it.

“Thanks for great advice but he is not talking with me. He is behaving differently from yesterday night. Do you know what he said to me? Do whatever you want to do, I won't stop you” I said while trying to mimic his voice. “I don't know what to do,” I said while resting my head on the table like tons of weight was kept on my head still looking at his face.

“So he told you to do whatever you want to do,” he asked me in a confirming tone. I nodded my head. He moved his head in understanding and opened his mouth “just to let you know you are in such a big problem and for you, only one solution is there to make him listen and he won't even avoid you,” he said while looking at me.

“And what is that,” I asked him with shining eyes while lifting my head.

“The art of seduction,” he said with a mischievous smile.

“What,” I said in a shocked voice. I blinked my eyes after listing him and then started laughing. “I thought you were going to give me serious advice but you are making fun of me. Go ahead enjoy yourself” I said in a dry tone again resting my head on the table.

“Women I'm giving you serious advice here and believe me never this solution has failed. No man in history was able to resist this temptation” he said in a serious tone.

I stared at him with blank eyes. “Then history is going to change because Zanvil will be the first man to resist it and he will die while laughing at me,” I said in annoyance.

I will for sure make a fool out of me in front of him and after doing it I won't even be able to live my life peacefully because of embarrassment. Thinking about it I moved my head in denial and said, “it's a bad idea”.

“You can do it Jane” he tried to cheer me up.

“But how,” I asked in a confused voice.

“See I can only show you the path you have to put effort into that and reach your goal and achieve it and I think you are capable of doing that,” he said while looking at me with known eyes.

“You think that. What if I make a fool out of myself,” I asked him.

“No, you won't. You can do it jane. Make him fall in your feet and take revenge for my broken jaw,” he said in his determined voice which gave me power.

I too felt his power and nodded at him “Yes I can do it wait what” I asked in confusion.

“Just joking,” he said with a smile. “But remember you can do it,” he said with determination in his voice. I nodded at him.

After eating my lunch, I went back to my office still thinking about how to do it. I have no experience in seducing any guys and the fear of making my first attempt a comedy show was in me. I don't want him to laugh at me.

Today he did not even call me to make him coffee to piss me off. He is behaving differently. I don't know what to do. I sighed in annoyance. I needed to leave a little early to go for trial. I collected all my things and left for an address which Sam messaged me. It was a nice boutique. I went inside and was surprised.

“Nina, you are coming too for the gala. Why didn't you tell me?” I asked her still in a surprised voice.

“I wanted to see your surprised face,” she said while hugging me.

“What happened to Nina who doesn't like to attend the ball,” I asked with a curious face.

“You know Sam can sometimes be hard to perceive and she told me you are attending it too. So I said yes. Thank God I will be not alone stuck in those stupid parties” she said sigh in relief.

“You girls are here” we heard Sam’s cheerful voice from behind us. We turned back to face her.

“Am I late” we heard a voice with hurried steps.

“Hazel why I'm getting all the surprises today,” I said in a surprised voice.

“No, you're not actually on time. Wait here girls I will go and call Matt” she said with a smile.

We nodded at her and I turned my head to Hazel. “Why didn't you tell me we would have come together here,” I asked Hazel.

“I had some work to do that's why,” she said with a soft smile. I nodded at her in understanding.

“Girls come here and meet Matt,” she said while clapping her hands. Matt is a tall blond man with a slim figure and he is handsome too. He smiles at us and introduces himself to us.

“So matt this is Nina, Jane, and Hazel they are going to be your models for the gala,” Sam said while introducing us to Matt.

“Nice to meet you girls by seeing you are going to be my models. I'm already imagining getting the highest bids on my dresses” he said while clapping his hands in excitement and giving us his warm smile. He was happy to have a lucky personality. We all smile at his excitement. Yes, he is gay.

“So Matt it's going to be Jane’s first public appearance as misses Zanvil Addams so we want her to steal the lamplight on that day,” Sam said in excitement.

When Sam was done I looked at Matt who was staring at me with an open mouth. “What you are married to the hottie of our city” his comment got me off guard.

“One more person added to Addams neverending fan club” Nina commented with a bored expression.

I nodded at him with a small smile. “O God we need to hurry up and I need to choose the best design for you and girls please don't mind me. You will also get my best design but I need to give a little extra to my hottie's bride so he can come and kiss my hand in appreciation” he said in excitement while taking out the dresses. I heard laughter from other girls and it made me laugh too.

“So, girls, you continue I have some work to take care of,” Sam said while dismissing herself. We tried so many clothes and Matt won't stop. He was determined to make me wear his best design and finally when I came out wearing that black dres's everyone gasped after seeing me.

“Girl you are looking so hot,” Nina said with a whistle.

“Wow, you are looking gorgeous” Hazel appreciated it.

“Is it not a little revealing,” I asked while biting my lower lip.

“Of course not you are looking damn sexy I think I'm going to get that designing project plus hotties hug,” he said happily. We all laugh at his reaction.

I got changed in my dress and sat on the sofa with the girls till Matt came back with our dress. “So girls I wanted some advice from you,” I said while looking at both of them. I don't know what will be their reaction after listening to me. They stopped sipping from there smoothly and turned to give their attention to me. Nina moved her head while gesturing to me to continue and she took a sip. “So you girls know how to seduce a man,” I asked with a small voice.

Nina got choked on her smooth “What” she asked with wide eyes still coughing a little bit. Hazel moved her head in denial, still in shock with what I asked. “Spill it fast why you want to know that,” Nina asked with curious eyes. I told them everything.

“You know the only advice I can give you is how to beat them,” Nina informed me.

“I too don't have any idea about that field,” Hazel said to me.

I saw them with sad eyes. “What should I do now,” I said in annoyance while holding my head low.

“Girls no worries when Matt is here and sorry for listing it. I couldn't help myself” we heard Matt's cheerful voice.

“You know how to do it,” I asked Matt with a ray of hope.

“Yes you girls don't know but I have seduced so many men and they are still chasing after me,” he said with pride.

“What really?” we all three girls asked in unison. He nodded at us with a smirk. “Can you teach me?” I asked him with pleading eyes.

“Of course, darling, listen carefully,” he said in his serious tone and we all gave him our full attention. “It's all about how you present and carry yourself gracefully in front of your target. All you have to do is make your target want you more but never give in to his desire. Make him thirsty for you and increase his carving to his limits where he can't take it anymore and he will eventually fall in your feet at your mercy” he said in his calm devilish voice.

“But how should we do that,” Nina said it and then she cleared her throat “I mean how should Jane do it,” Nina asked with curiosity.

“For that use, your sexy body makes a small unknown touch make him see your body. Let them feel the heat and when they notice it smile at them while doing it and act like it was not intentionally done. And when they ask for more, maintain your distance and see how crazy they go. It's the game of increasing their thirst but never satisfied. Always remember one thing clear here you are the main player you are the one who gets to decide how much to give or not to give anything” he said with a wide smirk.

“It will work,” I asked him in astonishment.

“Yes one hundred and one percent,” he said with a wide smirk.

We all nodded our heads in understanding and we were lost in our deep thoughts. After some time matt handed us our clothes and gave his best of luck to me. If I do as Matt said will Zanvil listen to me? I thought throughout the ride back home.

In all this, I never got a chance to ask Sam about that day. When I reached home Rose asked me if I wanted to eat my dinner. “No, I had my dinner at Zanvil home,” I asked her.

“Yes sir came some time ago” she replied.

“Ok thanks,” I said while heading upwards. I went to our room and no one was there. He must be in his study. I went inside my closet and kept the bags. I took out my pajamas to wear.

Holding them in my hand I shifted my eyes to the corner of my closet where all my nights were kept. Nina and mom stuffed them on my shelf against my protest but I have not tried any of them. They are a little revealing and some are so revealing. I feel shy to wear them in front of Zanvil. I sigh in denial and make my hold strong on my pajamas.

I can't wear them.

Then how will you seduce him? By wearing these pajamas.

My inner voice mocked at me. What should I do? Matt's words rang in my brain like an alarm. If you have to increase his thirst, make him see you. Let heat rise in him. If I want him to listen to me.

I have to do it. I can do it.

I chanted in my mind to give myself power. Taking a deep breath and biting my lower lip I took out the brown silk nighty which was less revealing compared to others.

Taking it I came out of my closet and stopped dead in my tracks. My breath got hitched seeing the sight in front of me. Zanvil came out of the bathroom wearing only a towel which was hanging so low on his hips.

Water from his still wet hair slipped down from his throat taking its path down by his hard chest. It keeps its journey by further sliding down from his hard chest to his apps and then passing through his v-shaped toned abdomen it disappeared down inside the towel where I could not trace its path.

I want to touch him.

I swallowed hard at my thought. I felt the heat rising in my body by seeing him in front of me half-naked. My cheeks burned red when he caught me staring at him. Why I'm feeling like he is seducing me. He was looking at me with his piercing gaze and then he started coming in my direction.

My heart started beating fast, seeing him moving in my direction without breaking eye contact and I was standing like a statue. I gulped at him every step which was cutting the distance between us. Why I'm feeling like I'm at his mercy at this moment. He came so close to me but he did stop brushing his arm over mine which sends a tingling sensation all over my body he went inside the closed.

I saw how his corner of the lip had that curve. I let go of my breath and went out of sight and patted my palms on my hit cheeks. “Jane comes to your senses, don't forget you are the one who will have control in this game, not him” taking a deep breath I went inside the bathroom let's play it to win.

Taking shower I got changed in my brown night. Biting my lip I looked at my reflection in the mirror. It was a single thin strap with a lower cut v neck it showed my cleavage and It felt till my mid tights showing too much of my skin. I wore my silk robe to cover my body. What if he laughs after seeing me like this. What if I make a fool out of myself. Staring at my reflection I gave one last final taught to it.

“I can do it,” I said and slid off my silk robe. Taking a deep breath I came out.

My heart was beating loudly and my breathing was not normal. Holding myself gracefully I started acting all normal and taking small steps I went in front of my vanity. From the corner of my eyes, I saw he was wearing his sweatpants only and lying on his side of the bed doing something on his cellphone.

I acted all normal but I didn't miss how his eyes traveled with me after I came out of the bathroom. I could feel his piercing gaze on my back. I was feeling all nervous but I held my act and took the body lotion. I was feeling he was studying every act. Matt's words rang in my brain and smiled at him. When I looked back I saw him staring at me but before I could smile at him he shifted his gaze back to his cell phone screen and then he kept it on his nightstand and turned on another sideshow me his back and then he switched off his lamp to sleep.

I was standing there with an open mouth. He just ignored me like I was like this didn't affect him. The plan of me seducing him went directly in the trash and it led to boiling my blood like volcanic lava stopping my feet. I went to sleep on my side.

How did I forget he never found me attractive? Don't worry Jane it was just your first day. Don't lose your hope you can do it.

I sigh in uneasiness. I'm feeling cold. I should cover my body because he is not even looking at me. After doing it I drifted to sleep. The next day too, he didn't spare me a glance. I was losing my patience but I need to hold my act to make him listen.

Today is the gala day thank God tomorrow is Sunday so I can rest. I was fully dressed for the gala and he has still not talked with me. Even today Rose informs me that Zanvil will directly come home when it's leaving time for the gala. I heard a knock on my door. Rose came in and informed me Zanvil was here. Taking a deep breath I check out myself in the mirror for the last time. The dress was looking good on me and my makeup was minimal with red lipstick and while I was looking at myself I found a red mark on my neck.

What is this and how did I get it?

Forget it I applied some concealer on it to hide it and after I was done I looked at myself one more time.

Why even if I'm checking myself he is not going to look at me.

That thought made me sad. Sighing in defeat I took my clutch and went down. I saw he was talking on the phone looking all handsome in his black tuxedo. Hearing my footsteps he turned back to look at me. As soon as he looked at me, he cut his call and looked at me with a piercing gaze and clenched jaw.

Why is he looking at me like that?

I ignored him and stepped in the direction of the door to go out but he stopped me by holding my hand with a tight grip. I saw him with a questioning gaze.

“Go and change this dress now” he commanded me.

After two days he opened his mouth only to command me to change my dress. “Why,” I asked him in a demanding tone.

“It's too revealing to my liking” he replied with a clenched jaw.

For the past two days, I've been wearing that skimpy nightie and he never spared me a glance and today he thinks this dress is too revealing for his liking. “I won't change,” I said in a firm tone.

“Are you that desperate to get people's attention by this dress of yours?” he asked with a clenched jaw.

His words added more fuel to my burning anger. “I can't change it because this dress is for an auction bid not because I want people's eyes on me” saying that I snatched my hand away from his hold and headed outside.

Ride through the gala venue was silent and when we reached there. That place was so beautiful there were so many reports standing outside asking Nemours questions to people. I was feeling afraid to go out but Zanvil slid out of the car and gave me his hand with shaky hands. He secured his hold on my waist pinning me to his chest as if I would run away.

Reporters started asking many questions and Zanvil answered them all confidently because he is used to this kind of thing and when a reporter asked to pose he gave them a pose by kissing my lips to show the world he claims to me. Lots of flashes were flashed at that movement. People got lost in photos of me with a red face. He did let go of my waist inside.

We meet with Sky and Jack both compliment me that I look beautiful. I don't know why this devil never liked me seeing in a good dress. He was talking to his business associate and I was feeling bored and that time I saw Nina and Hazel were standing with Matt. I removed his hand from my waist to go to them.

“Where are you going,” he asked me. I gestured him to Nina because I was not feeling like talking with him, he let go of my hand.

“See who is here,” Matt said in his happy voice after seeing me.

“My God you are looking so good” Nina and Hazel both complimented me. I smiled at them.

“Tell me when a hottie is coming to kiss my hand,” he asked happily.

I felt sad for him and me too. I looked at him with a little teary gaze “He didn't like it, nothing went in my way. I did what you said but he was not affected by anything instead he became angrier at me” I said in a crying voice.

“What,” Matt said in a shocked and sad voice.

“Come here,” Nina said while engulfing me in hugging. “Don't mind that dick head forgets him and let's enjoy the party?” she said while handing me some fruit punch.

I took a sip wow it tastes good. I drank that and asked for another one. Sitting at our table we were laughing at Matt's jock. “So you are the designer,” Jack asked.

We turned towards him and Zanvil and Sky were also standing with him. Matt blushed and answered yes. “I must say you have a talent, you have made ugly duckling look like a swan,” he said while looking at Nina and smirking at her. She stared at him with a clenched jaw.

“I agree too,” said the sky while looking at Hazel.

Am I missing something here?

Zanvil just gave his angry look at me and then to poor Matt and then they left. “Next time I see that Jack I'm going to punch him,” Nina said with a clenched jaw.

“Can you teach me some moves too?” Hazel too said in anger.

“God I felt like your husband was going to cut my hands for making this dress. Thank God he left,” he said while signing in relief. His comment caught us off guard causing us to laugh.

Soon there was an amusement auction to start. We all went backstage. I was feeling a little loose and stress-free. I don't know how but I felt good.

At backstage, I caught Sam and tried to ask her about that day but she told me she had some work and she left. Soon the auction started, lots of bidding took place and my dress was the highest bid followed by Nina and Hazel and Matt got that design project he was in seventh heaven.

“Girls it's time for celebration and thanks for being my models you are the best models I ever had,” Matt said in happiness as we cheered for him.

I was drinking my fruit punch when something caught my attention. I saw Zanvil was talking to a girl and laughing with her. Why I'm feeling like I have seen her before. I put little pressure on my memory and I remembered it. She was the model with whom Zanvil often attended the party.

She is good-looking. What he is talking to her and that too with a smile. Maybe refreshing memories. I made my grip strong on my glass and took a sip while looking at them in anger.

Why is she laughing like that? He must have complimented her. She was wearing such a revealing gown. He likes when other girls wear it but when I wear it he thinks I want to gain people's attention.

I don't know how long I was staring at them and drinking my fruit salad because it made me feel good.

“May I have a pleasure to dance with you,” asked the manly voice. I lifted my head and looked at him. He is a handsome man with a warm smile on his face.

Say no jane if the devil saw you dancing with him he will be made.

My inner voice warned me.

Screw him when he can talk to his ex why I can't with this man. He told me to do whatever I want to do. So I will do like me, please.

I smile back at him “sure” I said while taking his hand.

I stumbled a little bit while standing up but he caught me by his arm wrapped to the waist. He smiled at me and we headed to the dance floor. We started moving our bodies with the flow of music. I was feeling good and light like I was in the air. “You know when I saw you on the stage I was mesmerized by your beauty” he complimented me in his deep voice.

Biting my lower lip I smiled at him and said, “Thank you.” my cheeks must be burning red.

“I never got a chance to know your name. What is this beautiful lady's name?” he asked me before I could answer if someone else did it for me.

“For you, it's missing Zanvil Addams keep your hands away from her,” he said while taking me away from his hold. I saw him with a clouded gaze.

“Sorry man I didn't know she was married,” he said while lifting his hand in his defense. Zanvil glared at him.

Zanvil started dragging me away from the dancing floor and then he made me stand still away from the crowd. I don't know what is happening. “Have you been drinking Jane?” he asked me.

I saw him still with a clouded gaze and smiled at him “No my devil husband” I said while gripping his cheeks in my fingers.

“How much have you drunk to lose your senses,” he asked me in anger.

“I drank one..,” I said while counting on my fingers and I lost the count. I smiled sheepishly at him and said “I don't remember how many glasses of fruit punch I drank” He saw at me with a clenched jaw and then rubbed his face with his palm.

He took hold of my hand and dragged me where everyone was sitting. “Wait here I'll come in a minute,” he said while making me sit on a chair.

“No, you sit with me,” I said and made him sit beside me. He sighed in annoyance and took a seat beside me. Everyone was looking at us curiously.

Matt was sitting beside me. I smiled at him and gestured to him to come near me with my hand. He came to me. I went near his ear and kept my hand on my mouth so no one could read my lips.

“You know what Matt you should try to seduce him,” I said while gesturing at Zanvil and continued my low whispering “because I have started to think he is gay,” I said with a smile.

Matt looked at me with wide eyes and at the same time I heard a gasp and everyone started laughing. I saw them in confusion.

Why are they laughing?

Zanvil pulled me up with him and bring his face near to me he whispered in his spine-chilling voice “let's go home and I will show you how gay I'm.” My body shivered when he said that with alarm ringing in my brain like a warning.

Did I say it that out loud?

He started dragging me out of the party. Alcohol was kicking in me and I was unaware of what was coming next.