Chapter 7

One more day to go. Tomorrow, I will be back home at this time.

After glancing one last time in the mirror to make sure that my makeup looked fine, I slipped my feet into a navy-blue pair of heels that matched my dress perfectly.

"Dalia, the guests will start to arrive. Let's go," said Ace.

"Done." I stood up straight and saw that he was holding out his hand for me to take.

"Thank you." I smiled and placed my hand in his.

In his black suit, he looked exceptionally sharp and handsome. He was already making my heart race and when he flashed a smile at me, I almost melted.

Holding hands, we descended down the stairs. No guests had arrived yet, which was quite relieving to my heart because even the idea of making a grand descent down the stairs after everyone had arrived made me shudder.

This morning, Ace had announced that he was holding a party at our house for his close business associates. It was supposed to be a way of introducing me to his colleagues and friends. He had wanted to know if I was fine with it. and I had said yes.

The food and drinks had been arranged with a caterer. The party planners had taken care of everything.

On the first step, I stopped in my tracks. The ground floor was decorated beautifully. All the lights had been switched on, including the yellow spotlights and the glamourous chandelier that crowned the sitting area. Waiters moved around here and there, dressed neatly in their uniforms.

"Beautiful." I gasped and continued down my way.

"Truly," said Ace. "This party is going to be a success."

All the curtains had been drawn, giving an easy view of the garden. Garden lights shone off the leaves, falling softly on the neatly trimmed grass.

"Magical," I heard myself say. "Even darkness can be beautiful in its own way."

"Madam, do you like it?" asked someone.

"Irene," I said, turning around to find her standing behind me. "It's amazing. How is this even the same house?"

She grinned and nodded. "These people have magic in their hands."

"You may retire for the night," I said, looking around at the number of waiters getting all the drinks and snacks arranged. "But make sure you eat and drink whatever you like from the menu before you do."

"But madam—" she started to protest.

"No, Irene. I will be very upset if you don't. If you're shy to eat here then take it to your room, but please eat," I said.

The sound of a car made me instinctively search for Ace. Our first guests had probably arrived.

"I'll go now. Have a good time, madam." Irene turned to go.

I saw Ace coming towards me.

"Goodnight, Irene," I told her, and she hurried away.

"Guests have started to arrive, let's go," said Ace, giving me his arm.

With bright smiles, Ace and I walked towards the main door, arm in arm. This was going to be an exciting evening.

***

All the guests had arrived, and Ace had introduced me to most of them. As time flew by, the men and women separated, forming their own groups. Being the host, I was forced to make conversation with a group of women I did not know before today. Needless to say, I had gotten all their names confused and now did not know who was who.

These women knew each other from a long time. I, however, was new to their circle. All their questions were directed at me and as I answered them to the best of my ability, their piercing gazes scrutinized every part of me.

"Look, Christina is finally here," said one of the women.

Everyone's gazes lifted off of me and directed at someone behind me. I turned around to see who it was.

My heart dropped at the sight of a woman in a wheelchair. She could not have been older than me. Her wavy brown her fell delicately on her shoulders. The nude lipstick on her lips matched the pale pink, well-fitting dress she wore. Apart from the lipstick, she wore no other makeup. Even if she had, then it was kept light. A single pearl necklace completed her outfit.

She was absolutely gorgeous.

I could not take my eyes off her. A maid in uniform stood behind her wheelchair.

"Christina, darling."

"How long it has been!"

"You look stunning."

"Darling, how are you?"

The women around me left my side and swarmed around her. She greeted everyone with a warm smile, answering their questions like she had known them all since a long time.

Quite plainly, Christina was a favorite here. As the women moved away, the men started approaching her. They took her hand and planted gentle kisses, complimenting her on how beautiful she looked tonight.

"Dalia," said Ace, coming up beside me.

"Let me introduce you to her," he said, taking my hand and gently nudging me to move.

Shaking my head, I pulled my mind out of Christina's capturing aura and let Ace take me to her.

"Christina," said Ace, taking her hand and planting a kiss on it. "You look gorgeous, as always."

A prickling sensation made the hair at the back of my neck stand up. All men had greeted Christina in the same way but the flash of a hazy look that had momentarily passed in her eyes was only with Ace.

"You look as handsome as always, Ace," she said, smiling.

What's going on here? Her smile has dulled. It was so bright just seconds ago.

Ace started to introduce me, but his voice cracked. He looked down at his feet, clearing his throat.

"Excuse me for that," he said, meeting our eyes again.

"Christina, this is my wife, Dalia." He put his arm around me. "And, Dalia, this is Christina. She is the head of the marketing department."

"Hello," I said, extending my hand towards her. "It's lovely to meet you."

Christina, gracefully, shook my hand but her touch was cold. "Nice to meet you too."

Ace left my side, and everyone dispersed again. The women were still hovering around Christina, leaving me standing alone. I would have joined them, even though I hated having to talk, but Christina's occasional glances at me were making me uncomfortable.

I could feel her piercing gaze penetrate through me. My gut feeling told me that something was wrong, but I could not pinpoint what.

Maybe you're overreacting. She's just curious about you, the same way those women were a few minutes ago. You're feeling lonely and out of place. That's all, Dalia. There is nothing wrong. And what can be wrong? Everything is perfect.

You're going home tomorrow!