Chapter 22 Dredged Up Past
Xander
The clicking of the cameras goes off, as well as the flashing of bright lights, as if threatening to blind us but I hold myself steady - head held high and shoulders straight - curling an arm around the slim waist of the fiery redhead next to me.
Her lavender scent envelopes me and only my years of practiced self-restraint stops me from licking a long line up the side of her creamy neck.
Vanessa's face is calm, her expression neutral but her body tells a different story as it shivers a little under the heavy woolen jacket draped over her shoulders.
I feel the rise in her pulse, her breathing shortening with each exhale so I tighten my grip on her to bring her back to the present before she has a panic attack.
If I had known she would have such a strong reaction to being in the spotlight, I wouldn't have demanded her presence, but it's a necessary action.
Once we confirm our engagement, the tension will lower and within a few weeks, something else would've snatched up the public's interest.
A journalist steps forward, a confident look on his face as he does. My eyes shift downward to read his name on his ID, Alan Parker.
"Mr Black, it's been rumored that you got engaged recently. Is this true? And is it this beautiful lady with you?"
"Yes, the rumors are true and this woman right here." I tug Vanessa closer, she squeaks quietly and moved her hands up to discreetly pinch me, but I don't react. "is my fiancee."
A loud murmuring ensues from the crowd - some sound disappointed while some sound ecstatic at the news.
Alan face lights up and he continues, "That is wonderful news, Mr Black, congratulations. Is she also from a prestigious family like yours?" I bristle a little at the question and Vanessa also tenses up beside me.
This time, my voice turns a little cold as I respond, "The details of her background is private information reserved only for the both families. Our love for each other transcends wealth or social status and I suggest you refrain from such questions in the future."
More voices murmur, some even cooing at my words. Vanessa relaxes a little and sighs low enough for my ears to pick up.
"Now, if you will excuse us, my fiancee and I have important matters to attend to." I steer us away from them without waiting for a response, heading for the car waiting for us with Max in the driver's seat. He gives me a silent nod.
The crowd follows, running behind us with more journalists throwing questions at us but we pay them no mind.
I open the back door for Vanessa, making sure she's settled in before walking around to the other side.
Just as I open the door, about to climb in, a voice shouts, "What do you have to say to the women who's hearts you've broken with this news?"
I turn to take a good look at the speaker - a short, green-eyed blonde with a round face and pouting lips. She looks no older than seventeen and one who should be more focused on studying rather than running miles just for gossip.
Her green eyes continue to look up at me expectantly, waiting for my answer. "Nothing." I dismiss.Then I enter the car and zoom off, not missing the flabbergasted look on her face.
Vanessa snorts. Once, twice then bursts into laughter - Max joining in - and she tries to cover it up with her hands.
From my peripheral vision, I watch as her face transforms entirely, lighting up with a soft glow that enhances her beauty in a breathtaking way. The best of my heart pulses and I look away quickly as we drive away from the clamouring crowd and the estate, trying to fight the growing smile on my face.
For days now, it's been from one invitation from top companies and organizations to another, offering congratulations and gifts of various kinds. Vanessa and I have lost count of the number of social gatherings we've attended and everytime, she comes back home overwhelmed.
Tonight, we attend another.
The red, silk dress I had picked for Vanessa for the event accentuates her luscious curves, she pairs it with a pair of high stiletto heels and pearl shaped jewelries. Her fiery red hair is tied into a low bun, with some strands falling in her face. My hands itch to gently tuck them behind her ears, but instead, I stretch out my hands for her to take.
I try to subtly adjust my hardening cock, trapped in the constraints of my black three-piece Armani suit pants, as I lead us to the car.
Even for someone of my status, the Mansion is definitely impressive. With it's three story structure centered in a large snow-covered land that's surrounded by beautifully trimmed flowers. As soon as we step inside, Vanessa gasps. Artful paintings and portraits line the walls on either side, their designs creating a warm and soul-searching ambience that seems to magically shake off the frigid night air.
Our coats are taken and we're led to a grandeur ball room that's already occupied by people of different positions and powers all around the country.
A couple approaches us; the man is dressed in a red tuxedo molded perfectly to his athletic body, his brown hair gelled back, highlighting his dark green eyes. While his wife is adorned in a royal blue, Victorian style dress, the color of her eyes.
The Whitneys. They're the hosts for tonight and the second of the two top most Pharmaceutical companies - the first being Black Pharmaceuticals.
The man shakes my hand while he kisses the back of Vanessa's. His hand lingers on hers for too long and I pull her back against me.
"Congratulations, Mr Black, and thank you for coming," he beams with an obvious fake enthusiasm.
"Thank you for inviting us," I return the favor. There's an obvious tension and he's about to say something else when pings ring out throughout the room. My brows furrow at the unusual occurrence, and they worsen when every head turns in our direction... especially Vanessa's.
We turn to look at each other for a few moments then I pull out my phone immediately, Vanessa leans over to take a peek.
What I see next makes me see red, furious and threatening to shift right there and then. Consequences be damned.
In big, bold, red letters read the caption: IS XANDER BLACK'S FIANCEE, VANESSA COLLINS, REALLY ONE OR SHE'S JUST ANOTHER CHARITY CASE?
Then there's a long article that talks about Vanessa coming from a poor background which motivated her to 'seduce' me, blatantly stating her to be a gold digging whore.
I stop reading at that point and tilt my head to gauge her reaction to the accusations but I was too late because I only see the outline of her
dress before the doors slam shut behind her.
What the hell is this?!