Chapter 25: possessive

After a few hours, Ivana came to pick me up. I wore the gown she picked for me. It revealed all of my prominent features. My hair was already styled, so I didn't do much. I did my best to hide my scars too and got downstairs. 

As I descended the stairs, Ivana's eyes widened in awe. "Oh my goodness, Arielle!" she squealed, her voice echoing. I blushed shyly, feeling a flutter in my chest. The gown Ivana had chosen for me was stunning, but it also made me feel exposed.

I fidgeted with the delicate straps, trying to adjust them.

Ivana's gaze roamed over me,"You look like a freaking goddess!" she exclaimed. I chuckled. She always knew how to make me feel special, and lift my spirits.

"You look even prettier than me," I replied.

"Stop it my queen." She replied, bowing her head in a dramatic way.

She's just full of drama.

We left the mansion and went on a ride to her Uncle's place. She told me that her uncle and her dad are not exactly that close, and they have had some disagreements in the past. But he still loves her and Raymond, and they love him too.

We got there and Ivana led the way inside. 

Guests were already present. 

Decorations and balloons bobbed gently in the huge sitting room, and the scent of different foods filled the air. 

Let's go say hi to my uncle. Ivana said over the soft music playing. 

“There he is,” she shouted, pointing to a man that had a striking resemblance to her father. He was beaming in the center of it all.

We approached him. "My favorite niece in the world," he said, hugging Ivana. "Happy Birthday, uncle," Ivana replied.

He was so bubbly. " And who's this goddess with you? He asked

Ivana gave me a look, saying I told you so. "She's Raymond's wife."

"Wow, the famous Arielle. " You guys didn't tell me she was this gorgeous," he said, pulling me in a warm embrace.

"I'm Edwin Tristan, by the way."

"Nice to meet you, sir. " Happy birthday," I replied, handing a small gift to him.

'Thank you, dear, but everyone calls me Eddy. " There's no need for the formality," he uttered.

I nodded.

'Please permit me to see other guests," he pleaded. He kissed Ivana's cheeks and left us.

He's such a nice man. Iblove the warm welcome the Tristan's alway gave me.

After a while, the party started. I scanned through the crowd, and Raymond and his dad were truly not present.

Ivana went with her uncle to take pictures and also cut the cake. She told me to come with her, but i declined. I looked for a seat to sit down, observing the celebration.

The cake was soon ready to be cut. Ivana raised her voice, calling for everyone's attention. "Happy birthday, Uncle Edwin!" she exclaimed as the guests erupted into cheers and applause. Edwin blew out the candles with happiness, and the other guests sang "Happy Birthday" in joyful harmony.

I got a call from a strange number. I went outside away from the chaos to relieve it. 

"Hello, hello." I repeated, but there was no reply. As I was about to end the call. A voice spoke on the other side of the phone. It was an automated voice saying “Resign from Bennett’s Enterprise and leave the country peacefully.”

“Who are you?” I shouted, but there was no reply.

With that, the call ended.

This must be a prank because how can I resign from my own company?

I don't know why strange things are happening to me. Maybe there was a mix-up or something.

I headed back to the party.

Ivana placed her hand on her chest dramatically.

"I thought you left." She shouted over the loud music.

" I went to receive a phone call."

"Are you okay?" She asked, looking intently at me.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I answered, forcing a smile.

"OK then, let's go dance."

We swayed our hips following the rhythm of the beat. I just wanted to forget the phone call from earlier, and the dancing and laughter did justice to that.

 When Ivana left me to take care of something. A man in his mid-thirties approached me. 

" Can I have this dance?" he said, smiling. I couldn't resist his charm, so I agreed. 

I found myself relaxing, letting go of my inhibitions. I danced with the stranger, feeling carefree.

A slow song came up, and he circled his hands around my waist, and I wrapped my hand around his neck, inhaling his nice cologne as we danced.

My eyes darted around, wondering where Ivana was. And suddenly something caught my eye. It was Raymond talking to his uncle. I thought he wasn't going to come. 

Suddenly, our eyes met.

I quickly averted my gaze, but it was already too late.

When the music slowed down, I saw Raymond walking towards us, his eyes unreadable. My heart skipped a beat as he approached me.

 Why am I feeling this way?

" Can we talk," he said his voice surprisingly calm. The stranger understood, and he left me to deal with Raymond.

Raymond held my hands and took me upstairs, like it was his house. As his fingers wrapped around mine, I felt a tingling sensation from his touch.

We got to the rooftop, and he let go of me. 

Looking at him, I could tell something was wrong, and the way he brushed his hair with his hands.

“Arielle, what were you dancing with that man? You're f**king married. Did you see how he was touching your body?”

“Huh” I muttered, surprised.

My eyebrows raised. “ Is this what you called me out here for?" I asked.

His eyes roamed around my body. 

He brushed his hair again. 

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts.

“It was just a harmless dance, and if that's all you have to say, I would like to go back before Ivana starts looking for me again.” I said, turning to leave.

Raymond's hand shot out, grasping my arm. "Arielle, wait," he said, his voice low.

I spun around, my heart racing. "What else Raymond?" I demanded. 

"Why are you being like this? You're acting strange.”

"I just want to protect you," he said, his voice softening.

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Protect me from what?" I asked.

Raymond's gaze dropped, his eyes avoiding mine. "From everything," he muttered.

I felt a shiver run down my spine. What does he know?

My phone beeped. It was a text from Ivana asking where I was.

With that, I left him. F**k I heard him curse as I walked away.

What's up with him though and when did he start getting possessive like that?

I looked for Ivana so I could go home. Since the party has almost ended.

I saw her grinding on a man. Ivana I'm leaving, I said into her ears.

She excused herself and we walked outside.

"Girl, you are living the life," I cooed with a chuckle.

" Girls gotta have fun. " You know," she replied. Soon we were in her car and she told the driver to drop me off after our goodbyes.

As the ride went on. I remembered what Raymond told me about his family months back, and I wondered if Ivana and Raymond were on good terms after what had happened.

I got to the mansion and thanked the driver as I came down.

Despite the many events of the day, I was still energetic. I found myself humming as I sorted through the boxes of clothes Ivana and I had shopped."

"As I rummaged through the boxes, my fingers brushed against the silky fabric of the lingerie. A flutter in my chest caught me off guard."

Would I even get to use this?

I shaked my head, pulled my clothes to freshen up.

After having my bath. I entered the room to clean my body.

Just then, my room door opened and Raymond walked in.