Chapter Thirty-Four - The Dreaded Night

Chapter Thirty-Four - The Dreaded Night
Orson

Pacing my living room, my stomach churns, and my palms are warm and sweaty. I am waiting for Everly. She is getting ready for our dinner tonight. I am nervous, so much so that part of me wants to cancel. I can’t, though, because it would raise suspicion. We need to make it through tonight. After tonight, we don’t need to see any of them again, any time soon. They don’t bother with me usually. It is different now because I am “engaged”, but I still don’t trust them. 

My family will do what they always do, spend the night criticising me, or they pretend to be nice because Everly is with me. Everly is familiar with my toxic family. The sound of heels against the floor makes me stop pacing. I focus my attention on the living room door. 

Everly walks in confidently. The second my eyes fall on her, I forget how to breathe for a moment—my heart races in my chest. A knee-length strappy dress covers her perfect body, flowing beautifully. She has taken the time to style her hair in loose waves that cascade down her shoulders. Her make-up is light. A pair of silver, strappy heels completes her look. God, she has never looked so beautiful as she does right now. I am in complete awe of her. 

“Earth to Orson.” The sound of her voice pulls me from my thoughts. 

“Sorry, you look beautiful. I lost my train of thought for a moment. There is only one thing missing.” I smile. 

Everly looks at me with furrowed brows, confused. I stroll over to the safe in the living room, which is hidden behind artwork. I put something in there yesterday—a gift I bought for her. Removing the painting, I put in the code and opened it. I reach in, taking out a jewellery box, one which contains a stunning necklace inside. It is a diamond necklace with a twin pear halo cut. It is eighteen-carat white gold. 

Everly isn’t going to be too happy, but it is fine. My parents will expect it, especially my mother. She believes love is shown through expensive things. It is bullshit! But it will make it more convincing. I return to her, taking my place in front of her. Opening the box to show Everly, she gasps, her eyes go wide, and her hand falls over her mouth. 

“Please tell me you did not buy that for me. Tell me it is a family heirloom?” 

“I could, but it would be a lie. I bought it for you.” 

“It is too expensive.” She protests. 
If she knew how expensive she would kill me. The necklace cost me over one hundred thousand dollars. Information I will keep to myself. 

“Don’t worry about it. My mother is a great believer in the idea that the more you love someone, the more expensive things you buy for them. Between the necklace and your engagement ring, it will help sell the lie we are telling. Please wear it?” I beg. 

Everly isn’t hesitant, but nods. I smile, going to the back of her. I move her away out of the way, putting it around her neck. I fix her hair, brushing my fingers against her skin as I draw my hand away, causing her to shudder. I rest my hand on her hip and pull her around to face me. “Perfect. It looks stunning dangling from your neck.” I compliment. 

Everly glances down at it, running her fingers over it. “It is beautiful.” 

“I am glad you like it.” 

“I am still mad at you for it, though.” She snickers, waggling her finger at me. 

“You’ll get over it. We should head out. The car will be here any minute.” 

My driver is taking us because we are going to need a drink to get through the night. It takes nearly an hour to get to my parents’ place from mine. Dinner is at their country house, rather than their home in the city, which would make things easier. My parents like to make things more difficult than they need to be.

Everly nods. I place my hand on the small of her back, guiding her outside. Just as I secure the house, the car pulls up. Nice timing. Callum climbs out, and we greet him before he opens the door for us. Everly slips in first, and my eyes fall on her ass, groaning to myself. I follow a moment later. Callum closes the door, climbs back into the driver’s seat, and we are soon on our way. 

I pour a glass of champagne for each of us. I requested it to be put in the car because we will need it. I hand one to Everly, taking a gulp of mine. Sighing, I rest back, dreading the night ahead. Everly places her hand on my knee. I turn to face her to find her looking at me with a sympathetic look. 

“I know you are dreading this, but it will be fine. I will be there with you,” she encourages, squeezing my knee. 

I place my hand over hers, link our fingers and caress the top of hers with my thumb. “I hope it passes quickly. I am sorry in advance if they treat you badly.” 

“Don’t worry about me. I will be fine. If they say anything to me, I will stand up for myself. I refuse to keep my mouth shut and let them be rude or nasty to me. I have dealt with worse people.” She shrugs. 

Everly will do it. I don’t doubt it. My parents won’t take well to it, but tough. Someone needs to put them in their place. Most people don’t. Their reaction will be priceless when it happens. It will be fun to watch. 

“Oh, please do. I need to see that.” I chuckle. 

“I will.” She smirks, wriggling her hand out of mine, drinking her champagne. I do the same. 

“Should we go over everything again?” 

No mistakes can be made. We need to be on the same page and not mess up. 

“We’ve been through it multiple times, but okay, if it will make you feel better.” She replies. 

“Thank you.” 

One simple mistake could ruin everything. We need to tell the same story, maybe not in the exact same details, because that could look strange too. My brother will be paying close attention to us because he’ll try everything he can to find out the truth, and I can’t let that happen. He is ruthless, but so can I be.