Chapter One Hundred and Thirteen

Chapter One Hundred and Thirteen
Ezra 

Alana and I have just pulled up outside the venue where the Gala is being held. She has been freaking out all day. I told her we could stay home and not bother, but she insisted she had to do it because if she doesn’t tonight, she won’t do it at all in the future.

“Ezra, I don’t know if I can do this,” she whispers and grips my knee. 

I place my hand over hers. “Alana, if you don’t want to go inside, I can ask the driver to take us home. I am not having you stressed over it. It isn’t worth it.” 

“Can we maybe take another drive around the block? I need a little extra time to prepare?” 

I can hear the worry in her voice and see it in her eyes. “Yes, of course. If you change your mind and don’t want to go in at all, tell me, bright eyes, and we can find something more fun to do,” I suggest. 

Alana smiles and nods. “I will. I promise.” I inform the driver of the change in the plan, and he drives away. 

Alana turns to stare out of the window as we circle the block. She doesn’t say a word because she is too lost in her thoughts. I let her have her silence and hold her hand. Mom informed my dad that Alana was coming, but she didn’t tell me how he reacted to the information. I hope whatever issue he had towards her is gone since Bella is out of our lives and isn’t around to blackmail him. And if he still believes Alana doesn’t belong in our world, he can keep his opinion to himself. If he says anything negative, we will leave. 

We drive for I don’t know how long. “I am ready. Well, as ready as I can be,” she whispers. 

“Are you sure, bright eyes?” 

Alana nods, and I tell the driver to head back. I have prepared her the best I can. It is going to be like a damn circus outside. It is a huge event which the rich and famous attend. A red carpet needs to be walked, and the press will be around. I hope Alana can handle it, and it doesn’t get all too much for her. I have done it plenty of times, I am used to it, but she hasn’t. 

The car comes to a stop. “Stay close, sweetheart, okay?” 

“I will,” she whispers, but lifts her chin and squares her shoulders. 

I open the door and climb out. I turn to Alana and offer her my hand. She takes a deep breath, nods, and finally takes it. I help her out and pull her close to my side. I slip my arm around her. She keeps her head down as we walk the red carpet to enter the building. Camera flashes are going off everywhere, and people are calling out to each other as reporters are asking everyone for a quick word. 

Once I knew we were safe, I pull her aside to ask, “Are you okay, beautiful?” 

“No, not really. I don’t know how people can do that, especially famous people who get it constantly. It is scary,” she answers honestly. 

I feel terrible putting her through it, but hopefully, she won’t have to deal with shit like this too much once we settle in Scotland. Yes, we will need to come back to attend events if it has to do with business, but I won’t force her to come. If she doesn’t want to, she doesn’t need to. 

“I am sorry, sweetheart. You shouldn’t have to deal with this crap. It comes with the world I live in, not the one you do,” I say softly and take her hand in mine. 

“Ezra, we don’t have separate worlds now, my love. We are part of each others. I will deal with it because I want to be by your side,” she replies and reaches up to kiss me softly. 

I smile into her lips and place my hand on her face, kissing back. We part after only a moment. 

“Are you sure I look okay, and my bump isn’t noticeable?” I can hear the nervousness in her voice. 

“You look absolutely stunning, bright eyes. No, you can’t see your bump. Promise.” 

I rest my hand on it only momentarily before pulling it away in case anyone sees me. 

“And you look handsome, as always.” She smiles and pecks my lips. 

“Should we head into the ballroom?” 

“Yes, before I change my mind.” She laughs. 

“You got this, sweetheart. Everyone will be jealous of how beautiful you are.” I wink. 

Alana rolls her eyes at me, laughing, and links her fingers with mine. I can feel her hand shake as we step inside. A few eyes fall on us, and I ignore the look on their faces and the judgment in their eyes. They are the same judgmental people I always see at these events. I am sure Bella has told them her version of the story to make her seem like the victim and me like the asshole. I can imagine the thoughts running through their heads. I don’t care what any of them think of me. I am past it. I will soon be done with this part of my life.

I can hear Alana’s breathing become louder and heavier next to me. 

“T-t-they all know I don’t belong here.” She whimpers. 

I let go of her hand and pull her tightly to my side, slipping my arm around her waist. 

“Ignore them all, angel. They aren’t worth it.” 

“I will try, but I am sure if Bella has her way, we will be the bad guys. They probably see me as a home-wrecker and someone who doesn’t deserve to be a part of this world,” she says sadly. 

I honestly have no idea what Bella told people. For all I know, they could think I abandoned my baby because it is what she told them. People will believe what they want. I can’t change that. 

“Honestly, I wouldn’t put it past her, but we know the truth. Stand tall, smile, and don’t acknowledge them. Let’s find my parents.” I don’t want Alana anxious because of these idiots. Alana nods and smiles. I lead the way to find my parents. I spot my mom at a table with one of her friends and their husband, but someone else catches my eye more. 

No, it can’t be! 

“Oh, my God!” I blurt out. 

“Ezra, what is wrong?” Alana asks, panicked. 

“Jenny is here.” 

“As in your little sister, Jenny?” 

“Yes. I had no idea she was back.” I beam. 

I haven’t seen my little sister in nearly a year. She works with Doctors Without Borders. We talk occasionally, but she is always busy; she doesn’t have much time. Alana has never met her or even spoken to her.

I watch Alana panic again. Coming with me tonight was hard enough for her, and now she is going to meet my sister for the first time. 

“Alana, relax. You don’t need to worry about Jenny. She’s like my mom. She is sweet, caring, and has a heart of gold.” 

I mean it! Jenny is incredible and intelligent. I am not sure if she knows about Alana. I haven’t told her since the last time I spoke to her, I was still with Bella. The only way she would know is if my parents have told her.

“Okay.” Alana smiles. 

I rush us over to the table, eager to see her. Jenny is three years younger than I am, but we have always gotten along. 

“Jenny!” I exclaim. 

She flings her head around, and the biggest smile appears on her lips. “Ezra!” She squeals. 

She jumps to her feet and rushes towards me. Alana takes a step to the side to let her approach, and she flings her arms around my neck, hugging me tightly. I wrap my arms around her and hug back in the same way. 

“Jenny, what are you doing here?” I gush as we part. 

“It was time for me to come home. I just found out when I spoke to Mom last week what that stupid bitch did to you. I wanted to make sure you were okay. I thought I would need to fly to Scotland to see you until Mom told me you were back in LA and would be coming tonight. I wanted to surprise you,” she replies.

“It is so good to see you, little sister. It has been a rough couple of months, but I am doing okay. Are you home for good?” 

“I am glad you are doing better, big brother. Yes, I am home for good. I’m ready to settle down in one place and hopefully find a good man to marry and have a family with.” She smiles. 

I am happy she is back home, but sad at the same time because I won’t be here. 

“Great! It is good to have you back.” 

She smiles and puts her attention on Alana. Alana tenses and reaches for my hand, trying to keep calm and not freak out. 

“You must be Alana,” Jenny says softly. 

“Yes,” she whispers. 

Jenny chuckles. “Alana, you don’t need to be nervous because of me. I have heard a lot about you from Mom. I know the full story, and honestly, I am glad my brother is rid of that she devil. Bella was horrible. I never liked her. And from what I have heard, you make my brother happy, which is all that matters to me.” 

I am sort of glad Mom told Jenny because it saves me from having to explain everything to her. 

“Yes, I am. I have never been happier. Alana is incredible, beautiful inside and out. She is the one for me, and we plan to marry and have a family one day. Alana is the part of me that I feel has been missing my entire life.” 

I say each word with pride and the brightest smile on my lips. I make sure not to mention we are engaged because we haven’t told my parents yet. Alana is wearing her engagement ring on her right hand tonight. 

Alana blushes profoundly next to me. 

“Oh wow, that is incredible. Who knew you had a mushy side, big brother?” Jenny teases. 

I chuckle. “Trust me, it was a surprise to me too.” 

Jenny laughs. “Let me introduce myself properly. I am Jenny, Ezra’s younger sister. It is great to meet you, Alana,” she gushes and hugs her. 

“Thank you. It is great to meet you, too, finally.” Alana smiles, hugging back. 

“Quick question. How did my brother get someone as gorgeous as you? Did he need to pay you or something?” Jenny snickers. She is messing with me; she enjoys it. 

“Oh, trust me, I made him work for it.” Alana giggles. 

“Good! I like you already, Alana.” Jenny smiles. 

Mom appears next to Jenny. “Hello, my boy.” She smiles. 

“Hello, Mom. You remember Alana,” I say. 

“Of course I do. Alana, it’s so good to see you again, sweetie.” 

“Yes, you too, Mrs Barclay.” 

Mom hugs me, and then Alana. “Please, it’s Angelina.” 

Once everyone had said their hellos, we finally sit down. Mom introduces Alana to her friends, who are nice towards her. 

“Champagne?” Jenny offers Alana and me. 

“No, thank you. I am okay for now,” Alana answers. 

I take a glass and finally notice someone missing. “Where is Dad?”

“He will join us later. He has some work to do first,” Mom answers. 

It might be a good thing he isn’t here because I knew the idea of seeing him was making Alana so nervous. 

“Alana, are you sure you don’t want a drink?” Jenny asks. 

“Yes. I am fine, thank you.” 

Jenny nods and doesn’t ask any other questions. I glance at Mom, and she seems to be looking between Alana and me. Suddenly, she smiles and nods. Does she know the real reason why Alana isn’t drinking? Surely not, but then again, Mom always knows. There is a chance she’s guessed Alana is pregnant, but she won’t say anything because she has probably worked it out that we aren’t ready to share the news. 

I rest my hand on Alana’s knee under the table. She places her hand over mine, but doesn’t make eye contact because she is chatting with Jenny. She seems relaxed. I think Jenny and Alana will end up being great friends. 

I can only hope that when my dad shows up, the atmosphere doesn’t change. My mom and Jenny accept Alana, so he can too. Alana isn’t going anywhere. If he isn’t happy with that, then that’s his problem.