Chapter 26
Chapter 26
DIANA THORTON
I was going to give him my answer regarding the proposal he offered when I saw it, or rather them.
The scars on his back were definitely from constant flogging.
They were long and jagged, with deep grooves and discolored skin - a brutal reminder of the pain he must have endured.
Who the fuck did that to him?
That's it! That's why he didn't want to take his shirt off on the night of the ball.
The hideous yet piteous scars I bet no surgery can erase.
"You can try on your dress now," Vanessa said. Her voice sliced through my trance of thoughts.
I take a deep breath to look at the white sequined cocktail dress she was holding. I retrieved it from her grasp and proceeded to change in the bathroom.
Today is the engagement party and everything seems to be happening so fast. This fake marriage thing is really happening.
I've never attended a lavish party before, except the one you know. I don't know how I'm supposed to behave and who's attending. It's my party and I don't even know who's coming. I should have invited Caroline and Celeste but, I didn't want to do anything that would offend Alexander further.
Thankfully I'd done the most important part; visit my foster parents. I of course had to lie about where I was going and thank God he trusted me enough to let me go- with a driver of course, which by the way is not that bad, as long as it's not Megan doing the following.
I told the driver that I would be spending three hours at the spa and so, he waited. I took the back exit to catch a taxi and head to the cemetery. Made it back just in time to head home.
The dress reveals a mile of my toned legs and Vanessa kneels to put my feet in a pair of strappy heels; revealing my fresh French tips.
I looked stunning. I caressed my tummy and absentmindedly smiled; soon I'll be showing signs of pregnancy. I'm going to be a mother.
God.
The drive to the venue was quiet which was normal. it's not like we were friends to begin with so, there's nothing to talk about. When I got down from the car, Alexander took my arm and slid it around his.
"Smile," He said, coldly.
I get my game face on, with a bit of a smile of course. Paparazzi rushed over to take pictures of us on the red carpet. An engagement party with a red carpet? Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined it would happen to me.
Alexander seemed like the perfect gentleman, husband, and father. The way he looked at me and held me during the photo session was magnificent.
To the outside world, this man is mine but, in the four walls of his home, he is just a stranger, and this whole thing is just a sham.
I stare at the engagement ring and start fiddling on the shining stone. It's pretty and very befitting for a Mrs. Stone. If only the girls who envy my position knew.
I looked around the room, it was beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and vibrant flowers. I must give it to Vanessa, she's quite efficient. I could hear the laughter and chatter of those mingling and celebrating.
The aroma of delicious food filled the air, and the clinking of glasses echoed throughout the room. I'm guessing deals are being made.
This isn't a gathering of loved ones celebrating an upcoming marriage, it's a gathering of business tycoons and the press.
Alexander doesn't have any friends or parents. I've randomly read that part of him in some newspapers during the early years of working with him. Little wonder why this engagement party is giving cooperate affairs.
I sigh. Utterly bored and just want to go home. I feel so out of place. But, on the bright side, who would have thought that I would make 10 million dollars so soon?
Five million off a fake marriage and another five as compensation for my patent and still get credit. I guess the boss has a soft spot after all.
Speaking of soft spots, I'm led to remember the scars again. I want to trace the lines so badly, kiss every stroke, and erase all the pain. A pain I know nothing about.
The night went on with activities that included toasting, speeches, cake-cutting, and more picture-taking.
I was downing my last gulp of juice when my eyes locked on a familiar face - Alexander's ex-wife. My heart skipped a beat, and a mix of emotions flooded over me. I felt a surge of insecurity and uncertainty.
However, I quickly reminded myself of what we share- a sham and as such, I am not in the position to get jealous. Sophia was dressed in a red gown with a deep plunging neckline. She chose a bold color and design- I remember Alex mentioning that he loves a woman in red which means that Sophia isn't here to congratulate us. She's here to remind him what he's missed. Her.
I instantly regret choosing the white dress I am wearing.
"Hello, ex-lover" She whispered into Alexander's ear. It was a whisper yet loud enough for me to hear. I could feel everyone's eyes on us, especially me. I'm sure they're wondering why I'm allowing this. Wondering why I am not standing up and bouncing that gate crasher out of my party.
She slid her arm slowly and rested her palm on his chest while pressing her breast on his back.
"You can't really be getting married to her, Papa. Remember, that's the name you like being called when you fuck me."
Alexander abruptly stands up and grabs Sophia's wrist, leading them out of the hall.
Those eyes, I can still feel them on me. They are watching me. Looking forward to how I would react. I remain calm and flag a passing waiter for dessert.
"So you are the one from the ball," A voice says from behind me.
I turn around to see a captivating figure. He possessed an undeniable allure, with a chiseled physique that exuded strength and confidence. His piercing green eyes held a mysterious spark, drawing you in with their intensity. Every move he made seemed to accentuate his muscular body, leaving a trail of admiration in his wake. It was as if he effortlessly commanded attention, with an irresistible combination of physicality and charm. He was the epitome of sexiness, leaving a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to catch a glimpse.
The ball. I curve the perfect smile, unsure of what to say.
"Beauty knows no color, age, or race. Those were your words, my lady." He said, kissing the top of my palm like Prince Charming.
I remember saying those words to a bunch of people at the ball.
"You left quite an engraving impression. I'm jealous that the hawk got you first"
The hawk. Alexander is the hawk. Suddenly, I burst out laughing uncontrollably. It feels good to have an ally in the anti-Alex war.
"Happy to have made you laugh, my lady. My name is Maverick Phoenix, Founder of Offshore Corp. I am what you would call Alexander's arch rival"
His smile. It's like a seductive dance of sunlight, teasing and captivating with every curve of his lips. It held a magnetic pull, drawing me in closer as if it had a secret to share.
His eyes sparkled with mischief, adding an alluring depth to his smile. I can't believe I am taking in the view of another man at my own engagement party. I scoff.
"You must be a tough one. I heard all the ladies end up running away from him. If you ever feel like it, I'm just a call away. Who knows? We could be a great company to each other."
He slid his contact card into my fingers before bidding me bye.
I inhaled deeply, noticing that Alexander had been gone for too long. I should look for him, right?
After minutes of checking nearly everywhere, I resort to the last place I've not checked. The parking lot.
As I walked into the parking lot, my heart sank and my breath caught in my throat. Time seemed to stand still as I witnessed a scene that shattered my world. There, in the dimly lit corner, I saw my fiancé and his ex-wife locked in a passionate embrace, their lips pressed together in a kiss that felt like a betrayal.
The world around me faded into the background as my mind struggled to process the sight before me. The sound of cars passing by and distant conversations became muffled, drowned out by the rush of emotions coursing through my veins. It was as if everything else ceased to exist, leaving only the two of them in that painful moment.
In that moment, a whirlwind of emotions washed over me - disbelief, anger, and a profound sense of hurt. It felt like the ground beneath me had crumbled, leaving me standing on shaky, uncertain terrain. The scene before me was a stark reminder that he might still be in love with her and maybe I ruined the tiniest fragment of reconciliation.
With tears welling in my eyes, I knew that it was time to walk away.
Alexander sure made his women run away from him, but only for them to come back for more.
On my way back to the hall, I saw Maverick and without thinking, I pulled him into an embrace and kissed him.
He said I could run to him and I hope he takes me far away from this hurt I'm feeling. I didn't care about getting seen.
I just wanted revenge and hoped it would make me feel better.
"Diana!"
I hear Alexander's voice from the entrance. I break away from the kiss and turn to face him but before I can register what is happening, Alexander attacks Maverick and gives him a punch across his face.