Chapter 17: Happily Married...or Not
Marceline's POV
I didn’t need to turn to know who the voice belonged to. My hands were clenched tightly, but I tried to remain calm. I didn’t want to give him the impression that I was nervous again. I knew too well that by showing him fear, he might use it against me.
I didn’t understand his intention for being here, not when he already knew I was married.
“Yes, Mr. Halvourne, it’s an organized event,” I said with a faint smile, giving him only a brief look before turning my eyes back to the sky.
“Are you sure?” he asked in that deep voice, and I turned, squinting at him. Then he added, “I mean, if you were really enjoying the night, you wouldn’t be out here.”
I almost hissed. Can’t he just leave me alone?
“I only came out to have some fresh air, Mr. Halvourne,” I said, refusing to look at him. I hoped he would understand that I wasn’t interested in talking and leave.
“Dominic,” he said calmly as he came to stand close to me.
I shifted away from him, my eyes narrowing.
“Dominic, not Mr. Halvourne. I think we’ve already crossed that line, haven’t we?” he said, a little smile tugging at his lips.
I didn’t answer. I understood too well what he meant by crossed the line.
“Why aren’t you saying anything?” he asked again. I could hear the playfulness in his voice, like my silence amused him.
“I have nothing to say to you,” I replied sharply.
“You have something to say. No...we both have something to talk about. Regarding that night,” he said, stressing that night.
My heart dropped to my stomach, and I closed my eyes. Of course… that night. The night I regretted more than anything. If only I could turn back time.
“Mr. Halvourne, I know we had an encounter that night, but whatever happened that day was a mistake. It shouldn’t have happened, so let’s just forget it ever did.” I spoke quickly, trying to hide the nervous shake in my voice.
“Forget it ever happened? Is that even possible?” His tone grew heavier. I could see his jaw tighten, his face turning serious.
“So what do you want to do then?” I asked, forcing my voice to sound firm even though my heart was beating so fast it hurt. “Do you want to go inside and tell everyone?” I pointed toward the hall, pretending to be tough though fear clawed inside me.
“Why would I do that?” he asked, tilting his head slightly.
“If not, then why are you out here? Why follow me if you don’t mean to expose us?” I shot back with a scorn.
“I didn’t follow you out,” he said gently, almost sincerely. “I came for air as well, and then I saw you. I thought we could talk.”
Maybe I was wrong. But who could blame me when his eyes had been on me all night?
I scoffed “Do you think I’ll believe that?”
“You have the right not to,” he replied, his eyes still fixed on me. He let them travel from my face to my toes, just like that first night at the club. His expression was unreadable, and it made me uneasy.
I sighed, rubbing my forehead, already exhausted.
“Mr. Halvourne, like I said, let’s forget what happened. As you can see, I’m a happily married woman,” I said calmly, praying he would understand.
But instead, he chuckled.
I blinked in confusion. What was so funny? Before I could react, he suddenly grabbed my arm and pulled me hard against him. My chest hit his, solid and unyielding, his arm circling around my waist.
My eyes widened in shock at the sudden movement. I tried to push him away, but his hold was strong, unshakable.
“What do you think you’re doing? Let me go!” I hissed in fear. Someone might see us like this.
“Happily married? I don’t think that’s the case,” he said instead of releasing me. His voice carried anger now.
“I’m a married woman!” My voice trembled with fear and nervousness as I struggled, but it was useless. He easily caught both of my hands in one of his.
“Married, yes. But not happily,” he said, not caring about my desperate pulling.
“Please… let me go. Someone will see us,” I pleaded in a low, shaking voice.
“You have beautiful eyes,” he said suddenly, his voice deep and strange, making my pulse quicken.
“What?” I swallowed, my body stiff. What is he saying? That’s not the issue. He should let me go.
“You’re a very beautiful woman,” he continued, and I saw him swallow, his throat moving like it was dry. Then his head began to lean closer, his lips inching toward mine.
My soul nearly leapt out of my body as I realized what he was about to do. I jerked my head back, but he didn’t stop..he kept leaning in..
“Marceline, are you there?”
Celesta’s voice rang out from the veranda door, unsure but close enough.
That was enough. He let go of me immediately, clearing his throat as he stepped back. But before leaving, his eyes lingered on mine, heavy and unreadable. Then he turned and walked away.
My knees weakened, fear and anxiety shaking through me. I gripped the pole beside me for balance, trying to steady myself.
“Marc?” Celesta called again.
“I’m here, Celesta,” I managed, taking a deep breath.
“I thought you had left,” she said as she joined me on the veranda. She lifted her head, smiling softly. “The sky is shining tonight.”
I stayed silent, staring at the stars, but my heart was still racing.