Chapter 59: He had another woman.

Chapter 59: He had another woman.
Anneliese’s POV

I picked up the invitation letter that had been sitting on my dresser for days now….I kept staring at it, wondering if I should burn it, tear it up, or pretend I never saw it. 

It was a company dinner invitation from my father’s old associates. 

I shut my eyes, am I ready to go to another event where there is every possibility of meeting Damien? 

I shut my eyes as the envent if the other night flashed in my mind… our eyes met.

A lot of crazy thoughts ran in my mind as I was contemplating whether to go or just stay at home but soon, I found myself slipping in a black dress that night.

I tied my hair in loose waves, and forced my feet into heels that pinched my feet too hard.

This event is something I can ignore, something I can avoid but I don't know what's pushing me to go….

Is it because Damien Maddox will be there? 

No. Fuck it!

Even if he's going to be there, I want to go there to show him that I'm not weak , that I'm stronger than the woman he left.

The venue glittered with chandeliers, Flowers and shiny gowns worn by the ladies there, the men in filthy rich tuxedos raised their glasses of champagne and cheered, everyone was draped in sparkly jewels.

My stomach dropped as I walked in, it seemed as if all eyes were on me, every single pair.

Did I have something on me? 

Or was I so pretty?

“Miss Rowan.” , I turned and my eyes traced who called me, it was Mr Rogers, my father's business partner before he passed. 

He smiled warmly at me, grabbed my hand and slowly took me in.

“I'm so glad you are here, Aneeliese, your father would be proud wherever he is.”, I couldn't say a word, but I smiled at him and nodded.

I let him guide me deeper into the ballroom where the music was bubbling and the violins were playing. I kept my chin high and my back straight. I walked with the confidence of a queen but inside, my heart was a mess.

I was chewing on a cake an attendant gave me when I caught a glimpse of him with the tiniest corner of my eyes.

Damien.

My lungs suddenly forgot how to take in air and release it, my whole body seemed to stop moving.

Mind your business, I mumbled to myself but my neck refused to turn my head to face the front.

My eyes were glued on him, he was putting on his signature, a black suit which fit him so well like a second skin.

He was laughing with some men then suddenly his arms circled around a woman in a green floral dress, he pulled her near him and he whispered something in her ear which made her laugh out loud.

A large frown appeared on my face before I could stop it. 

'Look away', I begged myself internally but my eyes chose to disobey me.

He looked the same…stronger, cold and the stone face Damien I used to know before we got married.

Am I that easy to forget?

Well we never really had anything real.

Just when my eyes were ready to look away, his eyes found mine among the crowd and our eyes locked for a moment.

It was as if the air around me had frozen, I don't know what I was expecting but there was not even a flicker of emotion on his face.

He looked cold, distant ,just staring at me like I'm no more important than the waiter moving around the hall with a tray of wine.

“Anneliese,” Caleb’s voice broke through the noise and I almost fell from my chair.

“What are you doing here?”, I asked surprised, Belinda is not even aware I'm here.

“You asked me to come…forgotten?”, He said and then I remembered I had texted him in the morning.

I laughed and smacked my head lightly.

“Thank you for coming,” I said, grateful for the distraction.

“Well I'd do anything for the princess.”, He bowed lightly which made blood rush to my cheeks.

He is so sweet, with that sunshine of a smile, he looked so adorable in his navy suit. His tie was tied loosely around his neck, he looked so handsome and his presence made my heart swell somehow.

“Come on, let’s grab a drink.”, he said, offering his arms to me and I grabbed it immediately.

But before we reached the bar, the announcer’s voice rang out through the microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to welcome tonight’s distinguished guests—”

“Oh, I guess we will be drinking later “ , I said and with that , I dragged him with me to the table.

“I would love to welcome Mr.Frost…”, the announcer said and a low hum of laughter rang in the hall. That name had always been hilarious.

The announcer kept announcing names till I got tired…

“Mrs Maddox”

My blood froze for a moment, I didn't even know he meant me until all eyes fell on me, one of the attendants came to whisper in my ear for me to stand up.

Everyone had their eyes glued on me , waiting for me to stand up and announce my presence.

For a moment, I didn't know what to do..like what the fuck? Not even Rowan or Anneliese but Maddox?

I stood up anyway and waved at everyone, “She's a Rowan not part of the Maddox Family and she's with me anyways.”, Caleb's voice rang beside me, it was loud and it made me feel better.

But across the room, Damien who was holding his glass up said , “It's just a silly mistake anyone can make, it's just crazy that some people get worked up on meaningless issues”

The laughter that followed wasn’t cruel, but it was enough to sting.

My nails dug into my palm and my throat burned with the urge to shout back, to cut him open with words but I couldn't.

For the rest of the evening, Caleb never let go of me, he met some people he knew and he introduced me to them proudly, once when Damien was within earshot, he said to a man who said “Hello, Mrs Maddox “

“No, she's not Maddox , she's Anneliese Rowan, and she's my girlfriend.”

“Ohh, pardon me, I forgot about the divor-”

“It's okay…a lot of people do.”, I said 

“How are you coping nos?”

“As you can see , she is fine with me and she is  indeed a blessing to anyone around her and a great loss to anyone that loses her.” 

I almost laughed at him, he was so protective and I was so glad he came to save my lame ass.

Each time everyone greeted us and commented on us, I could always feel Damien's eyes almost drilling a hike on us.

By the time the dinner ended, my head was spinning and Caleb offered to drive me home.

“Why did you say I'm your girlfriend?” I asked 

“I'm sorry..”, he apologized.

“No, I'm not offended, I find it funny how you came up with the idea.”

“Yes, It's just hard to watch Damien feel as if he has got all the power in the world.”

“Thank you for tonight.”, I took his hands in mine.

“Anytime.” He gave me a dimpled smile. 

I walked into my room feeling drained, I looked around the house but I couldn't find Belinda.

I went into the kitchen, trying to find something to drink….my lips trembled as I poured the milk from the jug into the cup.

I can't help the feeling, I should feel stronger now.

I should feel much happier that I had someone to stand for me but no! 

There I was , feeling bad over someone who clearly hates me.

I hated how much his words came back to haunt me.

The looks he gave me hurts even more and he was with another woman.

My hand flew onto my mouth to block the horrible sob that rose from my throat