Chapter 7 Parties and Gifts

The party happened that evening and as Evelyn stepped into the hall with her arm locked in her husband's arm, her jaw dropped as she took in the scene.

It felt like she had just stepped into a fairytale live action. The hall was decorated with fabrics that screamed extravagance at first glance. The tables, covered in rich velvet cloths with sparkly chandeliers hanging over their heads. The music was soft in the background, it was a rich melody that soothed the atmosphere.

The air smelled of fresh flowers and champagne and she could hear the clicking of glass and the mumblings of conversations. The guests weren't left out in the event, they too had come prepared in their finest clothes and their necks and hands bedecked with fine pearls and jewelries.

Everyone looked so good that for a moment, Evelyn felt a little self conscious. There was nothing special about her dress but she tried to lift her head and brush it off.

She couldn't hold it against herself for not having money. If had enough, she would spend it on Peter's treatment first before anything else.

That was her first priority-

"Isn't that Lucas Graham?"

"Yes, it sure looks like him. What is he doing here?"

"I've never seen him attend any of the parties hosted by his family. Did you hear?"

That was how the gossip began and they were so uncouth that they whispered so loud and even looked in Evelyn and Lucas's direction.

"He's so notorious in the family that his father vowed never to send him to school. Hence he has no education and no future in Graham's inheritance."

It felt like a dagger was thrust into Evelyn's chest.

"My goodness! A man with no education surely has no means of livelihood. What is he doing here?"

"He probably came to beg his father for money. You know, that's his wife. He needs to take care of-"

Evelyn was done listening now, she was fuming with rage and had heard enough of their disrespect.

She was about to let go of Lucas' arm, storm their way and give them a piece of her mind but as if sensing her annoyance, he starts to pull her away.

Evelyn could only glare at them, a silent warning not to mess with her or her husband. If they didn't learn manners at home then she'd be more than happy to teach them some.

"Father," Lucas said in greeting and she quickly snapped her head to the man before them.

His large frame in his dark blue suit was intimidating enough but then his scowl made things even worse. It also didn't help that he had a bit of resemblance with Lucas.

How could this man hate the son who took his own face?

"You're here," the man lifted his head as he looked down on both his son and the wife. "Why?"

"I thought it would be okay to bring my wife. Since you invited her family," Lucas explained, looking him right in the eye.

It had always been his guts that irritated Mr. Graham the most. Every attempt to intimidate the boy proved futile ever since he was young.

"You went ahead and got married?" Mr. Graham scoffed. "Boy, I thought you knew better. You're a pauper. What makes you think you can start your own family-"

"Please refrain from using such words before your daughter-in-law," Lucas said. "Have you no iota of respect for her? I know you have none for me-"

"Y-You! How dare you! I see your arrogance hasn't changed one bit!" he's trembling with annoyance but at least he's not yelling.

Evelyn watched Lucas' calm demeanour even as he exchanged words with his father. If this went on for too long, she was certain that old Mr. Graham would die from a heart attack right here and right now.

"Hmph! I have nothing to say to you!" Mr. Graham finally said and walked away, conceding defeat with so much hate in his heart.

"Well, that went well," was all Lucas said as he picked a glass of champagne from one of the waiters. He didn't seem affected by any of the rumours going on around him.

Evelyn wondered if it was because he was already used to it or was he just trying to put up a tough front?

Either way, she had to remember that their marriage was a contract and he had already shown her that she better be in her place.

The little scene between Lucas and his father didn't go unnoticed by just everyone. Olivia had her eyes on the couple as soon as they stepped in and seeing the disrespect they got from Mr. Graham himself, she was pleased.

Ever since the wedding, she was worried she made the wrong choice by not marrying Lucas but turns out, she didn't. She was right to pass him on to Evelyn.

She couldn't begin to imagine how humiliated she'd feel if she was in Evelyn's shoes. But right now, it was simply entertainment on her part.

Raising her drink to her lips, she drank it all with simple elegance before heading towards the unsuspecting too.

She caught Evelyn's eye and smirked, eyeing her dress with a look of scorn on her face. Unlike Evelyn, she had actually spent time and money on her outfit. She even had her nails and hair done. She could easily pass up to be one of the wealthiest guests' daughters.

"I wouldn't say I'm from the William's family, if I were you," Olivia rolled her eyes. "I mean… you're giving me a bad reputation."

Really? From one drama to the other. Why her? Evelyn didn’t want to have this banter right now and right here.

Looking away, she was just unfortunate to find her Stepmother and Father standing awkwardly and trying to make conversations. It was obvious they were trying too hard to make connections and everyone they walked up to, simply ignored them.

"Instead of trying to look out for me," Evelyn turned to Olivia. "Why don't you keep those two in check first. At least I'm not here desperate enough to beg."

Olivia tensed up with her fist by her side. She swung a hand at Evelyn to slap her and shut her up but her wrist was caught in the air.

Lucas had saved her twice today and he just couldn't understand why they all wanted to hit his wife.

"Keep that hand to yourself and that attitude or I'm throwing you out," he flung her hand away but the woman didn’t seem to want to back down.

"You? What will you do?" she dared.

"Let me remind you that I'm still a Graham and you're on Graham's property. I can have you removed, thrown out and dismissed from this party if you continue to act out of place.”

His arrogance irked her and her hand still burned from where he laid his filthy hands on her. "You think you're of some importance here? Even your father can't stand the sight of you. What makes you think a prodigal son can claim rights?"

She was causing quite a scene and had now gained some attention.

"You're causing a scene. Have some sense of shame!" Evelyn scolded quietly.

"Shut up!" she turned her back to them, ready to walk away. "Let's see you be humiliated when it's time to give your gifts or let me guess, you're too poor to buy one- ha!" she walked away, adding her sass to her walk.

Evelyn palmed her head at her stepsister's attitude. She could never get used to how Olivia grew up with no manners. But it was thanks to her stepmother's pampering.

As if on cue, the guests began to hand over their gifts to Mr. Graham and each one he opened was more expensive than the last. He was all cheers and smiles as everyone congratulated him on the gift.

Evelyn wasn't surprised to see Jackson handing over a gift with Olivia by his side. The arrogance and confidence that Olivia excluded was enough to let Evelyn know that his gift was no small one.

"Oh! I know this brand!" Mr. Graham said as he unboxed the watch. He glanced at Jackson again and the woman by his side.

He had never noticed them until now. He didn't know the William's had this much money to afford a million dollar watch.

"Thank you. I really appreciate this so much," he smiled as he couldn't take his eyes off it. He was a man who had a sweet tooth for luxurious things and that was one thing everyone knew him for.

"I'm certain your son, Lucas will do much better than this," Olivia said, drawing attention to the couple and that got people murmuring.

What could the poor and uneducated Lucas bring to beat a million dollar watch?

"Yes, I'm certain of it. Since he attended the party, I'm sure he came prepared," Diana spoke from the crowd, raising everyone's hope.

As the guests turned in their gifts, Mr. Graham found that Jackson's gift was still the most expensive. He didn't mind it though but it was a real shame, he was expecting a bit of a competition.

Jackson knew he presented something much more expensive and that fueled him with arrogance and pride. He looked over at Evelyn who looked unbothered like her husband.

What was wrong with this couple? Didn't they care about their reputation at all? And why wouldn’t she look at him!

"Lucas, everyone's gift has been opened now," Jackson said in a loud voice that got everyone's attention. "What did you bring for your father?"

Mr. Graham narrowed his eyes. He didn’t care about Lucas' gift. Never has and never will. There was no need to get his hopes up. He knew the boy didn't have enough money to get him anything that would excite him-

His brows furrowed when his son walked forward. Did he have a gift? This was… a first.

With a heavy sigh, Lucas stepped forward, pulling an unsuspecting and confused Evelyn along.

“Father, it seems nothing can quench your thirst for assets, can it?” Lucas smirked as he dipped his hand into his pocket.

His simple gesture and the arrogance of his words made everyone present anticipate his gift.

What kind of gift could command such arrogance?

“Here you go,” Lucas said. “My gift to you,” and with that, he pulled out an ordinary looking stone.