ROBERT "How about this gown?" Renee asked.I looked up from my phone, my eyes widening as I took in the stunning vision before me. “Wow!” The word escaped my lips before I could stop myself, and Renee's self-satisfied grin, which had been slowly forming, grew more prominent. The black sequined dress she wore was almost flawless. Extremely beautiful—as stunning as she was—with every line and curve revealing her long legs and full breasts. The material clung to her body perfectly, creating an enticing appearance that radiated allure, sexiness, and bare seduction. "I can see you like this dress, Mr. Clarke. Are we taking it?" The nearby attendant asked, her eyebrows quirking as she waited for a response. “Absolutely. I think it's beautiful and…." I trailed off, staring at Renee again, this time at her thighs. “Is there a slit anywhere?” “Do you mean showing off some sexy skin? There is, indeed. Do you like it?” Renee teased, twirling and widening her legs slightly, allowing me to
RENEE SOME DAYS LATER "Ma'am, raise your chin slightly. We're almost finished." The makeup artist gave me instructions, and I followed them exactly. The woman was quick. As she brushed my face and smoothed the stray hairs, I looked in the vanity mirror, taking in my appearance. Today was the masquerade Robert had been invited to, and I was being primed and prepped for the occasion. His hotel suite's bedroom had been converted into an intimate dressing room, and various stylists and makeup artists were on hand to attend to my every need. It felt like this event was more for me than for him or us. What else could I expect from our first official outing as a couple? Of course, he'd want to go all out. A shiver ran down my spine as I wondered if I'd fit in with his world. A world that screamed wealth, extravagance, and grandeur. I had doubts, but I’d give it my all for him and us tonight. The vibrating sound of my cell phone drew me out of my reverie. Muttering an apology to the
Stronger than lover’s love is lover’s hate. Incurable, in each, the wounds they make. — Euripides~•~AMANDA Time was speedily running by, yet Robert and his date were nowhere to be seen.What the hell was keeping them? I gripped my wine glass so tightly it almost shattered.They were supposed to arrive an hour ago, according to my watch. The masked ball had begun already. The evening had been busy, with wealthy socialites milling about, talking, and dining while most of the activities set aside for the ball had taken place. Charity donations and auctions which were the party’s main event had finished. Most people in attendance were making their way to the exits. Yet still, the man of the show—or my show—was nowhere to be found. So, where in the world were they? Had they decided to bail out? Had they decided not to attend the ball anymore? I shook my head, attempting to clear my mind of the thoughts and questions brewing. They couldn't bail. They just couldn’t. If there’s one th
RENEE I followed the waitress out of the hall and to the back of the magnificent building. The restroom was oddly located at the back of the building. Whoever designed this building had something up their sleeves. The idea amused me when we finally reached our destination.Murmuring my thanks, the young lady took her to leave, and I pushed the large door open to reveal an empty restroom.It was deserted. Well, lucky me! I mused, a small smile on my lips. I was feeling pressed, as I'd told Robert earlier. I needed privacy and time to myself after what’s happened since we'd arrived at the masquerade. On the outside, I'd acted fine and composed all night, but deep down, I was shaking with nerves. I expected this. I'd even prepared myself for whatever might happen tonight, but it didn't stop me from feeling completely overwhelmed, helpless, and tongue-tied. It’d been difficult not to panic with every camera click taking photos of Robert and me and the never-ending stream of questions
RENEE My heart broke like bricks tumbling down a wall. It shattered into pieces like an ice cube in the middle of December’s snow, and I couldn't string it back together. My soul had taken a back seat in my body, and my entire existence was now dependent on my legs moving, but I remained stiff. The pain grew stronger and sharper with each word this woman said. It was like a punch to my guts. It felt like someone was squeezing my heart until it was as hollow as the pit of my stomach. There was nothing left inside. And maybe it wouldn't have been so bad if I'd had something to hold onto, but now, I could only stare blankly at the wall behind her.Everything in my line of sight was jumbled and the words 'Mrs. Amanda Clarke' kept echoing in my head over and over. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't block it out, and it hurt so damn much. The things she was saying. The way she laughed as she spewed out the trash made me want to scream, but I couldn’t. "I believe I've gotten you e
ROBERT *A FEW MINUTES EARLIER*"Please give me a minute, Mr. and Mrs. Charles. I need to check on someone." I spoke to the elderly couple before me, and my gaze was drawn to the Rolex on my wrist. "Certainly, Mr. Clarke. We'll be patient. The party is still going on, and we're not going anywhere." Mr. Charles smiled at me, then returned his attention to his wife and whispered in her ear. They moved toward the crowded dance floor, where several elites and socialites had gathered, sipping their cocktails and mingling. With a sigh, I glanced at my wristwatch for the umpteenth time and then back at the hall's entrance door, where Renee had vanished. Not just a few seconds ago, but nearly a half-hour, and I was becoming increasingly concerned about her whereabouts with each tick of my watch. She should’ve returned by now. It was unusual for her to spend so much time in the restroom, and as time passed, worry ate at my stomach like acid. Renee was never late. She was always on time a
RENEE “What a beautiful elite family reunion. Isn’t this lovely?” As she spoke, her words dripped with phoniness and venom. My heartbeat quickened as I watched her saunter casually toward where Robert and I were standing, whistling and clapping her hands maniacally, keeping the attention on her. My stomach churned with shock and anger, but I couldn't talk or move a muscle. I was stuck, frozen to the spot in Robert's arms, afraid to blink lest she noticed my fear. But I did blink. My tear-stained lashes fluttered as I looked at Robert, our gazes briefly meeting before he turned away. His grip on my shoulders tightened painfully. That expression on his face. He looked like someone forced to endure a painful and awkward situation—like a student caught doing something wrong and desperately wanting to flee. His lips were drawn into a thin line that showed no emotion. His eyes were lifeless, and his face had turned deathly pale. Terrified. He was terrified, I realized, and by God, ho
ROBERT Regret! That word lingered in my mind, biting at me until I was too sick and tired to think of anything else. It was eroding the edges of my sanity, making it difficult for me to breathe properly or think clearly. I felt a deep sadness as I watched Renee's silhouette fade into the darkness. That's when I realized how much of a jerk I'd been. She had vanished. My woman was gone, and the worst part was that I couldn't chase after her like I used to. Instead, I’d told one of the nearby security guards to follow her and ensure she got home safely. I would keep an eye out for her. After a while, perhaps days, I'd get through to her and... 'And then what?' My mind screamed at me. Despite my best efforts at being strong, tears prickled behind my eyelids. Back in the hall, I’d seen the pain swimming in her eyes and the look of utter disbelief, fear, and disgust as she saw me for who I truly was.She had every right to flee—to turn around and run away from me as fast as she coul