The Reception Party

Elaira's POV

"Ma'am, you are looking stunning in this dress. Everyone in the party will be mesmerized by your irresistible beauty today."

I subtly laughed at the beautician's praise.

The sleeveless,v-necked, wine-red coloured gown couldn’t hide the gloomy expression on my face. Right after reaching Aaron's family mansion, his phone buzzed and he told me that he had an important meeting to attend. But I glimpsed at the caller ID from the corner of my eyes when he checked his phone. What important meeting could he have with Eliza again just after spending a passionate morning together?

"Honey, You are looking incredibly beautiful", Aaron was standing at the door looking at me with his sweetest smile. Yes, this is the adorable Aaron I know. I tried to smile back at him.

"The guests have arrived. Give me the honour to introduce you to them," Aaron kissed my forehead, his eyes radiating warmth.

My body stiffened discovering the person standing behind Aaron.

"Aaron, I was feeling very lonely at the party as I couldn't find you. As expected, you are here with your wife," Eliza grumbled with a pitiful look on her face as if she was wronged.

I was on the verge of losing my mind watching the girl acting like she was the one who got married to Aaron, not me. Aaron glimpsed at me cautiously then redirected his gaze back to her, "Eliza, I have arranged your favourite drink. You go and enjoy it. I will join you later, okay?"

Eliza gave an unwilling grunt before leaving the room.

Aaron stretched his hand towards me and asked, "Shall we?"

I meekly nodded and put my hand on his palm. Aaron must be tolerating Aliza's grumpiness because of their long friendship. I know that no one means more than me to him.

The courtyard of the magnificent mansion was transformed into a festive mood adorned with a mixture of fairy lights and lanterns casting a soft, golden glow. The laughter and conversation of the guests and the clinking of glasses echoed joyously throughout the courtyard.

Aaron's mother, Ms.Cecilia, came forward and hugged me, "Elaira, my dear, you look breathtaking."

I responded to her with a gentle smile.

"Aaron, introduce Elaira to our VIP guests", Ms.Cecilia added.

It was exhausting to communicate with the guests forcing a smile on my face when my mind was in a mess but I patiently conversed with all of them.

Suddenly I could hear whispers from all sides as if something had happened. I froze in my place as my eyes caught sight of a figure entering the party wearing an impeccably tailored suit, his towering stature exuding an aura of sophistication. What the hell is Edrick doing here again?

Realizing that Edrick was walking straight towards us after picking up the microphone, I felt suffocated and my breath became shallow. His intense gaze fell on Aaron's hand which was wrapped around my waist and Aaron immediately took his hand away.

Without a warning, Edrick stepped between me and Aaron,

"Ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank all of you for attending this auspicious occasion making it meaningful with your presence. I humbly ask you to shower my son Aaron and his newlywed wife Avelyn with your blessings, support and love for their future journey. Please enjoy the party." The whispers of the guests increased but they all applauded in front of Edrick's commanding gaze.

I stood at the spot paralyzed as I listened to Edrick's declaration. I felt the sounds around me fade as I could only hear the pounding of my heart. My brain couldn’t process what he was saying anymore. What the heck does Edrick mean? He is Aaron's father! No way!

All the blood from my face drained out as I looked at Aaron with a perplexed face. Aaron averted his gaze, "Umm, we shall talk about this later. Concentrate on the party for now. All eyes are on us today."

"I need an explanation right now. You will not like it if I start screaming in the middle of the party, right?" I struggled to keep my voice down as I muttered the words bitterly crafting a fake smile on my face to fool the guests.

"Please wait until the party is over", Aaron tried to coax me but this won't work on me anymore.

"No!" I looked daggers at him.

"Why don’t you listen to what I say? Fine, follow me", Aaron spoke with annoyance before sneaking away from the party while glancing warily at the guests who were deeply immersed in their discussions. I quietly followed him to the backyard.

"Ok, he is my dad. He just kinda liked you and wanted to have a taste. That's all," Aaron ran his fingers on his smooth hair irritatedly.

"How could you do this to me, Aaron?" I shouted at the top of my lungs in disbelief.

"Look it was a great opportunity for me. The truth is I am the illegitimate child of my father. Over all these years, he has never once acknowledged me as his son. If it was not for my grandpa keeping me here, I wouldn't even have the name Bennet. So when he offered to accept me publicly in exchange for you sleeping with him, I just couldn’t refuse, you see?" Aaron said righteously.

"F**k you, Aaron. I am ending our relationship for good. I don't want to see your face again in my life. Return the documents of my mother's institution to me. I don't wish to stay in this city anymore", I yelled feeling betrayed.

"Have you lost your mind? Why would I marry a boring girl like you who didn't even let me have s*x with her before marriage if I don’t get the legal right of the new medicine your mother's research centre has developed," Aaron said viciously.

"Didn’t you say that your company would manufacture our medicine? You actually wanted to steal my mother's hard work of years, you lied to me the whole time! Everything you said was a lie!" I was overwhelmed with anguish and despair.

"Why are you being such a nuisance? Behave like a good wife and do as I say. Tomorrow, I will officially take over your research centre. Our company has been trying to develop the same medicine, investing billions of dollars but your mother's small research center has already made it! Grandpa has promised me to give the CEO position of our pharmaceutical company if I can successfully sell the new medicine in the market. I am just about to get a strong footing in inheriting our family business. Don't even try to spoil this opportunity", Aaron made a malicious face, which I had never seen before.

I couldn't take it anymore and slapped Aaron hard on his face.

"You filthy bitch! How dare you hit me!" I stumbled backwards in fear as Aaron was about to strike me but a strong arm grabbed his hand tightly.

"I told you not to lay a finger on her. We are yet to settle the kiss on the wedding day", Edrick roared, his eyes glimmering like burning flames.

"Father, I was just showing that bitch her place. She was too obedient before. But she is talking back to me now," Aaron tried to convince Edrick as I looked at both of them in utter astonishment.

"Who gave you the right to do this?" Edrick twisted Aaron's hand backward making him scream out of pain.

Aaron's phone started ringing, "Eliza, I'm busy now. I'll...

"Aa..ron, I think I have food poisoning. My stomach is hurting so much. I.. need to go to hospital immediately." Three of us could hear Eliza's voice clearly.

"How did this happen? Wait, I'm coming", Aaron asked worriedly.

"Father, Eliza is very sick. I really need to go."

Edrick let out a wicked snicker while eyeing me as he released his grip on Aaron's hand.

There are so many people in the party. But she needs Aaron to take her to the hospital, what a joke!

My eyes fell on Edrick who was standing in front of me with an evil grin on his face. He is laughing after turning my world upside down! I ran towards him maniacally and started clawing his face with all my might.

"You asshole! Everything has happened because of you. What wrong have I done to you that you ruined my life!" I screeched.

Edrick caught both of my hands, "It has become your habit to blame me every time someone causes harm to you. Weren’t you the one bragging about your husband this morning? So this is your loyal husband who tries to beat you and runs after other woman leaving you alone. Such a pity!"

I felt sick staying here anymore and rushed inside the mansion as fast as I could. The house was empty as everyone was busy celebrating our wedding which is nothing but a disaster now. I ran straight into our bedroom. Yes, it was supposed to be Aaron and my room. But is there anything left that I can call mine now? I slumped on the floor crying my heart out.