Chapter 2.

Mitzie studied her reflection in the mirror as she prepared for the dinner on that night. A pair of 3.1 carat cushion cut drop diamond earrings hung from her pierced ears. She had a matching necklace with a 3 carat oval Thai ruby at the center that graced just above her high bosom.

The off the shoulder emerald-green floor length A-line wrap-style dress had a revealing neckline that displayed ample cleavage. The side split ran to the top of her muscular thigh in a peek-a-boo design. The dress was loose enough around the waist to accommodate her small bump but fitted enough to make a statement. The Jimmy Choo stilettos that she wore finished off her look.

She tucked a stray piece of her elegant updo behind her ear and ensured her minimally done makeup with a glossy nude lipstick complemented the ensemble.

Alford wore a custom fit black Tom Ford 3-piece suit with a Zegna emerald-green paisley silk tie. His perfectly polished black Tom Ford burnished leather lace-ups made him look just as good dressed up as he did naked in Mitzie’s eyes.

“I’ve never seen a more beautiful woman in my life,” Alford acknowledged while staring lovingly at Mitzie with a big smile on his face. “If I may be so honored as to accompany your loveliness this evening, it would make me the happiest man alive,” he gloated while stretching his manicured hand in her direction.

Mitzie returned the smile as she turned from the mirror accepting his hand. “And that would make me the happiest woman alive to accept your invitation” she said as they strolled out of their residence to the limousine waiting for them in the large circular driveway outside of their 2-story mansion.

Well, most would consider it to be a mansion, but for Mitzie and Alford, it was just a large brick home with 7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, an entertainment room, a movie room, his and her offices, a separate staff living area that was just off of the main house, and a host of other amenities that one would think too much for just 2 people.

When they’d hosted dinner parties, compliments had been made about the oversized custom-shaped swimming pool with Grecian and rock-ladened waterfall accents. However, Mitzie and Alford had plans for a large family, since both were only children. They chose to prepare in advance for starting that family. Both knew that biologically they would not have many children, but they were wanting to adopt children in need of parents as well.

“Mr. Damos, Mrs. Damos” the driver Stanley tipped his hat and slightly bowed as he reached for the door to allow them entrance to the car.

“Good evening, Stanley. I trust that the Misses is well?” Alford questioned in a lighthearted way.

“Oh, she is doing very well. Thank you for asking, Mr. Damos” he replied with a smile as he closed the door once they were inside.

The ride to the hotel where the benefit dinner party was held was not exceptionally long. Alford had a heart for disabled military veterans and attended every local benefit given in their honor. They donated millions of dollars each year to Veteran organizations and volunteered at the facilities as often as possible.

Mitzie could understand Alford’s position on that, as his father was severely injured during a military deployment. He died of his injuries shortly after returning state-side when Alford was young. He had been exceptionally close to his father, and something inside of him died when his father did. His mother never dated or remarried, as she described her husband as her once in a lifetime love.

“Stanley, once you’ve parked the car, please join the others in the bar area for refreshments,” Alford instructed as Stanley held the door for them to exit the limousine.

“Indeed, I will, and thank you for the invitation, Mr. Damos” Stanley replied as he closed the door and proceeded to move the vehicle from the hotel loading area.

Mitzie wondered how Stanley came to be a chauffeur for Alford’s company, Damos Corporation, six years prior. He was about the same height as Alford and appeared to be about the same age as them. He had the build of someone who did fitness training on a regular basis. Like Alford, he was muscular with definition without the extra bulk.

Stanley took considerable pride in his job as their driver, and he was very dedicated to the Damos Corporation. So much to the point that he and his wife, Maria, were honorary shareholders in the Damos Corporation because of Stanley’s exemplary service.

Mitzie and Maria volunteered at orphanages together on a regular basis. Mitzie respected Maria’s determination to ensure each child that came through the homes would find loving families to care for them until they could be adopted.

Mitzie developed her passion for orphan care when she met her best friend Zara in the 10th grade. Zara was an orphan whose group home had sent her to live with a family in Denver at the time. They instantly became friends when she saved Mitzie’s hair from a Bunsen burner in Chemistry.

She wondered if there was some underlying reason for Maria’s zeal. Mitzie did not want to ask, as she felt that would be too invasive into Maria and Stanley’s personal business, so she just continued to work side-by-side with her for the sake of the less fortunate children. 

Mitzie had asked Alford about promoting Stanley within the company, however, Alford said that Stanley had voiced that he did not wish to add the stress to his life of working in an office. He just enjoyed being of service to his boss.

Entering the hall where the party was taking place, Mitzie took notice of the other elitists in attendance.

“Mitzie Damos, Darling!” she heard the annoying voice of Marva Slater, wife of Slater Industries CEO, Max Slater, calling to her as she sauntered over with her signature martini drink in hand. Marva had not done anything wrong to Mitzie, Mitzie just thought Marva was generally annoying. She’d heard others talk about Marva’s constant complaints about, well, everything. Mitzie wondered what Marva would find to complain about tonight’s party since her husband was the one hosting it.

“Marva, thank you for the invitation,” Mitzie faked a smile as they gave each other a 2-cheek air kiss.

“Oh, Darling, did you think that I could NOT invite one of the biggest contributors to the Veterans’ causes? That would be one of the most absurd things in history!” Marva jokingly rolled her eyes as she sipped her drink.

“That makes sense. He’s come with open pockets, and I’ve come with an open stomach!” Mitzie laughed as she rubbed her bump.

“Oh, how is the little Damos darling doing? I trust all is going well with your pregnancy?” Marva inquired as she slightly leaned to rub Mitzie’s stomach. Mitzie usually didn’t like for anyone to touch her baby bump outside of Alford, her mother, and Alford’s mother, but considering the environment, she squashed the urge to slap Marva’s uninvited hand away and forced a smile.

“Our little one is doing well, thank you for asking,” Mitzie replied as she subtly rubbed her own hand towards where Marva’s hand was in hopes that Marva would get the hint and remove hers.

“Well, that is just splendid! I still want to get together about hosting a shower for the arrival of our soon-to-be newest addition to the elite club! Go find your places at a table. I do hope you enjoy tonight’s festivities!” Marva rambled in a sing-song fashion as she removed her hand from Mitzie’s stomach and took another sip of her drink.

“We’ll be in touch,” Mitzie smiled dismissably as she turned back to Alford who had a smirk on his face.