Denying

3rd POV:

“Ohh, so ‘cause your wife is not here, you're not all up in my face. What? What was your plan at your mum's birthday party and three months ago when we were cool?” 

Nina was baffled at his friendliness to her since he was with Terra and she loved it. She felt so loved by him just like other times. But now his cold exterior and dry replies were bothering her badly.

“I really don't have time for this.” He spoke more to himself and tried walking away but she held his arm stopping him.

“I'm sorry for my attitude. I don't just like us being like this. How are you? How has this last week been? Have you been able to reach your wife?” She kept asking questions and his face remained blank.

He removed his arm from her grip and walked further into his party leaving her standing there. From where he stood, he saw his mother, Grandfather as well as Mrs Morris; Nina's mother from a distance. They were seated at the table with about ten seats, public figures and politicians were seated but there were two empty spaces left. He felt relieved seeing one next to his mother empty.

People turned their heads back as he strolled in, his presence was noticeable not only because of his black attire but his handsome features and his strong memsering scent. Every young woman, even older women, wanted him. It was heartbreaking knowing he was married or formerly married.

“Of course, you had to make a very noticeable entrance, devil.” His friend, Chandler, spoke, stopping him from approaching his mother.

“Right and is it just me or his gray eyes are turning a darker shade?” Jeremy squinted his eyes at him.

The two, Jeremy and Chandler Finstone, were brothers who had been friends with Ross for as long as they could remember. The two were a year apart in age and were both handsome. Jeremy had blonde hair and brown eyes along with a pointed nose and so did Chandler except he had dark brown hair which he loved to leave out as he hated gel. They were neighbors when they were younger and wealthy, owning a huge cotton company. The Finstones, The Anderson and The Morris Family had been so close making all families want to associate with them, they were admired by all.

“Who pissed you off? What's going on?” Chandler asked softly. He remembered before Ross flares out, his eyes usually turn weirdly.

“I'm good. I'm just trying to talk to my mum, that's all.” They looked at his eyes not believing a single word.

“I don't know what's going on with him either. Hi guys.” Nina came around as well and Chandler rolled his eyes at her while Jeremy waved giving her a forced smile.

“You're a man, stop acting sassy, Chand.” Chandler ignored Nina's comment while Ross kept his gaze on his mother who was staring right back at him. They communicated through their eyes and Mrs Anderson reluctantly stood up from her seat.

“I will be back.” He told them dryly and left before they could say a word. Nina just walked him with her stares and she looked at him with admiration.

Grandpa Philips watched Ross wondering why he didn't at least come to greet him.

And where was Terra?

*****

The Andersons finally arrived in one of the rooms in their hotel in order to discuss without interruption. Ross took a seat on the couch while Mrs Anderson stood there pacing back and forth looking at Ross with a rather angry expression. 

“What is it? You have been bothering me throughout the entire week, you come to an all white party in this, you didn't even greet our business associates. What is wrong with you?” Mrs Anderson asked and Ross remained silent. His heart was heavy as he looked at his mother in an all white gown with an off shoulder, it was long and rosy. 

The memory of Terra and her encounter over a dress crossed his mind.

“Speak and don't waste my time.” She snapped and Ross rubbed his bottom and upper lip together.

“I should speak? When I have been trying to get a response from you on a pressing matter? Really mum?” Mrs Anderson contorted her face in confusion.

“What are you talking about?” She asked and that seemed to be the last straw.

“You are the reason I no longer have my wife with me! Why would you do that…why would you forge my signature? What we had going on was none of your business?!” He yelled at her, making her jump startled at his tone.

“First of all, watch your tone. I'm still your mother and I deserve some respect.” She spoke slowly, pointing at him with her manicured nails and he scoffed, shaking his head. He cleaned the angry tears that had fallen from his eyes.

“I don't know what's going on between you and your wife but leave me out of it. I came over to simply joke around and make her pay for the dry cleaning. That's it! So get out with dumb theory.” She answered and Ross looked into eyes searching for doubt.

He could neither see sincerity nor lie in her eyes. 

She had no reason to lie, right?

His head was banging, he didn't know what to say or do. He hoped discussing with his mother would answer his question and his theory was the only logical reason why Terra was crying in the car.

“I know she has left but it's because she never loved you. It couldn't be due to me putting her in a place, I needed to speak to her so she didn't cross her boundary further and that gown was extremely expensive. I will apologize if I ever see her, but we can't let her come between us.” She walked closer to Ross who had his face in his palm fighting tears.

“You have the love of me, your friends, Grandfather, NINA. You have nothing to feel bad for. Just make sure she didn't steal a dime from you, and find more details on this divorce paper. We don't need anyone taking half of …..”

“THAT'S ENOUGH!” He snapped, cutting her off and rose up from his seat.

He walked towards the door and ignored her calling him and when he opened the door to the room, his eyes went wide and more burden was on him as he saw his grandfather standing there looking distressed.