Chapter 8 The birthday party (Part 1)

Lance’s POV…

‘Oh, man.’

I swear I am losing control. How can I resist her when she is so alluring? Look at her eyes... beautiful amber eyes, which were drawing me in. With those enchanting eyes, she is staring at me.

My heart is pounding in my chest. I want to keep her in my arms at all times.

And those plump lips…

‘Shit…’

I was about to claim them, but that phone call.

I clench my jaw.

‘She is with me in this powder room,’ I whisper to myself. ‘No one is around. I still have a chance.’

That’s it.

I turn her towards me, looking intently into her eyes. I ran my knuckles down her cheek.

Oh, she is blushing again. She tries to look away from me, and I hold her chin and make him look back at me.

I open my mouth to express my desire.

"Lance, I think we should leave," she says before I can say anything.

I swallow the words, not happy with the interruption. I quickly take a step back and tuck my hands into my pockets, my face solemn.

"Okay." That's what I say as I exit the powder room.

I don’t turn back to check if she is following me. I proceed to the billing counter. Once the payment is done, I go out of the boutique and get into my car.

She comes after a little while, and I drive to the mansion immediately.

A half-hour journey was spent in silence.

When we arrive at the banquet hall, I notice several high-end vehicles parked in the parking lot. Grandma had asked me to arrive early.

Darn… I couldn’t make it.

My face is gloomier than before as I get out of the car. Molly is behind me.

I stretch my hand to her. She looks at me, then hesitantly holds my hand.

I keep staring at her, trying to figure out what she has on her mind.

She breaks eye contact. "Should we go in?"

"Hmm…" I hum and lead her in.

Everyone in the hall looks at us as soon as we walk in. Some young ladies are sneakily smiling and peering at me.

Ladies, this is not going to work. I am already someone else’s. I move forward, buttoning up my navy suit jacket.

I can see the familiar faces. My parents appear pleased to see me and Molly together.

My mother is beaming, and I am overjoyed. And Grandma is absolutely adorable. I approach them with a smile.

I don’t know why I feel like looking around at the guests. Several men are ogling Molly. They are looking at her as if they are about to lunge at her and consume her whole.

Bloody hell...

‘She is mine… Lance Stevens’ wife.’

I wrap my arm around her waist and possessively pull her closer to me. I glare at each of those scumbags, who quickly back away.

‘Bastards.’

I lower my gaze to the woman in my arm. Who asked her to look so pretty?

She is staring at me blankly as if she is not aware of anything. This irritates me even more.

Can’t she look around? Is she blind to those lecherous looks? How can she survive in this cruel world with such innocence?

I wish I could lock her up at home. Only I can watch her, pamper her, and adore her.

I draw her a little closer to me. "Let’s go wish my grandma."

I say this to remind her that she belongs to me. And I also want to let those who want to get closer to her know that she is mine. Dare to come closer to her, and you will see the worst of me.

We walk over to Grandma.

"Happy birthday, grandma. I wish you a long and healthy life." Molly hugs my grandma.

"Oh, thank you, darling." Grandma grins and hugs her back.

"Lance, you are late." She scowls at me.

I chuckle. "My 85-year old queen. You look stunning." I bend down slightly to hug her.

She pats me on the back. "You and Molly look so good together," she murmurs in my ear.

My heart starts racing again as I take a quick look at Molly, who is greeting my parents. I'm glad she gets along well with my parents. She is ideal for this family and for me.

‘Molly, please stay with me.’

Molly’s POV…

I am happy to see Mom happy. She is enthusiastically introducing me to relatives and friends. I feel awkward and guilty.

She doesn’t know the reality of my and Lance’s relationship. How am I supposed to tell her that I come back to end this marriage?

The bitter truth of Lance wanting to marry Ruby makes my stomach churn. I feel queasy. I can no longer force a smile.

"Excuse me, Mom. I need to use the washroom."

"Alright, alright. Come back quickly."

"Sure."

I walked away in a hurry. The heaviness in my chest is consuming my energy. I find it difficult to breathe.

The hall is crowded, and there is no place for me to sit alone for a while. I sprint to the corridor leading to the long balcony. Fortunately, there is no one here.

I take deep breaths in and out while clutching the banister. The cool breeze on my face is refreshing. The light from the lobby illuminates the balcony faintly, creating a cool atmosphere. I immediately felt at ease. I can see the parking lot from here. Several vehicles are still arriving.

The Stevens household has many relatives and friends. I have no idea how many guests have been invited. I don't want to face any of them again. It will only add to my guilt. I cannot stand Mom’s painful eyes when I get a divorce.

‘It is disheartening.’

I close my eyes and grip the banister tighter.

"Hey. What are you doing here alone when the hall is full of guests?"

When I hear the familiar voice, I turn to look back and see Jack approaching, grinning from ear to ear. I cannot help but smile.

"Jack, long time no see."

"Molly. Give me a hug." He stretches his arms wide.

I giggle and give him a friendly hug. "How are you doing?"

"I am doing great. But it appears that you are upset." He arches his eyebrows as he looks at me inquisitively.

I pull back and look at the parking lot. "Yes… sigh… I don't like being here. You know, Lance and I are getting divorced and... sigh... his parents have no idea. Mom and grandma are excited to have me here. It is distressing."

"Hey, Molly. Don’t be sad." He holds my shoulders and makes me face him. "You have a promising future ahead of you. Think about it. I am sure Lance's mother and grandmother will understand once they know the whole truth. They won't hold it against you."

I find no words to say. I really don’t know whether my future is bright without Lance.

"Can you put Lance and his family aside for a moment?" Jack asks, sounding low. "Am I not your friend? You didn’t even ask me if I made a girlfriend." He pouts.

I giggle, forgetting about my agony. "Where is your girlfriend?"

"With me." He winks at me playfully.

I sulk and punch him on the arm. "You are still flirtatious."

"I cannot help it."

We burst out laughing.

Meanwhile, the music switches to jazz.

"Hey, Molly. Let’s go dance."

Lance’s POV…

I have been busy talking with some family friends. When I return to look for Molly, she isn't with Mom.

‘Where can she go?’ I wonder mindfully as I scan the hall.

She is nowhere to be found.

I frown and walk up to my mom.

"Where is Molly?" I ask quietly, leaning laterally towards her.

"She went to the restroom."

"Okay." I nod and make my way to the washroom.

I pause when I hear Molly’s laughter. What alarms me is the voice of a man.

"Wait a minute, she is laughing with another man!"

I storm towards the lobby and see her with Jack on the balcony. I halt my steps, stunned.

She is beaming. She has never smiled at me this way, but she is showing all her teeth to Jack.

‘Is Jack more important than me?’

When I hear Jack invite her to a dance, I lose my cool. The most vexing aspect is that Molly does not refuse him.

‘What is she looking for? Is she really planning to dance with him?'

No way.

I take long strides over to her and pull her into my arms, shooting Jack a warning look. "She is still my wife. Stay away from her."