I can practically see the wheels whirring in their heads as they try to process the information. It dawn on Mrs. Van Lewis first and I see her face drain of color so fast that for a moment, I think she's going to faint. She turns to her husband and whispers something to him and when he looks back up at me, I feel the intensity of his gaze. Eight years ago, I would have been quaking in my seat by now. But now, I merely offer them a cheery smile and reach for my wine glass. Alex's father speaks first."Alexander". His voice is hard and ungiving. I guess just like that, in the blink of an eye, he's no longer proud of his son again like he said he was. This is the kind of people they are. It's either you are helping the family business or you are useless. "Alexander, do you care to explain what the hell is going on?". He asks. I sit back on my seat and relish the look on all of their faces. Mr. Van Lewis is the pure image of rage, his white bushy brows furrowed into a frown that I'm sure
I don't go to bed early. I stay up waiting for Alex. A few minutes after I enter the room, a serving girl comes up to provide me with a shopping bag courtesy of Mr. Alex. I opened it up to see a pair of lovely night things and some possible clothes for the next day. With my mind churning the activities of the day, I had gotten into the shower and had my bath. Now I sit before the mirror, blowing my hair dry in the hopes that Alex will come up soon. I intentionally take my time but there's still no sign of him even when I'm done. I begin to consider the possibility that he went back home and left me behind. I check the time and consider calling him but it's just shortly past 10pm. I should wait till eleven. And that's exactly what I do. I stay up, going through all the updates of the product and when I begin to feel the sleep set in, I lean back against the headrest of the seat and let myself drift into a short sleep.When I wake up next, it's to the sensation of being watched. Slowly,
Surprisingly, the day passes very fast. Before I know it, it's nearly evening and it's time to start prepping for the big anniversary party. I don't know if they are all so occupied with preparations because no one comes to bother me all day. By afternoon, Alex drives us back to his house and that's where I start preparing for the big party. I rifle through my options and finally decided on one, a dazzling dark purple dress that screams royalty. I'm about to attend a party thrown by one of the most elite people of the society which will be attended by one of the most elite. The least I can do is leave a good impression in their memories. When we get to the house, I'm surprised to see the group of people waiting inside. Alex beams brightly as we step in."Hey…Monica". He walks forward and pulls into the leader of the group into a hug. She's a tiny featured lady whose age is hard to guess beneath her makeup. I'm a bit lost for words but they finish their interactions pretty fast and Ale
From the top of the stairs, I see Alex and he's on a call, his back to us. When he hears the ruckus coming towards him, he turns around and I literally see his eyes bulge out in surprise. That's all the reaction the girl's need and they whoop and cheer loudly as they lead me down. I'm so happy that my cheeks literally hurt from laughing. I definitely don't get to have fun like this often. "Monica…. you've outdone yourself I tell you". Alex pulls her into a hug and she beams at him proudly. "She looks gorgeous, doesn't she?" She asks, slyly. Alex turns back to me and I see his eyes travel down the frame of my body sensually leaving behind a trail of heat on my skin wherever he looks. From where I'm standing, I can see the fascination in his eyes as he slowly drinks in the sight of me. I feel so desired now that I coukd fly. "You …you look…..". He stalks forward and wraps his arm around my waist, bringing his lips down to my ear in a whisper. He takes his time though and I see what h
My eyes narrow at the blonde woman standing beside me. She looks so very familiar but I just can't seem to put a hand on it. It's when her lips turn down into a sneer that it hits me. She's Alex's ex-wife. Her name was mentioned that night. It's a relief to know that I actually don't remember it anymore, these people don't hold enough leverage over my life like I think they do. "The least they could do was offer something stronger". I hear her murmur under her breath and in my head, I can't help wondering why she was invited. The answer is pretty simple, they still consider her family even after she and their son's divorce. But looking at her now, I wonder if there's more to her relationship with the Van Lewis than meets the eye. She doesn't seem exactly too happy to be here. "Tell me something I don't know". I murmur with as much nonchalance as I can muster. That gets her attention. She side eyes me and I finally turn to her and smile fully. Her long blond hair is curled into lovely
"Well that's one word for it. He's a total asshole"."Oh my…..". She bursts out laughing and I can see that her tipsy mind is very much enjoying being part of a little gossip group. ".... aren't they all? What did this douchebag do though? Did he cheat on you?". I scoff and reach for the wine I had dropped earlier, taking a sip from it."Girl, he really did it all". "Oh I see. The typical douchebag. And let me guess, he came crawling back after he'd had his fun. Or course he did!!!! He knows you are the only one who'll take his bullshit". I feel my mind reel a bit from the sharpness of her words. Is that really what happened? Had Alex gone on to have his fun and only realized after this much time that indeed….I was the perfectly meek candidate who'd graciously forgive him and let him back in my life? My brows furrow slightly in concern. That's a new perspective to what's happening and I must say….it doesn't sound all too strange to believe."Girl, he's a jerk. Don't fuck with his ass
We don't say a word to each other all the way to the car and he silently opens the door for me to get in. He settles in beside me and we begin the drive back home. The atmosphere is stiff and frigid in the car and none of us make an effort to lessen the tension. I keep my hands folded in my lap as I stare out the window. No matter how much I tell myself I shouldn't feel guilty, I still can't over the feeling. But it's not even true….is it? I'm not trying to use Alex. We aren't even a real couple…. right? So why the hell do I still feel like this? I keep my eyes on the passing night life scenario as we speed through the city, hoping that we get home fast enough. Ironically, it does feel like forever when we finally pull up into the driveway of his home. My body is rigid as I step out of the car and I hear the door slam close on his side too. I'm not really sure I want to face him right now. I'd definitely be at a loss for words and I hate being at a loss for words. So I quickly make m
Sleeping is a futile effort. I toss and turn, my mind boggling with a thousand unsaid words and unexpressed emotions. Finally, I give up and sit up on the bed, throwing the covers off and going to stand by the window. It's almost 3am and I've not slept a wink. My mind keeps going back to Alex and each time, I'm left wondering if I've done the right thing. I hurt him, I saw it so very clearly. And yet….yet but comforting him, I'd be baring my own soul. Is this how it's always going to be? With me having to throw more people under the bus to protect my own self? I sigh softly and wrap my lavender silk robe tighter around myself. I consider going down the hall to his room. He's a light sleeper and would wake up on the very first knock. But then….what would I say? I wince mentally and run a hand through my hair. It's true that there's that small part of me that's vindictive but….but I don't want to use him. I acknowledge the fact that I do bask in his attention. He still has my heart and