Chapter 9

I was finally able to breathe fresh air and hear voices from other people after spending some time with Gunther in the quietest place I had ever gone.

The intense silence that enveloped us earlier seriously made me feel sick as If I was going insane, and I could almost hear the movement of my blood throughout my body. I ended up eating way quicker just so I can get dressed and leave the room as soon as I can because the deafening silence is killing me.

As what Gunther told me earlier suddenly came across my mind, I just couldn't help but smile. I initially thought that Gunther was just so nice to think of me. But, the truth is, he happened to come up and brought me something to eat because of Jaxson.

He didn't even ask, so I mistakenly thought he didn't really care about me and was only concerned with my job here.

I simply pulled the gash of my dress down to the hemline when it began to climb above my thigh again.

Since Daniella, Jaxson's ex-fiancee has such a body that is significantly different from mine, there is no doubt that it has a visual effect on our appearances when we both wear this lace dress. Daniella has a slimmer toned body and a straight figure like she's some fashion model. While as for me, I am petite with a slender body, yet I have a curve in my hips. I feel like my thighs have been struggling to get out in this dress's absurdly long hip slit for like forever.

I intentionally covered the wide hole this dress had at the back using my long hair because I was getting chilly and this kind of enticing garment still left me deeply uncomfortable even after wearing shorter clothes in the nightclub.

I am lucky enough to be able to come out with people still outside because of the time I spent straightening my hair.

I went straight to the guests and immediately began to search for Jaxson. But I couldn't spot him no matter where I looked.

I tried to neglect and not give any of my attention to the eyes that were following every movement I make and instead focused on finding him.

Fortunately, even with my careless actions, Gunther's hand that tries to protect my pathway restrains me from clashing with the people I walk past.

“He's there.”

When I heard Gunther speak, I swiftly turned to face him and I caught his eyes staring directly to the right side from where we were standing which drew my attention right away.

I gradually followed his gaze and my shoulders slowly elevated as the edges of my lips rose when I finally saw the person I was looking for.

Jaxson was standing at a bar counter, leaning slightly and swirling a glass of wine between his fingers.

I tried to get his attention by waving when I noticed that his eyes were fixed on something else which made me eventually quit trying.

Even while I still feel under pressure from others' scrutinizing gazes, they just seem to magically vanish as I focus on one person.

I began feeling my feet lifting off the ground and taking a step towards Jaxson's stand.

I feel bizarre when the closer I get to him, the more everything that surrounds me becomes airbrushed and all I can see is Jaxson. I have never had this emotion with someone in the twenty-one years I have lived on this planet. I have never seen any person just standing casually with luminaires behind his back, mysteriously outshining everyone.

I waited for him to notice me and shift his attention to me when I, at last, inched closer to where he was standing. But I was dismayed when he didn't release his eyes and kept staring in the same direction.

I could do nothing but follow the path where he was looking to see what is keeping him out-minded.

“I didn't realize that your ex-fiance Daniella was also here,” I said in a hushed tone that then drew Jaxson's attention.

He only seemed to notice my presence when he heard my voice because of the astonishment that flashed across his face.

I was completely unaware that his brother Lance, along with his fiancée, was also around. They were in a spot where Jaxson's stepmother and father were also gathered, having conversations with individuals who were obviously high-ranking officials.

Up to this day, I still have trouble understanding their morality and conscience. As well as if they do have emotions or are just totally numb.

“Glad you're already here,” he snarled, hastily standing straight and putting the glass of wine back on the counter before snatching and tugging my arm. “Goddamn it, Cattleya. People have been waiting for decades. What has taken you so long?!” He hollered beneath his breath, making sure only I could hear him.

I didn't attempt to answer Jaxson and just let my feet obey his weak drag on me.

Because of how hard Jaxson is pulling me, I almost stumble. Fortunately, Gunther caught my arm before I fell.

I'm not sure why he's suddenly acting this way towards me after previously treating me kindly. But the fact that Daniella is here with her new fiance, could possibly be the root of this attitude.

Jaxson headed me to a small chamber orchestra that was currently performing in front of the audience with their dazzling violin. The performers deliberately came to a halt as we approached, allowing Jaxson to take the center mic first.

When a loud deafening white noise resonated as the microphone was in contact with the loudspeaker, my eyes impulsively shut.

I heard Jaxson’s voice begin by saying, “Pleasant evening, ladies and gentlemen.“

My heartbeat accelerated when he finally got everyone's attention, throbbing like there was no tomorrow.

Jaxson's father's gaze met mine once more as I rolled my eyes at the people. He just locked his gaze on me before flashing a stingy smile. I couldn't help but scowl in surprise as he raised the glass of wine he was carrying along with his eyebrows, giving me a toast.

Why is he being nice to me?

I mean, it's not like I'm saying he can’t be. But I don’t know why I'm reacting strangely to someone being good to me. Am I being ridiculous?

Mr. Madrigal, Jaxson's father, comes from a wealthy family. So he ought to be extremely upset with me for being his son's fiancee because I grew up in a family with a distinct life status than theirs, just like how Jaxson’s mother reacted. That is basically how it should be.

That’s how it always is.

“— Thank you so much for coming together in response to this unforeseen invitation.” Jaxson withdrew my attention from his father as he continued to speak. “Tonight, a woman who is very important to me and my life stands before you all. When I made a surprise engagement to my girlfriend, you were probably as genuinely shocked as she was. However, I hope that with this additional announcement I have, won't fully flabbergast each of you.” Jaxson paused for a moment before resuming his words. “I'm excited to share the news that Cattleya and I will be married in three days. And everyone in here, including other important people in my life, were invited to the Madrigals' most lavish wedding! Because, of course, the one and only successor of this family would finally get married, so make sure to don't miss that out!” He exclaimed bluntly.

I recoiled in surprise as the crowd erupted in cheers and applause; I'm not used to being the center of attention, so I was even more anxious because of what they were doing. I also know that the praise we're getting today isn't for me.

When I felt Jaxson's fingers slither up my back and grip my waist, I almost leaped. He pulled me closer to his body before returning his eyes to the crowd.

“Cattleya will look absolutely stunning on that day just as she always looks in my eyes, and I can't wait to see my soon-to-be bride.” He gave me a mischievous smile in the middle of his words. “Thank you all again, and have a wonderful evening,” he stated vehemently before finally releasing me and leading me away from the crowd.

Before we could go any farther, my gaze was drawn to Lance's piercing stares at Jaxson. It scares me that he appears to be butchering his own brother in his mind.

I quickly veered away when he abruptly shifted his malevolent glare to me.

He is terrifying me to death.

__________________________

“Mr. Madrigal has ordered me to escort you inside,” Gunther stated calmly, but the seriousness in his expression lingered.

“Which Mr. Madrigal are you talking about?” I asked as I continued to wiggle my feet in the water, which were barely submerged.

After all the events that occurred earlier, this is the place that I chose to rest and spend some time because of the enchanting design of the scenery. As well as this unusual pool with somewhat green-colored clear water and a very nature-like appearance.

My exhaustion is alleviated by the water reaching up to my knees as I sit on its side.

My eyes nearly popped out the moment I discovered this spot earlier. The style is reminiscent of a huge aquarium with a pristine, sparkling stone on the floor. And whenever it overflows, the water is gathered by the pebbles around the edge and returned to the pool with cleaner water. Since it is already getting dark, the lights underneath the water are also already turned on, adding to the mystical look of this place.

Gunther took far too long to respond to my question, so I decided to turn and face him. Our gazes interlocked, but there was only silence that made my brows knit in confusion.

“Psst! I said, which Mr. Madrigal?” I ask again, trying to remain calm.

He had a puzzled expression on his face and a faint scowl on his brow. “Jaxson Madrigal, your fiance, Ms. Cattleya,” he added sternly. “The Madrigal family's attorney is already waiting inside.”

I softly bobbed my head. “Is that so?”

This man literally looks irritated from time to time, as if he had a constant enemy. He even looks more stressed than a woman in her menopausal period. His mother may have conceived him out of rage and resentment due to his nonstop outburst.

Because of the stress on the tone of his voice, he may have thought I was messing with him. But I really don’t know who’s Mr. Madrigal he is talking to though since it can also be Jaxson's father or grandfather.

His scruffy expression made me sparingly shake my head before I began to withdraw my feet out of the pool to obey Jaxson's command.

The contract signing that Jaxson mentioned the other day could take place tonight.

The arrangement between the two of us is really happening. And in just three days, I will be married to a man that I’ve only known for days. I don't even know when his birthday is.

I brushed my hands at the back of the dress for a minute before facing Gunther when I was finally able to get up.

“All good, let's go—” My eyes lit up when I felt my foot slip upon taking a step, and I feel like time has slowed down as I left my heart in the air.

I held my breath as I prepared to plunge into the water. But I started getting confused as to how far I had fallen because I had not yet plummeted into the water.

“Are you okay?”

“Hmm?” I mused words out loud before gradually opening my eyes.

“Ms. Cattleya, are you alright?“ He asked once more, but this time, his tone was different.

As soon as Gunther's face flashed across my eyes, my hand rushed to tightly cling to his shirt.

I could feel his firm grasp on the back of my head and one of his hands was placed on my waist.

My lips parted as I got to examine his features more closely while the two of us stayed in the same position.

Because his enormous body drew my attention more when we first met, I didn't notice the tiny mole beneath his left eye until now. It almost seemed like an accessory by how it made his eyes look more attractive.

“Cattleya!”

A loud yell reawakened my soul. I quickly released myself from Gunther's clutch on my upper body.

I don’t even have to ask who called me because I know that voice.

I slowly shifted my gaze to the direction where the voice came from, and there was Jaxson, glaring at us down.