Chapter 3

See You Through My Champagne Flute

Ava

I stand in the middle of my living room in the suburbs of Manhattan, staring down at the cream-colored envelope in my hands. It's addressed to me in elegant calligraphy, and I know before even opening it what it's about. 

I hesitate for a moment before ripping open the envelope. Inside, I find a handwritten note from Baxter's mother, Caroline, inviting my family and me to a dinner party at their estate the following tomorrow.

The next day, I’m sitting in front of my closet, scanning through my clothes, trying to find something appropriate to wear to the dinner party. My heart is not in it, and I can't bring myself to care about the outfit I'll be wearing tonight. I know I'm expected to make an effort, but the thought of spending an evening with Baxter's family, who we've been feuding with for generations, doesn't excite me in the least.

I finally settle on a plain black dress and matching heels. I know it's not the most exciting choice, but it will have to do. I look at myself in the mirror, and sigh and grab my purse, knowing that it's time to go. 

As I make my way to my benz, I feel a sense of dread wash over me. I know I'll have to plaster a fake smile on my face and make small talk with people who destroyed my family…but on the bright side, we destroyed them too. 

 I just hope that this time, the sufferable evening will pass quickly, so I can go home and forget about the whole thing.

My anxiety builds with each passing moment, and I start to feel like I'm walking into a battlefield.

When I finally arrive the tall gated mansion, I take a deep breath and try to steady my nerves. 

I plaster a smile on my face as we greet my host who is Mr. Wolf himself. “Ava, dear,” he flashes me a smile that didn’t meet the eye, “welcome to my humble abode.” 

“Mr Wolf,” I great back. 

“Please, call me Liam,” he says and he stirs me to the dining table, “your lovely parents arrived 30 minutes ago, everyone is waiting. Let’s hope you won’t be late for the wedding too.”

As he mentioned the wedding, my trepidation builds.

The tension in the air is palpable, and it feels like every move we make is being watched. 

“Ava sweetie,” mom who is heavily draped in the latest Gucci release stands up and gives me a warm hug. “I’m sorry about all of this,” mom whispers. “but this is the only way out.”

I settled beside my parents, and greeted Caroline who sits like a vampire doll beside Mr Wolf. Then, there’s Baxter who was already boring at me from the first second I stepped into the hall.

The conversation is stilted and forced. I can tell that everyone is trying to be polite, but it's clear that no one really wants to be here. 

The food is delicious, but I can barely taste it over the awkward silence.

“Lino has to go down.” Father says.

Mr Wolf nods. I can’t hide my shock, those two have never agreed on anything before. “That’s why this marriage is very important. I know it’s difficult on all of us, but there’s simply no way out. We have to merge our companies, and what other way to accomplish it than for our kids to wed.”

I glance at Baxter, he appears to be bored but relaxed. 

“I will take good care of Ava, Mr Wellington” Baxter says, “she won’t lack for anything materially and otherwise.”

I roll my eyes and retort. “You will be my husband by name only, I don’t need you for anything, materially or otherwise.”

Baxter chuckles. “Don’t pretend to be so mad about the whole thing, Ava. You forget I can see through you. I know you want this even though you tell yourself you don’t. This is your dream come true, I can vividly recall you telling me yourself you would marry me someday, forgotten so soon, Princess?”

I can’t believe he’s bringing that up right now. “I was fifteen and stupid. I’m not fifteen anymore, and if you think you see through me, I’m sorry to break it to you that you don’t know me.” Just like I don’t know you.

We glare at each other.

“I’m sure you two would figure it out.” Mr Wolf says as silence washes over the table.

“The carrot is too crunchy,” Caroline comments. “too specie. Honey, didn’t you fire Ali last week?” she asks her husband, her black painted nails wrapped around the glass as she sipped her wine.

Mr Wolf takes his wife’s hand. “I gave him one last chance. He makes a mean lasagna, don’t you think, son?”

Baxter nods, spooning his potatoes.

Caroline frowns and whines. “Will you wait until his bad meals choke me to death before you sack him?” 

“I’m sure you would be alright mum, Ali’s wife just put to bed, he needs the job to support his family,” Baxter tells his mum.

Caroline shrugs at her son, looking fondly at Baxter. “But still—”

“The carrot is fine,” mother says.

Caroline glares at her. “Isabel, I’m sure your impoverished southern taste can’t tell the difference between a properly home cooked meal and street food.”

That stings. 

Mother wasn’t a billionaire heiress like Caroline, in fact, mother grew up on the streets, jumping from one foster home to another before dad fell in love with her and moved her from grass to palace. 

The atmosphere is oppressive.

Mother rolls her eyes. “I heard Dian revoked your Neighborhood membership. Dian told me herself that said she’s been relieved ever since she had the police remove you from the facility.”

“And I’d make her regret it. Dian has resigned. I’d be reinstated soon.” Caroline huffs.

Mother smiles. “Guess who made elite panel, yesterday?”

Caroline stills. “You didn’t.”

Mother chuckles. “Oh yes, I so did. And without a unanimous vote, you can’t be reinstated, Carol. And my tasteless southern mouth is as sure as shit not ayeing for you. Nayyy. Bye, bye Caroline.” 

Caroline suddenly jumped to her feet like a dragon and before anyone could predict what she was about to do, she grabs mom’s hair and pulled. I watch in horror as the women starts to crawl at each other.