Awkward reception.

CHAPTER TWO

SALLY

I immediately grew weak in the knees. For a second, I couldn't even move. I only stared at his car as it disappeared into thin air.

When I turned around, I saw everyone's eyes on me. I was more embarrassed than humiliated. I forced out a smile, and it came out weak.

"Hey," I felt a hand on my shoulder.

I turned around and saw Beverly with a smile. I wanted to hug her so tightly and cry into her arms, but I stopped myself from doing so.

"Are you okay?" She asked with a furrowed brow.

I nodded and forced another smile. She patted my chin and stared all over me.

"Are you sure?" She asked.

Beverly's palms were sweaty and she avoided eye contact with me like a plague.

I heard my mother's footsteps and she soon joined us.

"Where have you two been?" She asked, a worried expression all over her face.

We both exchanged glances before Beverly replied to her.

"She missed me and came to look for me."

"Where is Alexander?" She asked, facing me and ignoring Beverly completely.

"He left..." My voice cracked, and I paused. I inhaled sharply and continued. "He has to attend some business meeting."

"Oh, she missed her husband, and not me," Beverly teased.

I glared at her before walking away. I'd rather eat jeans than miss him. I knew my mom wouldn't buy that, so I didn't bother arguing.

We gathered around for family pictures. Alexander's absence was hugely noticed.

William kept glaring at me. I didn't say a word to him until after the photos.

"Why did you let him leave like that?" He shouted at me. I shook my head and said nothing.

"You would ride with me to the reception," he told me.

I opened my mouth and shut it immediately. I'd rather not attend the reception, but I knew I couldn't tell him that.

His guards came to lead us to his black limousine, which would drive us to the reception hall.

My parents got into my dad's black jeep, and the rest of the guards entered my mom's car together with Jessica and Beverly, who arrived later to join the pictures.

I guessed Jessica had told Mom she'd rather ride there. I was proud of her. Even though she only recently found out that I was adopted, she never acted that way with me. She loves me as much as I love her.

Throughout the reception, I was trying to be fine. Beverly kept smiling at me. I was trying to find time to tell her what happened.

It was soon time for the couples' dance. I had to dance alone on stage, and it felt awkward.

Thankfully, William filled the blank space and had a dance with me.

After the dance, I found a way to sneak out with Beverly.

I could hear a few people whispering among themselves.

"Where did her husband go?"

"Does he look like someone who cares about his wedding?"

"She's so pretty yet..."

After I told Beverly what happened, she placed my head on her shoulder and let me cry on her shoulders. I cried enough before wiping my tears off and washing my face.

She applied makeup on my face and pulled my chin.

"You look pretty," she told me.

I forced a smile.

"At least, today. I am no maid daughter, who you saved from poverty. I am your bridesmaid."

"You've always been my best friend, Beverly. You are not a mind daughter."

We were still talking when we heard footsteps behind us. We turned around and saw a man walking towards us.

He stood beside us and bent his head towards me.

"I heard you and decided to check what's wrong," he said. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I got dust in my eyes," I replied and looked away.

I rolled my eyes.

"I am James, " he said stretching his hands towards me.

I didn't turn to look at him. Beverly took his hands instead.

"Tell your friend to get dust into her eyes frequently," he was talking to Beverly, but was staring at me. "She looks really pretty when she does."

I smiled. I wasn't expecting that.

They finally took their hands off each other.

"It's your wedding, you should be eating all the cakes," he told me.

I found him funny and interesting, and he soon got me laughing so hard.

We walked back to the reception hall together, and James stuck to Beverly and I, making us laugh so hard.

****

The helicopter landed about fifteen minutes after the reception ended. William would drop me off at Alexander's house.

He was trying so hard to cover up for his son's absence.

I observed every single corner of the compound as I stepped out of the helicopter.

The car park of the compound was lined with perfectly manicured shrubs and bushes, and the asphalt was smooth and pristine. The entrance to the compound us through a large ornate gate, and the driveway was long and winding, with beautiful landscaping on either side. It's made of stone and glass, and it was surrounded by a well-kept lawn and gardens. The overall effect was one of wealth, luxury, and seclusion.

As I stepped inside the mansion, the sitting room was breathtakingly elegant. The furniture was made of rich, dark wood, and the upholstery was a soft, plush velvet. The walls were painted a warm, inviting shade of cream, and there were tasteful works of art hung throughout the room.

There were about two maids there to welcome me.

As I walked through, the maids greeted me warmly and ushered me to my room. The room was spacious and beautifully appointed, with a comfortable bed and a window that overlooked the gardens. The scent of fresh flowers filled the air, and I felt a sense of calm and peace.

The guards who brought in my luggage did not come with me to my room. They were handed to maids.

I was still in awe, trying to compare this mansion to my father's mansion when the door burst open, and I saw Alex standing there with his eyes red.

I was shocked at first. He was dressed in shorts, and his bare chest was tempting. He had broad shoulders and finely arranged sixpacks.

I shook my head quickly. Why was he home? He didn't seem like he had just arrived. That means he only used the meeting as an excuse to leave the wedding. I sighed deeply.

"You can't sleep in my room," I told him sharply, but he didn't respond. Instead, he turned to the maids.

"Leave us!" He ordered the maids.

They all walked away, and he walked into the room and shut the door behind him. He began walking towards me while I took steps backwards.

My heart was beating very fast, and I placed my hand on my chest.

"What the fuck is this, Sally?" He shouted, poking his phone into my face.