Chapter Thirty-two
Hi, Love. Something came up for this evening, we have an event to attend to. I've sent Julia with a dress I'm sure you'll love and to help you get ready. She should be there soon. I'll pick you and Oliver up by 7.
-Nathan
I had to read the text a second time to fully understand what he was saying. I would have to go to one of those high class events with women dressed in virtually nothing, hanging on the arms of men while they talk about their business. And I know that, that sort of party always has paparazzi surrounding it and I do not do well in front of them. I could barely hold my own at the press conference a few weeks ago. I don't want to embarrass Nathan, I can't.
Do we have to go? Was my reply to the message.
I was never comfortable around a lot of people. I was always worried whether they could see the scars my clothes were supposed to hide or what they were saying about me. Meeting people there was agony especially those who were always judging you by your looks or wanted to know you because they can gain a lot from you. Everyone at those parties were fake and I wasn't about to join them.
Yes, we do, the host is a friend of my father's and is pretty prominent.
I scowled at that. Why are we going for something that is held by his father's friend? Shouldn't his father go? I didn't send that to Nathan but I still thought of it. I guess I could endure for a little while plus Oliver is coming so it may not be so bad.
Julia arrived about fourty minutes later, with two bags. I still wasn't a fan on hers just yet. I couldn't get what she said out of my head. I'm sure she was going to use the opportunity to bring me down some more and I was not going to take it lying down today.
“Hi, Alyssa.” She greeted with a smile as she came in.
“Hi, Julia.” I returned, not mirroring her enthusiasm.
“I got your dress, it's really beautiful and also a suit for Oliver, do you need my help with your makeup?”
Is she saying that I can't do my makeup on my own? “No, thanks. I'll get ready by myself.”
“Okay, then I guess I'll go help Oliver.”
She walked away, leaving me to wonder whether I was too harsh on her. But that thought was quickly squashed by; Did she think it was harsh when she insulted you? The answer: she didn't.
I passed by Oliver's room on my way to Nathan and I's. We're officially sharing the room now. It's not that hard. Sure, he's a little messy with his things but it gives me something to do when I'm bored. It was perfectly balanced.
I clearly heard Oliver complain about the suit through the open door. “I don't want to wear this, suits are itchy and stiff. No child should be made to wear them, it's torture!”
I couldn't stop the giggle that came out of my mouth before I decided to intervene. “Can you just wear this tonight for me, sweetheart? I promise you will be properly compensated.”
“I don't want to be constituated.” He huffed.
“The word is compensated.” I corrected.
“Whatever it is, I don't want to put that suit on or any suit.” He declared.
“Not even for me?” He gave me a dry look. “Or ice cream tomorrow?”
“I cannot be bribed.”
“If you say so, I was just thinking of going to get some chocolate cake tomorrow morning but since you won't cooperate, I can forget about it.” I could see his resolve breaking.
“Fine!” He agreed begrudgingly. “But I also get the ice cream and make it cookie dough.”
I did a mock salute. “Yes, sir.”
I left them after making sure that Oliver had put the pants on with his shoes and socks. He could wear the shirt and blazer a bit later. I couldn't resist opening the bag to see my dress. It was a royal blue one shoulder, sleeveless dress with silver detailing on the strap and waist. The skirt was soft and flowy with what would be a short train one I put it on. I loved it. (Picture Above)
“It's really beautiful.” The voice startled me. It was Julia. “Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you.”
I waved it off. “It's okay.”
“It's a beautiful dress, are you sure you don't need my help?” It took everything in me to not snap at her. “Maybe I could do your hair.”
“I said no.” I was blunt, sitting at the vanity Nathan installed for me.
I heard her sigh. “I know why you don't like me. Nathan told me how much first impressions matter to you.” I remembered the casual discuss that I mentioned it. “I didn't make a good one.”
“No, you did not.” I agreed, starting with my make up. I showered less that thirty minutes ago so I didn't need another one.
“I want to say I'm sorry for that, I realized that I never really apologized for my behavior. I hope you can forgive me and we can be friends.”
I was too conflicted to say anything. One part of me wanted to forgive her while the other part didn't believe she was even a tad bit remorseful, she could be acting for all I know. I still didn't trust her.
I didn't say anything in reply. She took the hint and left. I didn't want to handle this today, I have to emotionally prepare myself for tonight.
My makeup was done in less than twenty minutes then I slipped into my dress and the shiny silver heels I let out. My neck was adorned by the necklace Nathan gave me and I had a silver bracelets on each of my wrists. I had my wedding rings on of course, I felt naked without them. I let my hair fall loosely around my shoulders in small curls to complete the look.
Nathan arrived a few minutes later. Oliver was already in his suit jacket and even the black bowtie. He and Nathan wore similar gray suits but Nathan had a long necktie but in blue to match my dress.
“You look beautiful, Love. I knew blue was your color” He complimented, pecking my lips softly.
“Thank you.”
He ruffled Oliver's hair, commenting on how good he looked before leading us out to the waiting limousine. Oliver was all too excited to get into the back seat and not to lie, so was I. I wasn't allowed to go to events like this often with Christopher unless my presence was specifically requested.
We were at the venue in a few minutes. It was a lavish hotel as I expected and paparazzi flooded the main door.
“Don't forget your glasses, Oliver.” Nathan reminded and Oliver pulled a pair of shades, putting them on.
With the paparazzi and their cameras flashing it was smart to have him putting them on. I couldn't have his eyes getting hurt. He held Nathan's hand and the other was wrapped around my waist, keeping me close.
The press were unfiltered and so their questions were a bit brutal.
“Mrs. Graham, is it true that you're only with your husband for his money?”
“Mr. Graham, is it true that you cheated on your wife in the early stages on your relationship?”
“Is Oliver even your son?”
“Can you say anything about the rumors of you sleeping with model, Kimberly Charleston a few weeks before your wedding?”
“Nathan, do you know about your wife's suicide attempt? How do you feel about it?”
How do they know about that? Who told them? I was momentarily stunned by that but Nathan's hold kept me moving.
We got in fairly easily thanks to the body guards and we were in the ballroom soon enough. The party was like your typical high standard events with the women in dresses ranging from formally conservative to desperately slutty. The men were in suits and tuxes, you could see a few children around but they didn't even act like kids. They were all so stoic and stayed by their parent's sides on sat perfectly straight.
I couldn't help but glance at Oliver, he looked just like them. These kind of things weren't his cup of tea at all, I'm sure none of these kids enjoyed this. I couldn't help feel bad for him. It was because of his father's status he was doing this, filling the expectations of everyone here of the perfect child. He should let loose.
“Nathan, so good to see you.” A middle aged man said coming up to us.
Nathan shook his hand with a firm smile. “It's nice to see you too, Mr. Charleston.”
“You remember my daughter, right?” He gestured to a younger girl around my age.
She had the same brown hair as her father except the white hairs and dark brown eyes. She smiled widely at Nathan and something twisted in my stomach. “It's nice to see you again, Nathan.”
“You too, Sarah.” Nathan returned dryly.
“I don't know how many times I have to tell you, my name is Kimberly.” She spoke through clenched teeth.
I nearly laughed. If I hadn't remembered what one of the reporters asked outside, I would've. Is she the Kimberly they said Nathan slept with? She had to be. Why do I meet one of his exes whenever we go out together?
“Forgive me, I'm terrible with names.” Nathan smiled sardonically. “Meet my wife, Alyssa.”
Her eyes moved to me and turned nasty. “I wish I could say it's nice to meet you, but it isn't.”
I narrowed my eyes at her, not letting myself be intimidated. “Same here.”
“Y'know, Nathan and I use to date not so long ago.” She smirked
“We weren't...”
I cut Nathan off and mirrored her smirk. “You must've have been important to him, he's never mentioned you.”
Her face dropped and her glare was harder. “I know this marriage is fake, I can spot an arranged marriage a mile away.”
“I my marriage was fake would I have thes rings on my finger?” I flashed my wedding and engagement ring. “And would I be able to do this?” I pulled Nathan's face towards me and kissed him squarely on the lips.
I pulled away, my smirk widening at the look of surprise on Nathan's face and the annoyance on hers.
“This isn't over.” She declared, marching away. I watched her leave defeated with a victorious grin.
“You are something else, Alyssa.” Nathan whispered huskily, his breath fanning my ear, evoking an unfamiliar feeling in the pit of my stomach and between my thighs.
I managed to keep my composure. “I told you I'm not most women.”
He chuckled, probably recalling the time I told him that. It was just after I met Oliver, it's funny how things have changed since then.
We mingled for a while till Nathan found our table and said we should sit down while he met a few more people. I got to know that the event was an auction to raise money for a charity. It made me remember my mom's charity, Love For All. I wonder what happened to it.
I knew it was in Christopher's hands but I haven't heard anything about it for years. I knew Rebecca and Hailey had no interest in it as well as the man himself so who's been taking care of it? Is it even still up? I think I'd be able to find the place, I have to go check on it soon.
The auction was over pretty fast with things going for prices that I'd be afraid to mention. After we had been served our meals, Nathan once again left to discuss some business with someone so Oliver and I were left at the table. He had relaxed and was talking to me but not as energetically. He was telling me about his school when we were interrupted by someone clearing their throat.
Hailey. “Hi, Alyssa. So nice to see you again.”
Why is she here? Is Christopher here too? I have to get Olly out of here.
No, keep your cool. They cannot do anything in public.
I took a breath and looked her in the eye. She was dressed in what I would say was desperately slutty, leaving both to imagination. “Good to see you too, Hailey. Who are you with?”
“I'm here with Mason, you know him, Nathan's brother.”
“Step- brother.” I corrected.
“Same thing. He's better looking anyway and knows how to treat a woman. He got a wonderful bracelet for me, I didn't see Nathan buy anything.” She bragged as if it was supposed to make me feel bad.
“Nathan said he'd donate instead and not be burdened by useless junk and I agreed. We come to decisions so easily now as husband and wife.” I decided to spite her knowing fully well that there will be repercussions.
Her face was red in seconds. “You know you're just a worthless slut, right? Nathan doesn't care about you, he only put up with you and pretend just for appearance sake.”
Before I could say anything, another voice sounded. “Hi there, it's me again, you know the boy you met at Christmas that you hit?”
“I didn't hit you!” She was lucky she didn't call attention to herself.
He got up from his seat and stood right in front of her, his smile ever so sweet. “But my dad doesn't know that. And aren't you too close to Ally and me? I could just call my dad right now. Or, I could fall down and say you shoved me and kicked me with your high heeled shoe?”
“You know, you're just a lying little brat.”
Oliver cocked his head. “Do you want me to add name-calling to the list? I can and everyone will believe me. Why wouldn't they believe a crying little boy over an old bat? I suggest you leave us alone now and probably remove that make up because you look like a clown, a creepy one.”
Hailey huffed and stormed off. The boy turned to me, a triumphant smile gracing his face. “You owe me some extra ice cream.”
I laughed at that but I was grateful for him. I was so close to accept what she said and letting it affect me. I wouldn't let anything like that bother me anymore, I need to more confident in myself and I'm going to start today.