14. Chapter Fourteen #2
Waiters in tuxedos weave through the crowd with silver trays, offering champagne and hors d’oeuvres. At the heart of the room, a podium stands ready for speeches, with a large banner behind it reading “Hearts United with Donovan: Supporting Tomorrow’s Leaders.”
My dad really has outdone himself tonight.
My father in question heartily converses with a fancy looking couple. Mom stands by his side like the perfect trophy wife, while my siblings stare at me from the corner of the room. They’re whispering to each other, a frown on Ella’s face and a stunned pointed stare at Matthew from John.
Dad’s gaze locks on mine instantly, his stern expression shifting from my face to Leo’s and to the tight grasp Matthew has my fingers in with his.
Matthew gives my hand a little squeeze as my parents make their way to us.
“Dad,” I begin, my voice steady despite the whirlwind in my chest. “This is Leo, my son and your grandson.”
Beside me, Leo timidly stares at them, his big blue eyes shifting from me to Mom and Dad.
“Sweetie,” I gently urge him. “This is your Grandpa and Grandma.”
Mom stares at him like she can’t believe he’s real. Dad’s stony gaze makes me fidget.
“And this is Matthew Pierce–my fiancé,” I add. “I wanted to specially introduce him to the family tonight. He’s the reason I can’t go through with the arrangement you’ve made.”
Dad’s brows lift, his assessing gaze sweeping over Matthew. But instead of the confrontation I expect, a wide smile spreads across his face as he extends his hand.
“A pleasure to meet you, Matthew,” he says, his baritone laced with approval. “I’ve heard of the Pierce’s reputation. This is my wife, Elizabeth, and it’s an honor to have you as part of ours.”
I stand frozen, the approval cutting deeper than any disapproval I’ve ever received from him. So, is this really all it takes? A man with money, influence, and a name?
The relief I imagined I would feel never comes. Instead, there’s a strange ache in my chest that grows at their interaction.
He hasn’t regarded Leo yet. He just keeps beaming at Matthew like he just hung the moon.
Matthew plays his part perfectly. Flashing his signature charming smile, he shakes dad’s hand firmly.
“The honor is absolutely mine, sir. I’m glad to be here,” he says, noticing how oblivious dad seems to Leo in front of him. “…but it turns out Leo happened to be more excited to meet you than I was.”
Dad’s attention finally, though reluctantly, shifts to Leo. I ruffle Leo’s hair and gently urge him forward.
“Come on, Leo. Go say hi to Grandma and Grandpa.”
Leo hesitates, before finally stepping forward. “Hi Grandma. Hi Grandpa.”
Mom looks like she doesn’t know what to do. If to smile first or speak first or hug first. So, she awkwardly pulls his cheeks with a grin.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you, honey.”
She lightly nudges Dad’s elbow, and Dad clears his throat.
“Welcome to the family, little one.” He says. He doesn’t smile or frown, but I don’t need his facial expression for anything. His statement is enough. It’s more than enough.
Matthew smiles. “I hope I can earn the same approval from the rest of you.”
Dad laughs, a sound I rarely hear directed at me. “Oh, you’ve already earned it. Anyone willing to step up for this family is welcome in it.”
“We should have dinner together sometime,” Mom adds with a fat smile. “As one big family.”
Her words land harder than I expect, stirring something bitter and hollow in my chest. I almost scoff at the irony of it all. All it took was Matthew’s polished manners and deep pockets for Mom and Dad to hand over their respects – something I’ve been chasing my entire life.
Matthew gently squeezes my hand, like he can feel me subconsciously drifting away.
“We’ll be looking forward to it. But tonight, as Hailey’s partner, I’d love to show my contribution and support for your cause.”
Dad’s eyes shine like diamonds. “The floor is yours.”
Matthew kisses my cheek, but in my ear, he whispers, “Stay with me, Hailey.”
Then he turns to the event coordinator and mutters something to him, before mounting the stage. The room quietens as Matthew steps forward, every eye on him including mine.
With an ease of confidence, he addresses the crowd.
“Good evening, everyone,” he begins, his tone warm and sincere.
“It’s an honor to be here tonight, supporting a cause that means so much to me.
But more importantly, it’s an honor to stand before you all, sharing this moment with the people who matter most in my life. ”
He pauses, glancing over at me and Leo at the back of the crowd. Heads turn to stare at us and dad’s scrutinizing gaze burns through me.
I carry on with the act, sending a proud smile Matthew’s way. His gaze softens, and his voice carries with a new depth of affection as he continues.
“This evening is about more than just raising funds – it’s about raising awareness and building a future for those who need it most. And for me, that future starts with my family.
Hailey, you are the heart of everything I do.
Your strength, your selflessness, and your incredible spirit inspire me every day.
“And Leo, watching you grow has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. You’ve brought so much light and laughter into our world, and for that, I’m forever grateful.”
He looks back at the crowd, a smile tugging at his lips. My knees feel like jelly as I listen to him and my heart threatens to beat out of my chest.
This is an act, Hailey. It’s nothing but an act.
“Family is everything. It’s the foundation we build our lives on, and it’s what gives us the strength to overcome any obstacle. So, let’s come together, not just as donors, but as a community–united in purpose to make the world a better p for those who need it most.
“And for that reason, I’d like to personally match all donations made tonight. Additionally, I’ll purchase the entire collection of artifacts being auctioned.”
A ripple of gasps and murmurs sweeps through the audience, and thunderous applause follows right after. Dad’s face lights up in approval and Mom looks like she’s just been handed the entire world on a platter of gold.
I force a polite smile, my hand resting on Leo’s shoulder. This is supposed to feel like a victory, but instead, it feels like I’m losing something I can’t quite name.
As Matthew returns to my side, he leans down, his voice low and playful. “How’d I do?”
“You’re a natural,” I reply, keeping my tone light, though the words feel heavy in my mouth. “You were perfect.”