37. Gemma
Istand in front of the full-length mirror, tugging at the hem of a silk-red dress. The fabric clings to my body like a second skin, leaving little to the imagination. I catch Mary and Lil’s reflections behind me, their worried gazes resting on my tense form.
“Are you sure you can do this?” Mary asks.
“It’s gonna be fine. Everyone will be there. Elijah, Bash, you two. And we need someone to distract Oliver. I’m the best bet.”
Lil fumbles with a pair of silver earrings. “You won’t leave our sight.”
I know they don’t want me to go. Especially after what Oliver did.
“As long as Oliver gets his publicity and chance to show off, that’s all that matters.”
Elijah doesn’t like the plan, either. I stare down at the ring on my finger. One night, and then this will be over. Elijah’s friends can get into Oliver’s apartment without problems and get what we need to have him behind bars.
I step into a pair of strappy heels while Mary and Lil finish getting dressed. Mary slips into a stunning navy blue gown that accentuates her curves and matches her eyes. Lil opts for a sleek, black jumpsuit.
“Remember, we’re there.” Mary adjusts the delicate necklace around her neck.
“Thanks, guys.”
“Okay.” Lil claps her hands together. “Let’s go face the wolves.”
Oliver is already waiting in the foyer of the event, checking his watch. When he looks up, his gaze rakes over my body, and he offers his arm.
“You’ll do.”
With my arm threaded through Oliver’s, I step into the grand ballroom.
“Don’t forget to smile, darling. Put on a good show.”
He turns to face the nearest group, pulling me closer to him.
My breath catches as Oliver’s hand tightens around my waist. His fingers dig into the thin fabric of my dress as if he’s staking his claim in front of all these people. I force myself to look like I want to be here, with him.
Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Mary and Lil hovering nearby. Mary meets my gaze, her eyebrows drawn together in concern. I give her a subtle nod, indicating I’m okay, even though my skin is crawling, being this close to Oliver again.
A waiter approaches with a tray of champagne flutes. I reach for one, desperate for some liquid courage, but Oliver intercepts it first.
“Allow me, darling.”He presses the glass into my hand, holding my gaze.
A silent reminder to play along, or else. I take a big gulp, resisting the urge to spit it back in his stupid face.
“Oliver! So glad you could make it.” A portly man in an ill-fitting tuxedo approaches, extending his hand.
“Simon! Of course, wouldn’t miss it.” Oliver plasters on his fake charm and gives the man’s hand an exaggerated shake.
As they make small talk, I scan the room again, hoping to catch a glimpse of Elijah.
Ever since I told him about Oliver’s blackmail and the threats against my family, he’s been working to find a way to take Oliver down. He has a plan in motion tonight. I wish I knew the details to feel less on edge, but he said the less I know, the better.
Elijah is brooding at the bar, swirling a glass of whiskey, his gaze cold as he watches Oliver and me. He wears a tailored suit that emphasizes his broad shoulders and fit physique.
This must be hard on him. Especially after how I showed up at his door, bruised and broken.
Bash is beside him. They exchange quiet words while Elijah’s gaze wanders to Oliver’s hand on my back and then back up to meet my eyes.
Elijah is my safe haven. It always will be Elijah.
It was clear that he wanted to hunt down Oliver right then and make him pay. But for me, Elijah remained calm, focused only on caring for me. Stayed.
His touch was so tender and loving, treating me like I’m the most precious thing in the world. His gem.
I should have trusted him. I should have told Elijah the truth from the very beginning about my marriage to Oliver instead of trying to handle it alone.
He would have protected me, shielded me. Elijah would have moved heaven and earth to keep me safe if I had let him in. Because that’s what an actual relationship is. You help each other. Do whatever is necessary because your partner will do it, too.
I love him. I love Elijah with every fiber of my being. And I know he loves me the same.
It’s the total opposite of what Oliver gave and gives me. Oliver only takes.
Elijah is the only man I want to have beside me forever.
Oliver’s grip on my waist tightens, jolting me back to the present. I take a shaky sip of champagne and force myself not to pull away.
Not much longer now. I can do this.
Oliver plasters on his media look and steers us toward a cluster of older women in designer gowns, their necks laden with diamonds. “Ladies, you all look ravishing this evening. Have you met my wife, Gemma?”
The women coo over me, admiring my dress and asking superficial questions about our relationship. Oliver spins a tale of our whirlwind romance and fairytale wedding. If they only knew the truth.
As Oliver rambles on, my gaze drifts back to Elijah. He and Bash stand in the same spot, watching and drinking.
Then my brother breaks away, striding over to us. “Hello, beautiful ladies. It is such a pleasure to see you all here.”
The women ogle my brother.
“Sebastian, how wonderful you could join us!” Mrs. Wellington holds up her hand, and Bash kisses it.
“The pleasure is all mine.” His eyes lift to mine. “And Gem, my lovely sister, you look beautiful as always.” He kisses my cheek.
What is going on? This is not subtle.
“Sebastian. Long time no see,” Oliver says.
“Oh, Oliver, sorry. Didn’t see you there. Nice to have you here,” Bash says.
What is happening?
Oliver claps Bash on the back. “Likewise, my friend.”
“Think nothing of it. What is family for?” Oliver says.
“Right.” Bash raises his glass in a toast. “To family.”
The ladies join in the toast, as do Oliver and me. Something’s wrong.
“Well, if you lovely ladies will excuse me, I believe the auction is about to begin. May I escort you to your seats?” Bash offers Mrs. Wellington his arm and guides all of them to the auction after sending a mischievous wink in my direction.
Oh no. What is going on?
“Let’s go, Gem.” Oliver grabs my hand and drags me after him, his fingers tightly gripping mine.
We take our seats at the rear of the jam-packed hall where the auction occurs. I take my seat beside Oliver and bring my legs together, hyperaware of Oliver’s possessive grip on my hand.
Leaning over, Oliver brushes his lips against my ear. “You look absolutely ravishing tonight, my darling.” His voice drips with mocking sweetness.
I recoil. “Let’s get through this evening, shall we?”
Oliver chuckles. “As you wish, my pet. But remember who’s in control here.” His fingernails dig into the back of my hand in warning.
I clench my teeth, my eyes watering as I meet Elijah’s, watching us. Oliver is trying to provoke him.
Luckily, the lights dim, and the auctioneer steps up to the podium to begin. As lots come up for bid, Oliver raises his paddle, purchasing expensive item after item. It’s all for show, a way for him to flaunt his wealth and get him noticed.
At last, the final item is presented. A rare ring on a velvet pillow.
“This exquisite piece is from the fifteenth century and was once owned by a royal family. It’s decorated with one of the rarest gemstones. Alexandrite, also known as Emerald by day and ruby by night. The bidding starts at ten thousand,” the auctioneer says.
Elijah raises his paddle for the first time, and immediately Oliver raises his with a challenging arch of his brow.
As the auctioneer calls out higher numbers, I watch Elijah with rapt attention. His face is an emotionless mask as he raises his paddle, matching every bid.
Beside me, Oliver is becoming more and more desperate. His knuckles are white on his paddle, and there’s a slight tremble as he raises it again.
“One hundred thousand.” His voice is strained as he calls out the number.
“Why do you even need that ring?” I ask.
He snaps his head towards me, eyes narrowing into slits. “Shut it.”
Elijah’s voice casts a silence through the room, his gaze locked on Oliver. “Let’s end this. It’s for charity, after all, right?” He raises his paddle. “Half a million.”
For a ring? I gulp, my throat dry.
Oliver glances at me, his eyes twitching. The other bidders have long since dropped out, leaving only Elijah and Oliver, and Elijah raised the bid by a huge amount.
The room is deathly silent, awaiting Oliver’s response. He opens his mouth, but no words come out. The seconds tick by as his gaze darts around the room at the other guests.
Elijah sits with his arms crossed, a smug smirk on his face, waiting.
Oliver grits his teeth and shakes his head once. “No bid.”
A ripple of surprise moves through the crowd. Elijah inclines his head, eyes glinting with victory as the auctioneer bangs his gavel. “Sold to Mr. Elijah Milton! And this was our last item for tonight. Thank you very much, and have a beautiful evening.”
Beside me, Oliver seethes as Elijah talks to the auctioneer.
“Excuse me.” He steps away from me to take a call.
At last, I have some breathing room, or so I thought, because Elijah approaches me, his confident stride catching me off guard.