Insane

I put on a smile as I looked at the people around us. Around three bodyguards stayed six feet away as we two stood perfectly for a few seconds before walking ahead. A red ribbon to our left separated us from the cameramen. Matteo stopped again to smile and nod at the people and I tried to mimic his gesture too.

We walked ahead and two other sets of guards opened the door for us. We walked to our left and took five stairs down before we face a large door. We entered the venue to notice never-ending round tables. The hall was half-filled and the people who were busy conversing at the entrance looked at us and smiled. He was smiling back but soon we were received by two men. Both of them have wires to their ears. They escorted us to our table. I looked at the huge stage that was arranged in a way that we all could look at it. Our table was not at the front but was not at much distance too. There was a dance floor in the distance too. And, I could already spot four couples enjoying their dance there.

"How many people have arrived?" Matteo asked the staff who was standing at our table. And, before the person could answer we found someone approaching our table. And, if I am not wrong I was sure I had seen this couple somewhere.

Matteo stood from his place and I followed the suit too. "Julie? This is Mr and Mrs Martinez. He is the president of Italy. And, she is my wife Julie de Lucca."

"I am sure she is aware of us." The man said and I only smiled.

"Oh no, she doesn't. She is from the USA and really not aware of the people in the politics here." The couple laughed and the woman said,

"I like your humour, Matteo…" But then she looked at me to add, "…you look so adorable. I could see why he waited a lot to get marry. His eyes were looking for someone like you." The woman had held my hands as she talked. One could feel her joy through her. She seemed very genuine but then I guess everyone here was going to be on their best behaviour.

Mr Martinez seemed to be around in his fifties. He said something in his native language and I only looked at Matteo as he started the conversation. A cameraman called for our attention and I smiled at the camera with this other couple. I looked around to notice three other photographers roaming at the party too.

Matteo and Mr Martinez kept talking and I smiled looking at Mrs Martinez again. She was about to say something when another couple approached us. And, before we could talk about anything else we looked at the entrance to find Mr and Mrs Hashimi coming. They were received by the person at the entrance too and were being guided to their table. The couple that approached us was introduced to us as Mr and Mrs Garcia. They were famous in the fashion industry. A waiter stopped by us to give us drinks and though Matteo got one to pass it to me I never drink it and only hold it to later place it back on the table.

Listening to Mr and Mrs Anderson approaching Matteo's face got lit up. I shared a side hug with Mrs Anderson. "You look breathtaking. I can already tell that you are the most pretty here." I smiled before I praised her necklace.

I wasn't listening to what men were talking about. Mrs Martinez was holding a bag that was limited edition. And, Mrs Garcia couldn't help but mention it. I on the other hand only knew what piece was being played on the piano. All of us were talking standing only a few feet away from the men.

"I know you don't want to hear it but you really shouldn't wear heels this high when you are pregnant." Mrs Martinez, the president's wife said not too loud but I still looked at Matteo who was busy telling something in the waiter's ear. "I will be careful next time," I said and Mrs Anderson commented. "It's fine. We can't know all the things in our first time." I looked at her thankfully and she added, "I read about your news in the newspaper…and, was really excited for you."

"Well, if you don't already have your favourite doctor I would love to be yours. I am a certified gynaecologist and actively in practice for the last six years again now." It took me a moment to take in how I am taking this opportunity from the president's wife. But who I was to deny the offer?

"That will be very sweet of you. Where do you practice?" I asked and she smiled, "Why don't we meet up in two days?" I wonder if Matteo would like to connect with Mrs Martinez at this level. She was looking at me expecting a reply for me when Mrs Andersons' voice got louder.

"Why don't I ask you two to come to my place the day after tomorrow? There we will be more comfortable talking about this. We can have our little party." She smiled and I smiled back knowing it is not possible.

Mrs Martinez smiled before asking, "Yea, you are right. It will be great. By the way, how Mrs Campbell is doing? I heard she will be here."

"Oh, she will be here. It's just she wasn't feeling well today. She got her car hit somewhere. But you know her. She will have to make her appearance."

"Oh…I hope it wasn't so bad." Mrs Martinez said looking genuinely concerned.

"She is fine." Mrs Anderson replied,

I was wondering how diligent that woman must be when Mrs Garcia asked, "I heard she is donating an heirloom this time. And,…" Before she could say anything further Mrs Anderson spoke, "Oh, I don't know anything about this. You know she always makes it better than anyone else."

"But…does it mean she has given up on finding her daughter? I mean…it's the necklace she was given by her husbands' grandmother…" Anyone could tell Mrs Garcia knew a lot more about the article than Mrs Anderson who was Mrs Campbell's sister-in-law.

"She has lost her daughter…I don't think an heirloom matters a lot to her. She would do anything to do the best to serve the purpose of any charity event she is coming to." Mrs Anderson's voice came out very mechanical.

"I can second that." Mrs Martinez commented taking a sip from her glass.

We were still talking when we noticed someone starting on the stage. We all looked at the stage where a man in his grey suit has started thanking all the persons who took their time out to be here. All of us slowly started dispersing to our tables. I looked at Matteo and he had his eyes for me too. I passed a smile to him when I heard Mrs Anderson ask Mrs Martinez if there was going to be a new policy over imports in Italy.

I didn't get to hear what her reply was. They were already away at their table that wasn't so far from us. Mrs Anderson was seated to our left not so far. The President was seated right at the front where he will definitely be in more pictures. Mr and Mrs Hashimi were seated in the front row of tables too but at the very right corner.

I was looking away to my left when I heard Matteo whisper. "Don't…" I got my eyes fixed on the stage and automatically applauded the moment everyone started. But the next I found Matteo standing from his place. I figured he was called on the stage. I too stood to give him a side hug with a smile. I took my seat back at the table.

Before he could take a step further I found a tall figure coming to hug him. And, the moment I realized who he was my throat got dry. Matteo didn't flinch and returned the gesture with equal enthusiasm apparently. I think I was the only one who noticed his bulging nerve on the temple.

Matteo walked to the stage without looking back and I sat frozen when that person decided to sit where Matteo was a moment ago. Not wanting to create a scene I didn't react.

"How are you?" He asked and I didn't find this person worthy of my reply. And, continued looking at the stage.

"Will you like to have your drink?" He asked sliding my drink to me and that made me look at him.

"I am sure you must be assigned a table too." He smiled and continued staring at me.

"Now, this is rude…and, if you think no one here knows what a slut you must be if you are living with Matteo then you are wrong. I know Matteo. I know his ways. Mr Marinez knows what kind of person he is…Matteo is the reason that he is a president..." I had anger running through my veins. I refuse to take it from a person like him. The last time I found this person in my home wasn't a good memory for me.

"I think my slap from the last time made it clear to you that I am the lady of the house you are not allowed to visit anymore." And, that got me a very heated gaze from him. Inhaling sharp I turn to look at the stage where I don't know what Matteo was saying. He was speaking in Italian using only a word or two from English.

"This confidence doesn't suit you when you are a wife of the person called Matteo De Lucca…" I do know what he was referring to. I completely ignored him and continued to look at the stage.

"...Not every day a man is going to show up for you. I will give you the security he will never offer you. I can provide for you…may be double?…" My eyebrows got furrowed as I turn to look at him. "…if you want to stay married to Matteo…it is fine with me too. I…I really need to get you out of my system." I jumped a little the moment he got his hand on my thigh. Looking around me I found everyone's attention on the stage.

"What are you doing?" I hissed before catching his hand that he effortlessly slid higher. I stood from my place and took two steps back as I smiled looking at the stage. Holding both hands under my chin I acted as if I was cheering on my husband. Matteo got down from the stage in less than a few seconds afterwards. He had a huge smile on his face and did nod to some tables as he walked to me but the moment his friend got up from his place Matteo opened his arms for him.

Of course, I was disappointed but the moment I got to my chair I heard a muffled groan. Looking at my side I found his friend half bent. I could tell he was in pain but he too managed a smile on his face as he tries to leave.

"Did he touch you?" Matteo asked as he looked at the stage all smiles.

"Yes…but…" Before I could complete he asked,

"Where?" This time he looked at me.

"Can we talk about it later?" I requested and his jaw seemed hard as he turned to look at the stage. The huge screen showed the first cause of providing clean water to unfortunate people in the faraway villages. Many wrote their figures on an app that was opened on everyone's cellphone here. Not only the people here were donating the money it was being broadcasted on the official website too and anyone could join through an app.

And, the moment time gets up the people are shown from the ones who donated the most to the people who donated the least.

I found Mrs Campbell's name in the first row for this one. I could also recognize Mr and Mrs Hashimi as the third number. Matteo didn't donate a dime. Not even for the sake of pretending but he was the very reason that this organization was existing. So, maybe people weren't expecting anything from him.

After five more causes a dance performance was given by six gymnastic girls from Russia. A singer too performed and for him, the lights were dimmed too. Everyone was being served on their table whatever they asked for.

Not so much time later the donations were asked again but this time it was an auction to have the chance of most precious things. There were paintings, dresses and ornaments and one of the paintings were sold for three million dollars too. Not only this but to have the donation more the person who donated would stand beside the things they donated too. And, I really hoped that all this money raining brightens up his mood from earlier. I stared at Matteo's smile wondering if he was making it up or really enjoying the show.

Almost all of us around were making bids except us. He didn't make the bid for anything. I wonder if he was looking for something more specific. Soon, I found Peter appearing at our table. I passed a smile to him the moment I recognized him. He looked different in a tux. He did return my smile before getting his ear lowered to Matteo's mouth.

I saw how Peter's expressions changed the moment he heard what Matteo had to say. I wonder what it was but didn't have any time to ponder when I joined everyone else to give a loud applaud. I wonder what happened in these few seconds but got my eyes glued to the stage the moment a very graceful woman appeared. I blinked with my hands going static.

I was sure that I had seen her somewhere but where that I wonder. Her smile was brightest. Her brown curls were flawless and her eyes were kind. Where I have seen her?

"…it is always a pleasure to have you Mrs Campbell but today what you are going to donate is something that is not only close to your heart but also a very priceless necklace. This is my dear friends I am sure the most awaited article too in today's auction. Though no price can be placed on such a beautiful vintage necklace dated to 1952's, we have it here to collect assistance for those who need it most. And, we have decided to start it from one million dollars." And, that got my mouth a little curled.

I have heard a lot about Mrs Campbell but it was the first time that I actually get to see her. She sure looked beautiful in her blue attire and offered a beautiful smile to the audience the moment people started bidding.

I recalled how Mrs Garcia was mentioning it was an heirloom. Everyone here knows that she had lost her daughter and will not have anyone to pass this necklace to. I looked at my left as Mrs Garcia was the first one to say the bid. And, many others followed but I couldn't look away from the woman who was standing on the stage. I really wonder if she had given up on the idea of ever finding her daughter. But her love for her baby was priceless. She would do anything to make a difference. No matter how big this world was. No matter how little would actually reach her baby that was lost in this world. She would never stop trying.

"Eight Million dollars," I looked at Matteo who bid for the necklace too. Someone said ten million dollars. And, though the necklace was indeed beautiful I wonder if a piece of jewellery should cost this much.

"Twelve million dollars," Mrs Garcia's hold the stick up. This made me recall how Mrs Garcia was asking for this necklace even before it arrived.

"Twenty Million dollars," Matteo offered and no one tried to bid against this.

Matteo bought the necklace and now I wonder if he will present it to me or…any of his mistresses. I stared at Mrs Campbell as she made her way to the table where Mr and Mrs Anderson were seated at our left. And, now I noticed another man on their table too.

I found Mrs Campbell smiling at something that man said. She was tall and had a slim figure. I could notice her smile wouldn't reach her eyes but she would smile anyway. Matteo didn't look in that direction and everyone got busy bidding for the next thing.

The show started again with another singer coming up on the stage. A very famous magician appeared and I was busy looking at the magician who was about to cut the girl in half when I heard Matteo say, "Will you mind coming with me?" I looked at him aware that he was pissed at whatever happened here when he was away.

We two walked out of the venue. I knew no one noticed because of the very low light and the very heated part of the performance. There was no one outside except for three or four persons from the management. They did look at us but didn't stop us from getting to the lift that was not so far from us.

My breathing got ragged the moment lift closed but he didn't move and had his composure maintained apparently.

"What do you think about the party? You enjoyed it right?" He asked with a big smile and I looked at him before starting. "I think we should be there...."

The lift opened to reveal several rooms in a hallway and we got into the one that said V.I.P. "Oh no, we should be where I will deem fit." He said closing the door behind me.

"Matteo…We…are supposed to see our guests," I said but find him taking off his suit jacket. His eyes bore into me while I held my clutch tighter.

"I will get down but right now I need to show you something very important." His voice was dangerously calm at the end as he made his way to me.

Gulping down I tried to stay strong and curled my mouth up. "What is it?"

"Woah…Did I tell you that I like it when you try your best to smile?" I inhaled sharply when he grazed my arm. I wonder what he wanted. My mouth got dry looking at his smile.

"I need to tell you something about this friend of mine. Exactly the one who…touched what is mine." I knew he was mad. I knew it when he held the back of my neck.

"Just imagine someone else in the party noticing what just happened?" My breathing got louder when he came closer to say in my ear.

"I…didn't instigate any of his behaviour," I recalled how Matteo acted last time when it happened.

"…you are a woman. There is no way in hell that you didn't instigate it." And, that got my eyes teary. I don't know any longer what I am supposed to tell him. I blinked feeling his hand on my back.

"I…I love you. I…told you that I love you. I don't even think about him."

"And, that's good but…you know what…I can't bear it when he touches you. And, he…he is rich and I have a multilevel partnership with his family. I can't risk breaking the ties with him. And, with the body of yours…I know you will keep encouraging him with this body of yours." I looked at him in disbelief. Of course, I was living with the most sexist person in the world. Even his presence was enough to irk me right now.

"I didn't even know he was here until he reached our table…I swear I didn't do anything, Matteo" I replied and he nodded his head laughing as if he is taking in what I am trying to say.

"I get it…I know that…but I am not supposed to feel insecure when it comes to a woman who actually loves me. Do you know how it will feel? No, you won't." He said as he started walking to me and I hit the wall.

"I literally did nothing. He…he is important to you and…that's not my problem. You are supposed to make me feel secure too. Why don't you go and talk to your friend so…he doesn't repeat his behaviour."

"Look, this is the problem. I can't say anything to him. He…is not my woman. He doesn't love me. If I could have said something to him I would have when I was fifteen and bought my favourite Porsche. And, I wasn't done with it and this friend of mine took the liberty to drive it. Do you know what I did?" I stayed silent waiting for his reply.

"Ask me, Julie?" I had this huge stone stuck in my throat when I tried to speak but I still managed in my shaky voice. "What you did?"

"I burned that Porsche. What do you think I am going to do today?" He laughed and the moment his words registered my knees denied to balance my weight.

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