9. The Party

Alina

Silence enveloped us as I got into the luxurious Limousine. I swear, this guy was just so extra. We would have reached just fine in any small car to our venue. But now that I think about it, he wouldn't have a normal Toyota standing in his garage anyway. I had an idea it would be full of BMWs, Audis, Ferraris and Lambos. Is there any brand I'm missing? If yes, then add it to the list.

I heaved a sigh, looking out of the window as the driver drove in silence. I felt Theodore’s gaze pinning me at intervals, since he was sitting beside me on the same seat, just with a little gap. But did I look back at him to let him know I was aware? No. I don't want to make things more awkward than they already are. Which still reminds me of my unanswered question. Why the heck did I have to go with him anyway? Guess I'll never know.

The drive ended and I had no clue of my surroundings, of where we were currently. I was about to open the door, when I felt a hand grabbing my wrist and stopping me. I whipped my head with a questioning look to meet his eyes.

“Be on your best behavior and don't destroy things for me. I have to make a proposal and it's important,” his hard glare nailed me in my position as I gave a cowardly nod to his demand. Why the fuck did I even imagine for a split second that he stopped me because he wanted to open the door for me? Get out of your dreamland Alina! Those men only existed in the books I wrote. Not in real life. Theodore was anything but a gentleman. I didn't expect him to be one. He was, after all, the ruthless, most heartless person infamous in this state for a reason.

Getting out of the car, a chill breeze grazed my uncovered arms, making a slight shiver pass down my bones. But nothing I couldn't bear. I looked to find Theodore already making his way into the hall, not giving a damn about all the flashes of the cameras going off, nor bothering to answer the questions that were being fired at him by the paparazzi.

“Mr Maxwell, why did you suddenly decide to get married?”

“How long have you known your wife?”

“Was it arranged or love?”

“Are you guys planning on having kids soon?”

Seriously? Do these people honestly have no better questions than to dig things from people's personal lives? Why do they care if it's arranged or love? Or whether we are going to have children or not? Gosh, what have I gotten myself into? Well, it's not like I had a choice.

I quickly marched my way behind Theodore, literally half-running to catch up with him. He didn't even bother to check if I was following him or not. What an insufferable man!

As soon as I neared the entrance stairs, the cameras flashed and everyone's attention turned towards me.

“Mrs. Maxwell, when did you fall in love with Mr. Maxwell?”

“Why did you both get married so suddenly?”

“Are you pregnant?”

The last question had me seething, but I ignored them and continued on my way. Stupid people.

Finally getting in, I was met with the enthralling appearance of the hall. I expected this. It was, after all, some rich snobs party. Why would they miss a chance of flaunting their wealth?

“What took you so long?” Thoedore gritted under his breath. I was about to answer but he cut me off. “Best behavior, Alina! Remember. Don't make me regret bringing you here. Nobody knows that this marriage is a deal, so freaking act like you are my wife!” What the fuck is seriously wrong with this man? First he leaves me behind and then he scolds me like a child who disobeyed his parents? Is he forgetting? I did not want to be here anyway! Why is he putting this all on me?

I opened my mouth to give him a taste of myself when someone interrupted us. “Theodore, now isn't it just a treat to see you again?” A man, definitely older than fifty, approached us with a woman of almost the same age looped on his arm.

“Mr and Mrs. Summers. The pleasure is all mine,” Thoedore’s posture immediately changed from a grumpy to an inviting one. He shook the man’s hand firmly before moving forward to drop a kiss on the woman's knuckles.

“And who is this lovely lady by your side?” The couple turned their attention towards me and I started feeling anxious suddenly.

What if you give him a reason to open up to you, to like you, who knows he would? Millie’s words sounded in my head. If I wanted, I could ruin it for him. Or if I helped him, then maybe, just maybe he would see me differently? Was it worth it? Should I actually put in an effort to have my happy ending with him?

Best behavior, Alina! Remember. Don't make me regret bringing you here.

I'll make him fucking proud that he has me as his wife. Because honey, I'm limited edition.

Forming the sweetest smile I could, I stretched my hand for a handshake with Mr. Summers.

“Mr. Summers, such an honor to finally meet you. I'm Alina, Theodore's wife. Theodore doesn't stop talking about what a great man you are,” Mr. Summers looked pleased with my words and took my hand to his lips to brush a soft kiss on my knuckles.

“Ah, no. This man really gives me too much credit. If anything, he is the one who has inspired most of us in this room. Nathan should really start taking notes from him,” he smiled, while I had no clue who Nathan was. I then turned towards Mrs. Summers to say my greeting to her.

“And Thoedore’s words haven't done justice to your beauty, Mrs. Summers. The most elegant woman of the night award must go to you surely,” Mrs. Summers blushed at my words before rejecting my hand and pulling me in for a tight hug.

Guess I'm a natural at acting after all, huh?

“Oh, I already love her. An absolute charmer. Beauty with brains, I see. Thoedore, you really have been blessed, I must say,” I moved away to glance at Thoedore, who had a confused but nonetheless, pleased look on his face.

“So tell me Alina, is he treating you right? I can surely pull his ears if he irritates you. He is just like a son to me after all,” I looked at Theodore momentarily, with weird emotions swirling in the pit of my stomach. No Mrs. Summers. He treats no one right. I wanted to say.

“Of course, he does. He really is the best partner, husband, and a friend anyone could ever ask for,” I took his arm to loop mine round it, pulling him just a little close. Then mustering a sickening sweet smile, I looked at him for a brief moment with shining eyes to show the world how much I loved him. At that moment, I could have thrown up if this old couple had not been standing before us. He looked astonished, that was sure, but there was something else that swirled in his eyes for a second before it was gone.

“Aw, isn't she the sweetest? I'm really glad Theodore got someone like you,” I inwardly smirked at her comment. “Theodore, you should really treat her nice! You could go out for a search and still not find a gorgeous woman like her,” that's right Thoedore! Take notes! Theodore only nodded in her direction before I imagined his grip around my arm got tinniest but tighter.

The men started talking about some business while Mrs. Summers pulled me away from them. “ Let these men talk business. I'll introduce you to some of my friends and my son.”