Chapter 67 - LOOKS FAMILIAR
'Please, let this be over soon. I want to go home already.' My beaded silver stiletto just landed on the crimson carpeted floor but it was going home which bothers my mind already. The thought of my daughter at home in the hands of my beloved family doesn't ease the gnawing worry inside me. The thought of my eight brothers with father in addition watching over Faith tripled my unease considering that they have zero experience handling a newborn baby. Not that I blame father for putting me in this ordeal but it was him who agreed and I can't break his word of honor so I'm obliged to go.
I should be at home. Curled on the feathery softness of my Queen size bed with an angel lying next to me with my arms protectively around her. Instead, I found myself in the middle of nowhere, with no acquaintances and no friends. Even the man standing beside me—Mr.?Marcus Peterson—was a total stranger. If I don't care about propriety, damn it to hell but I'm going home. I cursed mentally, hoping I weaved an excuse to escape this date but I hated lying. I stared heavenward, asking the gods for a little bit of patience.
"Beatrix, are you okay?" Marcus spoke beside me, worry gleaming upon his eyes. Guilt invaded me for nearly forgetting he was with me. He captured my eyes with his gaze. I was trying to lower my eyes on the floor but his eyes held mine captive. Marcus Peterson was without a doubt a handsome man. He could put an actor to shame with his looks and charm. But I wonder why I felt nothing for him. I expect that his good looks could make my heart flutter and my pulse rate jitter in some ways. Unfortunately, his good looks have no profound effect on me. He couldn't make my heart beat like crazy the way our new gardener did. The Gardener's sexy, sultry body was enough to make my mouth water with admiration. Not that I'm fantasizing over him, it's just that I appreciate his six-pocket abs. I'm not made of stone not to appreciate a blessing when I see one.
"I'm fine Mr. Peterson," I replied, my mouth stretched lazily into something which I hope resembled a bit of a smile. If only I had the power to pull the time, I already did moments ago so I don't have to waste the next hour of my life in ennui. He must be convinced about my response for he did not comment, he just held his arms to mine which I'm obliged to take for the sake of good manners and we moved deeper to the crowd. The crowd lapsed into silence. If it weren't for the musician playing at the dimly lit corner of the room, it would be extremely awkward. Heads turned in our direction like magnets attracted to metals. My Peterson seems not to mind the stir he was creating. He even appeared amused, I'm not sure, must be my imagination.
"Beatrix?" I tore my gaze away from straight ahead and peered through my eyelashes after throwing him a sidelong glance. His stare was soft against my skin and there was some sort of tenderness in it. I wasn't sure if I was reading his expression right but it appears that way to me. He saw my wide inquiring eyes, for a moment he didn't say anything, he just continued to stare at me as if he found me fascinating. I was lost for words too, wondering if I should take his reaction as an insult or a compliment. "You're beautiful." He whispered, oblivious to the hundreds of eyes peering at us.
I groaned inwardly. I believe I look good tonight since it was the third time he told me that. One was after I descended from the stairs of the Crawford Mansion, the second was when we were inside the car while he's driving, and the third was just now. It seems Mr. Peterson was having minor memory lapses. "Thank you, Mr. Peterson," I replied. If I had known he was going to try his charm on me right here in the middle of the room atop the red carpet I should have stayed home and fake an illness and deal with the guilt on my own. It would be more manageable than having him as a company.
"Please call me Marcus." He said, capturing my hands before I could hide them as we pulled into a stop. "Could you possibly do that?" He added with pleading eyes nailed to mine.
"Of course, Marcus," I replied and pulled my fingers out of his hold. Luckily his hold loosened and his hands fell to his side.
"Thank you," He mumbled, he looked pleased.
Moments later, we are settled into a round table draped into an elegant pink tablecloth. There was a small pink flower vase in the middle patterned with primroses and leaves, it was filled with different varieties of flowers which were arranged into a neat perfection The whole place screamed of elegance and luxury. Even the small vase atop the tables must have cost a fortune based on its quality. I sighed with relief when my weight sunk into the feathery softness of the chair that resembled a throne. After pulling the chair for me, Marcus turned in the opposite direction and occupied his seat.
The room the party was underway is as large as the Grand Hall of the Crawford Mansion. Golden chandeliers glowed brightly on the high ceiling. Round Tables draped with pink silk scattered around the flawless white floor. Seats that looked like a king and a Queen's regal throne surrounds the tables. On the stage decorated with light pink balloons, a golden royalty throne engraved with precious gemstones stood but it was empty, it seems the occupant had wandered around the hall to search for her King. Behind the chair where a light pink cloth stood as a background 'Ynna @18 was written.
The place looked so inviting but it wasn't enough to make me forget all my worries. I was here at the party but my thoughts wandered far away. I was wondering if Faith was asleep by now, if not, I'm sure she would be throwing a tantrum after failing to sense my presence. It would be difficult to make her stop crying. None of my brothers couldn't handle her tears, even the mighty Alexander Crawford failed to tame his grandchild. Letting myself worry now will make things worse for me. I reminded myself. Before I left the house I made sure that Faith was full and sleepy. I was guaranteed that she would quickly fall asleep since she's tired from all the strolling we had in the garden early that day. Hopefully, my daughter was doing fine. Please Lord, let her be fine. I mumbled with optimism.
"You look nervous Beatrix." It was Marcus again invading my thoughts. For the second time that day, I forgot he was with me. But then, I never felt I have company, remain sad and lonely while my thoughts held me captive. I lifted my gaze and faked a smile, not only it lacked in luster, it barely reached my eyes too. If I could, I swear I walked out of the party at this moment if I haven't considered how embarrassing it could be.?I'm not enjoying it anymore—I haven't enjoyed it one bit.
'Oh Faith!' If mommy could only go home now! I badly miss you. I think I'm going to lose my mind before this party ends.'
"Beatrix?" Marcus repeated.
"I'm fine." I lied once more. By the number of lies, I formed tonight I deserved to be crucified.
"Champagne?" He offered and I nodded, embarrassed to say no. I'll just pretend to drink the champagne or just take a sip or two. I'm breastfeeding Faith and I'm afraid I wasn't allowed to drink wine, not even champagne.
"Are you enjoying the party?"
I wasn't able to respond to the question when I felt someone's hard gaze in mine—it was heavy and disconcerting. I glanced sideways and caught a pair of prying eyes glaring at me as if he'd seen a ghost.
Marcus, seeing the couple approaching our table was quick to leave his seat and meet them halfway. I found myself abandoning my seat too as if it suddenly burned my ass.
The birthday celebrant was approaching our way. But it was not her who captured my attention but the man standing tall beside her with the look of pure disbelief darkening his handsome face. He was tall, with broad athletic shoulders. A grey tuxedo clung to his large build perfectly. But it was not his regal look that captured my attention but a pair of piercing blue eyes that seemed to penetrate my soul.
"Beatrix, I would like you to meet the new CEO of Greyson Enterprise and Heir of Greyson Inheritance—Vince Greyson."
It was not only his name that sounds familiar. Even his face looks a good deal familiar too.
Why do I feel I hate this man?
The source of this c𝐨ntent is fre𝒆w(e)bn(o)vel