•Leiara•
At her words, my body is overcome with a sudden chill that freezes me in place. Her words come so pricking that my brain ceases to register the pain from her fingers digging into the side of my stomach.
Instead, my heart is the one that aches from how cheap I'm being portrayed.
"Are you finally showing your true self?" She continues. "You finally decided to stop acting all meek and finally reveal your true colors?"
"Are you thinking of getting close to the men here to secure your future because you know sooner or later you'll not be needed in this house anymore?"
She draws nearer and leans into my ear.
"But listen here, that slutty behavior isn't permitted here. If any rumors fly around after this party about your indecency and scheme to snatch people's husbands, trust me, neither you nor your father or his business will be saved!"
She walks away after snarling sternly into my ear. I don't move, I remain standing like a block of ice.
What to do? I never intended for any of this I'm being accused of.
Seems this dress was a bad idea, after all.
I take a deep breath and straighten up to continue welcoming the guests. There's no time to brood over my unfortunate situation.
I force a big smile on, and again, I start warmly welcoming and ushering people in.
My forced smile is going good until I see a familiar person walk toward me. The corners of my mouth twitches, but I fight to keep the smile on.
"Woah!" Emily lets out when she reaches me.
She leans backward to check out my dress.
Emily is Colson's mother. She's a tall, slender woman with hair the same color as Colson; brunette.
Hers is styled into a neat bob.
"Who do we have here right now?" She asks in a high pitched, dramatic tone.
"Is this Leiara? Leiara?!" Her voice is loud, and in disbelief.
I chuckle lightly, feeling tensed with the several eyes she's drawn to us.
"Girl, really? You've finally decided to act and dress your age? No more granny clothes? No more covering up all that beauty?"
"Hahaha, hello there Emily," I say awkwardly.
Her smile falters and she stares at me with exasperation.
"I can see only the outside has changed. You still talk so stiffly."
"Anyways, you look sexy today. Keep it up."
She pats my shoulder and catwalks in with her long legs.
Phew!
I breathe out in relief.
She can be too much sometimes, but she's a bit different from the rest.
Before long, the party starts and everyone's attention is called. I also leave the door and go to grab a seat among the many round tables in the hall.
Some people stand with their partners, some are sitting, but the majority of them all have a glass of wine in their hands.
I sit at a table that is occupied by four other women since it can only take this much. I smile at them as they do me before we turn our attention to the front.
I see Colson go up on stage. It's time for his speech.
Helen, on the other hand, is at a seat with some of the male investors. I take my eyes around briefly to look for my dad, but Colson starts his speech so I return my attention to him.
The speech is brief and concise. A round of applause and cheers follow right after it.
Everyone goes back to their discussions and fun, while Colson comes down the stage and heads toward me.
I swallow as I see him near me by the seconds. He makes me nervous.
He reaches me, and extends his hand out for me to take it. The women on my table let out teasing sounds while blushing.
I take Colson's hand, and he pulls me up to my feet.
"I'm sorry ladies, but I have to borrow my wife for a while," he tells them.
They giggle softly, asking him to go ahead with gestures and flushed faces. To them, it seems I'm living a fairytale, a romantic moment.
But I'm not. Only Colson and I know I am not.
As discussed, Colson and I go around greeting the major investors, and he takes the moment to introduce me as his wife.
Just as instructed by Helen. We must make connections.
I get some compliments from both men and women, and even some of the men leer at me but Colson and I remain respectful with a warm smile on our faces.
I doubt he'd even get upset over it on my behalf.
After the introduction, which is quite stressful, Colson walks me to the backyard, away from all the eyes and the noises.
As soon as we get there, he snatches his arm away roughly. His face is tight like he is annoyed.
"Fuck!" I hear him mutter.
I don't say anything, I just stand there.
"I need some air before everyone gathers for dinner. I certainly can't get it with you here."
He turns and storms off.
I stare at his fading silhouette with a blank face.
I didn't even do anything.
I turn to the outside and breathe in the fresh air that brushes through me. It scatters my hair and causes it to flow freely.
As I bask in the air, I hear my name. It is soft and warm, carrying a familiar sense of genuine love.
"Lei."
I turn almost instantly, surprised and happy at the same time. When I see his big smile as he walks up to me, arms open for me to run into, I quiver with relief and happiness.
"Dad!"
I don't waste any more seconds and run into his arms. He catches me, and wraps me in a warm embrace.
"Ouch!" I let out lowly, feeling the whiplash from my wounded ankle.
"What is it, angel?" My dad pulls away from the hug in a hurry, worried.
I chuckle softly, and wrap him in another tight hug.
"I missed you," I say softly.
"Oh, I did too. More than you did me," he laughs.
"Haha, I can't even argue that."
Dad and I bond for some moment. He asks about my health and married life, and I, of course, don't hesitate to tell him everything is fine.
I'd be a fool to have not. After all, I have to do this much.
Dad gets ready to return back to the party. But before he leaves, he tells me to not stay out longer since I'm prone to catch a cold quickly.
He kisses my forehead, and rubs my hair then leaves.
I watch his back with a smile as he leaves. A genuine smile. I'm so happy I get to see dad. I could go visit him anytime I wanted, but I haven't been able to lately.
I'm glad he's healthy and doing well.
I sigh and turn to continue basking in the fresh breeze but I hear a voice call out to me again. This time, sharp with malice lacing it.
I turn to the direction and there, I see Cora. She stands firm, eyes steady with loathing.
Cora is my former classmate. We graduated from the same high school and college.
And… she's also the woman Colson was supposed to marry instead of me.