by Mason, V. F.
“Harold really outdid himself,” I whisper, and Lucian’s chest vibrates with laugher.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this happy.” He leans closer to whisper into my ear, “He considers you the beauty who broke the beast’s curse.”
I blink innocently at him. “I thought you were the villain who slayed the dragon and killed the prince?”
“He believes we live in a different kind of fairytale.”
My mouth opens to reply when I sense complete stillness around us and notice how everyone stares at us in surprise and interest.
My cheeks heat up, and I press closer to Lucian who wraps his arm around my waist and snaps his fingers to the passing server.
At once, he is at our side, holding two champagne glasses for us.
“Welcome everyone,” Lucian speaks up. “Thank you for coming tonight.” He glances at me. “My wife and I are thrilled to celebrate this important event with you all.” His knuckles graze my cheek, and I focus on him, momentarily forgetting about the world around us. “They say the right person shows up in your life when you least expect it.” Although a lazy smile widens his mouth, I don’t miss his cold voice and very calculative stare as he addresses the crowd. “I never believed it until my eyes landed on this beauty in my arms.”
A loud cheering whistle echoes through the room, and I spot Jacob in the distance winking at me, dashingly handsome as always in his suit and blond hair that falls over his shoulders. He raises his whiskey glass at my husband who returns the gesture, and for the first time, I wonder what kind of friendship bonds these two?
I groan inwardly in frustration.
Any second now, I will start being suspicious of every friend Lucian has and wonder if he is a murderer in disguise.
This is what happens when a husband doesn’t share!
“To my wife.” Everyone lifts their glasses as Lucian kisses me hard, my champagne spilling a little on the floor while he delivers his passionate kiss.
Gripping his shirt, I pull back, gulping for breath while the music resumes and the chatting of the crowd begins once again. “What are you doing?” I whisper, shocked by his public display of affection. During such get-togethers, it’s strictly frowned upon.
Tomorrow, everyone will talk about this kiss, but maybe that was his intention all along?
“Showing everyone who you belong to,” he says, biting on my lip and then straightening us up.
However, a certain note laces his words, which makes me question his motives.
“Lucian,” someone calls, and I see a middle-aged man heading toward us dragging a young woman with him.
“Kenneth,” he greets him back, and the name rings a bell in my head from scanning the guest list that Harold placed on the table during breakfast so I wouldn’t be lost.
Kenneth Reed.
An oil magnate who recently got married to his assistant, and rumor has it he fought for her hand with his own nephew.
His wedding caused quite the uproar in their family.
“Surprised to see you here.” His eyes momentarily land on the woman who smiles shyly at us. “Weren’t you on your honeymoon?”
“We had some things to do in Chicago, and I wouldn’t miss this party. I never thought I’d see the day when someone would tame the beast.”
Huffing in exasperation, I ask, “Is that what they are all saying?”
The woman nods. “Oh, yes. Well, that and the possibility of you being pregnant and trapping Lucian in this marriage.” She gasps and covers her mouth with her palm. “Oh my God. I’m so sorry.”
Kenneth just shakes his head at his wife and throws his arm over her shoulders, hugging her, and I see adoration written all over his face. No matter what anyone says, this is clearly a love match. “Forgive my wife for her bluntness. She is not used to bullshitting and talking about the weather while conversing during these gatherings.”
“Kenneth,” she hisses at him while sending an apologetic glance my way.
He shrugs and shifts his attention to Lucian. “Could we please talk about your recent merger?”
Lucian’s brows furrow, and his body tenses. “How do you know about that?”
“That’s why we need to talk.”
They watch each other for one long beat before he tells me, “Mi amor, I need a minute.” He gives me one last kiss on the forehead and then strides off in the direction to his office along with Kenneth, leaving me standing with his wife.
“I really apologize for that,” she whispers and then clears her throat. “With Kenneth, it’s all about business.” She extends her hand. “My name is Pamela.”
“Nice to meet you. I think it’s me who should apologize for interrupting your honeymoon.”
Her hollow laughter rocks between us. “It was over long before the invitation arrived.” Bitterness dances on the edges of her tone, and she twists her hand, exhaling heavily, and I don’t really know what to say.
This is why I avoid all these social gatherings; conversations require actions, but I don’t really know how to comfort her.
Honesty always has been considered one of my virtues. However, I doubt she needs to hear how she should have thought about his workaholic tendencies before she said yes.
Lila appears in this moment, hooking her arm through mine, and I sigh in relief. “Hello, ladies.” She winks at Pamela. “You look lovely, darling.” Compared to me, Lila has had to go to various events due to Eugene’s work, even though she detests it.
“Thank you. If you’ll excuse me, please.” Pamela darts somewhere, wiping her cheeks on the way, and barely misses the waiter who holds a heavy tray.
“If he doesn’t die soon, this marriage is gonna end in divorce,” Lila says, and I nudge her a little. “What? She shouldn’t have married him. If you wanna know my opin—”
“I think I’m going to hear it regardless.”
“That nephew of his just waits to sweep in as Prince Charming. So, either he will marry his uncle’s widow or his ex-wife.”
Well, judging by her reaction, I wouldn’t be surprised either. “Lila, you’re turning us into gossipers.”
“Forget about the Reeds, then. You married my arch enemy two days ago. Are you happy?”
I chuckle at this, placing my champagne glass on the table nearby, and grab a bottle of water, flicking the lid open. “Arch enemy? I thought you started to like him.” Taking a few sips, I welcome the cooling sensation spreading through me and bringing relief to my heated body.
“I said hard to hate not impossible.” She asks her next question, “Are you all right?” The bottle pauses midway to my mouth at this, and I lift my brow. “You married because you wanted to? Not because he ordered you to?” Worry flashes in her eyes, and her jaw clenches in anticipation of my reply.
“Of course.” Then I ask, “But if he made me marry him, then what would you do?”
“I’d cut his balls off.” At my laughter, she slaps my arm. “Okay, Eugene would have done that.”
“It’s adorable you think so.” This comment alone proves to me that Eugene knows more than he shows to the world about my husband. But I won’t be raising this subject to her just now, but someday… someday I would appreciate being able to talk to my friend about his inclinations that still unsettle me.
In every problem, it’s important not to be isolated in it; otherwise, you might drown in it instead of emerging stronger from the experience. “I wanted to discuss something with you actually.”
Lila snags a strawberry from the plate and bites it. “Go ahead.”
“We’ll be moving to Chicago.” She frowns, munching on the berry, so I continue, “The idea of leaving my two galleries unsupervised though makes me break out in a cold sweat. You know me, perfectionism is my everything.”
Sadness settles on her features as she swallows and whispers, “Oh, no. You want to close them?”
“No!” I exclaim and see several people turning their heads toward us and mouth, “Sorry,’’ to them al
l while they go back to their conversations. I’m still surprised no one has come to me to chat. Did the invitations include instructions on how to act toward me? “I was wondering if you’d like to be the manager.” She blinks in surprise. “I know you don’t need the money obviously. But you loved working there as an artist, so I thought—” The rest of my sentence turns into a huff when she hugs me closer, squeezing me so tight my ribs hurt.
“Yes, yes, yes!” She leans back and grins at me, her green eyes sparkling. “I mean I love you, but yes to this opportunity.”
Relief washes over me at her answer, and I wave the bottle between us. “Awesome. How long are you staying here?”
“We’re heading back tomorrow night. I’ll come over in the morning before our flight, and we can discuss details.”
“Sounds like a plan,” I say just as a shadow falls on us, and a husky voice speaks up.
“Two beautiful ladies all alone.” He clacks his tongue. “Your husbands are insensitive bastards.”
“If you want to find out how much, repeat this sentence once they’re back,” Lila replies sweetly, and Jacob bursts out laughing, sipping his whiskey. “What are you doing here?”
“I personally want to congratulate you, Esmeralda.” He picks up my hand and lifts it to his lips, pressing a kiss there and bowing slightly. “Since you haven’t fallen for my charms, losing to Lucian at least leaves me with dignity,” he exclaims dramatically. “You broke my heart and then stomped on it.”
Rolling my eyes, I snatch my hand away from him. “It couldn’t have been that broken since I’ve seen you parading women one after another in New York.” Jacob was born and raised here, but for some reason he detests Chicago and spends the majority of his time in other cities.
“A single man has to take his opportunities when he can, darling.” Amusement dances in his orbs, which only brings attention to his handsomeness and explains all the female attention.
Maybe that’s why the males in the Price family are not known for their fidelity.
“You won’t be single for long,” Lila chirps, snagging another strawberry and popping it in her mouth. “Wedding bells are in your near future.”
His mood sours at that reminder, and he quickly finishes his glass, snapping his fingers at the passing waiter, who silently understands the order. “That fucking engagement won’t be happening.”
Perching on the table, I poke him some more. “The families agreed.”
Lila nods. “And the Price family always honors their agreements.”
“I’m not marrying a sheltered little girl so Dad can get his grandchild.” Anger swirls around him, settling a darkness over us while the empty glass in his palm cracks at how hard he clenches it. His entire body vibrates with tension, and the veins on his neck strain.
Lila and I exchange a worried glance, as we’ve never seen Jacob anything but cheerful and joyful.
Being carefree is one of his signature moves.
Then why is he so unsettled right now?
Uneasiness rushes through me. I shift to the side closer to Lila who clears her throat and continues this conversation, although I think we should tread in safer waters.
“She’s a nice girl. And beautiful too.” Lila winks at me while I shake my head. Why is she encouraging him?
Although I wholeheartedly agree. Besides, what’s with all these arranged marriages? Choose your own freaking partner!
He snatches a glass from the server passing us and gulps it greedily before wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “Precisely why I won’t marry her. She deserves better. Trust me, males in my family always ruin the one they marry. It’s our most absolute law.” We stay silent because facts speak for themselves.
Their wives indeed suffer a lot, and despite their fortune, they were never considered eligible bachelors.
What did my grandmother once tell me?
The Price men are great for a good time and disastrous for anything else.
He finishes another glass, puts it on the table, and plasters on that smile of his that showcases his teeth and charms all the ladies.
“We can break free from the chains our family puts on us, you know?” Lila prompts, patting his arm. “Love does wonders for a person.”
He smirks, clearly disagreeing with her statement. “I’ll take your word for it.”
Lila opens her mouth, probably to argue about it, when I see people separating, making room for a newly arrived person with a tapping cane hitting the marble.
Slowly my grandmother comes into view, wearing her usual black suit consisting of a jacket and skirt while black shoes cover her feet.
The pearls hanging on her neck glimmer in the light while the majestic presence with which she carries herself makes several people just stare at her.
Some older gentlemen even sweep their gazes over her in appreciation because despite being in her eighties and wrinkles marring her skin, Grandmother is still very beautiful.
“Oh shit,” Jacob mutters and then drops his voice to a whisper. “Give us a sign if you need to be rescued.” He offers his elbow to Lila. “Care to spend some wild time with me until the husband dearest shows up?”
“If you don’t mind your face smashed,” Lila replies, and he chuckles, finding it funny, although she is dead serious.
Eugene does not care for other men touching his woman in a friendly or other manner.
She gives me a kiss on the cheek and then waves at some woman several feet away. “She’s one of the most generous sponsors. I’m gonna go. Find me once this”—she motions to my rapidly approaching grandmother—“is over.” She waltzes off toward the woman while Jacob blows me a kiss and heads somewhere as well, just as my grandmother reaches me.
“Grandmother,” I greet her as she stares me down, and her eyes linger on my dress before she looks me in the eyes again. “What a surprise to see you here.”
“Had it been a surprise, as you so eloquently put it, you’d run in the other direction.” Her icy tone glides over me, and I resist the urge to rub my arms. “Is this how a grandmother finds out about her granddaughter’s wedding? Through an invitation?”
To my astonishment, I detect hurt in her voice, which brings up my anger.
“If you wanted to be part of my life, Grandmother, then maybe you shouldn’t have hit me.”
Her cheeks heat, and she grips the cane harder, leaning on it. “I only did it a few times. I don’t deserve being cut off from your life for this.”
Several people swing their heads around at our raised voices. Widening my mouth in a fake smile that hurts my face, I grab her elbow and drag her to the terrace, away from prying gazes.
Since confrontation with my grandmother is unavoidable at this point, I prefer to do it in privacy.
Once we are outside, I walk farther to the right toward the rose bushes, and my grandmother breathes heavily, clearly not used to such a quick pace, so spotting a bench, I help her sit down. “I’m too old for such excitement.” A wistful expression flashes on her face. “Although during my youth, I spent a lot of time in such gardens.”
Judging by the tone, it’s not hard to guess what she did in there.
“It wasn’t only about you hitting me. It’s the treatment, the harsh words, all those stupid functions I never wanted to attend. Just so you could brag about my victories that always cost me peace and caused me pain because perfection was what you demanded.” Her jaw tics, but she says nothing, letting me speak. “But more importantly the constant insults to my parents. Did you really expect me to stay by your side after all this and call you once I got married?”
With a huff I drop next to her, relief slamming into me because I’ve finally told her what was on my mind for so long.
Why do parents and grandparents alike think they can hurt their children and then come back to them as if nothing happened?
The scars they leave behind always live in our souls, and to cure them, it takes time and effort they refuse to give us, in most cases
.
“I raised you the way my parents taught me. The way I raised my two children.” Her lips wobble on the last part, her hand trembling a little as she swings her cane from side to side. “Discipline.”
Since we’re being honest here, I cannot spare her feelings. “Losing both of your children because of that didn’t clue you in that maybe you needed to change tactics?”
She swallows harshly, looking into the distance and nodding as the breeze whooshes over her, rustling her gray hair. “Carrying such a powerful name gives you certain responsibilities. I couldn’t turn my back on them when my children decided to fall in love with someone beneath their station.” She raises her hand before I can protest or point out how once again she puts down my mother. “This is a fact. Not a personal jab at your mother, although God knows the woman was too proud for her own good.”
“When she had to be. You called her trash.” I ponder her earlier words. “Was it worth it, Grandma? Losing your children to keep the status quo?”
A tremor goes through her, and her hold on the cane tightens, her knuckles turning white. “Only I know what it costs me to stay in the position I’m in right now. My children chose their own path, and I respected it. I never used my connections to ruin their lives.” This much is true, she cut them off but never created obstacles for them. I even think, had they come to her and begged for financial aid, she would have helped them. “When the tragedy happened and you came to live with me… you loved to paint.” She smiles, the lines on her cheeks deepening. “You were so engrossed in it and created such beauty on the canvases. Disciplining you in order to make the best of this talent seemed like the best option.”
“Well, it wasn’t.”
“Yes, I know it now. Still, you cannot argue. You became successful.” She turns to me, her eyes glassy with an emotion I can’t name. “So maybe that discipline and a ruined relationship with you was worth it.”