THIRTY-NINE

Like all other soirees she had been to, the ambience was sophisticated and professional, a touch of elegance and refinement lingered as people mingled and talked softly. Soft music played in the dimly lit hall as soft talks buzzed around; networking. It smelt of rich and almost extravagant perfumes along side cocktails and canapes.

She was bored to death already but she was glad she had the company of Jaxon at the very least.

“Forgive me, I forgot to ask; how is your head?” He asked her as they proceeded into the hall.

She shook his head, dismissing his apology.

“Oh, it’s better, thank you.” She replied.

Her gaze subconsciously scanned around the place for Alexander and she found him standing with a group of people, Maya Blackwood included. Bile rose to her throat as she took in Maya’s attire; from her black dress which showed off her exquisite figure to her shoes and the arrogant updo of her hair. She hated how beautiful she was, and she hated how closely she stood to Alexander as they conversed while sipping their champagne every now and then.

“That’s good to know.” Jaxon said, snapping her out of her bitter thoughts.

She nodded.

“Want to get a drink?” He asked her.

She nodded once more. She’d need a drink to get through the evening.

“Please.” She replied.

He chuckled.

“Were you just waiting for me to ask?”

She chuckled while awkwardly shaking her head.

“I was just about to ask for a drink.” She lied.

He merely nodded while smirking still. Her gaze once again travelled to Alexander as Jaxon signaled a waiter to bring them some drinks; she drank in his looks. Everything about him was flawless, from his hair, to his eyes, to how perfectly his tuxedo suited him, to how regally he carried himself. She was very well aware of the fact that he hadn’t called her all day; she suspected it had something to do with her probing last night.

Was he upset with her? Or had he just been distracted by Maya Blackwood?

“Here you go.” Jaxon offering her a drink once again snapped her out of her thoughts. She took the glass from him with a gratifying smile, and she wasted no time in a taking a long, much needed sip.


“Quite parched, were we?” He asked humorously.

“Very.” She replied. “Thank you.”

“Fair enough. Let’s find the host, shall we?” He asked to her dismay.

He wanted them to go to Alexander? Why? What if Alexander became even more upset with her for hanging with him?

“Already? We only just got here.” She said.

He seemed not to have heard what she said because his eyes lit up on sighting Alexander.

“There he is, the glorious bastard.” He said. “Come on”.

She dragged in a shuddering breath to brace herself as he led her towards the group of people. They were a few steps from them when Alexander’s gaze accidentally flickered to hers, and just like that, she watched his gaze rake over her from top to bottom. She found herself averting her gaze from his, not just that, she found her hand trembling ever so slightly; his gaze was so veery intense and penetrating.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.” Jaxon greeted smoothly on getting to the group.

Their attention snapped to them at once and most of their eyes lit up on seeing Jaxon.

“Mr. Cole, good evening. Didn’t know you were in town.” An elderly man who went by the name of Howard spoke first before tons of pleasantries were exchanged.

“Cole.” Alexander said at last, he reached out and shook Jaxon’s hand firmly. “Glad you could make it.”

“Of course. It’s such a fine evening.” Jaxon replied.

Alexander nodded before his gaze flickered to Yalda’s briefly.

“I see you have Ms. Harris accompanying you.” He said simply.

She forced down the lump that had suddenly materialized in her throat as she raised the glass to her lips and took a much-needed sip of her cocktail.

“Yes yes.” Jaxon replied, he seemed to be very glad.

“Speaking of which, Ms. Harris, I was told you were in an accident. Good to see that you’re alright.” Maya Blackwood spoke up. “You look lovely.”

Her gaze snapped to hers and she offered her the most courteous smile she could manage.

“Thank you.” She replied. “Your dress is stunning.”

Maya smirked, she oozed of haughtiness and Yalda hated it.

“Thank you.” She replied.

She returned her attention to the group that had carried on with their discussion without Alexander.

“How are you feeling today, Yalda?” Alexander asked her.

Her gaze returned to his and she offered him a faint smile.

“I’m better.” She replied. If he cared that much he could have reached out to her

He nodded. He said nothing more to her as he conversed with Jaxon smoothly, it was almost as though he completely forgot she was right there. The awkwardness was eating her up; how could he stand there and pretend like he hadn’t warned her about Jaxon? How could he stand there and pretend like he didn’t give a shit if she was hanging with Jaxon? How could he pretend like there was absolutely nothing between them? How was he so good at it?

So much tension was making her too lightheaded. Concluding that she could take no more of it, she decided to excuse herself briefly.

“Um, excuse me, I need to use the rest room.” She said quietly before turning around and walking away while trying her best to maintain her composure.

She wasn’t sure if it was the cocktail or if it was simply her body acting up, but she felt even more lightheaded with every step that she took towards the restroom. She set her drink aside on an empty tray as she walked a passed a table. And as though the evening wasn’t grueling enough, she heard a familiar voice say her name.

“Ms. Harri.”

Fuck….

She couldn’t help but curse under her breath before she turned around to face Ryan Blackwood with the very same smile she had given his step-mom. Like always, he looked smug and haughty, and his back tuxedo made him look even more so.

“Good evening.” She greeted.

“Good evening.” He responded as he walked up to her. She watched his gaze rake over her quickly and she felt like smacking his face. “Good to see that you’re alright.”

She nodded.

“Thank you.” She replied.

“I sent you a message, would have done more if you hadn’t been discharged so quickly.” He said as he took a sip from the champagne glass he was holding.

Was he actually bringing up the text?

“Oh. There were so many messages, I couldn’t possibly remember.” She lied. “Thank you though.”

She couldn’t wait for him to say his piece so she could walk away quickly; her head was becoming too faint for her liking, and he seemed to notice because his temple creased in slight concern.

“Are you alright?” He asked her as he stepped closer to her. His cologne snaked its way into her nostrils and she found the fragrance way too strong for her at the moment. She nodded quickly before stepping back.

“Yes. Thank you. I just need to use the restroom.” She replied. “Please excuse me.”

Not waiting for his response, she turned around and walked away quickly, and she was surprised that she staggered unnoticeably.