TWENTY-EIGHT: AT THE PARTY

KIMBERLY

When Madame Delica was done with me, I couldn't recognize myself again and I felt as if butter had been smeared on my face and that I needed to wash it off. I was not used to wearing makeup, it wasn't my thing. But, I looked totally different. Liam had gotten me a lacy red short sleeveless dress, a pearl necklace, and stud earrings, with six inches heels.

"You look beautiful, mademoiselle," Madame Delica said, making me spin around.

I agreed with her and smiled at myself in the mirror. She held my hand and led me out of Liam's room towards his study where he was waiting for me. When we pushed the door and entered, Liam was on the phone his back was to us, he turned when we came in. The smile on his face slowly faded, he stared at me with an expression I didn't quite understand. I looked at Madame Delica and looked down at my feet, suddenly feeling shy.

A thousand thoughts started to run through my head. Why did he stop smiling? Was I not beautiful enough, even after the makeup? Is he disappointed? Maybe this dress didn't fit or I was just overdressed.

"I present to you, Mademoiselle Kimberly, an epitome of beauty," Madame Delica's voice brought me out of my thoughts.

I looked up again and Liam started to approach us, his eyes on me. I couldn't will my own eyes to leave his face. He walked up to me, Madame Delica handed me over to him.

"This one is a rare beauty, didn't take much of my effort to bring out this flawlessness."

"Merci beaucoup, Madame Delica," [Thank you very much, Madame Delica] Liam said and took my hand, his eyes still on me. He kissed the back of my palm.

It was supposed to be a gentlemanly gesture, but it sent heat through my body. I didn't know why I felt like that, but I managed a small smile.

"Shall we?" he asked, angling his arm, I slid my hand into his elbow and we left the study.

Mr. Hugh was waiting by the car when we came out and he flashed me a kind smile. I smiled back. Liam stretched out his hand for the old man, the man looked at him in askance.

"I will drive," he said.

Your mother..." the man started to complain but Liam held up his hand, stopping him from talking further. He handed Liam the keys.

"Mr. Hugh, I told you to take some time off," Liam said as he opened the door for me to go in.

Even as I entered the car, I felt Liam's eyes on me, I meekly entered and huffed.

"Your mum is back, I can't leave work. "

"You are not leaving work, you are going off for some time, you need some rest."

Mr. Hugh smiled. Liam entered the driver's seat and put on his seat belt without saying anything to me. I kept looking forward trying to distract myself from him. He ignited the car and pulled out of the compound. We didn't talk for a few meters away from the house, but Liam kept casting glances at me and I was uncomfortable that I sat so still, looking at the thousands of lights that adorned the road.

"Are you okay?" he finally asked.

I turned quickly to look at him on reflex. "Huh? Do I not look okay?"

"You seem quite tense."

"Well, I can't help it and you have been staring at me since I came out with that French woman. Am I overdressed?"

He looked at me and looked back at the road. "No, no, you look pretty in that dress."

Something tugged at my heart. That was the only compliment he had given to me since we met. A hint of a smile appeared at the corners of my lips. He glanced at me and focused on the road again.

"What? You don't believe me?"

"This is the only compliment you have given me since we met. Whether it's genuine or not, I will take it."

He looked at me, sighed, and focused on the road again, I saw a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.




We got to the venue. Liam went out of the car, came around, and opened my door, offering his hand to me. I took his hand and he smiled at me, leading me out of the car. A flood of camera lights flashed on us. He led me towards the stairs, as reporters flooded around us, asking loads of questions. But some men in black suits came and blocked the reporters. We walked majestically up the stairs until we were on the red carpet. Tons of pictures were taken and my cheeks started to hurt from so much smiling. We finally got to the ballroom and I was wowed by the magnificence of the place and the class of people around.

I was suddenly grateful that I had not been stubborn to ask Madame Delica to give me a casual look. Looking at how the ladies were all dressed, in fine diamonds, gold, and pearl jewelry, I realized I was not overdressed at all. That had been on my mind since we left the house. Aiden approached us, he looked so handsome and neat in his burgundy suit.

"Hey, celebrity couple," he said and shook hands with Liam.

I smiled at him and looked around, searching for Mrs. McGillivary. I didn't see her anywhere. Aiden pointed towards a round table adorned with a flower vase and surrounded by drinks.

"Shall we? I arranged the best table for you," Aiden said taking the lead.

We followed him, I couldn't help but notice the eyes on us as we went. Everyone wanted to finally see the woman Liam McGillivary had finally settled down with. I didn't want to make eye contact with anyone. I saw Iris, Khloe, and Shirley huddled in a corner. For the first time in my life, I was grateful that Khloe and I didn't look alike. Khloe waved at me frantically, smiling. Shirley just watched me with an unreadable expression, while Iris blew me kisses.

Liam halted beside me and I stopped and turned my face, my jaw almost dropped when I saw Mrs. McGillivary in front of me. Her eyes went over to where my gaze had been, but I didn't think she knew what I was looking at. She wore a black, lacy, maxi gown with tiny, shiny stones imprinted on it, her permed her was all in place, not a single one was out of place. Her makeup was sauve and I felt intimidated.

"Hmm," she breathed as her eyes ran over me. "Miss DeLuca, can I speak to you?" she asked, her chin raised arrogantly.

"Sure," I said quickly, my breath almost catching in my throat.

"In private."

My heart dropped low into my abdomen as my words got stuck in my mouth and, even Liam's grip tightened around my hand.