Just A Fling

Geoffrey was standing there with a sheepish look when we turned in the direction of the noise.

He cut in, saying, "I thought I'd interrupt before this went X-rated. Your absence there is standing out more and more. Is everything okay?"

Nicholas and I pulled out of our embrace and he took my hand before asking, "Shall we have dinner, then?"

Geoffrey promptly left and I nodded, asking Nicholas to follow after. I was really happy to see only friendly people at our table.

I sat down between Nicholas and Lory, grinning as I did so. Apart from Francis, his date was also seated at our table.

Under the table, Lory grasped my hand and bent close to whisper. "Did anything happen?"

I gave her hand a squeeze. "It's okay. I swear."

She examined me with a doubtful look but allowed me to lie. Salads were served and I enjoyed the light conversation around the table. Francis introduced me to his date, but she looked utterly bored throughout the meal and didn't speak much.

I somewhat felt bad for the woman because Francis seemed to pay attention only to Lory, who he was debating with.

During supper, Nicholas chuckled in my ear. He gestured at Lory and Francis and asked, "Are you seeing what I'm seeing?"

I laughed and threw the idea out into the wild. "Maybe we should launch a matchmaker agency."

There was no doubt that I would question Lory later.

Nicholas dragged me out onto the dance floor after dessert, hugging me tightly as we swayed to the music. Although I'd never been much of a dancer, I would have done almost anything to be in his arms.

After a few songs, Clara came over, appearing hesitant to speak. She undoubtedly believed I was upset with her, which made me feel horrible.

"If Rosemary being here caused you both any discomfort, I wanted to apologize."

I released Nicholas' hand and pulled her into a tight hug. "It's okay." I pulled away and placed her hand in Nicholas'. "Why don't you dance with your mother? I have to use the restroom."

They smiled at me and I felt lighter immediately. I knew one thing, and that was: family always came first. I had gone a very long time without my parents and I would give anything to spend more time with them. I was going to make it my life's mission to treat the Rowes well and help Nicholas have a better relationship with his family along the way.

I went to the bathroom, thinking about what had happened. I had just finished washing my hands when Rosemary entered. My body automatically prepared itself for the assault I anticipated from her.

"Well, well... It's the young Mrs. Rowe..."

I wore a large smile. "Yes. And if it isn't the whore ex."

She made an effort to maintain her composure, but I could see the flicker of rage in her eyes. She walked up to the sink next to me, turned to the mirror, and fluffed her hair with her blood-red-tipped claws.

"You realize that you don't stand a chance, right?"

I rolled my eyes as I spoke, "You have lost your mind if you believe Nicholas would ever take you back."

She giggled before facing me. "Is that what Nicholas told you? You are so naive, you little child." She looked me up and down, her eyes holding distaste.

I wanted to tear her hair from her head. I wouldn't be satisfied until she was bald. "The naive girl who is wearing the ring."

She scoffed and waved the words away. "A young thing like you is just a passing phase. Just like the other women he rolled around with trying to get over me. I give it one month before you file for divorce."

I gripped the edge of the counter, trying not to shake with anger. "Keep deluding yourself, Rosemary. I am sure it makes you feel better. But consider seeing a therapist because if you don't understand that even if Nicholas and I split, you would be the last woman on the planet if you go to, you're bordering on a threat to society."

She drew nearer, her eyes narrowing. "He's only ever loved me and no other woman. He will never love anyone else."

What she said made me recoil. My own insecurities about my connection with Nicholas came to the surface. After all, the foundation of everything we had was a contract. He might never be able to love me, but it was possible.

Was she correct?

Surely she wasn't the only person he would ever love.

Was there ever a chance for me?

She grinned triumphantly when she caught a glimpse of my reaction. I was losing my will to fight, and I only wanted to get away.

The door suddenly opened, and I exhaled in relief as I saw Courtney and Lory stroll in.

"Nicholas sent us in to check on you, Willow," Courtney remarked, casting a scornful glance at Rosemary's way. "Is she bothering you?"

I bit my lip and shook my head while summoning all of my remaining strength. I didn't give the disgusting woman another thought as I walked past her.

"I'm good. She is not important."

Rosemary hissed behind me, so I knew I had her attention. My friends were at my side as I left, and I kept my head up and shoulders straight.

But Lory wasn't going to depart without one last shot.

"Let's go. Nicholas was saying something about sneaking out of the party and getting you home."

No sooner were we out of the washroom than Lory stopped to look at me. "I don't know who the hell that is," she started. "But Nicholas was really worried about you and sent us to get you."

I glanced down the hall to find him standing near the entryway, watching the three of us. He quickly walked over to me.

"Are you alright? Did she do anything to hurt you?"

I sighed. "Everything is fine now."

We were both startled by a loud crash coming from the bathroom, and Nicholas rubbed his brow before turning to face me. "What was that?"

I shrugged whilst Lory and Courtney laughed in the background. Perhaps Rosemary was having a mental breakdown and destroying the restroom. I wasn't worried about it.

I grabbed his hand and dragged him as far away from the trash as I could. "Nothing to be concerned about. I want to go home. What is your opinion on this?"

He wrapped his arms around my shoulder. "Yes. Let's leave right away."

We had to speak to a few more people before Clara assured us she could handle the rest and told us to take off.

I felt like I hadn't seen the last of Rosemary.

.

The days following the reception were generally calm. I had to admit that I liked it more when there was no drama, but I couldn't get rid of the impression that this was just the quiet before the storm.

It was challenging for me to ignore what Rosemary had said, despite Nicholas's warning that I shouldn't take anything she said personally. It was her assertion that Nicholas would never love me that bothered me the most.

I was so invested in him that it made me anxious. I realized I couldn't suppress my emotions any longer

The constant battle of the pros and cons in my head put a lot of pressure on me. My mind told me to stay silent while my heart yelled at me to put it in line and tell him exactly how I felt.

On Nicholas' birthday, I got up early, got in the shower, and prepared his gifts for the day. I exfoliated, moisturized, and buffed myself until my skin was completely smooth. I smiled as I put on the gorgeous bra and underwear set I'd purchased the day before. I knew Nicholas would probably rip them off the moment he saw them.

When I returned from the restroom, Nicholas was still asleep. I snuck around silently to the sound system with the special playlist I had made for the day.

I took a few deep breaths to calm my anxieties before I started the performance. As I pressed play and climbed up on the bed to stand over Nicholas, he hardly moved at all.

He soon awoke. I attributed it to my dancing and bouncing, but it could also be the unconscious kick to his side. He opened his eyes and looked confused at first, but finally, a grin broke on his face when he realized I was dancing and singing.

He smiled up at me while placing his hands behind his head. "Oh? You know this song?"

I gave him a quick nod before moving forward and swaying my booty. I quickly realized that I would never succeed as an exotic dancer.

All my dance practice was in vain because he pulled me down before the song ended. He flipped us over and pinned me on the bed beneath him in one motion, making me shriek in surprise.