It was already 5:30 pm and Kelly was done helping me with my makeup. I told her not to stress so much on it but i was satisfied in the end.
When we were done i stood before the mirror and was a little surprised. I had never seen myself look as good as i did at that moment.
We finally decided against the black dress and I was putting on a dark red off shoulder which hugged me perfectly and had a slit which reached just a little above my mid thigh. Paired with a pair of black heels and some other accessories. My hair tied up in perfect bun done equally by Kelly.
"You look so gorgeous" I heard her say excited and i managed to let out a satisfying smile. One would think i was a little overdressed but i knew what others would wear and i decided not to look cheap before them like the last time.
When i was time, i got my purse and Kelly accompanied me to the cab i had called. After hugging me and wishing me good luck, she let me into the car.
That was the beginning of a very horrible night.
The ride was longer than i had expected but finally we got there. Just like in my last life, there were a lot of reporters around the red carpet as dad had invited very important people from his business world.
As i got out from the car, the numerous lights almost blinded me, with many reporters asking me about my husband. I felt like standing there and screaming at them that i was not married. But i knew better than that. I just walked in ignoring every word they said and finally got in.
Everyone inside looked comfortable and happy. They were in little groups talking and laughing together and i started getting that out of place feeling. Just then, dad called me and i walked over to him. I was struggling to be nice till i was done with what i was there for.
"Happy birthday" I said as i stood before him.
"Thank you darling." he responded before continuing "I know our last meeting was not good but i hope you forget about it so everything can go well this night." he said and i just nodded.
"Tristan Sanchester is supposed to be here so i hope you be on your best behavior. It would be good for all of us if i can get a contract with his company." he said and i remembered dad always wanting to get on this Tristan Sanchester guy's good side. I wonder if its one of dad's old acquaintances.
I walked away as the occasion was to begin soon and met Anna on my way.
"Hey, sister Alicia" she said fake smiling and i almost vomited. "Hello Anna," I responded before walking away but she held me hand and i jerked hers away.
"I know you might be angry that brother Clark is spending much more time with me but he's just sad you are ignoring him, you should apologize." she said innocently.
Then i just laughed. " That would be giving you the stress of devising another plan. You're free you know, do as you wish with Clark, I am no longer an obstruction. "
I walked away from her as i was done talking and just then the event began.
Dad took the mic and grabbed everyone's attention to make his speech.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. It is quite a pleasure to welcome you all to my birthday celebration. I am glad we were all able to make it here this night. I would like to express my gratitude to my wonderful daughter who has always been there to support me in every way they could and i am proud to see her grow to the wonderful woman she is today." He said and everything one clapped as Anna walked up and hugged him. I really wish i had a dad. A real dad.
All he said next was about his business and i had already lost interest. Turning around i saw Clark, he was talking to someone, then the person left. Taking the chance, i walked up to give him the divorce papers i had prepared.
"We need to talk" I said as i got to him.
"There's nothing to talk about Alicia" he said as we walked to a corner of the hall, I handed the file to him and he took it looking confused.
"I want to safe us both the stress of continuing in this relationship..."I started but just then the big screen meant to display some images for the birthday and instead images of me were played. Me with different people i never knew, walking into the hotel room and then some other images of other inappropriate scenes of me holding some men.
The room was filled with gossips as Anna hurried to switch them off. I was prepared for this though it was not as ugly as the last time but people's reaction where still the same. Clark was in front of me and looked up at the switched off screen without saying a word. Not like i cared anyway.
Then the only woman i had respect for, Clark's mother walked up to me and gave me slap. Everyone was shocked and focused on us.
"I knew it was a mistake letting you marry my son. You're really shameless. How dare you disgrace him in such manner. " she said losing her composure.
I expected this reaction so i had prepared my words.
"I agree it was a mistake, so i am doing everything to correct i have made arrangements to divorce Clark as he clearly doesn't deserve me" I said loudly
Since they had gathered all the attention, there was no need keeping things low.
Then Clark turned me over making me lose my balance and fall before pouring his glass on me.
"You disgust me Alicia" he said and i felt a little maybe i was not strong enough to relive this scene.
Soon dad came over and just then everyone was quiet. I didn't look up to see what was going on until felt something warm cover my exposed skin stained with the wine.
The scent was that of the guy at the hotel that day. I had marked his scent without even knowing. When i looked up, he was there stooping before me as he adjusted his heavenly scented tuxedo over my shoulders.
"Told you you have a pretty interesting life." he said smiling and i was surprised to see him there.
"What are you doing here?" I asked him and he was slightly taken aback by my question.
"You wouldn't want me responding to your question in this position." he said then i realized i was still seated on the floor. He helped me up.
"Mr. Sanchester" dad said and i swear my mouth went open. He was the Tristan Sanchester.
"I never knew you'd come already" dad said
"Just did but i'm leaving, i have to clean this girl up. " he said walking me out and leaving everyone surprised even me. I had never planned any of that and i was too shocked to even react.
When we got outside, i moved away from him
"Why did you say that" I asked and he just shrugged
"You're pretty good at using me princess" he said with a smirk and that got me on my nerves
"Don't call me princess." I said
"OK princess" he said and i rolled my eyes.
"Let me give you a ride" he said calmly and i wanted to refuse but felt to tired to do so.
He took me to his car and we got in.
The ride was silent. I just told him where to drop me off and he nodded.
I was actually grateful for him helping me. He didn't even ask to know the story behind all those images. Did he also judge me?
Well I guess he did. Even I will.