The Billionaire’s Burden(18)

It was time to make my debut as the billionaire’s bride.





Chapter Ten





"It's so nice to finally meet you, Macy." A man with white hair bowed low before me as though I were royalty, taking my hand softly kissing the back, "We've heard such lovely things about you." His British voice reminded me of Sebastian's, though this stranger's was much more frosty.

"It's a pleasure." I replied, struggling to keep a clam smile on my face. I'd already forgotten the man's name, as well as everyone else's.

I was going to have to find some back corner and have a drink.

More and more people floated our way, like zombies wandering towards a locked building with people hunkered down inside.

They said much of the same thing, over and over. Lots of 'pleasures' were exchanged and 'how do you do’s.' It was all very stiff, formal, and unbearable.

Fortunately enough, we had yet to come across George Davis and Alissa. I was sure, however, that his arrival with his new lover would be the drama of the evening. At least it would be something interesting.

As enticing as that sounded, however, I really didn't want to see the look on my husband's face when they arrived.

I still hadn't figured out what I could do to help him. It pained me that I was so useless in this complicated situation.

"I'm going to run to the ladies' room." I whispered in his ear, holding still as he planted a kiss on my cheek before darting away.

Tonight was all about show. Nothing meant anything, it was all just to make it seem as though we were the happiest, most in love newlyweds in the room.

This was why we got married after all, to show his corporation what a dedicated man Sebastian could really be.

I was sure on the inside that none of the older gentlemen here were in the dark of our situation, but the least we could do was fake it for them a bit longer.

The line into the small bathroom was way too long, I realized, as I approached it. There was only one stall and many women with too much champagne in their bellies.

I sighed, choosing to slide around the other side of the wall and plant myself in a chair. It wasn't long before a waiter circled around, offering me a glass of my own bubbly.

Too enthusiastically, I snatched it, downing it quickly before requesting another glass.

If there was anything that could make this night more bearable, it was alcohol. I only wished there was some tequila in the house.

I leaned back in the chair, propping my legs up on the next chair over in a most unladylike way. I didn't really care, it wasn't like Karina was here to see me. The other people bustled past me, thankfully ignoring my very existence. While I was alone, I was a nobody. It was only while I was at Sebastian's side that I mattered, at least in this place.

To be honest, I was currently okay with that. It made escaping for a little 'me time' easier.

If I leaned heavy to the side, I could just see the top of Sebastian’s head through he thick swarm of ever moving dancers and waiters. He didn't look as though he was particularly missing me either. He was probably glad not to have to keep up the rouse for a little while.

I was perfectly content to give him as much time as he needed, as I ordered another glass form the waiter.

Tipping my head back, I downed that glass of white wine in a way that would have made my lush of a mother in law proud.

As another song ended and a new one began, I realized it was about time I made my return back to our boring company. Fortunately enough for me, the line at the restroom had barely moved an inch. The length of my disappearance would be all too believable, and I was much more content with a little champagne in my belly.

Climbing to my stilettoed feet, the heel of shoe caught in the gossamer length of my gown. I stumbled, champagne glass flying free from my hand like a bug escaping a net.

The glass tumbled to the ground, noisily crashing into a hundred tiny specks of crystal.

The entire room seemed to fall silent, my hands pressing hard against my face in sheer mortification. I glanced around, face and neck going crimson as Alissa’s hair, only to find that no one was staring at me for making a fool of myself.

No, the people were turning slowly towards the front door.

I peered around them, apologizing to the waiter quickly who had to clean up my mess, as a scarlet head bobbed through the entrance.

Alissa Grant stood there, George Davis slightly behind her.

The woman flicked her perfect red curls over her exposed shoulder, allowing a man to take her coat.

The bright red dress, if it was even long enough to be called so, clung tight to her body. The neck of her gown dipped almost down to her belly button in a deep V, her cleavage threatening to explode. The back of her gown, which she just so happened to spin and show off, was equally as exposing.

I was almost jealous she had the body and confidence to wear something like that. No wonder George was so into her.