Chapter 88
A R I A N A
I stood in front of my small mirror as I stared at myself.
I wore a simple black dress, it was nothing too much, but it was beautiful and affordable.
I made my hair into a simple bun and a little bit of make up, nothing too much.
I did not look special but okay rather and I may looked tired judging by the tiredness in my eyes.
My mind was screaming at me.
Telling me this was a bad idea.
A very bad idea.
But I had no choice Mr Davies said the dinner was mandatory I could not lose my job.
This job pays for oir basic necessities so I had to go.
The kids were not home they were at Sarah’s house for a sleepover I was thankful for that. Ii wasn’t sure when I’d be back.
I took a deep breathIt will be okay, I told myself. I will go.
I will smile and I will stay for one hour then I will leave
Just then the doorbell rang.
My heart jumped.
It was Phil.
I got my small purse taking one last look in the mirror before I went and opened the door.
Phil stood there.
He wore a nice suit.
He smiled when he saw me.
“Ariana,” he said. “You look… wow. Beautiful p>
I felt my face get warm. “Thank you, Phil. You look nice too p>
He leaned in before I could move he placed a soft kiss on my cheek.
I froze.
It caught me off guard.
It was just a friendly kiss but it felt… strange.
Too fast.
I took a small step back. “We should go. We don’t want to be late p>
“Of course,” he said still smiling. “My car is right outside p>
We walked to his car. He opened the door for me.
I sat in the passenger seat, looking out the window as the city lights passed by.
Phil talked the whole drive.
He talked about work about a new restaurant he wanted to try.
I just nodded.
I made small sounds but I was not really listening.
My mind was somewhere else.
It was at the Grand Hotel It was with a man with dark eyes.
What would Dante do when he saw me? Would he ignore me? Would he be angry seeing me with Phil?
No.
He wouldn’t be, he already said we were done, so it’s pointless.
We arrived at the hotel too soon It was big and beautiful.
Phil parked the car then he came around and opened my door.
“Ready?” he asked offering his arm.
I did not take his arm but as we walked towards the entrance he put his hand on my waist.
His hand was heavy.
I did not like it.
But I did not say anything I did not want to make a scene.
We walked into the ballroom It was huge full of people in expensive clothes, the air smelled of perfume and good food.
I felt very small.
Very out of place.
My eyes scanned the room as I looked for Dante.
I did not see him.
Maybe he was not here yet my heart beat a little slower.
Phil leaned close to me.
His breath was warm on my ear.
“I see my boss over there,” he mumbled. “I need to go say hello I’ll be right back p>
I forced a smile. “Okay p>
He gave my waist a little squeeze and then walked away.
I was alone.
I stood by a tall pillar I felt everyone’s eyes on me or maybe it was just in my head.
I took a deep breath as I looked down at my simple dress.
Coming here was such a bad idea but Mr Davies left me no choice.
Ugh!
Suddenly I felt a pang, like a storm was coming urging me to slowly look up across the crowded room and I saw him.
Dante.
He stood near the bar he was talking to Mr. Davies but he was not looking at Mr. Davies.
He was looking straight at me.
His eyes were dark. Darker than I remembered they were cold like black ice.
He saw me.
I bit on my lower lip suddenly feeling nervous than I already am, gosh! No.
He shouldn’t have this effect on me, I hated that he still did
His gaze felt heavy It felt dangerous and i could still not look away it felt like i was trapped.
He was wearing a black suit that fit him perfectly he looked dominating as usual, he looked like he owned the whole world.
My breath caught in my throat as my hands felt cold.
Why did I come here? This was a mistake.
A fucking mistake!
Phil came back.
He stood beside me as he followed my gaze and saw Dante.
“Wow,” Phil whispered. “Mr Russo and Mr Davies seem to be discussing more about the collaborations”
I did not say anything but Phil put his hand on my waist again and he pulled me a little closer to him.
“You look nervous,” he said. “Is everything okay p>
As Phil held me Dante’s cold dark eyes watched us.
He watched Phil’s hand on my waist and for a second just a second, I saw the ice in his eyes crack, I saw a flash of something else.
Something hot and furious, something that looked like jealousy.
Then it was gone.
His face was a mask again before he turned away concentrating on what Mr Davies was talking about.
I felt suffocated in the place I needed to get away before I pass out.
I needed to get out of this place.
“Uhm… Can you excuse me for a second, I need to go use the bathroom” I say pulling away from his hold.
His brows furrowed in confusion like he knew something was up, “Are you sure you’re fine?” He asks in concern.
I nodded hurriedly gulping a lump, “Yeah… just excuse” I replied before walking away not witing for his response.