A Trillionaire’s Revenge novel Chapter 9

Luke had offered to get me a glam team for my hair and makeup but I had refused, because I would feel more uncomfortable than I already was if he kept throwing favors my way.

I am getting ready when the door opens. I look through the mirror to see who it is. It's Luke. There's total silence for a few seconds until I speak.

"What do you want?" I ask, still looking at him through the mirror.

"May I come in?" He asks. "You already opened the door, didn't you? Might as well enter." He enters, a box in his hand.

"What is it?" I ask. He opens the box and it's a ring. A very expensive, shiny, beautiful blue ring. I look at him, my face emotionless and his, hopeful.

"I realized that I didn't get to give you this because of the way things happened so fa—

"You mean how you coerced me into marrying you?"

He's quiet. He continues, "It would appear odd if my wife attended a soirée in our own home without a ring on her finger, so I got this for you."

I sigh, "I don't want it, Carrington. I don't want anything from you, but I'll wear it, just for today. You and I share no relationship. Don't forget that." I say. I continue, "After the party, I'm taking this off. A ring is a symbol of marriage and marriage, is a symbol of love. Something I don't and will never have for you." I say, making sure I look directly into his eyes so he knows just how serious I am.

His eyes become red almost immediately and I stretch my hand out for him to put it on. The ring is a perfect fit.

*********

All eyes are on me the moment I arrive downstairs. Luke comes, extending his hand to me. I take his hand and we both walk to meet a few people.

"Mr. Durant, Mrs. Durant, my wife, Natalie." He gestures to me. They smile at me, "Hello, nice to meet you." I say, trying my best to make my smile look as genuine as possible.

"So, how did you and Luke meet?" Mrs. Durant asks. There was something about the woman. She looked reserved and it was almost as though, she was trying to force the conversation. I could tell something wasn't right with her.

I smile, "Well, I think that is something Luke would like to tell you himself. Excuse me." I say, irritated. I walk to the corner of the room looking at all the guests socialize, give fake smiles and brag about their assets. Luckily, a waiter passes and offers me a glass of rosé. I take it and head to the table. I pick a strawberry and throw it in and begin to drink it. Alcohol never tasted better.

"Strawberry in rosé, very classic." A female voice says to me.

I turn my head to get a good look at her, she was dressed in a lace halter dress. Her hair was dark and she had fair skin, just like me. "It's a habit I picked up from my mother." I say. She giggles, "Hi. I'm Kelly, Kelly Andrews." She says, extending her hand for a shake.