Contracted To The Beast novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Chapter 20

TITA

“The Beast, we heard rumors of your engagement to Bella. What in the love triangle is going on?” A reporter asked, locking eyes with me directly.

I felt bile rise to my throat. For a second I thought I might throw up right there on the red carpet.

Security quickly shoved the reporter away. Maddox guided me forward into the hall. All eyes turned toward us the moment we stepped inside. People whispered. Some points. I felt like an object on display. My heart beat wildly in my chest 1 tightened my grip around Maddox’s forearm without thinking.

“Welcome, Mr. Kane, Dr. Page.” A smartly dressed waiter in black pants, white shirt, and black gloves directed us to our able “This way please.”

Servers moved elegantly through the room, carrying trays of champagne and small chocolate bonbons. Event coordinators hurried around making last minute adjustments. The hall was huge. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The walls were painted gold. Round tables with six chairs each filled the space. It was simply fabulous.

Yet I felt claustrophobic. Like a spotlight followed my every step.

I kept catching random people staring at me. They looked at me like I had stolen Maddox from Bella. The other woman. The mistress. They sized me up openly. They were not even trying to hide their judgment. Their prejudice was clear on their faces. What did a man like Maddox see in a low class woman like me?

Maddox pulled out a chair for me. I sat down quietly. The pit in my stomach grew wider with every second.

“Maddox the Man!” A tall, well dressed gentleman I did not recognize walked up and gave Maddox a bear hug. “It has been a while.”

“Yeah it has. How are you?” Maddox replied.

“I am good. Do you mind if we join you?” The man sat down and beckoned to his date, a brunette in a purple wrap dress. “Forgive my manners. I am Nate Peterson and this is Eva.”

“I am Nia,” I managed to say without stuttering.

“Nice to meet you. I am an old friend of Maddox. We went to the same college,” Nate said, chuckling heartily.

Eva took the seat right next to me. She sipped her champagne and looked me over. “Is this your first time at an event like this?” she asked.

“Excuse me?” Maddox was busy chatting with Nate and did not notice what was happening.

“I am just wondering. No offense at all. It is just that you are a doctor and no one had heard of you until now.” She grabbed a bonbon.

I turned away from her and scanned the hall quietly as a popular jazz band started playing Fly Me to the Moon. The gala also doubled as an auction. Expensive art pieces were displayed around the room. Some were selling for millions of dollars.

“How did you and Maddox meet?” Eva asked, her voice nosy.

“We went to the same high school,” Maddox replied with a smile.

“Aww, that is so cute. I love a good high school romance story,” she said, chuckling. Then she leaned closer to me and whispered, “I am not surprised though. Besides, you are not his usual type. He prefers glamorous blondes and sometimes

brunettes.”

“Excuse me.” I stood up and walked out of the hall into the hallway. I needed air. I could not take this anymore.

13

TUE

7

C

M

O

14:35 Tue, Jul

Chapter 20

“Where is the bathroom please?” I asked a waitress by the door. She pointed down the hallway.

I caught sight of my reflection as I entered the bathroom. I looked very pale. Tears clouded my vision as I tried hard to hold it together. I did not want to ruin my makeup.

Maddox really believed this public appearance would fix the Bella situation. I was trying to believe him and hope for the best, but I already knew it would not be enough. I had been dreading this night since he mentioned it. I knew would be eaten alive by the stares and whispers. I had been bullied and dragged on social media many times. What would stop them from doing worse in person?

“Breathe,” I whispered to myself in front of the mirror. I pinched my cheeks trying to bring color back to my face, but d

not work.

I also needed to be very careful. Whatever I did had a direct impact on Zara. I had to think before every action.

I heard giggles as three tipsy ladies entered the bathroom. “Look, it is Maddox’s new girl.”

I stepped out immediately. The bathroom suddenly felt too small.

“Nia.”

I turned around. Beck stood behind me.

“Are you okay?” He looked concerned. “No, you are not. You look flushed.”

“Come with me.”

He took my hand and led me to the garden. I leaned over the flowers and emptied my stomach. My shoulders shook violently as I retched.

“Sorry.” Beck said, rubbing my back gently.

I sat beside the fountain. Tears streamed down my face. “I cannot do this anymore. I am so sorry.” I hiccupped between

sobs.

“Do not apologize,” he said, lifting my chin gently. “Here.” He handed me a bottle of water.

“I do not want to be here. I really do not want to.”

Beck pulled me close and draped one arm over my shoulder. I leaned into him. “I know, Nia. You have tried your best holding on this long. I flew back into the country as soon as my dad told me about your arrangement with Maddox.” He brushed a stray tendril away from my face. “It is so unfair that you were coerced into this. You are practically being used to clean up his mess.”

“I did not have a choice. I really need the money, Beck. Honestly I do. I cannot even lie about it. Not to you of all people at least,” I said, sniffling softly.

“You do not have to lie to me, Nia. I may not understand exactly what you are going through but I get where you are coming from.” I lifted my head from his shoulder to look at him. “It has to be hard being around him, especially with the way he treated you in high school.”

“It is,” I replied. Being around Maddox was really hard. He was insufferable.

The moon hung full tonight, reflecting beautifully on the water. I turned to take in the full scenic view.

When I locked eyes with stormy gray ones.

Maddox stood a few feet away, watching us. His face was unreadable in the moonlight, but his shoulders were tight. His jaw clenched. He looked like a man who had just seen something he did not like.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify