Eight
1106 Words
I’m still standing at the place where Lacrus left me; I don't know whether I'm going to where he is or trying to go somewhere.
While I was focusing on gathering my thoughts in a crowded place, someone's hand held mine, causing me to look. It was my father. Of course! How could I forget him!?
“Feeling anxious again, dear?” My eyes were getting teary, which made me jump to hug him.
“Yes, father,” I replied as I was hugging him tightly.
He pats my back and starts whispering.
“Where is Mr. Valencia? He should be with you right now, especially in an event like this. Rumors will spread like wildfire sooner or later, it could damage your reputation.”
I could sense the worriness in his voice.
It is true that in gatherings like this or a party, wealthy people would make things very complicated. They can spread rumors about things which are not true,but, can not being with him really damage my name?
“He is just busy talking with them, father. I am fine, besides you are here with me. We can have our time to talk for the meantime,” I replied with a smile to make him less worried.
He deeply sighed and just gave me his warmest smile. Before he could reply, someone went into our conversation causing me to look at her.
She is holding a glass of wine and the red dress she was wearing compliments her aura. I think she knows Lacrus.
“Hi, you must be Elsie? I’m in deep shock after knowing that Mr. Valencia is now married without even a notice. How did you meet?” She asks and she smiles, without even trying to greet my father.
Multiple questions in one, she is giving me pressure to answer all of it. Her vibes were off.
I smiled at first.
“Hi, yes. You can ask Lacrus about it if you’re curious, uhm, miss?” I ask.
She smiles. “Elena Renuese.” She then extended her hand to shake hands with me. I was staring at it for seconds whether to accept it or not but I have decided not to.
“Hello, Miss Elena Renuese.” I smiled.
I had heard of her before. She was Damara’s biggest rival in high society. The two had long been competing over beauty, elegance, and social prestige, each regarded as the epitome of the perfect wife—the very woman every man dreamed of marrying.
“Damara and I were both competing for Lacrus. Who would’ve thought he’d end up with you?” She let out a soft chuckle. “I’m not trying to insult you or anything. It’s just… you know. You’re an adopted child with no family background to speak of.”
I’m not bothered at all. I’ve gotten used to it.
I was about to speak when suddenly my father slapped her. My eyes widened in shock.
“Your family could be higher than our status but you don’t have the right to insult my daughter like that, miss Renuese.”
I could hear it from my father's voice that he’s furious.
“Father…” I mumbled.
Elena face father and tried to slap him back but I was able to catch her hands and violently push her.
“You started this fight. Don't you dare touch my father, Miss Elena.” I speak confidently.
Because of what had happened, all attention was drawn to us. Some started mumbling and judging us through their stares. This is the first time I experienced this.
I used to hide from people to avoid this kind of conflict. However, holding the title as Mrs. Valencia is not that easy.
“How dare you push me when your father was the one who started it! He slaps my face! My family won't let this slide!” Elena started crying while some men tried protecting her from us. Yeah, from us!
And now she is acting like she is the victim here? Is this how they play things?
“Father! What did you do?”
Damara immediately went in and hold father’s hands. She looks at Elena who was hugged by someone and is surrounded by men.
Argh! Just because she's gorgeous and famous, everyone believes her lies!
"You started this, didn't you? As always, Elsie, you're the one causing a scene! Just because you're married into the Valencia family doesn't mean you can act like this. And now you've even dragged Father into this mess!” Damara shouted.
She is adding fuel to make people talk s**t about me. Do I really need to defend myself when it looks like no one here will believe me anyway.
“What happened here?”
Lacrus's voice immediately drew everyone's attention. I watched as he strode toward us, his gaze shifting from Elena to Damara before finally settling on me.
I had nothing to say.
He was glaring at me. His eyes had darkened, making it impossible to tell what was going through his mind.
"Lacrus, your wife pushed me!" Elena cried.
I held his gaze as he stared back at me. Without saying a word, he walked straight toward me. He stopped beside me and leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper.
“Let us head home.” After those words he just walked away from us.
He didn't even say a word. He didn't even try to stand up for me.
I know he doesn't have any feelings for me, but on paper, I'm still his wife. I have no power to defend myself against these people, but he does.
I glanced at Father and gently squeezed his hand before following Lacrus. He walked quickly, not slowing down until we reached a place where no one else was around. Only then did he stop.
“I did nothing,” I firmly said.
He spoke to me. “I know yet you ruined my reputation in this party. I told you to stay beside me.”
“I was but you left me.”
He was silenced for a moment and spoke again. “I thought you're smart. I didn't expect things to become like this. This is not the first time you attend such parties like this, am I right?”
“Yes.”
“You could have acted better earlier.”
I don't know how to respond. He was right but he didn't even ask me what happened before I pushed that woman. Who am I to him, anyway? We're just husband and wife in papers.
“Yes, sorry.”
- Writer
