Chapter2
1731 Words
Chapter 2
Elara's POV
A gala? I was instantly disinterested in going.
I mean, you would think I would be happy that he's at least spending time with me, but no!
You're wrong!
I'm not delusional enough to believe this is Eiran doing anything for my benefit in the slightest.
For him, any public appearances of me and him is simply to serve his public image. I am never in the equation.
We've been to many parties and galas together and he only stayed with me on the red carpet for the paparazzi and others. Once we were in the event proper, I was on my own.
It had happened over and over again these past two years that I'd rather just stay home and wallow in my misery.
But he had made his intentions clear in one of his orders.
"We will be out together in public a couple of times and I want you to be on your best demeanor and behaviour. I don't want any hints at sadness or something negative to my name. I have a perfect image that you must maintain"
He was my husband and I had to listen to him. Because I also loved him. Even though he was terrible to me, he still came home. At least that was good and a sign of hope right?
Right?
Yeah, I'm definitely delusional.
I dragged myself to my room and bathed for the longest time ever and dragged myself out to my wardrobe. I selected the most cliché red gala dress and put it on, before I stepped out into the living room.
He stood there, one hand in his pocket and the his eyes glancing at the watch on the wrist of the other. He paid me no attention before leaving to the garage.
I simply followed like an accessory attachment. And we were silent all through the drive to the gala. The only conversation was between the chauffeur and Siri on his phone.
We finally arrived at the event centre and the normal routine played out. We smiled for the cameras and the media. Once we got inside, Eiran disappeared and I was alone once again.
"Hi there, Miss Lonely...hehe" an annoying voice I remembered called at me from behind.
I turned around and saw Stella, one of Eiran's colleagues, smiling at me. She had seen me at many of the other galas and she alwa saw me when Eiran left me.
I low-key felt she was stalking to see when Eiran left to meet me.
"Hey..." I replied uninterestedly and grabbed a glass of champagne, sipping it immediately as I walked away.
"Come on, don't walk away from me, Elara" she called after me.
What?
I stopped in my tracks and turned around to look her dead in her eyes.
"I don't believe we're on first name basis, ma'am. That remains Mrs Neville to you until I say otherwise" I lifted my eyebrows at her.
Her eyes widened in disbelief as her mouth opened to say something.
I was already pissed enough. I didn't need extra.
But I was in for a show.
"Welcome, all of you, to the Great Watsby Party" one of Eiran's colleagues, Watson, announced from the stage, cutting out whatever Stella was going to say.
The audience erupted into laughter and cheers as they clapped and clinked their glasses in excitement.
I looked around and I couldn't find Eiran anywhere.
"Thanks for honouring my invitation and actually coming" he continued his announcement.
"We'll be having lots of fun today. And lots of action I've packed for you guys. Especially man and woman stuff, which is obviously why I mandated all of you to bring your significant others" he announced happily and the guests cheered again.
My eyes darted around again, looking and scanning for any sign of Eiran but still I saw nothing. I started panicking a bit but I told myself to calm down.
He left me other times but he was still in view. Tonight, he was simply nowhere to be found.
Watson continued. "First off, I'd love my benefactor and long time role model in this industry, Eiran Neville! Please join me in welcoming the man, the machine, the legend, Eiran Neville!" He announced and my eyes immediately went to the stage.
I felt a slight relief as I saw him coming out to the stage. Maybe I was relieved that he was actually at the backstage and wasn't making out with one of the sophisticated colleagues.
"Good evening, everyone. I'm Eiran Neville..." Eiran began giving one of his usual classy, elegant and intellectual speeches that got my father to do business with him and sign my life which ended with me in this current situation.
Crazy full circle moment, I chuckled. I couldn't hear all he was saying until I saw him lift a glass and began toasting.
"Here's to all of you for coming out tonight for my man, Watson"
"Cheers"
"Cheers!" The audience chorused.
"Here's to Watson, the man of the moment himself. Congrats on your promotion, man"
"Cheers"
"Cheers!!"
"And finally, and most importantly..." His eyes found mine among the crowds and he paused for a moment, locking eyes with me.
My heart started beating faster.
Eiran was about to toast to me here? In front of all these people? After ignoring me all this while?
I couldn't understand this man. I didn't know when I started smiling with my eyes glinting. I was so starving of attention and craving desperately for the smallest of acknowledgement from Eiran.
"This is to the most amazing woman I know..." He continued.
And he was doing it in public now? This was too much for me. This was literally too much. I could already feel my cheeks blushing as tears of joy threatened to flood out.
"This is to Sharon Grant, my executive officer. Without her, I wouldn't have met Watson and all this wouldn't have been possible"
Eh? Huh? What?
"Cheers to my wonderful EO!" He yelled.
"Cheers!!!" The audience chorused to loudly, I started hearing a ring in my ears.
The whole hall began spinning as everywhere first blurred. Truly, this was too much for me. I staggered slightly but found support on a nearby pillar, immediately steadying myself.
I remembered his warning. Nobody was supposed to see me like this.
I composed myself and sipped my glass of champagne quietly.
Then Watson made another announcement:
"Now it's time for the main event! Couple's dance!"
The guests cheered loudly and immediately began forming pairs. Disco lights and rnb music came on, immediately changing the mood of the entire hall.
Couples began dancing and decorating the hall in pairs of twos.
"Eiran, come on, don't be shy, dance with your wife. She's alone and looks awkward on the dance floor" Watson announced from the stage.
The guests immediately began laughing. I turned my head to Eiran. He looked at me with utter disinterest and no atom of connection at all. He remained where he stood, one hand in his pocket and the other holding his glass of champagne that he sipped gradually while looking away from me.
He didn't even flinch!
I immediately felt another sting in my heart. Not only had he completely toasted to another woman as the most amazing woman to him in public. Now he was ignoring me publicly?
Wasn't he concerned with is public image again? I guess he wasn't concerned about anything anymore. He was completely repulsed by me. I got the message clear now.
"I think Eiran's tired of her"
"No, I believe he never liked her to begin with. Looks like an arranged marriage that's expired"
"Yea, she's definitely not his type. Look how Eiran's looking kind of sick and unhealthy. She must be eating away at his soul at home and act all angelic in public"
I heard some of his colleagues gossiping behind me. I was instantly annoyed. I flared up and immediately turned to them.
"And what's your f*****g business what happens in my house? Aren't you supposed to be employed? Or are your own married lives this boring and uneventful you have to resort to discussing about mine? Eiran is deeply in love with me and I'm equally in love with him as well. We don't need your thoughts on our married life. It's obvious who's more relevant between the two of us but I would prefer you mind your businesses and keep my family's names out your f*****g mouths!" I hollered with my eyes wide and glaring at them.
They were too shook to even respond. I scoffed and walked off, remaining at a quiet place till the party was over.
I saw him walking up to me and stood up, greeting him with a smile.
"That was a great speech" I smiled widely and extended my arm to hug him but he looked at me like I was a creepy stalker.
I felt so embarrassed I had to put my hands down.
"So, shall we go home?" I asked awkwardly.
He lifted his brows. "Home?" He asked puzzled. "As a matter of fact, I wanted to inform you that I plan on buying a different house for you out of the state so you can live there away from me" he replied emotionlessly.
I lost it. "What the f**k is the meaning of this?!" I snapped. "I mean, what's all this? You ignore me, you avoid me, you disregard my attempts to love and respect you and make you happy.... I try...I try my best and it's not...it's not enough for...for you..." I began breaking down, my voice cracking and tears came to my eyes again.
"You toast to another woman, you refuse to dance with me in public. All this and I still do my best to love and respect you. And it's still not enough. Are we even still married or what..?" I threw my hands in the air exasperatedly, sniffling as I looked at him for anything, any sign at all to tell me it's alright and he still loves me.
Instead he gives me a cold expressionless look. "Are you lacking any basic necessities of life? Am I not taking care of your needs? Are you hungry or is there something you want to buy but can't?" He asked so lifelessly, I was momentarily stunned.
- Writer
