Taming Demi's Mom (ONGOING)

Chapter 17

{VICTORIA}

"JACKSON?" I called his name as we walked.

He briefly stopped walking to look at me. "Hmm?" He asked.

I just received a text from Laurie earlier, asking to meet at the back of the hall. She said there wouldn't be too many people there and no one would recognize us. Not everyone at the event is from New Orleans anyway.

Before the event, I only remembered to tell Laurie that we were already in New Orleans. I was too busy with preparations, so it didn't cross my mind to do it right away before we landed here in New Orleans. She said she'll just text me at the actual event where we'll secretly meet. I couldn't help but ask her if Liam knew about my attendance at the event, but thankfully Laurie told me that he didn't even bother to look at the invitation that was sent for him.

This is my chance to excuse myself and spend some time away from Jackson. Plus, I'm also feeling awkward about joining him now because his plan is to meet with his business partners from other countries who are also at the event for purely business discussions. I'm sure I'll just stand there and not be able to relate to their conversations.

"Can I please separate from you for a while? I just want to meet my friend, Laurie. I'll introduce her to you when I get the chance. She's also here at the event, and we really miss each other," I explained at length, accompanied by puppy eyes.

He eagerly squeezed both my cheeks. "You're so cute," he complimented.

He smiled at me. "Alright, wifey. Take care, you might get lost," he reminded me.

I caressed his right cheek. "You better be careful with the girls," I warned him, but in a gentle tone that made him laugh.

I frowned. "Why are you laughing? Am I joking? I'm serious! Just try it, Jackson. Never let me catch you with a girl flirting with you here," I added firmly.

"Your wrinkles are showing again. I love you," Jackson said in an affectionate tone, making me smile.

I looked at him tenderly in the eyes. "I love you more, Jackson," I replied.

He planted a soft kiss on my forehead before he left. I walked in the opposite direction to meet Laurie. I'm sure she'll have some complaints for me, as it seems like she's been waiting for me there for almost 10 minutes.

When I arrived at the place, it was dark in this area. There was only a little light. I saw Laurie, her hands resting on the flat surface of the window as she gazed out at the dimly lit garden outside. There was a faint glow coming from a nearby lamp post, providing just enough light to see the silhouettes of the plants.

I tapped her gently on her back.

"You scared me to death, Victoria!" She exclaimed in surprise, realizing it was me who tapped her. She even placed his hand on her chest.

It was quite audacious of her to invite me to this meetup, but she turns out to be a fearful person. I just shook my head, laughing at her reaction.

"Sorry, it took me a while. Jackson was talking to a lot of people, so it took me some time to find the opportunity to say goodbye to her," I explained to her, even though I hadn't heard her complaints yet.

I noticed that she seemed to be wiping away tears from her eyes. But I couldn't really see if she was crying because it was somewhat dark. So I looked at her in surprise. She never mentioned any problems to me. I couldn't help but worry about her.

"Are you crying?" I asked, puzzled. I held both of her wrists and prevented her from wiping her tears, if there were any.

"It's nothing. I'm just happy for you because you were able to open your heart to someone else again. But to be honest, at the same time, I am missing you. Not as a friend but as my sister-in-law. Even if I want you and Liam to end up together, I can't force him on you, you know. I guess it's just normal for me to feel this way," she said to me, expressing her feelings at length.

Without hesitation, I hugged her tightly. "I will be forever your sister-in-law," I assured her.

We stayed that way for a while before we finally let go of each other. I saw Laurie smiling at me.

"I'm sorry for the drama. I just really missed you. By the way, is Demi with you on this flight to the country?" She asked me.

I forgot to mention that Demi was with us, and actually, she was here attending the event. This was the chance for her to see her niece in person for the first time. We usually just communicate through video calls. Laurie couldn't visit me in Italy because she's a professor at a prestigious university here in New Orleans. As we know, professors hardly get any rest. Even when they're at home, they're always studying and endlessly creating working sheets.

"Demi is here. She's at the children's party in the other ballroom," I replied with a smile.

Laurie excitedly grabbed both of my shoulders. "Are you serious?" She asked me, almost unable to believe it.

I simply nodded in response. She immediately pulled me away from this dark area.

"I really want to see my incredibly beautiful niece," she said, sounding excited.

We squeezed through the crowd, and I couldn't help but feel nervous that I might bump into Liam. I really hope that doesn't happen. I couldn't stay still, constantly looking around, fearing that I might accidentally bump into him without realizing it. It's better to be fully aware so I can quickly hide from him before he sees me.

I momentarily stopped walking when I felt my phone vibrate. Laurie also stopped. I took my phone out of my wallet and read Jackson's text.

'Where are you? I need to see you, it's important'

After reading Jackson's message, I looked up at Laurie apologetically.

"I'm sorry, I won't be able to accompany you to Demi. Jackson needs me right now. By the way, Demi is wearing a purple dress just like mine. You'll recognize each other easily, and she's with a woman who's younger than me, her bodyguard," I explained at length.

"Sure, I'll go ahead, okay?" Laurie bid me goodbye, and I just nodded. She left me in the midst of the crowd and walked out of the hall.

I walked towards the spot where Jackson was headed earlier before we separated. I wondered what important reason Jackson had to see me. I just hope it's not something bad.

After a while, I felt like someone was watching me and following me. I was becoming too nervous. Calm down, Victoria! I just ignored my feelings and continued walking. I couldn't bring myself to look back, and I didn't know why. I just felt this way.

But I was surprised when I felt a hard chest bump into my back. I was about to fall forward when a strong arm wrapped around my waist and turned me towards the man I was trying to avoid seeing tonight at the ball. I felt like everyone was staring at us, but my attention was focused solely on Liam's eyes, which held a hint of surprise.

His hair was neatly groomed, and he was wearing a formal tuxedo. I didn't realize I was already examining his entire appearance.

"Victoria?" he called my name. After so many years, I heard his voice again. I didn't know what I was feeling, but I realized I missed his voice so much that it felt like soft music in my ears.

He helped me stand upright, but his arm was still around my waist. Why couldn't I bring myself to remove it? Why do I feel like this? It's as if his arm against my waist is tickling me. It feels like time is slowing down around us. I don't know anymore what's right or wrong in this moment.

I couldn't react when Liam suddenly hugged me tightly. I wanted to cry out of frustration. Why am I letting myself be carried away by my emotions? Why does it feel like there's something important I'm forgetting? But I can't seem to remember. What is it, exactly? The tightness in my chest is growing. There's something wrong, but I don't know what it is.

Not until, "Victoria?" Jackson's voice brought me back to reality. I stiffened where I stood.

When I looked in his direction, our gazes met. I immediately saw the pain in his eyes. Liam and I quickly broke apart from our hug and faced Jackson together. As soon as Jackson saw Liam's face, I noticed his furrowed brows, as if he recognized him. A few moments passed, and the three of us remained in this position.