Chapter 4: Behind Her Perfect Smile
1267 Words
Eris knew she should feel something seeing Dirk Donnovan again, but she felt nothing. There was nothing happy about this. Seeing him again didn’t matter. He was still kind, but she was married now. If she tried anything, her parents would punish her.
A few days later, Eris saw Dirk again, this time at a charity ball her mother had insisted she attend. Her father refused, so her mother said Eris had to accompany her.
Eris wore the dress her mother chose, covering her arms, shoulders, and legs. She tried to stay unnoticed, but then… there he was. Dirk Donnovan, in person.
Throughout the night, as she mingled and listened to gossip, she learned Dirk was invited by Sadie Hughes, the young CEO of Hughes Industries. That’s when she realized who he was, a famous jeweler, highly sought-after. Sadie seemed interested in him.
Eris wanted to avoid him, but he also seemed to avoid her. She didn’t try. She stayed quiet beside her mother, forcing a smile that was starting to crack. Finally, she excused herself and went to the terrace for a break.
Deep breaths. Just breathe.
“You tired of forcing that smile?” a deep voice said behind her.
Eris jumped back slightly. “Am I that scary, or do you just dislike me?” Dirk asked, noticing her reaction.
Don’t do anything, Eris. Don’t start anything that will hurt you. She stayed silent.
Dirk sighed and looked at the garden below. “I looked for you the morning you left Maldives,” he said quietly. “I went back hoping to see you again… but no luck.”
Dirk lifted his wine glass and sipped. “Five months later, and I still can’t forget you. I thought I could, but here I am… approaching you, knowing you don’t want it. I’m sorry. I just… can’t help it.”
Eris hardened her resolve. Nothing she ever hoped for ended well. She couldn’t let herself hope anymore.
“Eris, I—”
“So, you’re here!” Sadie’s voice cut through, cheerful and sharp.
Eris immediately left the terrace and returned to her mother, silently rooting for Dirk and Sadie. They deserved each other, both young, wealthy, free. Eris had nothing.
“Where did you go?” her mother asked, sounding slightly annoyed but still smiling.
“I just… got some air, Mom,” Eris said.
Her mother rolled her eyes. “I told you not to leave my side. Did you see my friend’s daughters? Proper, pretty. You can’t let them outshine you. You’re prettier anyway.”
Eris didn’t argue. It wouldn’t help.
“This party is for charity. Why don’t you donate?” her mother added.
Eris looked at her, speechless. She had no money. “Mom, I don’t have any…”
Her mother clicked her tongue. “Eris, you can’t fall behind. Just write a check and fund your account tomorrow. Tyler is rich, you can always ask him.”
Eris shook her head. “Mom, I really don’t have—”
“Hush! Write it now or do you want to be disciplined again?”
Eris quickly nodded. “No, Mom.”
Her mother smiled softly. “Then write the check.”
Eris’ hands were cold as she pulled out her checkbook. She wrote a check she couldn’t cover if she didn’t deposit money tomorrow.
She handed it to the organizer and, as she turned, her eyes accidentally met Dirk’s. He was watching her, Sadie beside him. He smiled, but Eris looked away.
Dirk sighed. Sadie noticed. “Are you okay?” she asked, touching his shoulder. “Do you need something? I can help.”
“I’m fine,” Dirk lied.
“Oh. Want me to drive you home?” Sadie offered.
“No, my friend is already coming.” Dirk smiled politely. “Excuse me.”
When Dirk turned to excuse himself, Sadie was annoyed that her advances were not working.
Inside the hall, Dirk’s eyes found Eris again. She looked upset, talking to the same middle-aged woman. Was that her mother? He sighed. He could have asked about her, but it felt wrong like he’d be prying.
Dirk let out a loud breath and inwardly groaned when he saw Sadie follow him again. If she was not a new big client, he wouldn't be so polite to her advances.
"Are you feeling well now?" Sadie asked him.
Dirk shook his head. "Not really, but I'll be fine."
"You can rest in my room if you want while waiting for your friend to pick you up," Sadie offered with a smile.
Dirk’s eyes settled on Eris again. She was pretending to smile again. "I can't. My friend is already on his way."
“Oh… dinner sometime?” Sadie tried again.
She just doesn't give up, huh? “I’m busy,” Dirk said. He didn't want to be rude, but he also didn't want to give Ms. Hughes any hope that he might be interested. Facing Ms. Hughes, he gave it to her straight. “I’m actually into someone else. I want it to work with her.”
But Sadie was not fazed and smiled more flirtatiously while running the tip of her fingers against his chest. “I can be your secret. She’ll never know.”
“I’ll know. I’m not that kind of guy,” Dirk said, gently pushing her hand away.
“What if I stop buying from your store?” Sadie threatened.
Dirk shrugged. “If that’s what you want, I can’t force you.”
Sadie’s face contorted in annoyance that she couldn't get what she wanted. “What does she have that I don’t? Is she prettier, richer, better?”
Dirk smiled but didn’t answer. “She has my attention. My affection. Excuse me again.”
Dirk left Sadie on the hall and headed for terrace again. He wanted nothing more than to approach and talk to Eris again, but knowing how vicious some women could be when they couldn't get what they wanted, he didn't approach Eris to keep her away from Sadie. Instead, he stepped out of the house and waited for his friend in his car.
For a moment later, Dirk felt like his world came alive when he saw Eris exiting the house with the middle-aged woman she was with the whole night but his world turned dark when he saw the woman slap Eris.
"What the..."
His world turned even darker when he saw Eris raise her hands flat up to her waist, and the middle-aged woman took off her high-heeled shoe and smashed the heel on the back of Eris’ hand.
Dirk flinched, but Eris didn't even react. As if it was nothing. As if she was used to it.
Fuck! Furious at what he just witnessed, Dirk stepped out from his car, but Eris and the woman already entered a white Mercedes. Before he could reach the car, it was already driving away.
“Damn it!”
Dirk turned back to his car, planning to follow but a familiar figure blocked his path. Eros, the friend who’ll pick him up, grinned like a lunatic.
“I’ve got handcuffs,” Eros said.
“Move!” Dirk growled.
“DUI, my friend. Sorry.”
Dirk sighed and let Eros put him in the passenger seat. Surprisingly, Eros drove toward the white Mercedes.
“Thanks,” Dirk said, still handcuffed.
“I don’t accept thanks,” Eros demanded.
Dirk didn’t comment. He just stared ahead, remembering what he had just witnessed.
Was that why Eris avoided him? Was she being abused?
- Writer
