UNTIL SHE'S MINE AGAIN

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 7

HEAVEN

"You're not dressed yet?" Mom asked in a tone of disbelief when she entered my room and saw me just stepping out of the bathroom.

"Yeah, I had something urgent to attend to earlier," I replied, glancing at her. She controlled the wheels of the wheelchair to get closer to me.

"Do you know Oliver is already on his way and the gala is starting soon?" Mom Helen reminded me and I almost let out a sigh. She has been ringing it in my ears since the day started and I just couldn't refuse.

All these years, my parents have been trying so hard to match me with their friend's son even though it was clear I had no intention of getting into any relationship. All I wanted was to focus on my kids and the business but all they wanted was for Oliver and I to get together. I wonder why they hadn't matchmade Oliver and Amy before my arrival. I mean, they practically grew up together, they were like childhood friends so, why not? Why would they think I was the perfect choice for him? It still baffles me up to this day.

But all I could deduce was that it wasn't only in their interest in their friendship but also due to the business. Oliver's parents were just as wealthy as my real parents so joining both families would create a really perfect and powerful duo.

As much as it would be beneficial for the company, I just couldn't bring myself to like the nice guy in a romantic way. Thankfully, they weren't trying to force us into some sort of arranged marriage, at least, they still respected our boundaries and I couldn't be more grateful for that.

For the gala that night, Oliver was my date. Thanks to my lovely parents. I couldn't stop them or reject Oliver so I had no other choice but to go along with it. At least, it was just a gala, nothing more. I just hope Oliver doesn't see it as some sort of hope. I've always known he liked me romantically, he never tried to hide it.

"I'll be fast," I said, hurrying to the spread out dress on my bed; one mom had specifically picked herself. She had invited the designer home herself and after checking out the catalogue, she had chosen the best suit, thankfully, we had the same taste so it was good.

"Please, hurry up. We don't want you guys arriving late at the gala," Mom said and I flashed her a small smile.

"I will. You should go back to rest," I said while picking up my underwear.

She shook her head.

"No, I'll help blow dry your hair. Do you need to straighten it?" She asked, glancing at my hair and I shook my head. I still went to the salon yesterday to change my hairstyle to wavy and after washing earlier, the waves already started disappearing but at least, it still had little volume so straightening would just waste the hours I spent in the salon yesterday.

"Nope, I'm not straightening it," I told her, quickly wearing my underwear.

"Let me dry it then," she offered and I gave her a thankful smile before picking up the dryer and giving them to her then I sat on the rug.

A few minutes later, we were done with the drying of the hair so I quickly got dressed before taking my seat on the vanity stool for my make up. I could only do a light one since I was somehow in a rush.

"You are so gorgeous, dear. I'm sure Oliver will have no choice but to keep you to himself tonight," Mom uttered when I was finally done dressing up. I almost rolled my eyes before remembering she could see my reflection through the mirror so I had to turn to her with a forced smile.

"When is Amy getting back?" I asked, swiftly changing the topic.

"Probably tonight or tomorrow," she replied. Amy went on a vacation with her boyfriend and even though we didn't really get along well, I still missed her presence.

A knock on the door stopped mom from saying whatever she had planned to say when she opened her mouth. We both shared a look before I talked.

"Come in."

The door creaked open and Mom Clara strolled in, a wide smile on her face when she noticed my look.

"You look absolutely stunning," she commented and I flashed her a genuine smile.

"Anyway, Oliver is here already," she announced and Mom Helen quickly turned to me.

"Don't keep him waiting. You should get going," she said in an urgent tone and I nodded before grabbing my purse and hurrying out while Mom Clara helped push Mom out.

I almost entered the kids room to kiss them goodbye before remembering they were still out with my dads. I wonder why they weren't back yet when it was already getting late in the evening.

As I cascaded down the stairs, my eyes caught sight of Oliver seated on the sofa in the living room, waiting patiently for my arrival and as if on cue, he whipped his head back and our eyes met. He rose to his feet that instant as a wide smile spread out of his face.

"Hi Oliver," I greeted, snapping my fingers across his face when I finally stopped in front of him but all he did was stare like he was seeing me for the first time. We've been on dates already so it wasn't his first time seeing me that way. I guess I really took his breath away just like Mom Helen wanted.

"Oh my! Heaven, you look so heavenly," he said in a sharp breath and I rolled my eyes.

"Is that supposed to be a rhyme or word play?" I joked and he shook his head.

"I'm just telling the truth. You're so breathtaking. I'm worried I'll have to pluck some people's eyes today," he joked, earning a chuckle from me.

If it had been weeks or months after my divorce that I got this many compliments from different people then it would have brightened my day since I couldn't remember the last time my ex-husband commented on my beauty, but now, I just see it as normal compliments.

We left the house after that and he walked over to the other side to open the door of the passenger's seat for me. I gave him a small smile before entering the car, and soon, he drove off.

The ride started in a comfortable silence and while I messaged my dad to bring the kids back home, Oliver only focused on his driving until he eventually broke the ice.

"We might meet Atlas over there. If he tries to disturb you, don't hesitate to call me," he said in a reassuring tone, and I glanced at him.

Of course, he and Amanda would be present at the gala. I didn't give a damn about meeting Atlas. I didn't need anyone's help to handle Atlas. He knows not to try any rubbish with me in a public space. He still had a lot on his hands with the court case.

"Sure," I replied and he nodded.

Atlas wasn't the one that disturbed me when we first got there, instead, it was his dog, Amanda.

While Oliver had been dragged off by one of his business associates, I was all alone sipping my wine when she approached me looking all haughty. Sometimes, I still find myself wondering how she had been able to pull off being the best and most supportive friend I could ever ask for when she was just a snake.

A real chameleon.

"If it isn't the most popular gold digger," she started, stopping beside me but I ignored her. I had no time to deal with bad energy that night so all I did was just focus on my wine.

"You know, it's still a wonder how to manage to snatch all these rich men. How were you able to come with Oliver around your arms tonight? How did a no name like you even get to meet people like that?" She continued, scowling at me and I shrugged.

"I'm sure we both know my name is more respected than yours," I reminded and she let out a hollow chuckle.

"That's because you keep sleeping your way all through. It's still a wonder how Vallore made you their CEO. I'm sure you slept with the owner while still remaining his mistress because it doesn't make any sense that his daughter or even that crippled wife of his didn't..."

I didn't know when I grabbed the wine glass she had dropped on the table when she arrived earlier and splashed the wine on her in annoyance.

"How dare you!" I shouted, glaring daggers at her. I had been trying to ignore her and not allow her to get under my skin but I couldn't let her words slide. How dare she call my mother a cripple?

Her eyes widened in shock and she gasped, looking down at her dress in disbelief. Serves her right.

Gasps and murmurs filled the air but it escalated when her palm connected with my face, literally disrupting the whole gala.

Did she just slap me?