Chapter 8
876 Words
“What would you like to order ma'am?” A short blonde waitress came over some minutes after we settled in our seats.
I briefly skimmed through the menu.
“Umm…I'll have the creamy Tuscan chicken and the cedar garden salad.”
“And you sir.”
The change in her tone caught my attention. It was very subtle, but I caught it, the little rise in her tone and added softness to her voice.
A flirty smile had magically appeared on her face as soon as she turned to Nathan.
He didn't spare her a glance.
“I'll have the same as my wife.”
If I was eating already, I would have choked on the food. My face heated up at Nathan's words.
I struggled to conceal my awkwardness.
Wife? Did I like that title?
The waitress’s flirty smile vanished.
“Oh sure,” she scurried off.
“Wife? Nathan, I haven't finalized my divorce.”
“The public doesn't know that”
I sighed deeply. This was a risky game we were playing.
Our meals arrived shortly after, steaming with an aroma like heaven.
“Why did you accept the contract?”
Nathan asked without looking up from his meal.
The question caught me off guard. What was I supposed to tell him? That I needed his influence to protect my growing brand from the claws of my prowling mother? Or that I was desperate to escape the constant assault from my so-called husband?
“I can see the wheels turning in your head, Madeline.”
My name sounded smooth in his tongue. Strangely, I liked it.
“It's for personal reasons,” I finally managed to say.
“Do you think this marriage will be the solution to whatever problem you're hoping it will solve?”
This time his eyes bore into mine.
Hazel eyes that looked like they knew everything.
Like he was trying to reach into my soul, and find all my buried secrets.
“Why are you asking me all of this now? I've agreed to sign the contract, haven't I?”
I poked my chicken nervously.
“Yes. I just want to know your thought process… and hold a conversation, so the pictures look legit when they start circulating the internet.”
Smart as always.
I just nodded in agreement.
Nathan opened the car door for me like a gentleman after we headed out. I smiled softly.
“Thanks”
He didn't smile back, but his eyes seemed to soften somehow.
__________________
It was 7pm when I and Nathan arrived at Verre Pavilion. It was the biggest art gallery in the city. It wasn't a place you could stumble into. You were either invited— or you weren't.
The building itself was a masterpiece. The floor to ceiling glass walls gave it a modern, yet timeless look. Valet lights glowed softly at the entrance and the sound of the city felt deliberately muted.
I smoothed down my champagne beige silk column dress as we headed to the entrance. I picked the outfit because it gave off quiet luxury. The fabric moved fluidly as I walked, catching the light without reflecting it too sharply.
The security let us in as soon as he saw Nathan.
Talk about power.
“You seem known” I glanced at Nathan's side profile.
“My step cousin is the manager here, so yes. You can say that”
Nathan was dressed in a tailored midnight navy suit. The colour looked gorgeous against his warm olive skin tone. His crisp white shirt underneath was open at the collar. It helped to lessen the formality of his look.
“I need you to stay by my side. Try not to wander off”
“I'm not a child Mr Tate”
I stopped myself from rolling my eyes. This wasn't the best place for that.
“Don't call me that”
“What? Tate?”
“From now on it's just Nathan”
“Sure…Nathan”
I recognized a few faces as we moved through the gallery. They were mostly influential people.
I couldn't expect less.
“Madeline?”
I came to a halt and turned around.
Oh no.
I could have bumped into anyone. Anyone at all.
But no.
It had to be her.
Before me stood my mother's old friend and Ethan's aunt. She was the one that planted the idea of my mom marrying me off to Ethan.
“Mrs Ruby. It's nice to see you.”
I faked a smile and extended my hand for a handshake.
She reached for a hug instead.
Her expensive perfume swarmed my nostrils as she held me briefly in her embrace.
“It's nice to see you Madeline. Are you here with Ethan?”
Her question felt like a jab to my side. I forced myself not to clench my jaw.
“No I—”
“You look stunning by the way. Did you design this dress?”
“Yes I did”
“Brilliant. I'd love to have it. It'll look even better on my daughter”
Her gaze finally drifted to Nathan, who had been standing quietly beside me.
A brief flash of surprise showed in her eyes.
“Mr Tate”
- Writer
