Will you marry, again?

CHAPTER 8- The shareholder's party

Mary looked in the mirror for the fifth time and she still didn’t recognize herself. It was the evening of the gathering. She had left the restaurant early to get ready. She had just arrived at her apartment when someone knocked. More like, people knocked. Matteo had sent her dresses, shoes, accessory and a team to help her prepare. Three hours later, there was no part of her body that hadn’t been washed, scrubbed, shaved, made up and dressed. She had on a tight-fitting red dress with a slit on the left hip, high heels with straps on her feet. They had adorned her with a jewelry set, including a necklace with a large stone she strongly hoped wasn’t a diamond, and matching earrings.

The hairdresser had done her hair and her black curly hair was pinned on one side and left loose on the other. She look like a queen, she felt like a queen.

Shirley, the woman claiming to be Matteo’s assistant, had told her that a car would come take her to the party soon, so she waited. Someone knocked at the door.

- Miss Michel, I am your driver tonight. Can you follow me?

She closed her door and went with him to the car, a Rolls-Royce. Of course. Freaky rich people.

The driver opened the door but someone else was already inside.

- why are you here? Mary asked.

- I thought we had a deal.

- I assumed that we would meet there. She said when getting into the car.

- And missed his first reaction while seeing us enter together?

- humm.

They remain silent for a moment. Then Matteo said.

- How did you meet grandpa?

- It is a long story.

- Make it quick, we are almost there.

She laughed.

- Usually people will say“ we have time” or, “I like long stories”. But you just have to push.

- So?

- Do you have water in this car? I am thirsty, and it seems like I am going to talk a lot.

He took a bottle from the car reserve and gave it to her. She took it but didn’t drink it.

- Afraid I will poison you?

- No, I can’t mess up my lipstick.

He let his eyes wander down to her lips. She had on red lipstick that suited her really well. Then look up again. Her eyes were shining.

- Why ask for water you are not going to drink?

- So that I could then talk about my lipstick and see if you like it or not.

He raised an eyebrow.

- Why?

- Out of vanity. I felt like I was off my game, I needed to belong. Now I feel better.

Interresting.

- How do you know I like it?

She smiled.

- You didn’t ask me to drink, nonetheless.

She was very entertaining. And frighteningly wise.

- We were talking about Grandpa.

- Were we?

- You may be fun to talk to, but I don’t like playing games. Answer the question.

- Why don’t you tell me first why you sent a team to turn me into a femme fatale?

- A femme fatale? I just wanted to help.

- I thought I looked like a queen. Now, in front of you, with that look in your eyes, I know I am leaning toward “femme fatale”. What is your plan?

- while dealing with my brother, you need to go for the kill. I am helping.

Was he really? Mary didn’t think so. After all, he was still Matthew's brother.

The car stopped. They had arrived.

- We will see about that. She said when putting her hands on the handle.

- Let me open for you. We have a role to stage. He interrupted.

She nodded.

The gathering had been organized in a five-star hotel restaurant. The maitre d’hôtel was waiting for them at the entrance and accompanied them to the restaurant. Mary put her hand on Matteo’s hands, and they made their entrance like that. The conversation gradually stopped until there was only silence. Then the crowd in front of them parted. On the other side stood Mattew and Samantha. Her eyes met with Mattew’s, and he looked smug like he knew something she didn’t. Then he looked at her side and his expression change into surprise first, confusion next and anger last when he saw her hand on Matteo’s arm.

He tore his arm from Samantha’s grip and stormed toward them. He stopped an inch from her and even though he was much taller than her, she didn’t move.

- Follow me. He said through his teeth.

- Are you talking to me?

- Fiona! He grunted.

She just looked at him without flinching. He gritted his teeth.

- Follow me please, Mary.

Always careful not to make a scene in front of others, Mary thought.

- No

- No? We need to talk.

- I believe you owned me an apologize first, but I don’t want to talk to you now, so save that for another time.

He tried to grab her, but Matteo blocked him with his hand.

- The lady said no.

- What are you doing with her?

- Isn’t it obvious?

Mattew turned toward Mary.

- What are you doing with him?

- Are you dumb or just pretending not to understand?

- He is my brother.

- I would have to be blind not to notice it.

- Fiona!

Mattew was now red with anger and clenching his fists. People weren’t even pretending to watch now. It was indeed pretty entertaining to see the level-headed, always polished, Mattew, lost his temper because of his supposedly cheating ex-wife.

- Matt. Samantha intervened. You’re making a scene. Let’s talk later.

She tried to take his hand, but he wrenched it away.

- Matteo, why are you together?

- It is none of your business.

Mattew grabbed him by the collar.

- THAT’S MY WIFE! He screamed.