Loving The Heartless Man

Chapter 18

Elara Pov

Wearing a sky-blue strapless gown that reached halfway up my thigh, Liam happily spun me around in front of the mirror. My friend was the one who chose a semi-formal dress I would wear for the party Sam and I were attending. This was the first time I would attend a party since I developed a social phobia, so he wanted me to look very beautiful, though the guests wouldn't see my face because I would be wearing a mask matching the color of my gown.

I was only wearing a simple tube gown. There was no other design except for it being backless and the sparkling glitters scattered all over the dress. Even the mask I would wear had glitters too, which would surely shine more when hit by light later. The fabric is soft and shiny, clinging to the shape of my body. It was also cold, so it was very comfortable on my skin.

I paired the dress with white shoes with one-and-a-half-inch heels, which made me look even taller. And, of course, to match it, Liam gave me a branded sky-blue clutch bag. He said it was his gift for my first time stepping out of my comfort zone.

"My bestie is really beautiful! If you weren't wearing a mask, I'm sure many male guests would line up to dance with you later," Liam praised me admiringly.

"Isn't this outfit too attention-grabbing, Beshy? What if they start staring at me as soon as we enter? My phobia will surely be triggered," I asked him worriedly. For me, my short gown, especially its backless style, draws too much attention. Not to brag, but I know my legs are attractive because they have a nice shape and are smooth. For me, they are the best asset of my body. And I'm worried that it also attract some guy's attention.

"People will surely notice you, but not because of what you're wearing, but because you're beautiful," Liam replied with a wide smile. "Doc Sam might even fall in love with you, Elara. You'd be so lucky if he liked you. He is handsome, has a good job, and is such a gentleman."

"Aren't you thinking too far, my friend? C'mon. Just finished fixing my hair because he might arrive soon. It would be embarrassing to keep him waiting for me," I said to him while shaking my head.

Liam lifted and tied my hair, then encircled it with a band that matched my outfit. He let a few strands of my fine hair fall on both sides of my cheeks to make me look more classy.

"My oh my! You look very gorgeous, my dear friend!" exclaimed Liam after he finished fixing me up. "If Alexander could see you now, I'm sure he would regret what he did to you before."

I couldn't help but frown when I heard the last thing my friend said. "Can you please not mention that man's name? I'm in a good mood today and I don't want it ruined just because of him."

"Okay fine. I'm sorry," Liam immediately apologized. I took my favorite perfume from my bag and sprayed a little on the side of my neck and on my wrists.

"I hope everything goes well later." I can't help but worry. I'm worried that I might just embarrass myself in front of many people.

"Don't think like that, bestie. You should just stay positive. And whatever happens, you can call me anytime."

I just nodded at what Liam said and didn't comment. A little later, we heard the familiar sound of Sam's car.

"Sam is here. We're leaving now, Beshy. Wish me luck," I said to Liam as if I were about to enter a beauty contest.

"Good luck, bestie beshy! Enjoy the night," he replied with a smile before I left my house. Liam will be the one to lock up my house when he leaves after putting away the makeup kit he used on me.

When Sam saw that I had stepped out the door, he immediately got out of his car to open the door for me.

"You look gorgeous, Elara," Sam complimented me once we were inside his car. "It's a pity we're wearing masks so I can't show off to the guests how beautiful the woman I'm with is."

"Thank you. You look handsome too, Sam." What I said was true. He looks more handsome to me now. But if I compare him to Alexander, I would admit that the latter is much more handsome.

Holy cow, Elara! Why are you comparing Sam to that shameless man? He may have the upper hand over Sam when it comes to looks and money, but in other qualities, the doctor is superior.

"Wow. Thank you. It's a great honor for me to be praised by such a beautiful woman," replied Sam, whom I couldn't tell if he was sincere or just joking with me. "By the way, I want to let you know that your husband might also attend the birthday party. I'm sorry, but I only found out earlier when my friend called. He mentioned that Alexander Reed would attend because he's a friend of his father."

I was slightly taken aback when I heard what Sam said. I felt worried because Alexander might recognize me even though I was wearing a mask. Only half of my face is covered by the mask, so I can't help but worry. I don't want us to clash at the party and he might say unpleasant words.

"It's okay. I'm wearing a mask anyway. Maybe he won't recognize me, and maybe I won't recognize him, too," I said to Sam. But it seemed like I was saying those words more to convince myself.

After almost half an hour of travel, we finally arrived at the hotel where Sam's friend's birthday party would be held. As we got out of the car, I tightly held onto my clutch bag containing only lipstick, my cell phone, and my antidepressant medication. Sam seemed to notice that I was nervous, so he held my hand and linked it with his arm.

"Relax, Elara. Don't think about what you're afraid of. Remember, they don't know you, so they don't care about you," Sam whispered softly. I didn't speak but nodded in response.

No matter how much I convince myself not to be nervous and just relax, I really can't avoid that kind of feeling. Especially when we were already in front of the function hall. As the door opened, I expected many people to look at us, especially since it was just Sam and me entering. Even now, I was already starting to sweat coldly.

"You're gonna be okay," I told myself to boost my confidence.

"You're gonna be okay," Sam reassured me before pulling me inside when the huge door opened.

I secretly gasped and slightly froze as I saw how many guests were inside the function hall. And I was right when I said that people would look at us as we entered because it seemed like we were the last guests to arrive.

I forced myself to calm down and glanced around at the guests. Many guests were standing while holding a glass of wine, and some were seated at each table. They were all happy as they conversed with those in front of them.

The guests near the door or within sight of the door were the ones who looked at us. However, I felt that they were looking more at me. In their eyes, I could read their curiosity about me. I was about to lower my gaze when my eyes caught a pair of eyes that, even though wearing a mask, I could see were intently looking at me. I couldn't understand it, but suddenly it felt like rats were running inside my chest because of our eye contact. It's a weird but familiar feeling that I haven't felt for a long time, only just now.