The Billionaire's Ex-Wife

Chapter 6

"Wow, you look beautiful, Elle!" Jackie gushed.

"Really? Don't I look weird or something?" I asked.

"Trust me, every guy at the party will be looking at you tonight." She grabbed me by the arms and made me face the mirror. "Look at you. You're stunning!"

Brown eyes brimming with uncertainty looked back at me. I didn't like heavy make-up, so the artist Jackie hired opted for a simple eyeshadow that made my eyes appear even bigger, combined with defined cheeks and plump limps that were stained red. My long, wavy, raven-black hair tumbled down my shoulders. My simple sleeveless silver dress hugged my soft curves and dipped a little to reveal a bit of cleavage. And a matching pair of silver shoes helped me look a bit taller than my 5'4" height. The overall appearance made me look sultry and innocent at the same time.

"Thanks Jackie. You always make me feel better."

I would have preferred to stay at home and read a book. I wasn't ready to face the world yet after everything that happened. But I couldn't let Jackie go alone.

We arrived at the party just in time. There were a lot of guests, most of whom I didn't recognize. Well, it's to be expected, since these people were obviously from the upper echelon. Even though Maven and I had been married for two years, we never really socialized much. And I never met his other friends or business acquaintances. Guess that's due to the fact that he was apparently embarrassed of me.

A woman who looked to be our age came running towards us, her arms wide open. "Jackie! I missed you, girl!"

"Missed you too, Stella! I thought you'd never come back."

"Well, I didn't want to, but my father insisted I come home," she said resentfully.

"I'm glad you're here though. By the way, let me introduce Elle," said Jackie, beckoning me forward. "Elle and I used to work at the same company. Elle, this is Stella. Stella and I have known each other since kindergarten."

"So great to meet you, Elle." Stella took a step towards me and kissed both of my cheeks.

"Nice to meet you too, Stella. Your party's looking great."

Stella led us to the ballroom, then excused herself to greet her other guests.

"Champagne, madam?" A waiter offered, carrying a tray full of drinks.

I took two and handed one to Jackie. I won't be drinking more than one glass tonight, I promised myself.

We were standing by the table, getting food to eat, when there was a sudden hush in the room. I looked around and everyone seemed to be looking at the door. So I glanced in that direction as well.

Chills ran up my body. My god. I'll give up 20 years of my life if I can get out of here undetected. I looked in panic at Jackie, signaling that we needed to get out of here right now.

"Oh, Elle. I didn't know they'd be here. Let's go, quickly," she whispered.

I took her hand and we tried to get around the cluster of people, taking care not to be seen by Maven's company. We were almost out the door when a waiter suddenly appeared in front of us. We couldn't avoid bumping into him and the tray he was holding fell to the floor with a resounding clang. Everyone turned to look at us. I nervously twisted my head to look behind me, praying to the universe that Maven didn't see us. But as usual, luck wasn't on my side. A split second of recognition and there it was again, the look of thunderous rage in Maven's face.

Stella slowly approached us. "Guys, you okay?"

"Yes, yes, we're fine. We were just about to get some fresh air," Jackie answered.

"Oh. Don't you like the party?"

"No, no. I mean, of course we're having fun. I'll just go outside for a second to, you know, smoke."

I grimaced at the obvious lie.

"Ah, I see. Okay, then. Let me show you to the garden."

"No, don't. You've got a lot of guests to entertain. Surely, we can manage," Jackie tried to reassure Stella.

I couldn't say anything. I bet my face turned as red as my lips. Sweat crawled down my spine. Please, Maven, don't come near us.

"Elle? Why are you here?" I don't have to turn around to know it's Steph. "And Jennie, right?"

"Jackie."

"Whatever. I can see why you're invited to this party, Jackie. But why is she here?"

She didn't wait for an answer and instead turned to Stella, wearing a bewildered expression. "Why did you let stinking garbage into your home, Stella?"

"What are you talking about, Steph?" Stella asked in confusion.

"This woman Jackie brought with her is the worst gold digger you'll ever come across, not to mention a dirty cheater. Oh, and I almost forgot, a murderer as well!" Steph stressed, making sure everyone could hear.

I closed my eyes in mortification. God, will this never end?!

"You still haven't learned your lesson, have you?!" Maven snarled.

I looked up at him to say something but couldn't get the words out.

"There's just no stopping you. Now, it's a woman you're clinging on to? Why? Can't you get another man to support you anymore? Well, I wouldn't be surprised, seeing as you're obviously not worth a single cent."

My eyes welled up with tears and my lips couldn't stop trembling. "That-that's not true," I said painfully.

"God, you're still singing the same old tune! Just stop it. No one's going to believe you, anyway."

"Because it's not true!" I said hysterically.

"Can someone please escort this woman outside?" Steph yelled over the crowd.

"But Steph, she's my guest," Stella intervened.

"Stella, you wouldn't want to offend Maven now, would you? As far as I know, your father desperately needs Maven's support, especially now that your family's gallery is not doing well." Stella's eyes grew wide with alarm. Then she nodded and gestured to someone to come over.

"Please escort Ms. Elle out," Stella commanded to the staff.

Jackie stepped in front of me. "If you kick her out, I'm out too. You people have no mercy. You bully someone just because you can?" Then she turned to Steph. "You obviously reek of jealousy." And now Maven. "And you, you're a f*****g piece of work. You don't deserve Elle at all." Jackie grabbed my arm and led me away.

I was bawling my eyes out by then. Someone came running towards us.

"Jackie! Elle!"

I didn't care who it was. I had no face to show anymore.

"Nyx?"

"Is Elle all right? Elle..." He touched my shoulders, but I still could not look at him.

"We need to go. But my chauffeur is not here yet. Sorry for asking, but can you drive us to my house?" Jackie asked.

"Of course."

We drove back to Jackie's in silence. I was distraught and humiliated once again. Everyone present at the party now knew my name and would remember me as a gold-digger, a cheater, a murderer. How could I have the courage to show myself ever again? And the worst thing, it still pained me deeply to know that Maven could think so low of me. He might not love me, but we used to be friends at least.

Nyx walked us to the door. I could feel him looking at me, but I didn't want to see the look of disgust or pity in his face.

"Jackie, can I have a moment with Elle, please?"

Jackie looked at me for a second and nodded. "Okay, just make it quick. I'm sure Elle's tired." She opened the door and left us behind.

"Elle, I'm sorry for what happened. I just want you to know that I didn't believe any of what they said."

"Why? You don't know me at all."

"I know enough. Besides, my Nan used to tell me I'm a good judge of character," he smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "But seriously, I know you're not like the person they said you are. Don't let them destroy your spirit."

I just looked at him, not saying anything.

"Okay, go on inside. You probably need some rest."

"Thanks Nyx," the only words I could utter, and I turned my back on him and walked inside the house.