A Reason To Live | ✔️

Chapter Seven

Zander and I spend some time walking around the venue and he introduces me to everyone who comes up to him. Every time he introduces me as his date my heart does a little flip and I'm still not sure how I feel about it.

Part of tonight's event is a charity auction, people donated various items; jewelry, vacations, pictures, etc for people to bid on, all the money goes towards Cassandra's charity to help the underprivileged in the states as well as other countries.

"See anything you like?" Zander whispers in my ear sending chills down my spine.

I shake my head, "I wouldn't be able to afford anything anyway. Plus it's all so lovely and amazing, even if I had the money I wouldn't know where to start." I say with a small laugh.

Zander doesn't reply and we keep walking around.

It's been some time since we arrived and as promised, before dinner Cassandra came up to me and I got a picture with her, one on my phone and a professional one she promises to send to me as soon as she has it. Speeches were given, and dinner was served.

Zander and I sit at a table near the stage, plates have been cleared away and they were about to bring out dessert.

"I'll be right back okay?" Zander says, leaning close to me.

"Okay," I nod simply, trying to remain calm because I don't know anyone here and now I'm going to be alone.

I watch as he gets up and walks off before turning back to the table, trying not to freak out.

Someone sits in Zander's chair and when I turn to look Cassandra Grey is sitting there.

"Mrs. Grey, hi, Zander just went somewhere."

"Call me Cassandra, or Cass please," she says with a smile on her face.

"Of course, yes."

"So how are you enjoying your night?" She asks curiously.

"It's all so amazing," I tell her honestly.

"Freya, can I be frank?" There is a look on her face I don't quite understand like she's worried and cautious but relieved.

"Sure, of course," I say quickly.

"I think Zander is in love with you."

I can't stop the laugh that slips from my mouth, "what?" I shake my head, "no, we just work together, I'm just his assistant."

"I've known Zander for a very long time, he doesn't usually bring people to things like this. And I have been watching you two, I've seen the way he touches you, looks at you. It's different with you, he is different with you."

"He's only different with me because.." I stop talking, I have gotten enough hints from Zander to know that he is aware of my past, of my history. I'm not really sure what he knows, how much of it he knows but he knows enough.

"I'm not trying to freak you out but if you think he is different with you because of something in your past, that is not it. Everyone has a past, Freya, don't be afraid of yours." With that she stands up and walks away, leaving me feeling confused, shocked, and amazed.

"What did Cassandra want?" Zander's questions bring me out of my mind and I look up. Zander is sitting in his chair with a curious look on his face.

"Oh, um. Nothing, just thanking me for coming tonight." I say before looking towards the table to see dessert arrived while I was busy in my own head.

I try to shake Cassandra's words out of my head, Zander is my boss, I'm just his assistant, there is no way he is in love with me.

The bars reopen after dinner, Zander gets a beer and I get a very strong mixed drink. Cassandra's words keep replaying in my head and I need them to quiet down.

Zander walked off a few minutes ago and I am currently standing near a wall, sipping on my second drink, willing the alcohol to finally start working.

"Care to dance?" An unfamiliar voice calls out. I look up to see a hand reaching out and an unfamiliar face staring at me.

"Sure," I say quickly before finishing the drink in my hand and setting it down on the table next to me.

I grab his hand and follow him onto the dance floor, "I'm Chris." He says to me as he wraps an arm around my waist as we reach the dance floor.

"Freya," I reply, giving him my name back as I take Chris in as we dance slowly. His brown hair is styled back and looks completely untouched and dark brown eyes.

"Nice to meet you, Freya, I can't believe your date would leave you standing alone by yourself, you are exquisite."

"Thank you, it is nice to meet you too Chris." I avoid responding to his comment about Zander leaving me alone. I don't know anything nor do I go to these types of events. I don't mind being left alone.

"Mind if I cut in?" A familiar voice says from behind me.

I pull away from Chris and turn around, Zander stands behind me, his eyes on Chris and if looks could kill Chris would be on the floor.

"It's nice to see you, Zander," Chris says.

"Chris," Zander's voice sounds cold, there is nothing calm in his tone. I rarely hear Zander's voice sound this cold and mean but when I do it sends chills down my spine, and not the good kind.

I turn back around and face Chris, "thank you for the dance." I say to him, feeling Zander's arm wrap around my waist, almost protectively.

Chris gives a small nod before turning and walking away. I look over at Zander, "What was that about?" I question him as he spins me slightly so I'm facing him.

"Nothing," he says as he grabs my hand and starts moving to the music. I place my other arm on his shoulder, the alcohol is starting to take effect on me now. Not the best time.

"Well, obviously it was something."

"He's just not a good person Freya." His light emerald green eyes stare into mine. Zander has never given me a reason to not trust him.

"Okay."

"Okay?" I know he's shocked by my response.

"Yeah, okay. I trust you." The words are meant to be simple but as I say them, they are anything but.

A smile appears on Zander's face at my words, "I'm glad to hear that."

****

The night ends after more drinking and dancing. I didn't see Chris for the rest of the evening and Zander never went far from me.

Zander insists on walking me to my door, claiming it is what a proper gentleman does. We talk about the night and when we end up at my door I'm laughing hard over something he said.

"Thank you for coming with me tonight Freya."

"Thank you for inviting me, I had fun, it's been a while since I had fun," I admit, the alcohol in my system is doing its job a little too well. "Would you like to come inside?" The words tumble out of my mouth before I can stop them.

"No, thank you." He says, causing my drunken heart to drop. "Good night Freya, get some sleep." It takes him a second to walk away, my heart dropping even more.

I sigh and unlock my apartment door, letting myself in before closing and locking the door behind me. Cassandra's words start replaying in my head, but Zander didn't want to come inside, she is obviously wrong and seeing something that isn't there and never will be.