Damage Control

Chapter 80

A small gasp escaped my lips as I cupped my hand over my mouth in shock. Tears immediately sprang to my eyes as I tried to process the small word that would change my life forever. I never imagined being a mother, and in all honesty, I never wanted to be one, but being here in this moment right now, I felt completely different, ready even.

The faint sound of music suddenly began to fill the bathroom, indicating that the reception had officially started, interrupting the sentimental moment.

"Shit," I muttered to myself, grabbing a handful of tissue and wrapping the test in it before stuffing the mummified item in my purse.

I quickly washed my hands and touched up my smearing makeup before making my way towards the event. As I walked through the long hallways, I pulled my phone out, checking for any missed calls or messages from Nathaniel, but surprisingly there were none. As soon as I walked up to the double doors where the reception was taking place, getting ready to call him, I randomly turned my attention to the see-through exit door and surprisingly saw him outside angrily talking to another man wearing casual clothing.

Nathaniel's hair was becoming ungelled, most likely from frustratingly running his fingers through it, his jaw was clenched tightly, and his hands were curled in a fist at his side. The tie he wore was now loosely wrapped around his neck, and a few buttons of his shirt were popped open.

Relief washed over me as I pushed through the door leading to outside, coming face to face with him for the first time since I left his place.

"You must be Anastazi," the man in causal clothes spoke with a strained smile.

"Don't fucking talk to her," Nathaniel snarled viciously, making me jump back slightly.

"What's going on?" I asked hesitantly, looking between the two men, confused as to how he knew my name.

"Nothing, my love," Nathaniel murmured, turning his attention back to me and cupping my face between his giant palms. "Wait for me inside; I'll be right behind you."

"Why?" I found myself asking instead of following his simple instructions.

His dark tired eyes stared deep into my soul, a look of immense anguish flickering across his face briefly.

"I'll explain everything later," he mumbled.

I nodded, accepting his answer, and he leaned forward, pressing a lingering, passionate kiss on my lips.

"Save me a seat," he winked, trying to lighten the mood

I rolled my eyes playfully and laughed. "I'll think about it."

Once I made it into the pinked-out reception, I chose an empty table near the back, not wanting to be in the center of everyone. All I could think about was the strange man Nathaniel was talking to and his reaction when the man spoke to me.

Who was he, and how did he know my name? Why was Nathaniel arguing with him, and why did he look so stressed and disheveled?

So many thoughts crossed my mind as I sat there twiddling my fingers, not paying attention to the party going on in front of me. The longer I waited for Nathaniel to join me, the more I felt like I was going to throw up, but this time I couldn't decipher whether it was from nerves or nausea. Eventually, I got fed up of waiting around and turned to get out of my seat to find him, only to bump right into him as soon as I stood up.

"Going somewhere?" He smirked, steadying me with his giant hands.

"Took you long enough," I grumbled in annoyance.

"Care to dance?" He nodded his head in the direction of the dance floor where a few couples, including Stella, Theo, Carter, and Gabrielle, were dancing to the slow music flowing through the speakers.