I Tried

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I was getting ready for the party. It was finally Friday and after all of the incessant planning and Bianca being here 24/7 it was finally ready to be over.

Antonio has specifically picked out my dress for the night as it was my first night out since I had had Jaime and he wanted me to be seen in a new light. As I thought about it I could hear him droning on and on about how I was a mother now and I needed to be presented as such.

I heard a door open slowly and I turned knowing who it must've been. I smiled seeing a sleeping Jaime in Maria's arms. "I didn't want to wake him because Master told me to let him sleep as much as he would before the party."

Maria spoke softly and I nodded in understanding. She handed him over to me and she said "It's time that you head down. It seems everyone is waiting to see the young master." I nodded and softly tried to get Jaime to wake up.

He did wake up but as he was about to start crying he looked at me and smiled which melted my heart. I smiled back at him "Hi. Are you ready for this?" I watched him smile and pulled his hands away from his mouth.

"Yeah, me neither. But let's go." I stood up from my vanity having one quick glance at us and when I decided I looked good I turned and walked to the door.

Maria was quick to open the door for me and I nodded as a thank you and walked gracefully to the top of the grand staircase that led into the ballroom. The chatter littered around the room soon came to a stop when everyone saw me and Jaime.

"My wife, and son. James Antonio Vincenzo Ricci." Antonio's voice rang through the entire room as he met me halfway down the staircase taking Jaime from my arms. I reluctantly let go but I didn't want to cause a scene or have any reason for more punishments to come.

Antonio had gotten Jaime situated in his arm before taking my arm and leading me down the staircase into the crowd of people all waiting for a chance to meet the baby.

He dragged me from couple to couple as he talked to the husbands and fathers and I made small talk with the women, usually about how cute Jamie was, or how he looked so much like his father.

I just had to smile, nod, and thank them even though this was the only thing that ruined the thought of having Jaime. The fact that I always had to share him with such a horrid man. I followed Antonio like a lost puppy fearing what would happen to Jaime if I wasn't with him at all times.

These sorts of parties always frightened me from all the dangerous people that were all gathered around each other with no way to defend myself or my child if something were to go wrong. Antonio had finished making his rounds with Jaime and he finally gave him back to me.

I found myself in a corner with a plate of fruit which I ate quietly when Maria came over with a soft smile on her face. "Care if I sit with you?" She was genuinely asking and I smiled nodding "Please."

Motioning to the empty seat next to me. "Typical." I heard a sharp tone from behind me. I turned and of course you guessed it. I saw Bianca standing there with a glass of red wine in her hands.

"He throws this glorious party in yours and your son's name yet you're sitting here silently pouting." I closed my eyes silently rolling them and waited for her to walk away. Maria and I smiled and giggled talking about stupid stuff when all of a sudden I felt eyes on me.

I turned my head and saw Antonio glaring at me and of course there was Bianca whispering in his ear. I quickly handed Jaime to Maria and said "I have to go." She looked at me confused but nodded and rocked Jaime trying to settle him while his mother was away.

I made my way to an empty hallway but I had sworn that I saw Antonio walk this way. But out of nowhere my head is slammed right against the wall right next to me. My vision went blurry and my legs began to go weak.