Father In Law

Chapter 36

Charlotte:

On the day of the charity ball, the house seems to sparkle. More than it usually does. There aren't any decorations, but the usual beige drapes have been replaced with navy blue ones and the living room seems to have been transformed into some auction setting. There are six tables, each meant for seating six and a makeshift stage at the front. The entire room has a blue tint to it, with a million starlights on the ceiling. All the tables and chairs are navy blue and decorated with gold ribbons.

I get dressed into a form-fitting black dress that reaches my ankles, every inch of it entwined with silver thread, so the dress shimmers as I move. It has rhinestone spaghetti straps and I pair it with silver strappy heels. I leave my hair in loose waves and put silver hoops into my earlobes. I finish my makeup and as I open the door, I bump right into Anthony. Great, just my luck.

I glance up at him and take in his stunned expression. His jaw is slack, lips parted and his eyes are slightly widened.

"Christ, baby. You look like a fantasy. The most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on."

His words make me blush and I mutter a thanks.

He cages me between his arms and the wall.

"If you'd let me, I'd fuck you all night long in my room, so no one else can have the chance to see you. Who knows? I just might leave a piece of myself this time."

He places his hand on my lower belly and peers into my eyes. I gasp and shove him away. I'm fanning my burning face as I descend the staircase. Why did I find what he said so unbearably hot?

I try to help Julia with preparations, but she doesn't let me and when the guests start arriving, I begin to greet them and show them to their seats.

A hand wraps around my waist and I whirl around to see Anthony's face.

"Are you crazy?" I whisper hiss at him.

He simply shrugs, as if having no care in the world.

"I don't like the way people are looking at you."

I try to move out of his grip, but it'll just draw more attention to us, so I leave him be. But then, he runs the tip of his nose along the slope of my neck, inhaling. I really try to stifle my giggle, but it escapes anyway.

"I invited your parents, but Charles said they wouldn't be able to make it."

"Oh." My response is not to what he said, but to the sight of Adeline Ruthfield sweeping across the floor, looking like a model straight off the front cover of a Vogue magazine. Her navy blue dress hugs her curves in all the right places and her shiny blonde hair glistens under the chandelier lighting. It seems she didn't bring her fiancé with her and every man stares at her in awe, including Sebastian who's just descended the stairs.

"Who the fuck invited this bitch?"

I gasp. "Tony! That's so rude."

He rolls his eyes and I shouldn't be finding that adorable, not when I'm still supposed to be mad at him. But it's so hard, when he's keeps looking at me like I'm the center of his universe.

"Go greet your guests Anthony."

He scoffs and moves away from me, actually listening for once and greets the guests. Sebastian also makes small talk with the guests and I do the same. Soon, Sebastian comes beside me.

"Charlotte. You look gorgeous." When I look at him, there's a flush to his cheeks.

"Aww, thanks Seb." I pinch his cheeks and he swats my hand away, chuckling in the process.

"Did you see Adeline? She's the talk of the evening." I nod to where she's sitting.

"You should go sit with her." I suggest.

"I think I'd rather stay here." I look at him in confusion and catch Anthony's burning hazel eyes in the distance.

"Ha ha. Very funny. I'm the most boring person here. By the way, how are the funds raised for charity?"

"There's an auction. Priceless possessions. Jewelry, art, furniture. Some come from the people seated here and some come from various auction houses. We raise millions every year."

"That's amazing. What's the cause?"

"It varies every year. Last year, it was for underprivileged children. This year, it's for animal welfare. It's actually the first year we're doing it for this cause."

My eyes immediately search for Anthony and as I find him talking to some older man, my heart starts drumming against my chest. I remember how one day, he stumbled across me crying because I'd seen a slaughterhouse video.

Oh god, how deeper can I fall for that beautiful man?

When it's time for dinner, me, Anthony, and Sebastian sit at one table, with me between them both. I notice that every dish is vegetarian and delicious. After dinner, Anthony takes his place on the stage as the auction begins. My eyes nearly bulge out when I hear the amounts people are bidding, and I feel so happy that it's all going to the welfare of animals. I end up donating fifty grand. After the auction, the tables and chairs are pushed to the side to make room for a dance floor. Soft music starts playing through the speakers and I dance with Sebastian for a while before spotting Alistair and Gemma Galanis. The hosts of the party where me and Anthony first met.

"Gemma! How are you?" I pull her in for a hug and she tightens her arms around me, pulling away with a grin. She's one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen.

"I'm good. You guys outdid yourselves this year. Alistair almost spent two million tonight."

I see her cast a wistful look at her fiancé, who's currently talking to an older woman.

"Everything alright honey?" I place my hand on her shoulder.

She shakes her head, as if ridding herself of any thoughts.

"Everything is fine."

"Okay, I'll leave you to it then."

She smiles and I walk away, in search of Anthony.