Temptations

38. TO HIGH SOCIETY

ELLIE

It was finally the night of the party that had been our priority list for a week. I had taken a long bath, scrubbed myself thoroughly so my skin was glowing, put on the bathrobe and then sat down in front of the makeup artist Catherine had sent.

The woman whose name was Adaira, along with her helper Jazz, did her best on my skin and hair. She did my makeup the way I liked; subtle and glowy, with more focus on my eyes. I wanted a shimmery look but she suggested kohl eyes and smokey eye makeup. I am glad I listened to her advice and it ended up looking stunning.

For my hair, she had styled them in large, bouncy curls and pinned them all on one side of my neck. The hairstyle was neat and elegant and my neck looked slim and delicate due to it.

After the makeup and hairstyle, both women left. I took the ironed dress from the hanger and slipped into it. The dress had a corset back and my hands couldn't reach behind. I turned around in front of the mirror and angled my neck to look at the back. The design was a bit complicated and I definitely needed help.

"Tara!" I called the maid's name. "Please help me."

The door opened but instead of Tara, it was Nathan standing in the doorframe. He was dressed in a black three piece suit that hugged him perfectly. His toned body could be seen through all the layers. His hair was slicked back with perfection and I could smell the scent of his new cologne from this far.

I blushed in embarrassment on realizing my position and turned around to hide my bare back from him.

"Send Tara." I said, holding the dress against my front so it doesn't slip.

"She isn't around." He said and walked towards me. His eyes glanced at me from head to toe, stopping at certain places and then darkening in response. A shiver went through my spine at the intensity in his eyes.

"I need help." I said.

"Let me." He said and walked towards me. I first shook my head in no but then I realized I had no other option. In the end, I had to turn around and let him.

Despite my face towards the other side, I could feel his eyes making holes in my back. He began tying the strings of the corset and every time his fingers touched me, a shiver ran through my body. His hands were cold and my skin was warm, making me hypersensitive to his touch.

"How did you get it on in trial?" He asked.

"A worker helped." I replied, feeling awkward about being so close to him.

"It's so complicated." He whispered, leaning down. I felt his warm breath on my skin and my tummy felt funny.

"Mr. Hotshot can't figure out a simple dress?" I said sarcastically as I looked at him through the mirror.

His eyes met mine in the mirror and his jaw hardened. Suddenly, he tightened the corset with a jerk, making me lean back against his front with a thump. He was all hard and firm while I was soft and squishy.

"There is nothing in the world I can't figure out." He whispered in my ears. His mouth stayed close to me for a brief moment while my thoughts lingered on the parts of our bodies touching. He finally let me go and I breathed heavily.

"Narcissist." I whispered under my breath and began putting the jewelry on me.

*****

Rich people and their instinct desire to show off their wealth any chance they get. And by rich people, I mean my husband dearest.

Nathan and I arrived at the venue in a limousine when the two of us could easily fit into any of Nathan's cars. Once the car stopped in front of the huge hotel stretched across acres, the driver opened the door for us.

As soon as we both stepped out of the car, Nathan put his hand on the small on my waist. I looked at him and found him smiling towards the photographers.

"Smile." He whispered to me without even moving his face.

Nodding, I put a smile on my face and posed for the photograph. We then went inside and the organizers led us inside the hall that was filled with people. I thought I was overdressed but seeing every woman in designer gowns and sparkling jewelry made me feel both better and worse about myself.

"I feel like I'm in a Halloween party and the theme is mafia." I whispered to Nathan.

"Just enjoy the show." He said and pulled me close to his side. I hated being treated like a showpiece but I didn't have much choice.

"Mr. Byers." A man in his middle age walked over to us and shook Nathan's hands. "Welcome, welcome."

"Wonderful party, Mr. MacElroy." Nathan said.

"And who is this lovely lady?" The man looked over at me.

"This happens to be my beautiful wife, Elizabeth." Nathan said in an adoring voice. He should be an actor instead of a businessman.

The guy shook my hand and after some basic greeting, made his way to the next guest.
One by one, we met with other people. I knew some of them already due to my secretary days and some were new. But one thing was consistent, I felt really out of place.

"When can we go back?" I asked Nathan. I was stuck to his side throughout as he was the only person I knew.

"The party has just started." He said, stopping against a corner. "Do you want to have some food?"

"I don't know. I feel like I don't belong here." I said nervously. "Do I look good?"

He lifted my chin and made me look directly into his eyes. "You are the prettiest girl in the whole party." He said softly. His words made me feel warm and bubbly and I smiled shyly.

No, don't let him fool you.

"You have settled nicely into the character of the good husband." I taunted him and he pouted.

"Right. Forget it." He rolled his eyes and looked away.

"What? Did I lie?" I asked.

"No, I just forgot how smart you are. You know everything." He said and pulled his arm off my waist.

"Whatever." I shrugged and looked for a corner to go to.

I noticed how his eyes raked all over the party and finally settled at one point. I followed his eyes and saw his ex Serena standing on the other end of the hall, looking all glamourous. She was wearing a violet gown that hugged her perfectly and her blonde hair was pinned straight. She was looking towards us as well and there was a heated exchange of glances between Nathan and her.

This was going to be one hell of a night.

**********