HIS PRETENSE BRIDE

CHAPTER 35

Alexa's POV

I didn't realize how tasking it is to host a dinner for my husband's favorite friend when I offered. It's been two days since Xander took me shopping. Two days since I had the best experience of my lifetime and it's all I can think about.

I haven't felt at peace in so long. I am married even though it's not in the way I want. I have all the luxury with a husband who cares and listens. I have a new friend and the maids in the house adore me. Probably because I give them things and know their names. Life couldn't be better.

Except, I decided that I was going to host dinner and now, I can't help feeling stressed. 

“So, I got everything you wanted on the list.” Sofia says as she bursts through the door with Lina, one of my maids. “I'm so freaking exhausted but I have lunch with Dave and I really can't bail.” She tells me while she walks up to me where I am seated at the dining table.

Lina puts down everything she came in with. She slowly starts to unload them for me. There are fine China silverware, sophisticated table clothes, napkins, table runners, candles, crystal glasses and the likes. I beam each time Lina brings something out from the bag. 

“Ouu, I love this.” I squeal as I grab one of the silverware. It is just what I would have picked.

“I have good eyes,” Sofia says with a grin, feeling proud of herself. Then, she looks at Lina briefly. “Plus, Lina helped.” She adds.

“Thank you,” I beam as I appreciate the glowing woman who seems to appreciate compliments.

I exhale, staring at the items as Lina starts to load them back. The kitchen is already a mess from all the shopping I went on earlier. I am pretty tired but since I am nowhere near being done, I don't consider stopping to rest. 

“They will love this, right?” I ask Sofia, biting down on my lower lip for a second. 

It is running me crazy that I don't know what to think. I don't know any of these people that are coming in. I tried looking them up on social media earlier, but it just seems like I am trying to plunge myself in a mess. Most of the social media is private but the clips I do see of them are very sophisticated and intimidating. 

I don't know what to think.

Sofia comes to stand before, peering down at Lina as she continues to pack up the items to be used tomorrow. She throws her hand over my shoulder casually and squeezes.

“Don't worry, babe. They will be crazy not to love them. You are going through all these troubles to please them. Relax.” She mumbles.

“I can't relax,” I frown. “I want them to like me. They are Xander's closest friend.” I tell her.

“Yet they didn't even get an invite to your wedding. That should tell you a lot about them. And Lexy, it's best you know that you can't please them. I'm sure they will be too polite to say anything that will undermine your efforts.” She explains to me as though that should make me relax. It does the opposite.

“So, they will just kiss my ass?” I ask with a deeper frown.

“Oh, no. They won't. They are too…” She scrunches her nose as she racks her brain for the word. “Blunt to sugarcoat anything. But what they won't do is not appreciate your efforts. If they do that, they risk their relationship with Xander.” She explains further while I nod.

“Okay, I get it now.” I exhale with relief.  “Thank you so much, Sofia.” 

“Anytime, Lexy. Now, I really do have to be on my way before Dave starts to call me. I will be here tomorrow to help with whatever you need. Whether you need my help or not.” She rambles.