the bard

chapter one

Third persons pov:

Mathew peered about at the moving pool of revealing red dresses and matte black tuxedos. Parties like these were the dog's bollocks. He hated them, even though they were nice enough to stand in and stare at every expensive object or design until his eyes ached. He glanced down into the liquid inside his glass and grimaced. It was Italian, and he could tell, but he hated wine in general. From where he stood, music flooded into his ears - the only thing of comfort and amidst the mild commotion. Something from beethoven, he guessed. At least, his host had good taste in music.

He tapped impatient fingers against the railing before him, awaiting the return of his mother. She had gone off to fetch her new boyfriend. Of all the ways to punish him that night!

As he heaved a sigh, he caught sight of his mother, Eva, making her way up the stairs. A tall fellow was by her side. He didn't look like much facially, but his tux said he was wealthy. Eva, on the other hand, looked gorgeous in a red, v-necked dress and light makeup. Her dark hair - which matt always saw in a low ponytail - was rolled up in a neat bun. Also, he never thought he'd see his mother in a nice dress. Eva always filtered between her police uniform, and a pair of faded jeans.

Matt wondered if, with her new relationship, he would see his mom in dresses like that more often. It was baffling how a mere police detective had bagged England's most beloved billionaire bachelor. Even with their feigned composure, matt spotted a woman or two giving his mother the nasty eye as she walked hand in hand with Hayden Rief, their host for the night. If given the chance to jump at and rip Eva in half, a lot of the prettied up, graceful looking damsels would unleash their inner Krueger.

"Matt!" Eva's voice snapped Mathew out of his trance.

He almost spilled his wine. "Um, hey mom"

Mr. Hayden chuckled. "Quirky! I think you forgot to mention that, evangeline."

A mild look of surprise painted Matt's features. Eva had never liked to be addressed by her full name since her divorce from his dad.

Eva grinned sweetly. Matt thought she looked strikingly beautiful. "Matt, Honey, I told Hayden all about your academic records in high school."

"Straight A's from junior year til senior year. Impressive!" Hayden commented, appearing genuinely so. "Highly impressive, Mathew"

Mathew fidgeted and offered a polite smile. He felt flattered yet uncomfortable. His academic history was the sole reason he had been invited to an exclusive soiree. He glanced over at the enamarado. Hayden's stare was calculative.

"I'll leave you both to it." Eva cooed, and Hayden gave her a little peck on her cheek before she walked off.

Just then, a waiter passed by and Mathew carefully dropped his glass on the tray.

"You didn't drink it." Hayden noted.

"I don't fancy wine." Matt awkwardly stated.

Hayden didn't hesitate with smiling at that response. "I like that, I'm proud of you for that. stay sober son, and the world will appear to you more differently sober, than blinded by an addiction." he explained.

Mathew's body twitched, he felt uncomfortable. there was no reason for Hayden to call him that, they'd only just met moments ago, and Hayden's relationship with Eva had only just started, it'd been only a few weeks.

"Mathew, there's a reason I'm here talking with you tonight"

"Because you are my Mother's significant other?" He asked, as he raised his eyebrow.

Hayden laughed and shook his head in disagreement.

"Your Mother is incredible, son, and I love being here with her tonight, but no, that is not the sole reason I am here"