Married into Alpha Lord

Chapter 32

Our entrance was quite a sight.

First of all, Darren is known as a strict, strong, workaholic person who is hard to approach. He did have lovers before but never invited them to formal gathering. Second, no one would expect us to enter together, with Darren holding me close to him. Even on our wedding day, we didn't really hold hands. No one would expect me to gain Darren's favor as Caden's reputation and first impression from Northern people weren't that good.

Darren gave a formal speech at the beginning. A brief report about what have they done this year, what he hopes for the next. Appreciation for those who've worked hard to develop Northern territory becomes even more prosperous. Also, his thanks to people who come today to celebrate his birthday. Then, the music starts and people dance. Some don't dance, including me and Darren. We stand there where people could greet us easily.

I mean, where people could greet Darren easily.

They congratulate and wish him good things. I recognize some people who come and greet him, the lord and nobles whom I met in Darren's workroom.

Some people give me their greeting but mostly don't. I've prepared for this, keeping my expectations low. I try to leave to give Darren more space to talk with people. He ended up pulling me even closer, telling me in silence that I need to be with him. I stand there, staying close with Darren. At least people try to act nice when I am with him.

From several feet away, a group of people approaching them. Here comes trouble.

"Happy birthday, Darren,"  a woman greeted him. She gave him a peck on the cheek. "Thank you, Shaina," Darren said. I remember her, the alpha women whom I met long ago. She looks stunning in her white dress. "Hey, Darr. Happy birthday," greet a man who comes after Shaina. "It's been a while since I see you, Johan," Shaina greets the man by also giving him a peck. "Don't kiss him, Shaina, his mate would be jealous," Aria suddenly come. "Definitely don't expect a playboy like you would have a mate," Shaina said. "Do you bring here?"

Johan walks away for a moment then come back with man, smaller than me with a feminine figure and a beautiful face. "Nice to meet you, I'm Josiah Caldwell," he said. He has a pinkish blond hair with a clear sky blue eye, wearing a plain black suit, looking very beautiful. "Are you perhaps, related to Arthur Caldwell?" Darren asked. The guy who works in public transportation project? "Yes, he is my father," Josiah answer. "I don't know if he has a son," Aria said. This time, Josiah looks a little troubled to answer. "I'm an Omega, so father didn't allow me to go out much," he answered in a quiet voice. "But now you can! I'll take you wherever you want to go," Johan immediately defends him. "Such a lovely lovebirds," Shaina comments. They end up laughing together.

The chatter continued afterward. They are friends who haven't seen each other for quite a long time so the topics keep growing. I just stay there, feeling so out of place. Even Josiah can blend in better than me. Caden is known to be an antisocial and I don't think I need to change that. Not now, at least. So, I just stay there, acting like I'm listening, putting up my smile even though I know now one is talking with me. Counting every second for this party to end.

I see Marvin approach us with older men, and I know this is the right time to go. "Darren, I want you to meet Lord Vazquez. He works with me in the capital," Marvin interrupts us. The others know only business and politics will follow, so they are starting to disband.

In that disruptive situation, I excused myself out. No one there seems interested in, making my slip becomes easier.

The dark and cold balcony is the least favorite place for everyone to go. Especially in this cold winter night. Thus, it becomes the obvious destination for me to avoid all people inside.

The cold wind calms me down. I always like winter as it freshens my mind, clearing all my worries. I sat on a bench, sipping my wine. I can still hear music from the inside but the sound of people finally gone. It was a tiring day. I think today's insult is more than I could ask.

Parting from Darren was probably not the best decision.

I still stay inside after I slipped out. At first, I just try to fill my empty stomach. Staying in the corner, eating slowly, minding my own business. A few people then start swarming. At the front, they act nice towards me, but their intentions are clear. They always brought topics that in the end allude to me. Confirming my hypothesis that most people don't like me. They hate the fact that a common man-Beta like me would end up as their Alpha's partner. Sealgair is still the most powerful and fearful family across the kingdom, so it's understandable.

Well, let's just throw all the thinking and enjoy this quietness. I gaze at the clear night sky. The moon and the stars look brighter than usual. The cold wind is my friend and I close my eyes.

"You'll catch cold again if you stay here too long here," Darren's voice woke me up. He quietly takes a seat next to me. I look behind and I can see that the party is still going. "Is it okay for you to be here and not inside?" I asked him. He's the main guy for today's party. People would definitely want to make contact with him. "Whatever, they only talk politics," he said, snatching my wine and sipping it slowly. I stare at him for a few moments. He looks tired and stuffy but I'm impressed on how he hide those things.

There are only two of us here and I enjoy this quietness a lot, doesn't mind his company. I slip out a box from my suit pocket, remembering its existence. I look at it for a few seconds before giving it to Darren. "Happy birthday, Darren," I said to him while handed him my present.

He looked taken back a little, didn't expect me to give him any present. Furthermore, hand it myself. He received it from me and hold it for a while. Then, he opened the box which reveals a simple watch with a black strap. "I found it in the market while strolling around and I thought it would look good on you," I started. "Actually, you don't have to wear it. It's cheap," I added. Darren suddenly lean to me and give me a kiss.

I'm s taken back as I don't expect it. Only stare at him in silence, confused.

"Thank you, Caden," he said while looking at my eyes. He then pull the watch from the box and immediately use it. I help him tighten the strap. It really looks nice on him and I saw a satisfied look on his face.

 "You look beautiful tonight," Darren suddenly added while staring at me. He again leans forward and gives me another kiss. This time, I close my eyes enjoying the way his lips touch against mine. I miss this sensation as we haven't physically get close to each other for a while. After sometimes, he finally pulls out and I open my eyes.

The cold wind and low lightning must do me some tricks. Darren looks so charming at that short moment. "Let's go inside, the party should be over in short," Darren said and walks first. My face feels so hot and my heart beat fast. I'm blushing. I must be crazy. It was just a simple kiss and a simple compliment but it draws me insane. I stay there for a couple more minutes to calm myself down before Harry found me and pick me up.