Page 42 of Entangled Vow
18
MIRA
It had to be hormones playing tricks with my mind.That was the only reason I could come up with to explain why my nerves were a wreck the night of the gala.
This was a good night, an exciting one, something to be happy about.A triumph.Champagne flowed, and everywhere I looked, there were smiling faces.So what was my problem?
The biggest smile, of course, was worn by my husband.It wasn’t fair for a man to look as good as he did and so effortlessly.I had spent hours having my hair and nails done and working on my makeup.All he had to do was shower, shave, and put on a perfectly fitted tux.
“Are you sure you don’t want champagne?”He was slightly distracted as he turned away from the tray as a server walked past, now holding a flute in each hand.“It might look awkward if you aren’t having any.”
Since when did it matter so much?“I really don’t feel like drinking,” I murmured, remembering today’s round of morning sickness.
To my surprise, he scowled.“Nobody said you have to drink it.”He held out a flute, exchanging his scowl for a tight smile, and I took it from him.
What was his issue?He had nothing to be nervous about.He was the man of the hour, the genius who would usher our brand into an era of unchecked prosperity.In the hours since we had arrived in the ballroom, there had been no fewer than four toasts to him.I had to wonder if there was enough champagne in stock to handle the toasting to come.
In a blink, his gaze softened along with his expression as he looked me over.“You’re gorgeous, by the way.Have I mentioned that tonight?”
“As a matter of fact, no,” I replied, arching an eyebrow.“I was starting to wonder if I went invisible.”I had spent ages deliberating before settling on the black, strapless McQueen gown, which Clay now eyed like he couldn’t wait to tear off me.
Leaning down, he brushed his lips over my ear, murmuring, “I have something for you, but I didn’t get the chance to give it to you before we left.Don’t stray too far.”
Interesting.I studied his face but couldn't find any answers hiding behind his baby blues.“And it’s something you can give me in mixed company?”I asked with a quirked eyebrow.
This time, his smile was sincere.He didn’t remind me so much of a jack-o’-lantern.“Yes, it’s suitable for mixed company.”Before I could ask him what it was, Ed Johnson from Lake Tahoe waved an arm overhead, trying to get his attention.I nodded in his direction to let Clay know he was being summoned, but once I started to follow him to where Ed waited, I realized I wasn’t part of whatever was happening.It was in their body language, the way Ed turned toward Clay and away from me.
The message was obvious.
Well, it was his night.Not mine.It only made sense.Even if my pride stung more than I ever would have admitted.Now that Clay was firmly in place, I was yesterday’s news.
Yes, it had to be the hormones.That would explain the pressure in my chest like a whole lot of suppressed emotion might come pouring out of me at any second.While I hadn’t yet been to the doctor, I made a point to take another test earlier tonight while I was getting ready for the gala.I would have to tell Clay eventually, sooner rather than later.Maybe tonight?It was my best chance of catching him in a great mood.
I looked down at the champagne flute still clutched in my hand, then left it on a table rather than risk sipping from it without thinking.It had been two excruciating weeks since I first found out, but the idea of having a baby didn’t feel any more real.Maybe it would later on when my body started changing when I had more time to adjust to the idea.Once my husband knew too.
My husband now spoke to a girl who held her phone out like she was recording a short interview.The way she gazed up at him…
My teeth ground together, and my hackles lifted.Ireallyneeded fresh air.My head was a mess—tonight of all nights.I did everything I could to look cheerful and sure of myself as I worked my way out of the ballroom.
It seemed like the universe was determined to stretch me to my breaking point since the last person I ever expected to see tonight sauntered my way with a glass of champagne in one hand, wearing a shit-eating grin that only made me grind my teeth harder.
Noticing what had to be my scowl, Matteo raised his brow.“That doesn’t look like happiness to see me.”He looked around us, pleasantly smiling while I wondered if anybody would notice if I killed him.I knew damn well he hadn’t been invited, so why would he be here?
I wasn’t about to demand answers while surrounded by people.“Not here,” I gritted out, leading the way without looking behind me.There had to be someplace where we could talk privately.Rather than go outside, I ducked into a small room across from the ballroom and hoped like hell nobody noticed me sneaking off with a strange man.
The second he joined me in the empty room, I whirled on him.“What are you doing here?”I demanded through gritted teeth, looking over my shoulder to see whether anybody was watching from the hall.
His head snapped back, a gesture that shouldn’t have pleased me as much as it did.“Are you serious?”He sounded genuinely hurt.Stunned.How could he?
Because I had never flat-out told him to get lost.This was on me.I should’ve been clear instead of assuming he would take the hint.Some people were incapable of that.He was one of them.
After releasing a deep breath, I said, “Matteo, it’s over.In fact, it never started.Don’t you see that?”I asked while he gaped at me.“I’m sorry, I am.We should have sat down and had this talk before now but with all these distractions and everything…”
He held up his free hand and sputtered for a moment.“So you’re saying there’s nothing between us.”
Seriously?It took everything I had not to roll my eyes.“I don’t mean to be harsh,” I insisted while he scoffed.“If you had called instead of, you know, showing up uninvited?—”
“Stupid me, thinking I could come by and lend you my support.”
