Chapter 51

Natalie

I dig into my dessert to try and look busy around our table. Alaric left to visit the bathroom in quite a hurry. He had an incoming phone call from his business partner. So I'm eating my soufflé alone.

The fancy restaurant is filled with people tonight. They crowd the floor and mingle with each other before finally sitting down to order. I feel a bit out of place, especially since I'm alone.

I'm also suffering that nagging feeling that every other person inside this room is wearing way more expensive clothing. I swear some women frown upon seeing me while others snicker at my second-hand bag.

"I'm sorry," Alaric returns to the table. "My business partner had a lot to say."

A smile takes hold of my lips. I get the feeling Alaric's business partner is a woman since he is afraid of naming them. I wonder why he is trying to keep that a secret?

"It's alright," I tell him. "I ordered dessert to keep me busy."

"Was it any good?"

"Delicious."

"Anyway, about our wedding," Alar