Old Fire

"I'm fine," I interrupted, my tone sharp. "No reason to do that. People will wonder why –"

“If you get sick-”

“Then I’ll take the luggage of pills I have. I’ll be fine.” Triston's eyes flicked up for a moment, and I continued, "I will be okay without a doctor –"

“And if you collapse again? We’ll ruin Marcus’s day.” He spoke flatly. I always felt like baggage to him. Something he was forced to haul around. “We cannot have that happen.”

“And bringing a doctor will prevent that?” I asked, skeptical. “A doctor will only tell you to send me for more tests. I would still have to wait until after the trip for that.” Triston pressed his lips together, his fingers scrolling slowly.

"You have to keep up with your medication, then. Make sure you do that," he said, his tone firm.

-------------------------------------------

We arrived at the restaurant, a fancy establishment that Triston had booked exclusively. He exited the car first, then helped me out, his warm hand supporting me as I stood. I smiled up at him, grateful.,

“Thank you.”

Triston led me inside, my arm wrapped around his. The grandeur of the estate was impeccable, the lavish decorations and the sea of designer-clad guests only made me feel more out of place. Perhaps being stuck at home did affect me. Triston, on the other hand, seemed to be in his element, shaking hands and exchanging charming smiles with ease. I trailed behind him, trying to keep up as he navigated the crowded room.

“Hello, I am Triston Ballard, Marcus’s older brother.” The older man stood up, shaking his hand, “And this is my wife Iris.” I offered greetings, the older man staring at me hard, but not as hard as his wife. I think I had offended her somehow.

"Hello, I'm John Travo," he said, pointing to his wife. "And my lovely wife, Mary." Mary looked me up and down, her smile condescending.“Hello.” I beckoned to both of them. Mary lifted her nose,

“How old are you?” Mary asked me bluntly. I smiled, feeling my cheeks heat up.

“I’m twenty-nine,” I replied. Mary grew a large smile,

“Ahh… Twenty-nine and no children? Afraid to lose that figure, are we?” She looked me up and down, “Not much to lose- probably help us grow a little.” She gestured at her chest and hips. Well. Mary sure didn’t care for me.

I giggled, tilting my head. "When I'm old, I want to be just as funny as you," I said, trying to deflect her jab. Triston held me from my waist, his eyes alert, but he didn't interfere. 

“Mr. Ballard,” The older woman called for him, “When will she be bearing your children. Five years of marriage and no heirs? You should be having dozens to fill out that big home.” Five years? She definitely did her research on us.

“Well,” Triston placed a smile on his lips, “My beautiful wife, Iris, isn’t some breeder, but when god is willing, we will make some.” We will never have children. I knew that. He knew that, but at least he would never embarrass me in public. We continued to make our rounds, Triston handling most of the speaking. Most of them were his distant family, wondering how business was, what was going on at the business, money money-related topics. Stuff that bored me to hell and back. On times, I would speak, and I was asked once again why I looked so pale, vampire-like… And why did we have no children? Understandable. Most of them were old-fashioned, so why would Triston marry some actresses to have no children? I swore someone asked if he kept the receipt.

Once we sat down, Triston gripped my thigh, leaning into my ear. "Careful with our words. You and I are madly in love," he whispered. I gritted my teeth, responding, 

"I know." I retorted, “Your family is kind as always.” He was close to my face, and I could smell his cologne. Musky yet so clean,

“They’re here as formality. Don’t get offended. You have everything they’ve ever wanted.” They can fucking have it. I’m just a pretty face to a horrible life. “Now just stay put- I’m going to go find Marcus.” I nodded. Triston stood up, smoothing his jacket as he disappeared into the crowd. I used to love crowds of people- Triston’s family was always… critical of me, but the new family members we would be adding… Hated me. More than my own husband, even.

As I sat alone, a server approached me, offering a glass of champagne. I hesitated, knowing I shouldn't be drinking with all the medication I was taking. "No, thank you –"

The server handed me the glass anyway, and I took it, deciding to hold it rather than drink it.

-------------------------------------------

We had all gathered as told, waiting as Marcus and his fiancée walked out. The crowd cheered. I caught sight of Triston and another woman trailing behind, both offering smiles to the crowd. I clapped for them, all the crowd gushed towards them. Trying to catch the young bride and groom to congratulate them. 

As I stood at the back of the room, I leaned against a wall, feeling overwhelmed. I stared at the glass in my hand, lost in thought.

"Away from the crowd. Not very usual," a low, husky voice said near me. I turned my head, and my lips parted in a gasp. 

“Away from the crowd. Not very usual,” a low, husky voice said near me. I turned my head, and my lips parted in a gasp. His dark features were still engraved in my head. My lips parted, a little gasp escaping my lips. “I’d prefer a hello, Iris.” The man from her past. He was taller than I, his dark suit sparkling in the dim lighting.

“You’re here.” I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. His eyes were a dark gray. “I thought you wouldn’t respond to Marcus,” I said, trying to process his presence. He tilted his head, his dark hair moving ever so slightly.

"Triston seemed to have a change of heart," Oliver replied, his tone neutral. "Plus, Marcus is like my little brother." I felt the color drain from my face.. “How have you been, Iris? You don't look so great," He said, his expression concerned.

I turned my head, feeling a sense of panic. "Oliver, you shouldn't speak to me," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.