3. Can you blame me?

Ignoring me, he started to pull up my shirt. What was going on? Why was he trying to take my clothes off?

"Calvin!" I said, grabbing his hands to stop him. "What are you doing?"

"Didn't you tell my mother that we haven’t been intimate lately?" he said, glaring at me. "I’m fixing that."

I stepped back, disgusted. "No! That’s not what I meant! Fiona said—"

"I don’t care what she said, Cassie," he interrupted, moving closer. "I don’t want to look like an incompetent husband."

He pulled me toward him again, but I slapped my hand over his mouth. "No, Calvin! This is ridiculous. I’m not doing this."

"Why not?" he demanded. "You wanted a child to secure your place in the family, didn’t you?"

"Please. I don’t want this!" I cried, feeling the tears well up. He loosened his grip, giving me space to breathe. "I don’t want it like this. Not when you’re so angry at me."

"You know I hate it when my mother gets involved in our private life. You promised to respect my privacy, but you told her everything!"

he yelled, shaking me roughly.

"I’m sorry!" I sobbed. "I didn’t mean that. I just—"

"Save it," he said, pulling away from me.

He stepped back, his face full of disappointment. He stared blankly at the wall. "Don’t be late for the charity ball tonight. It’s important to me. You need to be there."

Then he turned and left, leaving me alone. I felt horrible. I never wanted him to be disappointed in me, especially when our relationship was already struggling. Every time I tried to get closer, it felt like he pulled further away.

Speaking of the charity gala, I looked up at the couch and noticed something shiny. It was the gown I’d picked for tonight. I’d chosen it carefully, hoping to look perfect as I walked the red carpet with Calvin. Looking at it gave me a small sense of hope. Maybe tonight, I could turn things around. 

Wiping my tears away, I walked toward the couch and picked up the gown, holding it close to my chest.

"No, I couldn’t give up on our marriage so easily. I have to show him tonight that he wasn’t wrong in marrying me, and that I indeed make a good wife." I thought to myself.

I know how important the charity gala was in establishing his position as a CEO, and as his wife, everyone’s eyes will be watching me. I will give them no reason to question my presence alongside him. I would prove to everyone that I belonged with him.

***

I was pleased with how I looked. The silver fabric of my dress clung to my curves like it was made just for me. The gown had no sleeves, showing off my skin in all the right places. I put my hair up in a loose bun, with a few strands framing my face. I wore emerald earrings with diamonds around them. Calvin had given them to me on our first anniversary, and I hoped he would like seeing them tonight.

Tonight was important to him, and I wanted to make him proud.

Right then, I got a call from my driver.

"Yes, Denver?" I said. 

"Miss Cassie, are you ready to go to the gala? We're getting late." 

I frowned, "But Calvin isn't here yet." 

"Mr Anderson said he would join us at the gala." 

My heart sank. He didn't want to make an appearence with me. Brushing the thoughts away I cut the call and headed down. 

When we reached the venue after almost an hour, Calvin had still not reached. I was nervous to go inside without him, as these sort of events were not my thing. 

"I'll wait in the car until Calvin arrives." I said. 

"No, Miss Cassie. Mr Anderson had given strict instructions to me that you are to go inside as soon as you arrive." 

I wanted to argue but I knew I could not anger Calvin anymore.

"Fine." I took a hesitant step outside. And as I walked to the red carpet, the paparazzi panned their cameras onto my face. Before I could escape, the car left. I grew nervous looking at all the flashes. 

"Mrs Anderson, why are you here alone? Are you having trouble with your husband?" asked one reporter. 

"I heard you're getting a divorce soon. Is it just a rumour or is it true?" said another. 

"Mrs Anderson, what is going to happen to your husband's company if you split?" 

Millions of questions were fired at me, making me overwhelmed. I froze in my spot, unable to handle so much attention on me suddenly. Right then, a swarm of bodygaurds came around me, protecting me. A warm hand touched the small of my back, gently ushering me forward. 

Taking the lead, I walked the red carpet and finally entered the hall. Once inside, I turned around to see who it was. To my surprise, it was a man I had never seen before. 

He had sharp, yet kind eyes. Something about him felt familair to me, but I couldn't understand what. Do I know him? I wasn't sure. 

"Thank you, Mr...?" I said. 

"Enzo." He said in a deep voice. "Enzo De Luca." 

I smiled, "Thank you for helping me, Mr De Luca. I-" 

Right then, the door to my left opened once again and Calvin finally came in. As soon as his eyes locked with mine, they widened with anger.