Chapter 3

We safely arrived on time at Hotel Williams and when we entered the foyer, their staff were happily greeting the guests. 

I was walking behind my parents along with Andrew and my eyes wandered around. I couldn't deny the fact that those beautiful paintings and chandeliers were amazing.  The architectural design is truly magnificent; world-class! Chicago really has a lot of luxury hotels to offer. One of the staff led us to the function room because the party is about to start. 

At the function, we are welcomed by Mr. and Mrs. Williams “Hi Arriane, you look gorgeous,” Charee complimented. Mom thanked her before they hugged each other.

She glanced at me from behind “ Allesandra, Is that you? You’re marvelous!" she smiled widely at me. "If you’re not with your parents, I wouldn't recognize you,” she pulled me closer and kissed my cheek. Still not contented, she whispered, “You’re ravishing!” I smiled and giggled like a schoolgirl. 

“I will lead us to our table, the program is about to start” Ricky interrupted and all of us walked through the center.

After few minutes that I was seated, I excused myself to go to the washroom because I felt the urge to pee. "Make it fast," Mom reminded me.

I was washing my hands when I heard two women talking in separate cubicles.

“Did you know that Chadrick has a new girl? She is really beautiful” said the girl one. “I think Chadrick is serious with her. Who knows, she's the lucky bitch the heir would marry this time” the other answered.

As I heard those words, I felt like my stomach was churning and my tears were about to fall but I kept on holding them. I'm afraid for my makeup to get ruined so I composed myself and added more lipstick.

“You are beautiful Alle," I murmured. "You’ve invested too much for him. Have a good fight to get his attention tonight,” I encouraged myself.

I walked out of the washroom with a heavy heart. I was heading back towards our table when I saw Chadrick talking to one of their investors. I checked him out and he looked so handsome in his Armani suit. My mind was in chaos, "God, why is he so gorgeous?" I sighed.

Anyone could really be hypnotized by him - 6 ft tall, perfectly carved jaw, and broadened shoulders. Most of all, he's one of the richest bachelors in Chicago. 

He looked my way and he turned twice like something caught his attention. We kept staring at each other intensely – felt like all in slow motion. The bitch inside me was so NERVOUS. 

Chadrick excused himself from the person he was talking to. He walked towards my way and in a few, he was standing in front of me. “Wow! I can’t believe my eyes," he shook his head. "You’re beautiful” and smiled like he was awed.

“Hi, Chadrick! Congratulations on the new hotel opening!” I greeted happily. We stood there for a few more seconds just looking at each other like we were out of words. It was the first time we felt like it’s awkward. I'm so happy my effort didn't go to waste because he finds me beautiful with my appearance. He broke the silence and we walked back to our table as the program has started.

I saw Mr. and Mrs. Williams seated across from my Mom and Dad. My brother sat beside mom with an empty chair next to him -which was mine. On the other side, I saw a woman talking to Chadrick’s mom. Is she the new girl of Chadrick?

Chadrick like a gentleman helped me with my seat and moved across beside the woman. He said Hi and kissed her lips. Ouch! It hurts like I’ve been stabbed by a knife so sharp and deep.

“Alle, this is Vanessa Albert, my girlfriend. She’s from Albert’s Group” he introduced.

“Nice to finally meet you Allesandra, You are beautiful,” she smiled. “Nice to meet you too Vanessa," we shook hands but I felt like it was hard to breathe because of jealousy.

“Chad has said a lot about you. I bet you two are close” she added.  "Yes, we are super close like nothing can break us apart. We have each other since my diaper days”. I wasn't aware of the words that came out of my mouth.

I heard both our parents’ chuckled while my annoying brother whispered “Alle, that was hilarious! You talked like an idiot,” he scoffed.  I looked at him and thought, “That was embarrassing. Help me, God!

It was dinner time and our food looks really delicious. Sadly, I didn’t have the appetite to enjoy the meal as my heart was hurt seeing Chadrick with her in front of me. I tightly held my tears to not flow and ruin my mascara. What an eventful night for me!

Though I didn't have the appetite, still, I tasted my food just for them not to notice. I kept my head down and focused on my plate because my irritation was killing me. I avoided looking at her as I didn't want to get caught like a jealous bitch.

Busy with their discussion, I checked her out.  She's beautiful with long eyelashes, confident and sophisticated - I couldn't deny those. My eyes wandered on her chest and yeah, she got bigger boobies than me. "Does Chadrick prefer girls with big melons this time?" Andrew was right, I needed to grow my twins in order to compete with her.

I wasn't listening to their topics because I didn't have an interest. I decided to chew my steak like gritting them in annoyance as pain attacked my being. 

Suddenly, “Chad honey, how long you and Van dating?” Charee asked. That caught my attention and I was able to lift my head instantly.

“We are seeing each other for about five months now," Instead of Chad, Vanessa answered. “Nice! I guess both of you are taking it seriously” Charee responded with joy.

“Are we hearing wedding bells soon?” Ricky questioned with excitement. “Yes.  We talked about it already and we'll finalize it soon," she was fast to reply. "We just need to sort out things with business first,” that was Chadrick supporting her statement.

As I heard those, I accidentally splashed my wine, and shocked was an understatement. “Jeez! Are you alright?” Andrew asked worriedly. He helped me wiped my wet dress immediately.

“Yeah, I’m good, sorry it was an accident” my panicked reply. Whoa! That was too much and I couldn't bear it anymore. With that, I sat up and said,

“Everyone, please excuse me, I guess I need to leave you first," I delivered in a polite manner."My wet dress is making me uncomfortable," I reasoned. "Please enjoy the rest of the party,"