CHAPTER 005

BETTY

Standing in front of the full-length mirror in my room, I stare at the silver sequin gown Harriette sent earlier with a note that read, Wear this tonight.

The gown is beautiful, and it’s hugging me in all the right places.

For a moment, I almost don’t recognize myself. My waist looks smaller, my figure elegant, making me look like I belong, but when I lift my gaze to my reflection, the illusion fades.

Even with the makeup, my face looks pale and tired, like I haven’t slept in days. And the truth is, I haven’t.  Not since I heard Nathaniel in his office, saying things no wife should ever hear.

I still can’t get his words out of my head, and every time my eyes close, I hear his voice. “I don’t love her. I will never love anyone as i loved you.”

My hands tighten around the edge of the dresser, taking a deep breath, forcing myself to look up at my reflection again.

“I wish I didn’t have to go downstairs,” I mutter out loud to myself.

It’s Harriette’s birthday tonight, and she’s the only reason I still have a place in this family. So no matter how I feel, I have to attend.

I smooth my dress one last time and grab the black and silver masquerade mask from my bedside table. “Just make sure Harriette sees you, then you can slip away,” I tell myself, taking a deep breath.

I put on the mask, tying the ribbons carefully at the back of my head, and somehow, the mask gives me a strange kind of courage. Maybe tonight I can pretend to be someone else.

I step out of the room, and the music and laughter hit me instantly. The house feels alive with gold lights everywhere, soft chatter, and perfume floating through the air.

I walk down the staircase slowly, the hem of my gown brushing the steps, every chandelier sparkling like the night sky.

I keep my head low and head straight for the bar, the only safe place in a room like this.

“Champagne, please,” I tell the bartender quietly, and he nods, sliding me a glass.

The first sip burns a little, but it helps, giving the courage to pretend to admire the room while scanning for Nathaniel.

I spot him near the far wall, surrounded by men in suits, drink in hand, mask perfectly in place.

I turn away quickly and take another sip, hoping, praying he doesn’t notice me. I would appreciate it if he kept his distance tonight because I don’t know what I might say to him when my head is filled with champagne.

“Fuck!” I gasp under my glass when my eyes spot Eleanor striding from the kitchen with a bunch of waiters following her.

She looks stunning, of course, wrapped in diamonds and a navy blue gown, but she has that same cold expression she always wears.

 I turn quickly, pretending to order another drink before she can see me, and she passes behind me, leaving a trail of her expensive perfume.

“That was close.” I breathe out slowly, before a small smile tugs my lips. “First win of the night.” I whisper to myself and finish the rest of the drink in one go.

I grab another one, and another, starting to feel a little buzzed, and before I know it, I begin to enjoy myself.

“I can see the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” a cold, calculated voice comes from behind me, and I blink dramatically, letting out a frustrated sigh.

Figures. Joy is always short-lived around here.

He grabs my hand, and I turn to face him, his eyes fierce behind the mask.

“I’ve been watching you,” he mocks, leaning forward to make sure no one hears him scold me.  “That’s your fifth glass. Planning to get drunk and embarrass us tonight?”

I pull my hand away, my eyes darting around the room. “I’m not drunk, Nathaniel.”

“You better not be.” His tone hardens. “If you make a scene, I swear…”

“What, Nathaniel?” I cut him off, surprising us both. “What could you possibly do that you haven’t already done?”

He blinks, stunned, not expecting me to push back, and his face softens for a split second before hardening again as he clenches his jaw and steps toward me.

“Go back to your room. You already reek of alcohol.”

I shake my head quickly, the bubbles giving me courage I don’t usually have. “I’m here for Harriette. I’m not going anywhere.”

He’s about to say something else when the entire room quiets.

The music fades, conversations stop, and all eyes turn toward the grand entrance.

A woman steps inside. She is tall, beautiful, graceful, and every inch of her is glowing under the chandelier’s light, her red gown flowing behind her like fire.

The crowd parts for her without a word, like she is royalty, and she begins walking towards where Nathaniel and I are standing.

I follow the movement, and when I turn to Nathaniel, his jaw is tight, and his eyes are fixed on her like he’s seen a ghost.

“Amanda?” he breathes.

My heart stops. I know that name.

It’s her. His ex-fiancée. The woman he has refused to let go after all these years.