Chapter 7 My Dearest Husband

Aria

“Are you sure about this?” William asked, looking at me from the passenger seat.

I sucked in a deep breath, looking outside the car. Everywhere was crowded with paparazzi trying to get a picture of everyone. Vincenzo was one of the most prominent businessmen in town and he had earned a lot of respect over the years. He was launching yet another company and it was a big deal. That was why it was perfect to make my entrance now.

“I have never been more sure,” I told him, letting out a slow breath. William nodded and stepped out of the car. I watched him speak to one of my bodyguards. My hands were fidgeting, so I took another deep breath to calm my nerves.

I have been doing this since I was 18. I was no longer that little girl who was thrown into the business world overnight. I was Aria Smith. A strong boss lady who controlled the crowd. I wasn’t scared of anyone or anything, and I definitely wasn’t going to dim myself anymore so my husband could shine.

That was why I was wearing a fitted fuchsia pink gown that hugged my curves tightly. It was a long gown with an open back and it embraced me like a second skin, highlighting the curve of my waist and hips. It wasn’t revealing except for the open back that left just enough to the imagination. My sleek high ponytail made my neck and back look longer, putting my bare back on display for the world to see. I paired it with small rose gold earrings and left my neck bare. Then I accessorized with simple bracelets and rings.

I carried my black mini bag and paired it with black pointed heels. I knew Martha never disappoints and my makeup was done to perfection. Not too heavy, but bold enough to turn heads. I gripped my bag as William opened the car door. I could tell everyone was curious and I could already feel the flashes. William held my hand, helping me out of the car. He was on high alert. At first, everything went still as I made my appearance, and I couldn’t help the small smile on my face.

“It’s Aria Smith,” someone said, and I guess it snapped them out of their daze. Suddenly, the flashes increased. People screamed, trying to push past security.

“Aria, over here!”

“Were you really in a coma?”

“What happened that night? Were you driving?!”

“Aria, look here! Are the rumors about brain damage true?!”

I was bombarded with questions but I paid attention to none of them. My bodyguards and William moved in close, giving me space to pose for the cameras. I flashed them a sweet smile and turned, showing the back of my dress. When I felt I had given them enough, I walked graciously down the mini red carpet and shortly after, we were inside the building.

“Well, that was something,” I mumbled to William as my team followed me. They held up my long gown, making sure I was comfortable, and I got a bit emotional at their care. They were just doing their job, but I was certain they cared more for me than my messed up family ever did.

“Richard is here,” William whispered to me. “He might see you any moment now.”

“Who is he with?” I asked.

“One of his business partners, Ms. Lillian,”

I furrowed my brows. Lillian was a woman around my age and an upcoming CEO. I had met her a couple of times and our relationship was platonic, but I always noticed the way she looked at me. I never paid attention. Now that I thought about it, it was obvious she and my husband had something going on. Or maybe those mean glares and fake smiles she gave me were filled with jealousy. I shook my head at Richard. He could ignore his wife for weeks but show up to this party with another woman hanging on his arm.

He definitely didn’t care or respect me. We kept walking and soon we got to the hall. I took in the setting: prominent CEOs and important figures scattered across the room, socializing and discussing business. Bodyguards stood at the corners of the room, eyes on their bosses. Servers walked around carrying drinks. There were chairs and tables with people conversing, and servers attending to guests. Slow music played in the background and the air smelled of rich, luxurious cologne. I had missed this life. I was made for this life.

Everyone turned as I walked in and I could tell they were surprised. William led me to my table and I kept a small smile on my face.

“Aria Smith,” a voice called just before I got to my table and I turned.

“Mrs. Bells,” I said, smiling politely.

“Oh dear, I didn’t expect to see you here,” she said, walking closer to me. I chuckled, accepting her hug.

“How are you doing, Mrs. Bells?” I asked.

She gave me a look like I was being silly. “How am I doing?” she asked. “How are YOU doing? The internet tried to convince us you had brain damage.”

I laughed. Mrs. Bells is a woman in her late fifties. She is very kind and cares about people. She ran a charity program and helped new CEOs build their social network. Although she is very nice, she could also be cruel and nasty when someone stepped on her toes.

“The internet is always up to something,” I laughed.

She nodded. “But how are you doing now? I’ve been so worried about you,” she said, holding my hand.

I smiled and gave her a reply. Mrs. Bells talked a lot and I knew this would take a while. After talking to her, other people approached me. They were all surprised I was here. After long minutes I was finally free, and I started toward my seat but stopped in my tracks when I spotted my dearest husband. In his arm was Lillian. I saw the cloudy look in his eyes. The look he gave me when he was raging internally. The one I hated seeing. The one that used to make me afraid. But this time, I wasn’t scared.

I walked to him slowly, keeping eye contact. His eyes raked over my body and he looked even angrier.

“Hello, my dearest husband,” I told him, smiling widely.

He frowned. “What are you doing here?” he snapped. I ignored him, my eyes drifting to Lillian. She gave me one of those looks, eyes filled with jealousy. My eyes went to their intertwined arm and I felt anger burning in me. I looked back at Richard and he quickly let go of her arm. Lillian looked at him angrily and he didn’t spare her a glance. He grabbed my hand, pulling me to a secluded area, and I knew I was about to hear some manipulative words.