The Man Who Wasn't Invited

Bella

He appeared at the edge of the charity luncheon like an afterthought. The type someone must have planned quietly and very carefully. I had learned that by then nothing in Alex Blackwood’s mansion was an accident.

Nothing was an accident. Everything was quietly planned and looked at.

After all the chaos, I was here properly dressed in the most luxurious gowns and jewelry from his brand and going solo at a women's in business luncheon.

He made me a Blackwood Foundation representative. It was awkward that I wasn't here with him. He would have buried his eyes on me. He would have wanted to watch my every move. Tonight was totally…totally different.

I was as free as a bird. No one was going to control where I was going and what I had to do.

I could freely engage with anyone without feeling any sort of remorse. I wouldn't have to feel indebted at any point.

It was such a glorious feeling, with no perfect description.

Everyone sat on the Champaign table. I lingered with my thoughts while pulling off a wide smile on my face—What was the worst thing that could happen?

Lucas Wenmore, the most authoritative one. He pulled his chair across the table and cleared his throat. It was almost like to get the attention of everyone at the table.

“Y’all are welcome to the Business Luncheon. I'm pleased with the representatives we have and I look forward to hearing everything you all have to offer to my ears," he smiled gracefully.

He had a perfect mix of charm and mystery.

There was no way he wasn't going to see me. I was caught off guard with feeding him with so much attention. I was doing my best to manage well without Alex being here with me.

"Oh, the new Mrs. Blackwood!” He turned and grinned widely. His smile was extremely welcoming like we have had some business in the past.

"Your husband didn't come today?” He asked curiously.

I looked up and clasped my hands again before answering, "He's not going to be coming. He is hooked up with work.”

"Are you sure you can do everything you have to?" He went on. This time around it felt like he knew what he was doing.

The questions started sounding unreasonable and I thought so hard before giving any replies.

I didn't know what to say to him either other than giving straight replied concerning any questions that were thrown at me.

“I would do that gracefully," I replied with an awkward smile. It wasn't planned because I didn't want to cause a misunderstanding.

It was clear enough he was the confusion in my face. He saw I was trying to pick up where I have probably met her before.

"Valerie! A mutual friend." He smiled again.

I was stuck in the webs of confusion as to what relationship was going on between them. He was quite respectful to not make me or any other person okay for their replies or things that were done to him in silence.

His beards blended all well with his face and his cupid lips were well outlined. His almond eyes properly covered his mocha colored eyes. His beauty was dazzling and quite endearing.

He stared back at me with his eyes scanning every part of me.

Well, I knew he was looking at me. I gave him a room to do so comfortably by turning around so he could have a glimpse of all the beauty.

He grinned slowly, “you're indeed very beautiful!" I smiled at the compliment.

"Thank you,” I responded gracefully. No one was watching, cautioning or warning me with looks that could pierce into my soul.

"I'm sure your event planning is booming now.” He moved to another conversation.

I felt very uncomfortable deep down because out of all the problems I've solved, I wasn't able to solve the stagnancy my business faced.

"You were a client before?” I asked because he uttered like he knew about my business.

"Sure, I did. I haven't really come across any other event planner as diligent as you were,” he added, while demonstrating judiciously.

I nodded while trying to put the dots together. I had no ratings, no past work, instead I have had failed ones.

He probably did good research and he was making up things that never existed. It wasn't even able to help me feel good.

A good rush of guilt ran down my gut— I neglected the one thing I always said I loved.

“You just know your way around businesses over here!” I nodded.

"I mean…How else would I have known about Blackwood's competitor and also have a slot for good access?"

“Really?" My tone was thrown off balance. I was stunned to hear it all.

He gave me all of his attention, adjusting himself a bit closer.

“There is nothing, nothing Luncheon-ing about this event. It is just an opening move," he confessed. He literally did.

I smiled like I didn't understand anything about what he said.

He readjusted himself and buried his hand inside his pockets.

“Here!" I turned and the next thing I saw was a platinum card with some inscribed details on it I couldn't read at that time.

Without further complaints and complementary talks, I walked out and bid them goodbye.

I felt like disappearing to the mansion and casually appearing in front of Alex.

The driver was quick enough on the road. I walked briskly into the mansion like I was chased and went up to Alex home office.

I knew he was there.

I knocked, waited for a few seconds, and I pushed the door and got in. I walked in quietly and without saying a word, I dropped the card on his desk.

He stopped moving, blinking and he froze with the ball pen in his hands.

"Where did you meet him?" I uttered coldly. He picked up his phone and stared back at me again.

“You did exactly what you had to."

"So, are you going to tell me who Lucas Wenmore is?” I coldly asked, gently slamming my hands on his desk and burying my eyes into his.

Silence creeped in every corner of the room. Alex let out a deep breath and I could finally look away.

“Someone who uses people close to me to get to me." He took a long uncomfortable pause. "He was also with Valerie before I was."

I swallowed deeply as I felt a sting on my chest "And now?" Alex's expression closed like a door.

"Now he knows she's no longer close to me. So he's looking for the next door." He looked at me steadily. "You are not a door."