Out in the open
Chapter 55
Lorraine
The party was in full swing by the time we arrived. Several couples trooped in with smiles on their faces; most of them were fake apart from mine which stemmed from the sense of fulfillment I felt in torturing Dexter.
Each time our eyes met, he didn’t bother to mask how much he wanted me. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t give in. He needed to have a taste of his own medicine.
“Can you fill me in on the details of the party? I need to be able to make easy conversations, you know.”
He explained the purpose of the party with hesitation, scowling at everyone who took a second glance at me. “You shouldn’t have worn this. Now I’d have to constantly remind these men that you are with me.” He whined.
“You don’t have to go through the stress, dear husband. It’s not important.” I said as a waiter passed us with a tray. I picked up a glass of white wine and downed the whole contents. “Let’s talk later.”
He was clearly shocked by my new attitude, but if I had to act this way to survive his coldness then I’d give it my best shot.
The dance floor was filled up and since I wasn’t with Dexter anymore, the men who had been ogling at me had the chance to ask for a dance.
“You are so stunning, milady. Can I have one dance with you?” One of the young men who had his eyes on me requested.
“Of course you can.” I sounded too excited but he didn’t mind. He seemed to be happy to have me on the dance floor with him, and even though I wasn’t comfortable around him, I still went on with it.
He held me very close to himself, ensuring that my breasts touched his chest. It was repulsive as I didn’t enjoy being in close contact with anyone who wasn’t a friend or more.
Then I glanced around in search of Dexter and found a woman who wore an extremely revealing dress, trailing her fingers around Dexter’s chest.
He stood still instead of taking her hand off. I was grossly irritated and I couldn’t let it show. The aim was to act nonchalant and enjoy my life in this party, and I would do just that.
“So are you Dexter’s girlfriend or he just brought you as a date?” The young man whose name was unknown asked foolishly.
I hid my irritation behind a cocky smile and huffed my shoulders. “I don’t think my relationship with Dexter is your business. Let’s just enjoy the dance while it lasts, as you can see, there are other men waiting in line.”
His expression became sullen as he didn’t expect my response, but sometimes, men deserved to be put in their places. Most of them had dysfunctional brains and seeing how he had been trying to touch other parts of my body, I knew he wouldn’t have the boldness to continue the dance.
Thankfully the song stopped playing and I stepped away from him. Dexter walked straight to my spot and glared at other men who tried to dance with me.
“I’m sure you’re having a lot of fun with this.” He growled.
“If you had treated me right these past few days, we wouldn’t be having this discussion.” I retorted and tried to keep my feelings bottled in, but it wasn’t working so I continued. “You refused to tell me who the kidnapper was and after that you’ve made your office your second home. I’m trying to make this marriage work, but you keep giving me reasons not to.” I croaked.
He palmed his forehead and sighed. “You won’t understand.”
“Bullshit!” I fired back. “I’m your wife, Dexter, for as long as the contract says. We’re talking about my life here. Why don’t you want to get me involved?” I raised my voice.
“Please keep it down. We can talk about this at home.”
“Home? Do you even know where that is?” I shot back.
I was obviously getting to him as he struggled to reply. It felt good to let out all that steam, but it wasn’t enough. Until he assured me of his undying love and treated me well, he would continue to see this cruel side of me.
Our conversation, or argument came to an end as the lady who was with him earlier approached us with a glare. Her face wasn’t familiar, but I could tell that she had a history with Dexter.
“Is this why I couldn’t have you that night? Because of her?” She stared at me from head to toe, her eyes raging with undeniable jealousy.
“Leave, Edith!” He hissed.
She drew closer to him, wearing a childish pout. “I miss you so much, Dexter. I know you’ve asked me to stay away from you but I can’t. You’ve saturated my mind and I can’t stand the fact that another woman is taking my place already.” She drawled, her voice sultry as she stylishly lowered her dress to seduce him.
The sight was humiliating.
For how long would I continue to encounter such embarrassing moments?
“I think you both need some privacy. I’ll be outside.”
I made to walk away but he stopped me. “You’re the one I came here with. You won’t leave because of her.” He glared at Edith who in turn glowered.
She hissed loudly and stormed off, realising that Dexter wouldn’t give her any attention.
“I still need some air. Being around you is suffocating.” I stated.
“Then I’ll come with you.”
That wasn’t what I wanted, but I couldn’t persuade him to do otherwise so I turned towards the entrance, while he followed closely behind me.
A wheezing sound caused by an interaction between a microphone and the speaker resonated in the hall, then a female voice came next. She pleaded that everyone outside should come in as they had a presentation to give.
“We can always go out later.” Dexter said to me and I agreed.
Since we had intended on leaving, some other people had taken our spot so we joined the crowd that just arrived.
The projector came on and the hall became silent as everyone earnestly waited for the presentation. I was curious as well.
A blurry video popped up with voices that I couldn’t recognise at first… No way!
That was my voice.
The video became clearer as seconds passed by and I began to make out the people who were engaged in the conversation. My face became more limpid and that of Victoria who was lying on the bed.
I froze with shivers running down my spine.
The conversation I had with her at the hospital was being played, including Victoria’s confessions to being a drug addict.
Dexter and I exchanged glances as his face became grim with anger. “Who the hell did this?” He thundered, pointing at the screen, but no one replied as they were all engrossed in the video, taking pictures as well.
“Stop the video!” I cried, palming my cheeks, my body trembling visibly.
My voice was drowned by the loud gasps the guests made when I told Victoria that I was Dexter’s wife.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.
My secret was out in the open in the least way I expected and I couldn’t even redeem myself.