Chapter 38

A dress.

No!

That was not it.

It was an exquisite, stunning, and expensive gown.

Her wedding dress was nothing compared to this beautiful creation. And she would be wearing it tonight. Maybe a couple of hours from now.

"You are paid to do this." No, that was not what she wanted to remember.

"You are doing this for Oliver." She changed her mantra, believing she needed a reason to get through this night.

Everything seemed to be going so well when they were by the pool. What would seem to be a dull afternoon became an exciting activity for Oliver.

She could not help but squeal with her son as she saw him laugh his heart out. Admittedly, she had a lot of fun despite her other company.

Of course, Oliver had not learned to swim just yet, but the fact that he had played in the water was already an experience he would never forget.

"He deserved a better life than you can provide for him." She told herself, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She could work day and night but doubted if she could save her son's life with her income. She conceded she needed Damon's help even if it went against her better judgment.

Maybe the bonus part was Oliver spending time with his father. She would admit, although she did not expect it, she was happy for her son to experience such a nice moment with the man who gave him life.

She was also thankful that Damon seemed to have gone the extra mile to bond with their child. She believed it was a scene that she would never forget.

"It is showtime." He whispered while they watched their son paddle with his might but only moved by an inch. "My family is coming over tonight. And probably a handful of our friends and colleagues."

His announcement had somewhat negated the euphoria she felt at that moment. Suddenly, his words sucked the life out of her body, leaving her with sweats and a trembling hand.

She thought she would have more time. But she guessed that was wishful thinking. As her husband had said, it was showtime.

"Ms. Hawkins?" Someone knocking and calling by the door made her turn. "Mr. Hawkins would like to know if you are ready." The woman behind the door respectfully asked.

Her husband had washed himself while she helped Oliver in his room. Then he had changed into his suit while she was in the shower.

Somehow, they managed to use the room without bumping into each other. They always avoided each other with some dumb luck so far.

"Maybe a few more minutes." She responded to the woman who was patiently waiting for her.

Unlike men, getting ready for a woman was a tedious task. And patting her cheeks and running her hands through her hair would not cut it unless she was only going to the grocery, not a socialite party.

However, she was a little rusty as she worked on her hair and makeup. But after a few additional minutes, she finally finished. It was not a professional job, but she was satisfied.

But it did not mean she was ready to exit her room and see what awaited her downstairs. She could hear the faint music bouncing through the walls. And she could imagine the beginning of a lively and crowded party.

Lights.

Camera.

Action.

It reverberated in her head, reminding her that this was a live show where she needed to act as if her life depended on it. She had to make a believer out of these people.

"I am ready." She was glad that Damon did not decide to escort her downstairs.

She needed a few more minutes to get her bearings before meeting his family as she walked down the lengthy hallway toward the long flight of stairs.

"Did you see Oliver?" She asked the woman. Maryann, she thought, was her name.

Damon informed her that Nelly would handle his preparation and chaperoned him at the party when the time was right.

She could only wonder how her son would react to this party. And upon meeting all these unfamiliar people. She wanted to accompany him, but Damon was right. It was better if she went first.

"He is in his playroom with Nelly," Maryann answered as they strode forward, only stopping when they reached the top of the stairs.

Oh! How she wished she could hide with her son. Suddenly, the nerves in her body seemed to go haywire.

However, she could only think of one reason. And it had nothing to do with the party itself. She could not care about the people who wanted to show off their expensive clothes.

"But Sir Damon is already waiting for you downstairs." Maryann

However, her fear had more to do with the man entering the vicinity, hurriedly dashing through the foyer as if on a mission.

She could only stare at him as he searched for someone, scanning the growing guests in the massive waiting area. But fortunately, he had not seen her yet as she stood by the top of the stairs.

Was she ready to see him?

She guessed he was her greatest regret as guilt consumed her once more. She thought it would be easier with time, but she was wrong as a stabbing pain went through her heart again.

"Dale." She silently uttered in her mind as her eyes followed him around.

He was her dream man who got away. Or rather, she had to let go. After sleeping with her brother, she knew she could not face him again.

However, fate had played a cruel joke on her. Somehow, she landed again in their lives after all these years that she tried to stay away.

"Good evening!" A loud voice boomed across the room through the loudspeakers. "Let me gather your attention." It continued, but her mind was too distracted to understand what was happening.

And then, she saw him walking up the stairs. And before she knew it, he stood before him, taking her hands in his. And with his words, she snapped back to the present.

"It is time to meet my family." Damon guided her downstairs as the man behind the microphone announced who she was.

"Please let me introduce to you the lovely couple." The announcer declared in suspense. Then, introductory music played as they slowly walked down the stairs.

"The newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Damon and Jules Hawkins." The man proclaimed before they could reach the landing.

She could hear a loud commotion. Some were clapping their hands, some were cheering them on, shouting congratulatory remarks, but all she saw was the eyes that stared back at her.

It carried so much pain, and it completely shattered her heart. After all these years, did he still love her?