Chapter 63: 63 ~ Mira
"We have a party."
I looked up from the book I was reading as he came in. Of course, no pleasantries, no endearments, just straight to the point as always.
"A party? Okay." I answered. No questions asked.
"Is there anything particular you’d want me to wear?"
"Red. I wanna see you in red,"
There was something about the way he rasped that out that made me blush slightly.
"Alright. When is it?"
"Tomorrow night."
I sighed in relief. At least he told me a night ahead and didn’t just drop it on me impromptu. That seemed like progress to me.
"What are you wearing?" I asked him, trying to make small talk.
"Hmm?"
"What are you wearing?" I repeated.
"Um, a tux maybe." He shrugged.
"I’m sure you’ll look good. As usual." I said.
He paused and stared at me, barely hiding his surprise.
"Yeah, I guess."
I smiled and went back to focusing on the book in my hands, probably leaving him puzzled with my change of attitude.
~
My hands were shaking as I held on to the test strip. My period had been delayed for a day or two, so I immediately assumed that my plan was already in motion.
The ten-minute wait felt like hours. I just wanted to get it over with.
I shut my eyes and kept heaving deep breaths as I waited for the results.
My hope fizzled out when I saw the negative line. So all that work in the previous month was pointless. All that bending in comfortable positions yielded no results. I did not have it in me to be positive today after this. I puffed out some air, feeling my negative emotions build up.
I knew I could try again, but what if it did not work out? What if I was infertile or something?
"No, no," I shook my head vigorously, trying to caution the thoughts in my head. I had to stay positive. Who knows how the second month would turn out? I just needed better timing. Maybe.
I trashed the strip and its box in the trash can. I had gone through the trouble of sending one of the helps to get it from a pharmacy. I closed my eyes tightly at the thought of her snitching to her colleagues that I was likely pregnant. That would be very awkward.
The next time I needed something like that, I would go and get it myself.
I heard the room’s door open just then. I froze as the footsteps stopped at some point.
"Mira?"
I heard him call my name. I sighed, fighting back tears as I realized that this whole pregnancy disappointment meant more time with him. This was going to be a difficult night.
"Mira."
I nearly jumped as he opened the door.
"Why are you crying?"
I touched my face instinctively. The tears I thought I was fighting were actually rolling down my cheeks.
I immediately shook my head. "Um, it’s nothing. You’re back early." I pointed out, trying to change the topic.
Thankfully, he took the bait.
"Of course I am. Tonight’s the event." He said.
"Yeah." I said through a sigh and followed him as I walked out of the bathroom.
"You have a couple of hours. Your makeup artist should be on her way already." He stated, looking like he was searching for something in one of the drawers.
"Okay." I nodded again, sitting in front of the mirror.
"Is there something wrong?" He asked me.
I looked at him through the mirror. I saw the genuine concern in his eyes.
"I am."
"Mirabel, I hate it when you lie to me." His voice was stern.
"I’m fine I promise. It’s just period blues." I lied.
"Oh. Take it easy then." He said, letting his cold exterior come back.
"I will,"
He walked out of the room afterwards. I had a feeling tonight was going to be an interesting one even though I had no idea what the party was about.
~~~
The makeup artist and hair stylist arrived in a few hours and did their thing. By the time they were done working their magic, even I knew I looked out of this world.
But I did not have the time to appreciate the whole look before Jace called for me to join him.
He appreciated me with his eyes, wrapping his arm possessively around my waist, I admired how dashing he looked in his black tux and his hair was slicked back smoothly. He looked nothing like a thug or gangster, he seemed like the perfect gentleman.
I knew the compliment was on the tip of his tongue but he was fighting it. The hungry look in his eyes told me I was soon going to be in his bed and he may not even wait for us to return.
He led the way to his Ferrari that would be taking us.
As expected, he practically flew on the highway. I just wanted to get to the venue in one piece.
Walking into the hall, my eyes widened immediately. His pictures were all over the place.
It was my husband’s birthday and I had no idea??? What the actual fuck?!
I looked up at him in shock. I was sure he felt my stare on him but he looked ahead like there was nothing going on.
I was clad in a backless crimson red gown with a plunging neckline that dipped just enough to tease as well as a sultry thigh high slit as well. The silky fabric was shimmering under the dim lighting and was paired with black stilettos that made clicking sounds as I walked. My hair fell to my shoulders in thick waves as my face shined through with the bold makeup. Around my neck, I wore a delicate lariat necklace, paired with simple diamond drop earrings. My wedding rings, recently cleaned flashed as well. I looked good and I was well aware of it.
I didn’t know it was his birthday. But looking like this... maybe I was his gift after all.