“You really have a fascinating job, Mrs. Sullivan. One of the women surrounding Charlie, a redhead with frosty features she'd never be able to remember the name, laughed, though it didn't sound genuine at all.
Forcing the thousandth crooked smile she needed to manage that night, Charlie darted her eyes around, looking desperately for Morgan among that sea of smart, corporate people who only seemed to know how to talk about profits, status, or, if she was lucky, her last vacation. skiing in the south of France or something like that. As her wife, of course, she couldn't refuse the invitation to attend the celebration Morgan had decided to hold at the office to celebrate the success of yet another of his investments. However, when she had heard him tell Hiroshi to organize a party, she had thought of snacks, cocktails and employees happy with the bonus. But that wasn't what she had gotten.
There was food, of course, but it was delivered by the waiters on gleaming trays instead of sitting on a table where everyone could help themselves, and it came in portions so small that Charlie could spend the rest of the night eating everything they offered. and, still would remain hungry. The drink was expensive and no one could seem to talk about it without mentioning that it dated back to before Christ, but they were all acidic and burned down his throat, without even a drop of fruit juice to help, which had put Charlie off. drinking hours ago. And the staff looked happy, of course, but... It was a very refined and subdued form of happiness, the kind that left the room full of hushed whispers instead of loud, happy conversations.
This was definitely not what Charlie called a party.
When Morgan had told him that this celebration would take place two days before the hearing for the revision of Anthony's will, Charlie had even been happy, thinking it would be a good way to de-stress and enjoy a fun evening with Morgan, getting to know the his partners. Her tension, however, had only increased and she would have given anything to be at home, in bed, with her husband, at this very moment, instead of having to be forced around that huge room, greeting a million strangers, separated from Morgan for the simple reason that he was being forced to do the same thing, only with acquaintances.
But perhaps the worst of it all was discovering that, as Morgan's wife, she seemed to have a duty to "host" the party, or whatever that meant. So she had spent the whole night on her feet, greeting countless strangers who never tired of trying to convince her, some more discreetly and others less so, to make Morgan accept a partnership with them. That was when she wasn't being surrounded by their wives, as they were now, whose practiced giggles and emotionless smiles reminded her of Samantha in an extremely uncomfortable way.
God, more than ever she understood why Morgan was so tempted to leave that kind of place behind.
“And so, Mr. Sullivan? “ the red-haired woman elegantly shook a glass of champagne, looking at her expectantly “ Could you solve a curiosity that we all have and tell us where your wedding was?
“Was it in the field? Mr. Sullivan always seemed to me extremely discreet and formal, so I think an intimate ceremony would suit him... " a blonde woman rambled, thoughtful " In Ireland, maybe? Or in Holland, who knows? I heard that the gardens there make panoramic photos divine...
“ Or perhaps an intimate ceremony on a private island? “ another girl, only a few years older than Charlie and with long black hair, guessed excitedly “ Beach weddings are just enchanting...
“Why, ladies, please...” the redhead chuckled, swinging her glass around again, “Just let Ms. Sullivan tell us how it went after all.
“Oh, well…” For a moment, Charlie considered lying, but, determined not to let the opulent surroundings intimidate her, she just swallowed hard and replied, with a smile, “Actually, we got married in a chapel. lovely in Las Vegas..." she bit her lip, remembering how adorable that neon was that would make anyone's eyes hurt " We couldn't wait to officially become husband and wife, so the location was what mattered least, in season. ' Charlie added that little untruth, thinking they didn't need to know that there were legal reasons why they were so eager to officiate the wedding.
“ Oh, what the... Romantic. “ the blonde girl smiled hesitantly, although she found the idea of getting married in Las Vegas anything but romantic “ Like in the movies...
“It really is, isn't it? “ the red-haired woman smiled, but her subtly mocking expression had Charlie snapping at her mouth “ It must have been quite a proof of love coming from Mr. Sullivan, no? Such a methodical and elegant man, giving up a traditional and imposing wedding, which could be filled with guests of the highest rank, just to be able to marry you as soon as possible, even if it meant not introducing you properly to society like his wife... so touching. “ she tilted her head, which made that little smile even more sinister “ I'm sure that means that the feeling of you two will last forever, no matter how quick this ceremony was.
He didn't introduce us to you because this marriage is just a whim that won't last. The woman didn't say it with words, but honestly, she didn't even need to. Charlie could read that comment very clearly in the subtext of what she had said and in the covertly contemptuous glint in her green eyes.
“ My husband is a very different person in his personal life than he is at the office. “ Charlie snapped, wanting to make her taste her own poison “ And I'm very lucky that he chose me to share that adventurous side that very few people know he has.
“Funny, I know Mr. Sullivan years ago and I never would have guessed…" The redhead raised an eyebrow, clearly not giving up, "But, well, you know what they say, men change their minds like the moon changes phases. One hour they are adventurers willing to achieve new things... And the next they are refined gentlemen in search of a lady who can stand by their side. “She smirked, again making it very clear, if wordlessly, that she thought Charlie was “a new thing”, not a lady.
“Oh, don't worry about it. You know what they say: you don't really know a person until they let you see all sides of them. “ Charlie commented, undeterred “I imagine I'm not the kind of woman my husband's associates imagined him to be, but that doesn't detract one bit from the sincerity of my feeling for him or how happy I was. with our wedding to the point where I didn't care if it took place in Las Vegas or Ireland or a desert island. Oh, and of course all that means nothing when that ring is on my finger either. “ she raised her hand to show Morgan's mother's wedding ring, purposely putting it too close to the redhead's face “ I know many women would be ecstatic to be able to have it in their own hand, but... Well, it's up to me he is, isn't he? Charlie smiled sweetly, becoming deeply pleased to see the other woman's face crease slightly.
“Certainly, Mrs. Sullivan. “ the black haired girl smiled nervously, clearly uncomfortable with the atmosphere that had settled in “ Your husband is an admirable man and you are very lucky to have each other...
“No doubt you are very lucky to have him. That's why it's better to keep your eyes open, because the treasures that shine the most are always the most coveted. “ the redhead started laughing, making all the other women follow her, even if forced.
“Oh, I know that. “ Charlie pretended to laugh too, knowing she would easily recognize the warning in his tone. “But don't worry, I know a covetous when I see one, never mind.
“Ladies? “Morgan's deep voice interrupted the conversation, at the same time her arm appeared around Charlie's waist, pulling her against her chest. “May I interrupt?
“Of course, Mr. Sullivan. “ the redhead opened a sparkling smile, which Charlie would never guess she capable of giving “ It's always a pleasure to see you.
“Thank you for coming, Ms. Redwood. “Morgan smirked, as if she meant the exact opposite. “I thought I heard my assistant say that you had gone away, but I must have been wrong.
“In fact, I'm usually at my country house in Milan at that time of year, as you know. “ the Stra. Redwood tossed her long scarlet hair over her shoulder in an attempt to appear charming, it seemed, “But as soon as my secretary told me about her latest success, I knew I had to come. “ she brought her arm close to his chest, making Charlie want to slap her hand “ I don't know why he was surprised to see me here. You know there's nothing that makes me happier than seeing you again...
“ And there's nothing that makes me happier than knowing that you've met my wife. “ Morgan stopped her insinuations, pulling Charlie forward as if she were his shield “ I was a little rushed and ended up skipping some formalities like the engagement and a wedding reception at the level she deserved, so I didn't have the opportunity to introduce you before. And I also confess that I've been a little greedy, wanting to keep her all to myself, these last few months. “ he placed a long kiss on Charlie's temple, making the girls sigh, except for Stra. Redwood, of course “ I hope you can forgive my indiscretion.
“Don't worry, Mr. Sullivan. You can invite us to the next one. “ The redhead smiled, with a sweetness that seemed ridiculous to Charlie, it was so fake “For the next vow renewal ceremony between you, I mean.