CHAPTER 64 Party
THE MALE SINGER shouted using the microphone and greeted the guests. The band has also started playing. He had a clear, deep, beautiful, and genuine warmth to his voice. I smiled broadly at the guests’ applause while listening to it.
Carrick and Cindy also arrived, taking care of some guests.
My heart was pounding, and my breathing deepened as the night deepened and awaited the arrival of Lawrence.
Until we wake up to a familiar vehicle, I took a deep breath and tried to rest my nerves. Gradually the guests screamed as the door of his wrangler jeep opened.
Franco’s gaze was locked to me so intensely. He was wearing a black polo shirt with long sleeves and dark pants. My lips twitched when I noticed the clothes he was wearing. It was a cowboy outfit that is not suitable for tonight’s celebration.
***
“GOOD EVENING, MY lady,” he said in a smooth voice.
My voice got stuck from my throat as he stood only a few inches away from me. I don’t know how to deal with him even though people are looking at us.
“Franco, is that you?!” The voice of Carrick saved me.
“Yeah, bro!” He punched Carrick in the arms.
“What a big surprise! Where the hell have you been? You’ve missed my wedding!” he said as if sulking at the tone of his voice.
Franco glances over at me. He just let out a smile before answering. “Just busy with work,” he replied.
“I understand, bro! Anyway, did you meet Margaux?”
He looked at me again and smiled softly. “Yes, we already know each other,” he said with a raised brow.
“That’s great. You better meet my wife!” Carrick added again.
“Uh, come in to eat first.” I finally found my voice to speak.
I glanced at Carrick so that he could assist Franco himself. He only gave me a nod, then helped Franco into the hall.
I just followed them with my gaze towards Cindy’s direction. Only then did my nervousness subside. Franco is getting into my nerves. I feel like he will do something terrible.
“Excuse me, Ma’am Margaux. This is the party popper you asked me to bought,” Tanya called my attention.
I furrowed my brows when I turned my gaze to her. I do not know if I will laugh or will be angry because of the thing on her hands.
“Uh, please put it aside first. Thank you, Tanya,” I said and gave away my sweetest smile before turned her back on me.
I stared at the open gate for a few more minutes and periodically glanced at my watch. It was seven o’clock in the evening, but Lawrence was still missing. Once again, my heart pounded with various nervousness.
“Margaux, where is Clarence?” Julia approached me, and Santino agreed.
“He was just sleeping in his room. He was so tired from the trip, so I left him to Doris for a while.”
She pulled my hand and guided me to sit at an empty table.
“Who were you talking to earlier? He looks hot, huh?” Julia muttered excitedly.
Because of her question, my eyes immediately searched for Franco. And I found him chatting to Cindy and Carrick. He also talked to some guests who I am sure are also their relatives.
My heart moved as I note his familiar gaze. He swirled the red liquid in his glass and glancing intensely at me. He looks too dark to the point that I can no longer read what I want to convey.
“Is he single?”
I quickly looked back at Julia, who was already paying attention to Franco.
“I don’t know. He’s Lawrence’s half-brother,” I utter lowly.
“Oh, really?!” She promises to seem unbelievable looking back at Franco’s behavior. “He is so hot, Margaux. He has a lot in common with Lawrence. Thank you, God, because you shared with other people the blessing that Lawrence has!” Julia exclaimed. She even looked up at the sky and rubbed her two cheeks while blushing.
I was left behind. Seriously, Julia?! If I hadn’t known her, I might have thought she has a secret lust for my Lawrence.
“Introduce me, please?!” She grabbed both of my hands tightly and jutted her lips.
I glanced at Franco again while talking to some women. He really had the guts to attract a woman’s heart.
“Please?” she begged.
I took a deep breath before nodding at her.
“Yes! Thank you, Margaux!” To her delight, she hugged me tightly.
But we also immediately stopped when we heard a series of car horns from outside the yard. Suddenly I stood up. My heart started racing. Gradually, my chest tightened as I recognized the car’s occupants.
Lawrence, in his pressed suit, walked in. His face was stern and drained with an expressionless stare. Then my eyes enthralled him. His chiseled jaw lifted with pride. Those brown eyes, tousled dark hair, high arch nose, brooding muscles, and that scowl resembled his father so much.
Our eyes met briefly, but we were also quickly cut off when he turned around to the next car.
From there, Elliesse came out in her elegant gown. She wore an old rose gown made of soft fabric. They looked like a real couple with matching grand entrances from the Logistic Band.
My heart twisted, a sharp pain lanced through my heart. I had to bite my tongue because if I did not do that, the tears would surely fall on my eyes.
No, I should not send in my feelings. This is just a show and far from the truth. I quickly bent down and held the ring I was wearing.
“I will still hold on to what you said . . .” I whispered and smiled bravely.
His father, together with Carolina, was on their back. He was also greeted by some guests and their relatives, who he welcomed.
“Do something, Margaux!” Julia shouted to me. But nothing enters my brain but the pain that the truth tries to make me aware of.
I stepped on my foot to approach them, but I saw his daddy still glancing at me. Maybe that was not his intention, but I immediately backed away, and my heart was filled with fear.
“Margaux?!” I turned to Doris, who was now carrying Clarence in her arms. Mercy immediately caressed my heart as I stared at the naive child. He doesn’t deserve any of these. He is too young to be hurt like this.
“Give him to his father, Margaux. It’s now or never!” Julia whispered to me again as if urging me to approach them.
I could have ruined that beautiful scene if Clarence and I approached to greet his father. I may also be surprised by his dad because he will see his grandson in Lawrence for the first time. But I’m not that desperate. I still have some shame in myself.
I swallowed the lump in my throat since I saw Franco approach them to greet them, and so did his father.
My feet were even more restrained when the emcee spoke on stage. He welcomed the presence of Saavedra and the arrival of Elliesse, who is a well-known model of the country.
I bit my lip even harder when I saw him go up on stage with Clarence. My heart twisted a beat, I did my best to ignore it, but still, I could feel the hot coal placed in my chest.