Many eyes fell on them as they made their way to the garden. This was hers and Stefan's first public appearance at a major society event since their wedding it's no wonder everyone is curious. Rella was greatful for the mask she had on otherwise everyone would know how much she didn't want to be here, she wasn't called a wallflower for no reason and she couldn't stand the stuck up society women who do charity as a show off. It wouldn't surprise her if the rumours have already spread wide. A few stopped to greet her and offer congratulations. Stefan was soon called away by some business partners and Rella found herself in a sea of curious and judgemental wives of the rich and powerful until Christian stepped in to steer her away.
"Thanks for that."
"Don't mention it." He waved his hand dismissively.
"How did you know I needed rescuing?"
"You weren't very subtle about it." He chuckled. "I haven't seen you in a while and I must say that you are glowing." He said after a while leading her to the dessert table.
"Oh please." She rolled her eyes nonchalantly but she was blushing nonetheless.
"I remember how the two of you couldn't stand each othet at first but now look at you… can't say I'm not jealous. "
" Well I think it's time you get yourself a girlfriend."
" I don't think she'll ever see me as anything more. " Christian said in somber tone.
"I don't happen to know this special girl do I? "
He shrugged. They were silent as the Mc began the programme and pretty soon the induction would start and Rella would need to go up stage.
" How much longer do you think this is going to last? " Christian said suddenly.
Rella pivoted to look at him get brows creasing in confusion.
" What do you mean? "
" You don't have to pretend with me you know, just be yourself. "
Rella continued to stare at him in confusion until realisation hit her suddenly and she looked away.
"I don't understand what you mean. "
" I think you do Cinderella. "
And there it is!
If she had any doubts that he was referring to her secret earlier this pretty much confirms her fear.
"Christian…"
"You can't go on like this forever. Think about it."
As Christian walked away Rella stared after him helplessly. Her throat closed up and she could barely move. Her heart was racing.
If Christian knew she wasn't Cindy then it's a matter of time before Stefan catches on too and then everything will blow in her face.
When she could move again she scanned the crowd for Stefan while being on the look out for Christian in case he decides to spill to him.
Christian wouldn't do that to her.
Or would he?
Granted they hadn't known each other for that long while he had been friends with Stefan for ages.
"Oh!" She gasped suddenly as cold liquid soaked through her dress and met her skin.
"Oops! How clumsy of me." She glanced up to find Liza Rowe one of the White Rose smiling at her with an empty glass of punch. "I'm sorry next time watch where you're going."
Rella glared at her.
"What? You literally dumped your punch on me."
" My bad, you see I'm allergic to social climbers, my hands tremble when I see them. "
Rella tried her best to reign in her anger before she does something and make a spectacle of herself in front of all these important guests.
" Well then make sure to stay well away from me or that glass might be the last thing you get to hold." Rella threatened.
Liza bristled, her nose flaring.
" Are you threatening me? "
" Take it as you will. Now if you'll excuse me I gotta get cleaned up."
Rella turned around leaving a speechless Liza. It was no secret the members don't want her in their circle but Rella wasn't going to let them bully her into backing out.
She hurried into the building only stopping to ask a servant where the restroom was.
She did her business, cleaned out the stain on her dress as much as she could thinking about how she'd be on stage with all those people looking like a ragdoll. Maybe that had been Liza's intension all along.
She straightened her dress ready to leave only to discover the door wasn't opening.
It didn't take a second for her to realise that someone had locked her in on purpose.