Orla flung her phone on the car seat. She kneaded her fingers against her face, distress blanketing her. She missed three calls from the veterinary Doctor who was treating Betty and all efforts to reach him back had proved abortive.
She was in the car with David, heading to the venue where Liam's award ceremony was supposed to take place. Callan had pushed her forward, he had an important business meeting to attend.
"Will you stay back?"
David shook his head, turning to stare briefly at Orla. His bright blue eyes met her sad ones and he smiled.
“The Boss said he would be there before the show ends. He does not want me to stay back."
"I see." She wasn't the type to attend parties and award shows, but it was unavoidable because she got married to a billionaire.
She didn't fancy the fact she had to accompany him to every party, she wouldn't have gone to this too, but Liam was a friend and she didn't want to let him down. He made a gorgeous dress for her, it was only fair that she honored his invitation.
David stopped the car when they arrived at their destination. The loud music blasting from the speakers inside filled the warm air outside.
More cars arrived with more guests, all dressed in blue and white. Orla scanned the environment before stepping out of the car.
It was strange. It wasn't the kind of world that she fitted in. However, she had to blend in.
"I will leave after you, Ma'am." David bowed, waiting for Orla to leave the car.
"Right?" She gripped the door handle, gently pressing it down to open up. "I will leave now." She stepped out of the car, graceful and magnificent.
Heads turned towards her direction as she waltzed into the hall like she owned the place. Mouths gasping and drooling, but she didn't look back at one of them.
She loathed it when all eyes were on her, but there was nothing wrong with enjoying the attention today, right?
Her white dress graciously swept the floor, she grabbed the two sides with her fingers and proceeded to enter the hall. She sighted Liam where he was standing with some men and she smiled. Though it hadn't been long since she met him, She was really proud of him and was rooting for him.
"Congratulations on your nomination, Liam. I hope that you win this." Orla smiled broadly, bringing her palm forth for a kiss.
"Thank you so much, Orla." He placed a gentle kiss on her hand. "Thanks for coming." His eyes ogled her body, proud of the dress he made for her. "Suits you well," he said, throwing a finger at the backless maxi dress she donned—the one he spent hours designing.
"Thanks, and it's a pleasure to be here too." She placed the room under the scrutiny of her eyes.
The atmosphere was cozy and mild. The guests were small in number and the arrangement was brilliant and classy. But the music was louder than it should be.
"Where is Callan?" Three minutes had passed and he hadn't seen a trace of his friend around.
"He's working, but he will be here soon." She responded. "Please show me to my seat."
"Oh, my bad! Please come with me." He led her to an empty table of two. "I will be up there, so many things to take care of…" After she sat, he looked at her and sighed. "Will you be fine on your own?"
"Yes." Orla let out an uncertain smile. She wasn't sure, but she could try.
"I hope Callan comes soon." He patted her shoulder and went back to join his colleagues.
Orla was impressed with Liam's gentility. He was different from her husband. She wished Callan could emulate Liam and treat her nicely.
"Callan is just who he is." She muttered, butterflies erupting in her tummy at the mention of his name. The beeping of her phone thwarted her from noticing what just happened to her. "Doctor Tony?" She picked up the call, scurrying outside to talk to him about Betty's health.
Minutes later, she ended the call with a big smile on her face. Betty was fine and he'd be dropping her off tomorrow.
What better news did she want to hear?
The excitement of Betty's recovery crammed her as she trotted giddily into the hall. Her eyes were on the pictures she snapped with Betty, big smiles brightening her face. She wasn't looking properly and then, she bumped against a hard chest, harder than a human chest.
She shrieked, wondering what was with bumping into people at a party. She hoisted her head up to see an angry face filled with scars.
"I am so sorry, I was…" He placed his fingers on her lips, gripped her arms, and hauled her to the far end of the hall where no one could see them.
Orla was scared. The man smelled and looked like danger. His face, eyes read nothing but fury.
"You spilled my wine on my suit, you careless piece of shit." He twisted her wrist, gritting his teeth. "Don't you have a brain to watch where you are going?"
"I am so sorry, sir." Orla whimpered softly, her wrist was already turning red and hurting. "I am sorry, I will get that cleaned up, let me go." She lowered her head to avoid inhaling his stale breath. He reeked of alcohol.
She was still pleading with the stranger who was ready to strangle her when Callan walked into the hall. He examined the room for a full minute and his eyes landed on a big male body pressed against a feminine body.
He scoffed, taking his eyes off them. They could be fucking publicly for all he cared. But then the ginger hair prompted him to take a second glance at them, and hurriedly, he did.
He glimpsed Orla from afar, her back on the wall and the man was pressed against her. With his forehead creasing in disturbance, he marched towards them.
He heard the soft cries of his wife as he approached them. Orla was begging but the man was adamant, hellbent on punishing her.