Nathalia’s POV
I sighed as I stared at the white envelope containing an invitation from Stephen’s friend, Oliver Garcia. I had just finished reading it, and both Stephen and I were invited to a charity ball organized by his family at a hotel.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure how I should feel about it. The purpose of the charity ball was to aid street children and elderly individuals in nursing homes. However, as Stephen informed me, many of the attendees were members of an underground society.
Given that, I couldn’t help but wonder if the event was merely a cover for their illegal activities.
My thoughts were interrupted when the door suddenly opened and Stephen walked in. I furrowed my brow as I noticed he was carrying two large boxes.
“Wear this for the event later. I’ll be waiting for you outside. Just be ready in an hour.”
“Do I really have to come along?” I asked him before he fully exited the room. He remained facing away from me.
I was accustomed to attending various types of celebrations and mingling with a multitude of people. However, it would be a different story if most of the people I’d encounter there were potentially dangerous.
I had already experienced enough danger and seen enough action in my life. I didn’t want to add to that if I could help it.
Even though I knew it was impossible, especially since my husband was the leader of a mafia group.
“Oliver wants you to come over as well. It’s better if you get closer to my friends. Besides, you also need to become familiar with the people I interact with.”
I was about to say something, but he quickly walked out.
I could only raise an eyebrow. Why did he want me to get closer to his weird friends?
I stood up, feeling a bit puzzled, and opened the two boxes he had placed on the bed.
A dark pink sleeveless long-style dress with lace on top and peach 3-inch block heels came into view.
I let out a sigh of relief. Thankfully, he didn’t choose a turtleneck and long-sleeved dress.
I spread the dress on the bed before quickly grabbing the towel and heading to the bathroom to shower. Once I was done, I immediately tried on the dress and examined myself in front of the mirror. The dress highlighted my curves perfectly and surprisingly fit me well.
I just applied some pressed powder and lipstick before tying my hair up. I didn’t think we would stay there for long, especially since the ball would start at eight in the evening.
Once everything was in order, I picked up the red purse from the table and left the room. I was taken aback when I opened the door and didn’t find Cole waiting for me.
“Where is he?” I wondered to myself before heading downstairs.
I found Stephen sitting in the living room, waiting. He looked gorgeously handsome in his black tuxedo.
But of course, I wouldn’t let him know that.
He stood up and approached me, extending his right hand, which I promptly accepted. As we exited the mansion, I saw Cole standing in front of a sleek black McLaren GT. He opened the door for us, and as we got in, he swiftly moved to the car parked behind us.
“It’s a miracle. Our bodyguards are all in just one car,” I commented while glancing at the side mirror as he started the car.
“Don’t worry. They're my best men,” he assured me.
I simply nodded. I wasn’t really worried. I suppose I had just grown used to having many of his men tail us.
“Anyway, is that charity event legit? Is it really for a cause?”
He frowned as he glanced at me. “What kind of question is that?”
I shrugged. “Nothing, really. I’m just thinking that maybe you’re using the charity ball as a cover for your illegal transactions.”
His jaw tightened. “What do you think of us? Are we that heartless for you?”
I chuckled at his question. “Why? Do you even have a heart?”
He shook his head in exasperation. “If I were heartless, your corpse would have been rotting a long time ago.”
I was taken aback by his response. I suddenly felt guilty. He had a point, though.
I fell silent and gazed out of the window. Even though there was something I still wanted to ask him.
I was curious about what Belen mentioned the other day about seven years having passed since they were last together as friends. I shouldn’t really care about that. But I didn’t know why I wanted to know the reason behind it.
Soon enough, our ride stopped in front of a hotel. My eyes widened when I saw that it was one of our family’s hotels.
Stephen quickly got out of the car and came to my side to open the door. He extended his arm to help me out.
I lightly slapped his arm. “Why didn’t you even tell me that the ball would be held here?”
I wasn’t sure if my parents knew Oliver’s family. But there’s a high possibility they were here too.
That thought alone excites me.
He looked at me, seemingly surprised. “Didn’t you read the invitation properly? The hotel where the charity event will take place is stated there.”
I pursed my lips. Truth be told, I didn’t read the whole invitation thoroughly. I only looked at Stephen’s and my names and the event’s start time. He just mentioned to me that it would be at a hotel.
We started walking. I noticed that Cole and the other guards were following us.
I was startled when he suddenly took my right hand and placed it on his left arm.
“Stay close. I want everyone to see that you’re mine,” he whispered behind my ear, sending shivers down my spine.
I swallowed hard. When did he start becoming possessive?
Upon entering, I immediately spotted Stephen’s friends. They were all seated at a wide, round table.
I smiled as my gaze landed on the adjacent table. My family and friends were sitting together there.
We approached them quickly. We first went to Stephen’s friends.
“Hello, Nath!” Rhyz raised his glass.
“You look great!” Ryza cheerfully said.
“Thanks.” I just smiled at them. The others greeted me as well.
We quickly bid them farewell and went over to where Mom and Dad were seated.
I hugged them both tightly. I blinked back the threatening tears that were welling up in my eyes due to the happiness I was feeling now. It’s been a while since I last saw them, back when Stephen and I were married.
“How have you been, dear? Is Stephen treating you well?” Mom asked, her concern evident in her voice.
I nodded. Yes, Stephen keeps a close watch on me, but he doesn’t harm me.
“Yes, Mom. Please don’t worry about me. I’m fine.”
“That’s good to hear. If your husband does anything wrong or against your wishes, just let us know. Clear?” Dad said seriously before giving Stephen a stern look, to which Stephen only smirked.
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright, Dad.”