I want to thank you for the lovely reviews, excuse myself for the delay and language mistakes
I hope you love it
2.
Conrad wanted to take care of my party? Certainly there is much more under the surface. I've never been a woman who believes in appearances and certainly I wouldn't have started now. I would be at his game, who knows maybe I could make a last attempt to avert the catastrophe.. we were about to lose reputation and I didn't want to compromise it. All these years bear it, to preserve appearances, torture unprecedented. On the other hand seeing him fail miserably tempted me, I can't deny it. I didn't have much time to take a decision. I was twirling the pen between my fingers and I clenched my lips, I was ready to sacrifice reputation? The only thing I hated most of my husband was the others opinion, I had to come to terms with it continuously. I had worked so hard to be where I am.. I gave up the love of my life, the one and only man I have ever loved. Everything for a place in society.. and Conrad wanted it all to go to hell for what reason? I held my breath trying to control myself, I put my hand on the forehead to regain control. Something did not return.
I made a few calls just to test the waters, every woman who attended to my afternoon tea confirmed that she had already received an invitation. Word for word, "she had found it extremely classy" of course I couldn't replicate in any way as I was cornered. I just smiled and reminded them don't be missed for any reason.
When I hung up a touch of anger began to grow up inside of me, he had done everything behind me. My consent was mere formality. He had taken possession of the party who knows how long. Oh no he wouldn't manage so easily. I walked to his office, figuring to find him there. The sharp noise of my heels resounded far and wide across the marble surface. My hand grabbed the handles sliding.
"Victoria are you looking for me?" Conrad's voice stopped me.
I turned in his direction and stared frowning at him "Don't you think.." I was about to explode, when an attendant interrupted us.
"Mr. Grayson where I have to carry these decorations?" Paul approached us, a man of the staff who had worked for me in the past.
"In the main hall, when you have charged everything be sure you've sealed all access to the room, no one should get in even my lovely wife" leaving me a smile irritating.
I clenched my lips together in a forced smile and I waited that we were alone, "You lied to me!" I was angry "You have already decided everything! Your acting this morning, oh really unprecedented" I said sarcastically.
He smiled, smiled uncomfortably, he put his hand gently on my arm moving me away from the path of the one attendant. Instinctively I drew back my arm. I didn't want any physical contact with him if appearances don't require it.
I continued to stare at him irritated.
"Calm down Victoria, had to be a surprise" he whispered in my ear, "why don't you go buy a dress for tonight?" he pulled out from the breast pocket of his jacket a platinum credit card.
"You treat me like one of your mistresses?" I said sarcastically, pulling it from his hand.
"Be careful Victoria.. I could really start to believe that I interest you" he whispered, kissing me on the cheek.
I left him angry, I seemed to see that expression he had all the times he concluded a deal. I couldn't stand there, be forced to live under the same roof, to see him every morning and submit myself to his "condition" it was becoming increasingly untenable. Our tacit agreement provided for divorce only this summer, how could I resist? Not a day goes by that I don't blame myself for the choice I had to make. I didn't want to go back to that life of hardship that I had dealt with for years, and he.. Conrad Grayson seemed the only way to end it. I don't recall attention, a gesture of love in years that I was with him. I was a trophy for him to flaunt in every occasion.
The driver stopped near the Maison from where I used to go regularly to each party. I wore the sunglasses and with a firm step I crossed the entrance. A saleswoman came to meet me.
"Good morning Mrs. Grayson, please follow me from this way" she led me in the small sitting room adjacent to the dressing room.
I glanced fleetingly at various evening dresses exposed, I was going to graze one red when the woman interrupted me "Ma'am your husband has already chosen your dress" he continued to force me decisions, again anger of a few moments ago resurfaced, I choked on a fake smile.
The zip casing slid down quickly, reproducing the typical sizzle I knew well, giving way to a lovely dress that trailed off completely my breath. Sinuous, regal, precious entirely covered with crystals, sheer on arms, breast and hips. I was mesmerized by the graceful refracting light that I almost forgot where I was or with whom I was talking about.
"Swarovski and Dolce & Gabbana have collaborated on this unique dress just for you, Mrs. Grayson. Your husband must love you very much" she said smiling,"why don't you try it? So if it need to be modified our seamstress can work on it immediately".
As soon as I wore it I noticed my reflection in the mirror. That dress looked like sewing on my skin, so perfect, it highlighted every curve of my body. I touched with my fingers the fabric and crystals, some shivers ran down on my spine. I realized in that moment of being a pawn in a subtle game. All this attention worried me. I knew I couldn't trust him.
When I returned the comings and goings hadn't ceased, indeed, I had the impression that it was increasing. I stood in the doorway for a moment, hoping to peek waiting for some elusive detail. Casually I curled a finger around a strand of my hair waiting for the next worker, hoping to launch a look into the case which he was intent to carry, but the man promptly sealed it and handed me beside, ignoring me like I was a statue.
Conrad laughed amused, I lifted my eyes and climbed the stairs up to my bedroom, followed by staff who arranged the envelopes in a corner. When I was alone, I took a robe and began to undress myself. I was in intimate when the door swung open.
"Victoria, I switched to.." he stopped as if he was paralyzed by the sight of the black lace sheer body I was wearing.
"Conrad don't worry about knocking" I said sarcastically, turning myself around slowly in his direction.
"I didn't see one from our first night together" he smiled with delight.
I sighed exhausted "What do you want?" I arched an eyebrow, wearing my silk robe.
"I wanted to tell you that you can't access to the conservatory until this evening" crossing my eyes.
"Well even this, what else should I expect exactly?" I murmured curling my lips.
"I did transfer the furniture in another room, so you won't be without" he smiled.
In a lucid moment I thought of making a last attempt to regain control of the situation, I wanted to save our reputation. He would have made a mess of considerable proportions and I couldn't afford it, not after everything I had sacrificed in recent years. I hadn't tied the robe, I walked slowly to him seductively "Let me organize the party.. we can spend time together" I bit my lower lip with a smile.
"Even if your offer is really tempting my dear.. I have to refuse" he smiled stroking my hair.
Annoyed and rejected, I slipped away from him. Heedless of his presence I took off myself the robe and went to the bathroom. I ran the tank water. I heard footsteps coming from the bedroom, quietly I peeked seeing Conrad, in his hands my robe, he closed his eyes and sniffed muttering in a faint voice,"Victoria".