Page 9 of Condemned to You

Eventually I dropped the key and placed it back under the stapler. Taking a deep breath, I then got to my feet and walked out of the room where I found Alfie leaning against the wall as though waiting for me while checking his phone. He looked up at me scanning my body to see if there was any harm.

“It hurts that you look at me differently.”

“It’s all in your head Bethany,” Alfie commented as he remained relaxed.

“Is it?”

“You really want to argue on your birthday?”

“No,” I replied.

“Then tell me what you’d like to do today.”

“I need to pick up my dress and shoes for the party tonight, but I could do some shopping too.”

Alfie had no issue driving me to different shops or carrying shopping bags as I had some retail therapy in addition to picking up my outfit for tonight. After getting my hair and makeup done, we headed back to my house so I could finish getting ready.

It was my grand 30th birthday party, and I needed a dress to match the occasion, so I opted to wear an Atelier Versace soft pink color gown. The form-fitting, cleavage-baring silhouette accented with a thigh-high slit and dramatic train was stunning; it gave an air of elegance under the amorousness. The top straps were able to hold up the girls as the dress hugged my waistline. The bottom of the dress had rosewater georgette enriched by delicate ruffle finishes, chantilly lace intarsia, and elegant micro material embroidery. I had last-minute custom-made platform heels to match the color of the dress and wore a diamond necklace that wrapped around my neck paired with my 3 carat diamond stud earrings.

“Pio is missing out,” Alfie commented when he saw me.

Pio always seemed to miss out. “You wore the suit,” I smiled in return.

Alfie didn’t have the time to get something to wear tonight and if he was escorting me to my party, he needed to look the part. I had him get a navy color Armani suit with an accent tie to match my dress.

We arrived at the venue which was decorated from floor to ceiling in white and pink florals. It was an enchanted garden, the floor a white marble and the tables all clear glass. You’d think it was a redo of my wedding. Alfie and I walked in together but quickly parted our separate ways to entertain the various guests.

“Hot damn,” Tiffany commented as I approached her and Natasha.

“You lost a ton of weight!” Natasha commented, “What’s your secret?”

Death, I thought to myself but instead smiled and lied, “Extra Pilates classes.”

“That’s what you’ve been doing the last few months beside hiding from us?”

I couldn’t have my two best friends see me a mess over a situation they didn’t know about. As far as they were concerned, I was happily married.

“I need a drink,” I stated.

We ordered a round of drinks and the girls caught me up on what was going on in their lives. As Natasha was speaking, her eyes widened and I knew someone was approaching us. I braced myself because the only person who would cause Natasha to stiffen like that aside from Emilio was Luca. Despite my hatred toward my brother, his invite was mandatory. As always, we had to appear as though we were in perfect harmony. Never dare show if there was a rift in the family, it would only get used against us.

Clearing his throat, “Ladies.”

My body relaxed as I realized who it was and turned around. “Hamilton, you came.”

Hamilton returned a warm smile and gave me a hug. “Happy Birthday Bethany. My father wasn’t able to make it so I came in his place.”

“Has it gotten worse?” I asked.

Hamilton nodded, “Doctor today said the cancer spread to his lungs. No coming back from there.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“Where’s the husband?” Hamilton changed the subject.

We remained friends despite my arranged marriage. Hamilton understood without me having to explain myself as he too was bound for the same fate.

“Working, as always.” I take a sip of my drink and realize both Natasha and Tiffany had walked away. “How’s the wedding planning?”