Page 109 of My Ruthless Husband

Our mansion unfolds in a lavish display with glittering chandeliers and flowing draperies, which bathe the polished marble floors in a radiant glow.

Live musicians play softly in the background. Couples dressed in glamourous gowns and expensive tuxedos sway in a slow dance across the spacious floor.

Despite being dressed in a stunning satin floor length gown, hair tucked into a sleek updo and make up done by a team of professionals, my stomach twists with anxiety.

It’s only been twenty minutes since I stepped into the venue, but the constant cycle of meeting and greeting and exchanging compliments and air kisses has already left me feeling drained.

The constant chatter, the flash of cameras capturing every move, and the pressure to maintain an impeccable appearance weigh on me. The dazzling smile I wear hides the discomfort I feel. The main cause of my unease is Edward’s hand on the small of my back and what I can read in everyone’s eyes— In their eyes, our entrance together feels like more than just a social appearance—it’s as if we’re announcing our relationship.

I hadn’t bargained for this when I agreed to come to this event with him. I’m sure even dad didn’t think of this outcome. Because I can’t bring myself to believe that he purposefully orchestrated all of this. And since I know Edward has feelings for me, it makes this situation even more uncomfortable.

“Shall I get you a drink?” Edward murmurs in my ear and I quickly shake my head. If I forced anything down my throat, even water, I’m afraid I’ll puke.

He frowns, his face etched with worry. Edward McAllister is good looking. In his tux, he had managed to turn heads of beautiful ladies when we arrived. He was respectful and polite. And I felt guilty every time I gazed at his pleased expression as we walked together, my arm tucked in the crook of his elbow.

But now, each step feels heavier as I navigate the room, trying to uphold the poise expected in this glittering social affair. With each passing minute, my frustration grows because everyone just keeps shooting us a teasing look.

I get this insane urge to shout out loud to set everyone straight. Their smirking faces are provoking me to cause a scene by declaring that I already have a boyfriend. But I refrain myself.

I am stuck between showing him off and hiding him from the world. Damian and I are happy. Since our almost breakup a week ago, I am extra cautious.

Because of the recent almost-breakup, Damian’s been going all out to make amends—being extra possessive, showering me with gifts, and drowning me in attention. It’s reassuring. Andapart from his grand gestures, I see it in his eyes. I see that he was dead serious when he told me he’d never let me go even if I begged to. It gives me comfort. But a nagging anxiety lingers, fueled by the thought that external factors could still mess things up. Especially my dad’s disapproval.

Maybe with time, especially after my upcoming 21st birthday in a few months, I’ll feel more inclined to open up about Damian to my dad. Until then, I’ll have to endure this. That means maintaining the façade of an oblivious girl who can’t read the expressions of the guests who are grating on her nerves.

I lock eyes with Edward, silently pleading for an escape. He reads the distress in my gaze and seamlessly steers us toward a quieter corner of the room, away from the curious eyes.

My peace doesn’t last long though. Mrs. Thompson and her daughter, Melissa glide toward us with sugary sweet smiles. I swallow thickly and helplessly stare at the two women who made my teenage years miserable with their constant criticisms and cutting comments.

Mrs. Nadine Thompson is married to William Thompson, a name well-known for its power and influence in the business world. He’s also my father’s partner.

William Thompson, my dad, and Richard McAllister—Edward’s father—built the foundation of their empire on bold ambitions. United by their shared vision and hunger for success, the three of them embarked on a journey that eventually led to the creation of Innovare Dynamics Group.

IDG, under my father’s leadership, is a strong and influential conglomerate. Richard McAllister, with his expertise in renewable energy, plays a key role in the partnership, while William Thompson, a financial genius, secures the empire's stability and growth.

Innovare Dynamics Group was formerly known as Gibson Innovations Group. It bore our surname because it was Dad’sbrainchild. That is the reason he still stands at the helm, leading the several high-profile technology companies under the IDG name.

Richard and William supported him when he needed it most. The inclusion of them marked a pivotal moment for the empire. They took control of the business during the darkest days of his life when he lost his wife and was trapped with a child he began to hate. In a nutshell, they became the only semblance of family left for him.

That’s the main reason I couldn’t bring myself to tell Dad about the subtle insults Mrs. Thompson kept throwing my way. The weight of her words, like tiny knives, dug into my confidence, but the last thing I wanted was to burden him with the painful details of my struggles.

The click of her heels on the polished floor echoes louder in my ears. Beside her, Melissa dressed in a perfect gown, radiates an air of entitlement.

As they approach, Mrs. Thompson’s gaze flickers over my attire in a not-so-subtle assessment.

I straighten my posture, steeling myself. Melissa, her daughter, wears a smile that barely conceals the disdain in her eyes.

“Ah, River, darling,” Mrs. Thompson purrs. “You look positively radiant tonight.”

I begin to smile but it dwindles when she continues, “Your updo is a wise choice; it suits you much better than those unruly curls left wild. It’s remarkable how a simple change can transform what some might find... challenging into something almost acceptable, don’t you think?”

The question is aimed at Edward who looks a bit uncomfortable. Beside her, Melissa chimes in, her eyes running over Edward as if he was a seven-course meal she intended to devour. “Edward, you’re looking quite dashing tonight. A realshame you got stuck with River here instead of someone who could truly appreciate your company. Must be a challenge for you, I’m sure.”

“What do you mean?” he asks, frowning.

“Ever since you came, I’ve noticed River hardly utter more than two words in your presence.”

“Were you spying on us?” he says dryly.

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