Page 92 of The Vow We Made
I whisper in Aiden’s ear, “I’m nervous. Why am I so nervous? It should be her with the wobbles, not me. Is this dress alright?” I say, before smoothing the long pencil skirt section of my violet dress, down.
“Victoria, calm yourself.” His hand slips over my hip. “You look beautiful. You always do.”
I blush when he places his fingers under my chin and kisses my lips. We part at the sound of heels clicking against the wooden floor and Luke leads his new lady by the hand. “You should have let me pay the taxi.”
“Stop fussing, Luke, I’m fine. I told you I’m not sick.”
The seamless swirl of her American accent hits me first like a lightening bolt. Then Luke’s tall, elegant, beautiful lady steps into the room, turning my stomach and causing my head to spin. Her familiar eyes lock with mine immediately and Luke’s introduction pales into the background. While she stands, stock still and as silent as me, I speak out, not thinking how it might be better to pretend she is someone I don’t know.
“Evelynn!” My voice is louder than intended. I can’t stop myself.
“Have you two girls met?” Luke asks, looking between us.
My throat tightens and it’s difficult to find my voice but thankfully Evelynn steps in with her kind familiar smile. “A long time ago.”
“No way,” Luke beams, but I’m still getting over the shock and Aiden can see I’m struggling.
He steps forward and offers his hand. “Aiden James.”
Slowly, her own hand reaches out. “Good to meet you Aiden,” she returns, “Evelynn Hughes, but please, call me Eve.”
He nods, acknowledging her response before checking I’m alright. I can’t stop staring. This can’t be happening.
Luke does his best to fill the awkward silence. “I hope you’re all hungry. I’ve hired a chef for tonight which is a bit over the top for me.”
Food is the last thing I need, but a slow, unsure smile spreads across my face “I’m sure it will be lovely Luke.”
“Let’s hope so,” he winks. “Shall we take the weight off.”
We follow his lead and I’m about to fall in behind Evelynn when Aiden pulls my arm.
I glance over my shoulder and he mouths with a furrowed brow, “What’s wrong?”
“I’m fine,” I mouth back, and smile for good measure. “I’ll explain later.”
We take our seats for dinner and I’m feeling ever so slightly sick to my stomach. Somehow, I have to get through this evening, come hell or high water. It’s a situation I thought I’d never have to face, after all, why would I want to tell Aiden the full story about my husband and indeed, Evelynn?
“What are the chances of you two meeting already?” Luke turns to Evelynn, placing his hand over hers.
“It was more of an introduction.” She glances towards me, her smile slight and wary. “A charity event maybe?”
“That’s right.” I busy myself with the soup now served in front of me. I don’t want to get any deeper into this lie than I have to.
Thankfully, Aiden is his kind and gentlemanly self, saving the day. “What do you think of London, Eve?”
“Cold, most of the time, but I’ve been here in the Autumn and its breathtaking.”
I watch while she captivates the two men in the room and has no idea she’s doing it. It comes so naturally and enhances her charm. Her elegance shines through from her dark hair with subtle highlights, to her perfect slim figure and dazzling dark eyes. She’s taller than the average woman, but with Luke’s impressive stature, they complement each other. Yet when I think of Evelynn’s partner, Luke is not in the frame. That man is completely different. A liar, a cheat and at one time, the love of my life. I start to wish I wasn’t here. My throat is dries and my stomach churns with every mouthful of soup I try to swallow.
“I’m so sorry, may I use your bathroom Luke?”
“Of course you can, it’s down the hall and second right.”
“Thank you.”
Aiden rises from his seat, helping me with my chair then lightly brushes my fingertips with his own as I pass. His concern is clear. “You alright angel?”
“Fine, won’t be long.” My gorgeous, wonderful man deserves so much more from me, but my decision not to tell him every detail involving my husband, was taken some time ago. It’s cut me up inside every day, but I would have taken it to the grave if I had to. Now I have to reconsider.
