I eventually settled for a black velvet dress I had in my wardrobe for a while. I never got to wear it anywhere. It almost didn't fit but I'm so satisfied it fit eventually, only with a little bit of struggle. It was a low-neck long-sleeve dress that hugged my curves in the right places and spread out to the floor, just below my knees, perfect for the cold weather. I took my time applying my makeup because I also didn't want to go to the reception with puffy eyes and a swollen face. No one else knew about what happened. Not even my mother at least not yet.
The ride to the venue was smooth and silent. Steve had chosen to go in his black Benz because it "screamed luxury" according to him.
It wasn't a long ride and in no time we arrived. Steve and I were ushered down from the car by the men in black suits and shades. Steve came over to my side and took my arms in his, flashing a bright smile at the cameras. He looked over at me, to make sure I was smiling. I was but not internally, inside I felt like I was suffering.
"Mr Ross" he said to the big bouncer who looked at his little screen and nodded at us, letting us in.
The grand doors swung open revealing the hall that was bathed in warm, golden light. Stepping inside I noticed the floors were so polished they had a reflection of the glittering chandeliers above us. It wasn't my first Redmond reception, in fact, the Redmond family hosted galas like this a few times a year. But this, this was the first I had been to in over a year and it looked amazing.
The silent murmuring mixed with the delicate strains of orchestra music was enough to set the fancy mood.
A server glides by, offering a tray of sparkling champagne, the bubbles still rising.
"No we're good" Steve says to the server, grabbing my hand tighter.
He gave me a hard stare and was about to say something when a huge man walked over to us.
"Ah, Mr Redmond" Steve says switching to a fake smile.
He nodded in acknowledgment, "Mrs Ross, we meet again" he said with a smile.
I saw Steve's jaw clench from the corner of my eye.
"I heard we will be having dinner with the Carrignton group partners" Steve interjected, changing the subject.
"Yes, Mr Ross. In fact in just a few minutes" Mr Redmond said before he disappeared into the room of elegant people.
Steve's grip was tight, not letting loose, even for a second. He was so close to me that I could almost hear him breathing but I didn't complain. I try to focus on the evening and play my perfect wife role.
We soon entered a luxurious space. At the center was a long rectangular table filled with every meal I could think of. There was loud laughter coming from different corners of the room, men talking loudly with their champagne glasses in hand. The women, I suppose were their wives were seated at the rectangular table. Some talked amongst themselves while others just stayed quiet and observed.
"Stay put, Wait for me here" he said pointing to one of the chairs at the table, finally releasing his grip from me all night.
Across the room, I spot Mr Redmond watching me. His gaze flickered between me and Steve. I think he was observing us. I couldn't tell exactly but the tension in his stance shows that we have been noticed.
The men were still standing when I got up to find the restroom and ease some tension. I wasn't even halfway to the bathroom when a young woman in a red sleek dress approached me.
"Mrs Ross" she said with a smirk. "Nice to finally meet you"
She hugged me.
"I don't seem to know who you are?" I say
"Oh silly me, I'm Victoria" she said extending her hand for a handshake.
A lazy smile lingered on her lips "He hasn't told you yet? I'm part of the family now sister"
"I'm confused, you have the wrong Mrs Ross"
"Oh" she frowned "I'm pretty sure I…"
"It's fine," I say cutting her off.
I didn't head to the bathroom anymore, I just went back to the table. At the table, the other partners and their wives were already seated and I could sense Steve's stare even though I wasn't looking at him.
"Where did you go? You can't be running off, we're here to make an impression" he muttered under his breath.
I looked awkwardly at the other people at the table. My eyes reaching Mr Redmond, I catch his brows furrow briefly. Like something seemed to irritate him. I adjusted myself on my seat and forced a polite smile before I irritated him any further.
The rest of the dinner continued smoothly, not until the woman who had approached me earlier came strutting in. Steve hadn't noticed her, no one had.
Her eyes landed on me and she made a quick beeline towards me.
"I knew I didn't make a mistake" she said as she made her way to me, giving me a quick hug.
"My bad, silly Steve forgot to tell you everything" she laughed.
I was silent, the murmurs had stopped too, I felt eyes on me.
Steve looked uncomfortable shifting from one leg to another.
"Steve do I have to tell her myself?" she says with a hand to my husband's back.
"Victoria, not here" he snapped, holding her hand firm
She sensed his seriousness and scoffed.
"Okay, at least tell her I'm pregnant for your child" she said before walking away from the scene.
She was what? My heart slammed against my ribs.
I wanted to wail, to break down and cry but I decided against that. I can't react, not right now.
"Let's go" Steve says grabbing my arm, his grip firm.
But I don't move. I see it, I see why he changed, why he was so controlling. It wasn't about power or about having the upper hand. It was fear, the fear of me finding out.
I step back from his hold "Go take care of your baby Steve" I say forcing my tears back.
I leave him standing there alone, to face the humiliation and stares from the judging eyes at the dinner. For the first time in our marriage, I finally see an exit and I'm taking it.