Midnight Secrets

Chapter 18

As I stood in front of the mirror, getting ready for the dinner party, I couldn't shake off the feeling of dread. The voices coming from downstairs were a constant reminder of the social obligations that lay ahead of me. I could hear people chatting and laughing, and the sounds of glasses clinking, but all I felt was a sense of anxiety.

I tried to steady my breathing, but my nerves were getting the better of me. I didn't know if I was ready for this. The thought of having to make small talk and put on a smile for hours on end exhausted me. I felt like I was trapped, stuck in this room, unable to escape the inevitable.

I took one last look in the mirror and tried to remind myself that I could do this. The outfit was one my father always voiced his distaste for. He called it once a hooker's dress and ever since then, I have been in love with it. The form-fitting fabric hugged my curves in all the right places, and the hemline ended just above my knees, showcasing my toned legs. The simple design of the dress was elevated by the way it clung to my figure, making me feel bold and beautiful.

My blonde hair was styled in loose, effortless waves that cascaded down my back. The soft, natural curls added a touch of femininity to my overall look, and I was sure that the combination of my stunning hair and beautiful dress would make several heads turn. That was the aim for the night. And my bite was going to be so sharp once they dared to start a conversation. It was as though I was overloaded with anger and distaste and man, was I ready to unleash it on them all.

And screw Nate.

I couldn't deny that the thoughts swimming in my head the past few hours had nothing to do with Nate. Every single turn in my mind brought me back to how he was in my room.

And what he meant by his words.

And what was published online.

I straightened my dress and took a deep breath before making my way downstairs to face the dinner party. As I make my way down the staircase, the sounds of laughter and conversation become louder. The warm glow of candlelight fills the room, casting shadows on the walls. The dining table, set with sparkling silverware and crystal glasses, takes center stage. A bouquet of fresh flowers sits at the center of the table, adding a pop of color to the otherwise monochrome decor.

I was always surprised by how quickly and beautifully Lorna and the staff were able to transform the house. I took a moment to look around, taking in the details of the room. Every surface was polished to a shine, and every decoration was placed with care and precision. The attention to detail was truly impressive, and it never failed to leave me in awe.

I couldn't help but think about how much effort went into putting together these dinner parties. Lorna and the staff must have worked tirelessly to make sure that everything was just perfect.

People were gathered around the table, chatting and laughing over glasses of champagne. They looked happy and carefree, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. I took a deep breath and reminded myself that I was there to have a good time. I pushed all thoughts of Nate to the back of my mind and focused on the present moment.

As I approached the table, I could feel eyes on me. I pasted a smile on my face and tried to look confident and relaxed, even though inside I was anything but. But despite my nerves, I was determined to get through this dinner party and have a good time. I took my seat and readied myself for the night ahead.

As I scanned the room, I found myself searching for my father. He was usually mingling with his guests before he took his seat. I wasn't so sure if he saw me enter the room. "Ellie! How lovely to see you again!"

I turned around and saw an old acquaintance, a woman I recognized from previous events. For the life of me, I could not remember her name. She had a bright smile on her face and was looking at me with warmth and kindness in her eyes. "It's so good to see you," she continued. "How have you been?"

I returned her smile, whilst forking my memory and trying to put a name to this face. Khadra? No. "I've been well, thank you. How about you?" I replied, standing up from my seat to give her a hug.

We chatted for a few minutes, catching up on each other's lives. She mentioned that she had recently become a mother and was struggling to get any sleep. "Marcus has been keeping me up all night," she said with a laugh. "I don't remember the last time I slept for more than a few hours at a time."

Ah, this was Khadra! Her husband also owned a shoe factory.

I listened intently, taking in her words, and trying to imagine what it would be like to be a parent. Although I had never had children of my own, I could still understand the difficulties and joys that came with raising a child.

She went on to share some of the ups and downs of motherhood. We laughed and commiserated, both of us understanding what the other was going through. It was a welcome distraction from the stress of the dinner party, and I was grateful for her company.

As our conversation came to an end, I wished her all the best and watched her walk away.

Did she know about her husband? And that he was into trafficking?

Surely, she would not have mothered a baby with him if she knew.

Surely, the world was not that corrupted. Just as I was about to take my seat, I spotted my father making his way towards the head of the table. He looked distinguished and commanding, as always. But instead of feeling pride and love, I felt a sense of annoyance and disconnection.

He pulled his chair, which somehow was a signal for everyone else in the room to migrate towards the table and take a seat. He was wearing a well-tailored suit, looking sharp and sophisticated. His salt and pepper hair was neatly styled, giving him an air of authority and confidence. As he took his seat at the head of the table, he looked every inch the successful businessman and proud man.

As he settled into his seat, I could see the hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. It was clear that he was pleased with the way the evening was shaping up.

He opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by a loud bang. It took me a few moments to realise what was happening and I was one of the last few to rotate my head towards the main door of the dining room.

There stood Claud, with a man next to him I had never seen before in my life. Yet, I couldn't shake this twinge of recognition away. If I struggled remembering Khadra, I had no chance recalling this man. They walked into the dining room with purpose, their footsteps echoing across the wooden floorboards.

Claud looked confident and self-assured, his piercing gaze taking in the room and its occupants. He walked ahead, his steps sure and purposeful. He moved with an easy grace, as if he was completely at ease in this opulent setting.

The man next to him followed. He looked so much older, and wiser. He exuded power and grace, commanding the attention of everyone in the room.

As they got closer, I realised there was someone else behind them. And his gait was almost cocky, as if he was well aware of the attention he was drawing and relishing in it. He carried himself with an air of authority, his broad shoulders thrown back and his chin held high.

As he made his way across the room, he seemed completely in control. His movements were smooth and calculated, as if he was in no rush to reach his destination. He was the picture of cool, calm, and collected, and I couldn't help but be a little intimidated by his presence.

Which I wasn't ever all those nights I sneaked out to see him.

My heart froze in my chest.

Claud stopped short at the end of the table. "Hello!" He dragged out, smirking straight at my father.

"Do you mind that I brought my brother in law and his son to the dinner tonight?" He asked, with no real shit to give.

My heart started pounding in my chest, and I could feel my hands growing clammy. I was rooted to the spot, unable to move or even speak as the reality of the situation hit me.

I could feel my breaths coming in short, shallow gasps, and I was struggling to keep my emotions in check. My mind was racing, trying to make sense of what was happening and what it all meant.

Every part of me was on high alert, from my rapid heartbeat to the tenseness in my muscles. I felt completely out of my depth.

Because there stood Nate. Right next to a man that was supposedly his father. And Claud was his uncle.