JOANNE-
The entire evening, I felt like the brightest star in the sky. Hardy had told me to actually wear my shoulders high, and I had listened to him.
It was my first auction, and I actually got what I wanted.
I’ve never had the opportunity to possess what I longed for.
Back in the bustling city of Bronx, I worked tirelessly day after day, striving to survive like an animal.
I had little opportunity to truly desire things for my own sake. And even though I managed to get them, they were still beyond my financial means.
But now here I was, and it wasn’t like this life would last forever. But I finally experienced what it’s like to acquire what you really desire. And what it felt like to live in luxury.
I wouldn’t mind ending things right now; I could die peacefully knowing I had lived.
A painting with millions, all in my hands.
Money felt a bit like magic.
I glanced over at Hardy, noticing his uneasiness and how frequently he checked his phone.
I decided to seize the moment and ask right away.
“Is something wrong?”
There was a moment of anticipation as he paused, his expression hinting that he might finally provide an answer to my question.
The party had reached its end, and the guests had dispersed, filling every corner of the grand ballroom.
With the night still going on, a few people decided to leave while others lingered, engaging in further conversation. Meanwhile, a few people continued to treat themselves to their drinks.
Just as Hardy opened his mouth to actually reply to me, Anne stepped in front of us.
“Joanne.” She beamed, and I almost dived in and bit her open shoulders.
Such a bad timer.
Hardy looked defeated and closed his slightly parted mouth.
“Hi,” I said dryly, giving her every hint and the energy that I didn’t want her here.
“Congrats. On getting the painting,” she almost fooled me with her smile, like she was actually happy for me.
“Thanks,” I beamed forcefully.
“You know, I planned to get it for the women at the gazebo, but well, you could say I let you have it, and it’s a gift for you.” She gently glanced at my stomach and then slowly stretched her lips into a smile.
“It doesn’t count as a gift.” I shook my head. “I got it myself.”
“Oh well,” she shrugged, a glint of anger on her face.
I glanced at Hardy and saw how he still looked unsettled.
I wanted to get rid of Anne so I could actually understand what was going on with Hardy. But she looked like she still had so much to say.
Hardy turned to face me.
“Stay here for a while,” he began. “I’ll be back.”
“Where are you going?” I asked, holding back his arm like he was about to go to war.
“I’ll be right back. Just stay here. Do not move an inch, and just stay. I’ll be back, so stay.” Hardy calmly ordered me, and I slowly let go of his hand and watched him walk away.
Something was definitely up. I was having too much of a bad feeling.
“I didn’t know you were the clingy type,” Anne snickered.
Right, she was still here.
“Hardy is a man you want to cling to,” I lied, briefly glancing at the direction Hardy had walked in.
“I know, let this be between us, but I’ve actually tasted Hardy, and your words can be trusted. He really is,” Anne added with a light giggle.
Her words made me mad a bit, but I decided not to let them show.
She and Hardy did have something.
It shouldn’t make me mad.
I hated Hardy.
I shouldn’t care.
“I’m not a fan of secrets,” I added, “but I am sure Asher would love that.”
My words made her face morph into anger, and surprisingly, she didn’t try to hide it with one of her fake smiles.
“You have a weird way with words, Joanne.” She tilted her head.
“Why? Because I’m not trying to keep a secret.” I scoffed, getting edgy.
“You should make me like you; I’m assuring you that would be good for you.” She slammed.
I wanted to snap and talk back so she could toss me out of the silly club she has for her pretty little ladies with rich husbands who I don’t care about, but I didn’t want to ruin things for myself or Hardy.
This was not even my life, and I had no say.
If I botch this, it may have a greater impact on Hardy’s goal than my social status.
Which was essentially borrowed.
I took a deep breath.
“Look, I’m sorry,” I said.
She slowly lifted her chin a bit higher, already getting excited at my defeat.
“I shouldn’t have said that; Hardy leaving had thrown me over the edge, and you’re right. I am the clingy type.”
I nodded, forcing out a smile.
“I know one when I see one,” she scoffed.
“So, apology accepted?” I asked calmly, tilting my head.
She looked happy with my apology, so she rolled her obnoxious chestnut eyes and turned to me.
“Fine. Sure, at least you apologized. You’re way better than Lisa in that aspect.” She mumbled most of her words, but they came out loud enough.
She continued,”Sure. Apologies accepted, and be well. Your pregnancy celebration is just around the corner, and it’ll be bad if we both go off the wrong end. I’m not a bad person, Joanne,”
Says the devil.
“I know,” I nodded.
“Anyway, I’ll hurry up and meet Asher. He wanted to come say hi to you and Hardy earlier, but he’s a bit busy.”
“It’s okay.” I added another sigh and breathed another sigh of relief when she finally walked away in her bright yellow dress.
I shut my eyes and glanced at the six-built men moving my painting to the other side of the ballroom.
The feeling excited me a bit, and then I recalled Hardy’s action from earlier and started to dart my head around to see if I could catch a glimpse of him anywhere.
Nothing.
I was alone.
I didn’t know what to do. Who should I reach out to?
I never knew I would one day crave any presence, and that presence being Hardy.
If it was to get out of here, I needed him to come and take me away.
Where the hell did he go?
He had made it clear that I shouldn’t move an inch from this angle.
But I couldn’t help it.
I was darn curious. What was going on with him?
**
It had been exactly ten minutes since Hardy left, and I found myself sighing more than twice every three seconds.
I was about to screw Hardy’s order and walk around the ballroom when a lady walked up to me.
She had golden brown skin and curly hair, bright eyes, and a fancy smile that made me feel less of myself.
She was wearing such a provocative dress that it exposed her entire body and sides.
“Hi?” Her voice was just as cheerful as her eyes.
“Hi?” I tilted my head, a bit seduced.
“Nice to meet you,” she said, immediately extending her hand for a handshake.
I wanted to take her Hand, but then I paused and kept my hand to myself.
“Who are you?” I asked.
“Oh,” she laughed. “Sorry for not introducing myself. “I’m Leilani, and you’re Joanne, right?”
I slowly nodded, not suddenly enjoying this approach.
She slowly pulled her hands to herself seeing I still wouldn’t take it.
“I’m sorry for startling you, but Mr. Hardy asked me to come get you,” she beamed.
“Hardy?” I asked to be sure.
I’ve never seen her in my entire life, and she wanted to come get me? For Hardy?
It felt a bit weird.
“He said he would come by himself,” I said calmly.
“Oh right,” Leilani waved her hand with a giggle. “Mr. Hardy knew you wouldn’t come with me, so I’ll just call him to prove it to you.”
Did Hardy really send this pretty lady to come get me?
Getting Theodore would have been just fine.
Or maybe his jealous ass wouldn’t let him go with it properly.
Leilani’s phone made a swirly beeping sound before Hardy’s voice took over the speaker.
“What is it?” He snapped.
“Oh, I just wanted Joanne to be sure that it’s you who sent me,” Leilani added.
My shoulders tensed down a little as I let out a little “Hi.”
There was nothing like being too careful.
“Come with Leilani,” Hardy’s stern voice ordered, and the call ended abruptly.
Who pissed on his pants? Always so grumpy.
“Okay, well, thanks for that,” I said to Leilani, and she waved it off.
“It’s nothing,” she beamed. “Anyone would understand you want to be careful. Since you barely know anyone here,” she added, and I nodded in return.
I followed Leilani as we made our way towards the ballroom exit.
Suddenly, Trevor approached me, hastily adjusting his gray blazer and ending a conversation with someone he was with.
“Leaving already?” He asked.
I nodded with a smile, slowing down to match his pace behind Leilani.
“Who’s she?”
“Oh, Hardy sent her to come get me,” I replied.
Leilani turned around to say a quick hello to Trevor. She was all smiles.
When she turned back around, Trevor gave her a knowing look, a feeling of dissatisfaction sleeping his thick brows.
“Well,” he turned to me, “I hope we meet again sooner.”
“Yes,” I nodded. “Thank you for tonight; it was lovely.” I sucked in my lips when I realized I sounded a bit fancy.
Trevor nodded and threw Leilani another glance before walking away.
I continued walking with Leilani, and we made it past multiple hallways despite leaving the ballroom ages ago.
She was now leading me towards a less crowded hallway.
I could feel my heart beating a little too much now.
Something wasn’t right.
–