Chapter 83 - Chapter 82

@International_Pen

((( ZHIO )))

"We want you to be the special guest to my father's birthday gala. He's good friends with your dad and we are too," Derick's smile was unwavering.

"I hope you'd come."

"Maybe or maybe not," I played with the card.

"Just maybe."

He sneered.

"I wish you would. I'd like you to meet someone special there…my wife to be…"    

Claire, huh?

I almost crushed the card.

I had a vague feeling he knew I knew Claire. And most possibly, he must knew I'm behind all the things Claire mistook him for.  

This fucker…

Then so be it. Let's see who'll have an unforgettable day.

"Fine," I sneered back at him.

"I'm curious to know her…"

(CLAIRE)

Knocks were continuously rapping against my door like bullets. I grunted in groggy annoyance. Tsk…

"What?" I rubbed my sleepy eyes.

"We've been knocking here too long!" Ma spat.

"Derick has been calling you. At least answer you phone."

"Low battery," I recoiled unemotionally.

She frowned at me, "He's downstairs, waiting for you."

I rolled my eyes mentally.  

Urgh! Not again!

Ma handed me a shopping bag that looked to be from an expensive boutique.

"Get dressed. And put on some decent makeup. You look terrible."

"Why? What does he want?" I sighed heavily.

"I want to sleep!"

"There's an occasion- his father's birthday. And he wanted to formally introduce you in the party," she answered excitedly.

"Isn't that sweet?"

My guts twirled. I felt cold. I was suddenly wide awake.

Not, not again! I wish he'd wouldn't do something stupid as proposing for marriage.  

"Don't keep him waiting,"

Ma dragged me in and was already helping me undress.

"Wait," I stopped her from unzipping my top.

"What time is the dinner? It's still too early."

"Early? It's already 7 p.m."

I raised my brows in surprise and swiftly peered through the window blinds. The sky was dark and a big yellow moon stared back at me. It really was late.

"Fine. I'll dress myself."

Her nostrils flared but she left me all alone. I took out the bag's content and marveled at the ankle length cream dress Derick had for me. It was glitzed with hand sewn diamond beads and exquisite embroidery at the bottom.  

It's beautiful…and expensive.

Something like that is too much for me.

@International_Pen