"Mummy you don't look happy at all." Samuel commented as he watched his mother keenly.

Annabelle forced a smile and pulled her to him. "It's nothing baby," She reassured. "Mummy is fine."

"Promise?"

She gave a wide smile this time. "I promise I'm fine my son."

He smiled back and nodded.

She couldn't stop thinking about the invitation card that was sent to her two days ago. She still couldn't get her head wrapped around it.

David was finally getting married to his long time love.

She glanced over at her daughter who lay sleeping on her grandmother's laps and her mother herself was already dozing off, with her arms wrapped around Sandra.

She had given her the news and she was sure the woman had felt really pained for her.

"Let's get you and your sister to bed," she said to Samuel. "Your grandma needs to retire to bed too."

In the comfort of her room, she found it even difficult to sleep. Again. And this had been the routine these past two nights.

She hated herself for putting herself through such suffering. And hated him too for making her go through what she was going through.

"He...he never loved me." She whispered. "After all these years, he couldn't even bring himself to forget whatever I had done to him in the past, that I know nothing of. He never loved me! He never did!"

The tears she had been trying so hard not to shed these past few days ran down her cheeks like a flowing river, sharing in her pain.

She hated herself for crying over him, after vowing she'd never cry for him anymore. But she couldn't help it.

He was getting married to another woman.

God, her love for him had never waned. Despite everything he did to her, she still loved him. So much. It's a pity that he didn't feel the same. He never did.

Right from when they were still kids, he had always placed Lydia above her. Was always buying more stuffs for Lydia and showered her with attention just like Monalisa. While she had always watched from afar, from the sidelines. She had always had a huge crush on him but never found the courage to tell him for fear of been rejected.

And when he travelled abroad then for further studies and his father's business expansion, she finally decided to give another man a chance than pining away for a man that didn't even acknowledge her existence.

That was when she met Dominic. Sweet, loving Dominic who managed to sweep her off her feet. She had loved Dom, but her heart was never rid of her affection and attraction to him.

And when he finally returned home, he became worse than before towards her. Especially when she introduced Dominic to him as her boyfriend.

She remembered that day vividly. She had introduced them both and Dominic had politely brought out his hand for a handshake but David had scowled at the hand for long seconds then grumpily and reluctantly accepted the hand very briefly and walked away without another word. She had covered up for him, saying he was only feeling like a big brother and would come round which he never did.

Deep in her heart, she knew he didn't want anything to do with matters concerning her. She knew he didn't want to associate himself with her affairs.

She knew that because when he met Lydia's boyfriend then, he was protective yes, but more accommodating and even offered the boy a drink and some brief warnings never to hurt his little girl.

When the talk of their marriage came up, she couldn't believe her luck! That he was going to be handed over to her on a gold platter, though she was sad her relationship with Dominic would come to an end. But at the same time, she feared for how David would react and when she met with him and his parents to discuss the matter, she realized that he hated her, then the thought of being married to him had scared her more than anything else.

She sighed. That's why he couldn't even wait to divorce her when she made the mistake that she had. He never loved her.

He had only showed her what it meant to be at the receiving end of his affection and passion during the good times of their marriage and couldn't wait to cast her aside once he got the chance.

She should be happy for him that he was finally getting married to the love of his life, but she couldn't. Was she a witch?

She took some sleeping pills to help her fall asleep and soon she dozed off.

💖💖💎

"You've heard they're getting married I presume?" Dominic asked as they had lunch in a restaurant.

She nodded. "It's all over the news. Chanel also made sure I got the invitation card."

"She did?" He asked in surprise then grimaced. "Could she be anymore insecure?"

"I don't know why she always sees me as a threat, when I obviously am not." Annabelle said.

"But you are." He murmured.

"Pardon?" She asked, not hearing what he had said.

"Oh nothing, I just said let's eat." He said, forcing a smile and she nodded and continued eating.

He took a deep breath. "Anna, when are you ever going to consider my proposal?"

She paused for a second and sighed then continued eating. "I need time Dominic."

"Anna you've been saying this for months now." He said frustratingly. "I love you so much and you know it. We've been through a lot together and have been separated several times but fate always bring us back together. We are meant for each other Annabelle, why can't you see that?"

"Dominic, can we just drop this for now?" She said politely. "I said I need time."

He sighed. "Sure. I'll give you all the time you need. Just know that I'm always here for you and the kids."

She nodded. "Thank you."

They finished their lunch and waited for the bill.

"There's a huge charity event happening this weekend. I was invited and would love it if you come with me." He said.

"The one organized by The Eagles?" She asked.

"Yes." He replied. "Did you know about it?"

"My mum and I were invited." She replied.

"Oh I see. But would you do me the honor of letting me escort you?"

"Well I had planned to show up with my mother but since you asked, it's okay, I'll go with you." She smiled.

"Really?"

"Yea."

"Yes!" He said excitedly. "You don't know how happy you've made me."

"it's not a big deal, Dominic." She said with a grin.

"But it is to me, Ann." He said. "It is to me."

***

The days ran really fast and before one could know it, it was already Saturday and the night of the event.

Annabelle sat patiently as the makeup artiste did the finishing touches to her face and then her hair.

She donned a black strapless sparkly dress with a moderate flowing train and a thigh high slit that showed her beautiful leg and thigh. It was a very exquisite dress that her mother had made her get even though she had thought the dress was too much.

"And you are all set, my lady." The male stylist said with an old fashioned bow, proud of his work. "You look absolutely stunning!"

"Thank you Dean."

She looked at the mirror and realized that it wasn't an overstatement.

💖💎💖

"Have I told you how proud I am to have the most beautiful woman here tonight on my arm?" Dominic said as he continued to take in her beauty as they stepped down from the car.

Annabelle giggled. "You haven't seen the women in there Dominic."

"I believe none of them would come close to your beauty." He said. "Do you know how utterly beautiful and ravishing you are woman?"

Annabelle smiled.

"If you were completely mine, I'd have my way with you in the car before we go into the function."

"Oh my gosh, Dominic." She laughed.

Cameras began clicking as they were noticed.

"That's a very beautiful dress Miss Rowland..."

"Wow, that's David Maxwell's ex wife..." A particular group of paparazzi came and blocked their way. "Miss Rowland you look really beautiful tonight."

"Thank you." She said briefly and made to walk past them with Dominic but their next question made her knees weak.

"How do you feel about the man you were once happily married to, getting married to another woman...?"

"What do you have to say about it...?"

"Let's go Anna." Dominic said to her hearing and held her hand tightly.

"And who's the fine young man...?"

"Is he your new love interest...?"

Just as they walked past them, the group suddenly fled from them and ran over to a couple that just came in, attacking them with pictures and excited questions.

It was him. Them.

She turned to Dominic. "Let's go."

***

It was a fund raising for charity and very important persons were present there tonight. Donations were made and a huge amount of funds was raised that night. After the donations were made, the after party commenced.

Her mother had made a donation on their behalf.

He had made a donation too and as expected, it was a huge one that attracted a loud applause.

She watched him through her lashes as he introduced Chanel to several people there, as his wife to be, obviously.

Watching them became a painful sight and she looked away immediately and focused on Dominic.

"Hope you're enjoying the event?"

He asked handing her her glass.

"Yes I am." She replied with a smile. "The organizers really outdid themselves."

"I am really happy that you're here with me."

He said. "Reminds me of old times."

"When everything wasn't so complicated." She said without thinking but he agreed with her anyways.

"When everything wasn't so complicated." He agreed. "What I'd give to experience those times again."

"So many things have happened ever since." She said. "Nothing can ever be the same again."

***

Some time later, she excused herself to go use the restrooms.

She came to the ladies room and repaired herself then decided to go out for some air for a just a few minutes.

She came out to a balcony devoid of any human.

It was a beautiful night and the moon shone brightly against the skies. She took a deep breath, enjoying the gentle touch of the breeze on her skin.

Then, she felt a harder touch on the smooth skin of her shoulders. A human's hand, a man's hand. She quickly turned around and was engulfed by the strong stench of alcohol.

Her heart began to race as she discovered she had been cornered by a drunk. She took a step backwards.

"There there beautiful lady." He grinned, exposing a set of yellow teeth. He looked creepy. "Been staring at you ever since you walked into that room. You are a real beauty. How I had longed to get my hands on that skin."

"Get away from me you creep!" She snapped and made to escape when he grabbed my waist.

"Not until I have my way with you, temptress." He breathed down her neck. "You have tempted me enough."

"Let me go! Ahh...!" She tried to scream but he covered her mouth then licked and sucked on her neck. He was aiming to place his lips on hers when he was forcefully wrenched away from her and the sound of a fist against flesh sent him staggering backwards till he fell on the floor.

Her savior went over to him and delivered several blows to his face as he tried to defend himself.

That head, that stance, that build.

"David." She whispered.

❤️

🎄