It was beyond awkward for the both of us. Nelson, who had his face turned to the side, had beet red ears. His breathing also seemed abnormal, at this moment, I don't want to imagine what is going on in his head already. I drag the ropes of my robe, and hurriedly tie another loose knot. "You can put me down now Nelson." I told him.
Gently, he lowered his hand and my feet began touching the ground until I had finally found my footing . As soon as my feet touched the ground Nelson dashed out of the room in seconds and slammed the door with enough force to rattle the windows. In the meantime, I tried to get my head out of the clouds and relax. Still, it was not an easy task because each time I remember that he saw my bare body, I remember that night. Now I can only hope this honeymoon ends quickly and we get our own rooms because I cannot bear such coincidences any more and I have a feeling they're not gonna stop at just that.
"I'm going crazy." I whisper to myself as I bury my face in my hand. "Oh that's right, brother should be waiting for me, Lucia, that conniving bitch didn't even say anything to warn me. It must have been one of her schemes." I tell myself. I've been in here long enough.
I started getting dressed, maybe that will help distract my thoughts momentarily. I opt for a chic black flare gown and some nude pumps. Dressing up has become somewhat of a hobby since Nelson got me a whole new wardrobe. It's one of the perks of marrying the rich. I tie my hair in a high messy bun, wear some lip gloss and mascara because that's as far as I can go with make up. When I am satisfied with my reflection in the mirror, I grab my purse and leave the room. I stand right before the door and sigh before turning the handle and leaving the room, beaming with confidence. Unfortunately, my confidence dies right after I arrive at the lounge.
Everyone looked breathtakingly stunning, they were dressed in expensive brands and accessories and I felt rather plain in their midst. As I made my way towards the table where brother and Lucia sat, I noticed how people stared at me with irritation and menace. It wasn't like I knew everyone but they just seemed to hate me the moment I appeared.
Do I look that bad?
Come to think of it, I had never worn beautiful luxurious dress without a very valuable reason and there were only three, the first was when I needed to disguise myself so no one would recognize me, still, I paid quite a lot to have that makeover, I had to sell most of my possession to acquire that dress and make-up. It was my maid who swapped places with me that did that for me, the second was on my wedding day, which was just yesterday and bought by Nelson and today's clothes were also bought by Nelson, and it was one of the most comfortable amongst all he bought so I picked it.
But, was that wrong of me?
I stopped walking, not sure what to do at this point, I couldn't turn back if I wanted to, and I couldn't move forward either. I felt stiff. "Lily." I heard Lucia call my name sweetly. She waved her hand and kept repeating," over here "to draw my attention.
"Yes." I answered.
Lucia pats on the seat next to her and waves at me using her free hand. "Come sit, hurry." She said, eagerly awaiting me to oblige her.
"Oh yes, I'm coming." That's what I said, but I really wasn't able to move as these eyes stared at me. I've never been in an open space as big as this, I've never been in the midst of this many high class people, and even when I went to the club there weren't that many.
They must think I'm weird, I don't think I fit in, what do I do? "Lily, are you okay?" As Lucia's voice dropped, brother turned around and stared at me as well. "Is she alright, she looks pale." Lucia readjusted her seat, and so did brother. I wanted to say something but the whispers only increased.
'What an odd ball.'
'how did she get here?'
'what is she wearing?'
'who knows she may look innocent but I doubt she's any better than she looks.' Brother frowned as he stared at me, I'm sure he could hear it as well.
I felt a warm hand wrap around my shoulders, it was big, firm but very warm. A hot breathing drew close to my ears and then I heard a whisper.
"Don't listen to them. You're the most beautiful woman in this room. Even your sister in law doesn't hold a candle to you and you don't need glittering dresses or fur coats to make you pretty."
I took a deep breath in and smiled, those words made me confident in myself for once. I stared at my brother and Lucia who looked like they had been drenched in worry. That's right, things have changed, I'm no longer trapped anymore.
"Feeling better?" The warm voice asked.
"Yes." I raised my head and held the hand that was wrapped around my shoulders. "And thank you Nelson." I said to him, Suddenly, my body felt alive once again, and my toes started to wiggle. I look forward and find the two smiling at me, Lucia especially who grinned mischievously at me, I don't need to imagine what is going on in her head to know what she's thinking, her smile tells it all.
I clear my throat and say to him, "I think I can walk on my own now."
His firm hands slowly loosen his grip around me, but rather than letting me walk on my own, Nelson held me by the hand and pulled me. "Let's go." He said. I didn't even have time to react as he dragged me along. I looked up to see what kind of an expression he was wearing and it was his stiff expression, but it didn't look like anything had changed. Still, it felt nice to have someone encourage me, I found myself smiling and my heart pounding furiously as I followed behind him. This new thing might just be the open doors I've always dreamt of.