JULIANA'S POV
I look at Marcus as he laughs with his friends, he looks happy and free. He looks nice in his tuxedo. I feel so proud that I am his girlfriend. These three weeks that we have been staying together have been amazing. I don't think I will be able to live without him. He has become part of me.
"I will be right back ladies, I am going to say hi to my friends over there." Auntie Rose says to me and Racheal as she excuses herself from our table.
I nod and watch as she walks over to her friends. When Marcus asked me to come to this gala with him I was nervous because I was worried that his family might not like me. But when I met Kennedy Marcus's cousin a week ago he assured me that they were going to like me. He was right, Marcus's father is nice and welcoming and so is his aunty. They have made me feel like I belong.
As I watch Marcus from across the room, I see him glance over at me and smile. My heart flutters at the sight of his smile, and I can't help but smile back. I am so lucky to have him in my life, and I am determined to make this relationship work. Marcus loves me, I know he does. He always tells me how much he cares for me and how lucky he feels to have me in his life.
"You and Marcus look good together," Racheal says, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I turn to her and smile, "Thank you, He is amazing."
Rachael nods in agreement, "I can tell by the way he has been looking at you. Even now he is with his friends but his eyes her on you. You are lucky to have such a person it is not easy to find someone like that nowadays."
I feel a surge of gratitude towards Marcus and how he has treated me since the day we met. He has been so loving and supportive, always making me feel special and cherished. I could not ask for a better partner. I can't help but feel excited about our future together. I look forward to making more memories with him and building a life together.
"You also look good with Kenny, I can tell he adores you. Even the way he was holding your hand when you guys came in was proof he cares for you." I tell her.
"I don't know about that, I just met him last week on Friday, and here I am today at this fancy gala wearing clothes that are more expensive than my house rent." She says with a smile that does not reach her eyes. There is pain in her eyes.
"I know it's fast, but sometimes things just happen. It doesn't matter whether it moves at a fast or slow pace. The only thing that matters is how right it feels. And I can see how much he cares for you," I tell her as I put my hand on her.
"I know, I am just scared. I don't want to get hurt. I have been through a lot in my life and the last thing I want is to have my heart broken. And I am sure you know what people call Kennedy. He has never been seen with a woman in years. What if what he is feeling is just temporally? I don't want to open my heart to someone just to have it broken." She says.
"I understand, but you can't let your past dictate your future. You deserve to be happy, and if Kenny makes you happy, then you should give him a chance. Let him love you like you deserve to be loved. Holding on to the past will only hurt you. Don't lose something good for something that has already passed." I say.
She nods, "You are right, I will try."
I smile at her, "That's the spirit. Now cheer up and let's have fun at this fancy gala." I tell her.
We both turn our attention back to the guys. Marcus and his friends are still at the bar but they are now with some women. I see Marcus talking with a beautiful woman, and I can't help but feel a pang of jealousy.
"Don't worry, I am sure, he is just being polite. Anyone can notice that he loves you" Rachael says as if reading my mind.
I nod, "I know, I am just being silly. I just hate the fact that most women are attracted to him. I can't blame them, Marcus is fine as hell." As if sensing my eyes, Marcus looks over at me and smiles, and I can't help but feel my heart flutter again. He is such a charming man.
"I will be right back, I need to use the restroom," Rachael says as she gets up from her seat.
"Okay, I will be here," I say as I watch her walk away.
As I sit alone at the table, I can't help but feel a little nervous. I am in a room full of strangers, and I am not used to being in such a fancy environment. I take a deep breath and remind myself that I am here with Marcus, and he will always be by my side. And if at any point I feel uncomfortable I tell him to take me home.
Suddenly, I feel a hand on my shoulder, and I turn to see Thelma Marcus's ex-fiance standing behind me. My heart skips a beat as I see her, and I feel a surge of insecurity wash over me. Thelma looks stunning in her designer dress and her perfectly styled hair. I can't help but compare myself to her and feel inadequate in her presence. She smiles at me, but there is a glint of something in her eyes that makes me feel uneasy.