The hurried and rushed shuffling of feets reminded her of where she was. She looked behind her to see Seb with a packed bag and was moving out towards the front door.
"I will have a driver pick you up tomorrow for the party, and for your sake, do not go around blabbing to the reporters. You know how it is, don't you?
"Can I at least ask where you are going? Seb, what happened? When did we become this way? Why can't we talk thongs out amicably? Is it me? Did I do something wrong? Tell me what i did or didn't do and I will make amends! Babe, please".
For a split second, she saw his eyes soften, but it hardened back up quick enough.
"Wherever I am going is none of your business" was his last words to her before he left the house".
Damn!.
After he left the house, she stayed in that same position, sobbing silently and bitterly, and even slept off on the couch.
She woke up the next morning with an aching neck and body. She stood up, yawned loudly without a care in the world, and started preparing for the day's activities.
It was the day of the party, and she had a gut feeling that things were about to be real messier than before.
She did the chores around the house and headed to her studio to get her hair done. Once she finished, she headed back home where her make up artist was already waiting on her to arrive.
"Hey, girl. Long time no see".
Her MUA was a long time friend of her. They both went to the same college.
"That's on you and not me, you're the one who is too busy playing Lady Cross and forgot all about us. How's Lila?
Her words brought a not so genuine smile to Val's face. She didn't want her to continue her questions. Not many people knew what she has been facing in her marriage, and she wanted to keep it like that.
"Okay, let's get to work. I need you to go take a bath and meet me in here as soon as possible, we do not have much time. Now, chop chop". She shooed her away towards the bathroom.
Laughing heartily, she saluted her, "yes, ma'am".
Once she was done showering and had wore her robe, she went back into the room and allowed Kate work her magic for the next few hours. She also came along with some assistance who helped with her nails while she beautified her.
"Damn, Val, you have it all. An handsome and wealthy man, and a beautiful face. Leave some for the rest of us, will you? Your husband will not be able to keep his hands of you by the end of the night".
Ha, I wish! She thought in her head.
"Oh, there you go again, Kate, pulling my legs. Thank you, babes".
She put finishing touches to her face and stepped back, "...andddd, we are done. Do you need help with your dress?
"No, I do not. You are free to leave, thank you".
After they had left, she headed to the kitchen with a face full of make up to get light snacks to munch on before leaving for the party.
Some minutes to six later, she was done and headed back to put on her dress.
Not long after, Seb's driver came around and they both left for the party, they would be picking Seb at an undisclosed location on the road.
"Do you know where Mr. Cross slept yesterday? I'm assuming you took him to wherever he spent the night? Through the mirror, she saw apprehension coat his face lightly, before returning to his usual gaze.
"No, ma'am, I only dropped him off at an intersection at his own order. I know nothing else".
Lies! Pure, blatant lies! She knew he knew something, and has probably been ordered not to say anything if questioned. She can't balme him though, who would want to lose their means of livelihood?
Soon after, the car pulled to a stop, and Seb got into the car before the chauffer drove off towards the venue of the party.
Not a word was exchanged between them and the tension was as thick that it could be cut with a knife. Thankfully, they arrived st the party in no time.
Seb got down to pull the door opened for her. He walked round the car to her own side and pulled the door opened. Just as she was about getting down, he pulled her close by the waist and whispered in her ears, "play it cool, leave the questions to me to answer". He pulled back and smiled at her like they had no issues. That was her cue to put on her own display of 'the perferct couple' in front of the media.
Seb had on a black tuxedo with a well-fitted jacket and satin lapels. His shirt was white and crisp with a broad collar. He didn't like ties, so he had gone with black bow-ties. His cufflinks and studs were diamond, same goes for his Rolex. His shoes were black and shiny, complementing the 'Black Tie and Diamonds theme for the party. Her husband looked delectable, she couldn't deny that fact. Only if they were on good terms.
She also was not looking bad. The dress she had picked up from Rob's was a floor length, black satin gown, with an off-the-shoulder design. Its slit went all the way to her thighs and was designed with crystals. Her silver stiletto heels also added to her elegance. A shiny diamond necklace laid on her neck. Her hair, that was done by her staff, sat well in a sleek low bun on her head. Kate's hand had worked her magic too and her bold red lips, smokey eyes, highlighted cheekbones completed the look.
The couple complemented each other in their own unique ways. And now, it was time their turn to walk the read carpets.
The blinding camera flash, the stream of endless questions, the snide looks thrown your way, it never gets old.
'I did not miss this', she thought bitterly.