They both knew she was pulling and legs and after some seconds, they bursted out laughing.
And for some minutes, Val forgot all about her encounter with the host and enjoyed herself with her friend.
"Where's your date?
"Seb is at the table. I left before we could have an argument".
"Really? What was the problem this time?
"The host is apparently, Julliette Rain".
"THE Julliette Rain? The one your husband went on a 'business trip' with? She air-quoted the business trip and scoffed loudly.
"The audacity to bring you here and all but order you to dress fancy. What? Is he trying to parade you for his mistress' eyes?
"Shh, Lils. I don't want people's gaze on us, I already get pitiful looks wherever I turn, I do not want to add more names to my already messy portfolio".
"Yeah, about that, do you know who the lady in the picture is? Is she here?
"Oh, hold on tight, she is the lady. I also didn't know till she came to introduce herself to me and to 'apologise for any trouble she might have caused".
"Tell me you poured wine on her head and slapped her? And please, do not tell me you stood still while she said all that?
Her friend's first response to an attack was violence, and she didn't blame her. Val wished she had done all that to Julliette, but she didn't have the courage.
"No, Lils. I did not do all that. We are at a party, HER PARTY, and we could be thrown out. I am not trying to piss Seb off this night. I just want to finish this party and go back to my room, wrapped in the comfort of my covers".
"You are too soft for your own good. If I was the one? I would choose being thrown out over watching my husband's alleged mistress parade around like she owns the place, well she does, but when has that ever stopped me?
Chuckling lightly at her words, she shook her head at her friend, amused and happy she took her side.
The ringing of her phone diverted her eyes from her friend's face to her phone.
"Oh, it is Mum".
"Alright, go answer her before Mama bear goes all caveman on you".
She stood up and walked away to the empty corridor of the hall to answer her mother's call. Her mother, Evelyn Monroe, a poised yet emotionally guarded woman. In a way, she was Val's guide to being a mother. Mama bear, as Lils calls her, was the best mother she could have asked for. Though she had her own issues, she never projected her past onto her child and would always correct her in love.
"Hey, ma. Is everything okay?
"Hey, baby. Can a mother not call her child unless the heavens are falling?
"Oh, mum, don't be dramatic. You know I didn't mean it that way", they both shared a laugh amongst themselves.
"Yes, I do. How's Sebastian? I saw the news yesterday, is everything good?
Her heart skipped a bit.
Deep down, when she saw her mother's name flashing across her phone, she knew that was what she called to ask.
"Yes, ma, we are good. Its just the media being the media. In fact, he was at home with me yesterday when the news was publicised. Don't worry your pretty head about it. How's dad?
She hated telling lies to her mother, but Val knew she wouldn't drop the matter unless her mind was at rest.
"You're dad is at the garden, that man stay stressing me, so I sent him outside to remove the weeds, that's my version of time-out for him".
"Oh, my God, MUM! Well, I have to go now, Seb needs my attention. Bye, ma. All my love to dad and I love you, too".
"Bye, baby".
She dropped the call and sighed loudly.
"Why is a beautiful lady as yourself pacing around the corridors all alone? That's such a dangerous thing to do".
"That cliche and annoying line, really? Would it hurt to at least put in more effort?
"Woah, a feisty one, every man's dream", he smirked at her.
She scowled at him and attempted to walk pass him back into the hall only for him to block her path, holding his hands out".
"Woah, woah, woah. Let's try this again. I am Aiden Westbrook, and I am sorry for being such a dick".
Val narrowed her eyes at him trying to see if he was joking or not. After coming to a conclusion that he definitely was not joking around, she accepted his extended hand.
"I am Valeria Cross, friends call me Val, but you can stick to Valeria", she answered grimly.
"Oh, THE lady Cross?
"Yes, The lady Cross. No, my husband and I are not getting divorced. What else do you want to know?
"Do the calms, young lady. It might seem like I have an ulterior motive, I don't! I was just shocked, I guess. I apologise again if you felt insulted by my reaction".
Val knew he didn't meant it that way, but she couldn't help but be defensive. All heads turned to follow her whenever she walked in the hall and she was tired of the constant side talks that followed behind her.
"You can't blame me. I've heard snide remarks about my husband and myself all night. I only thought you gathered the courage to come ask for yourself".
He stared at her intensely, "damn, you are so beautiful".
She instantly dropped her gaze to the ground. Thankfully, the blush on her cheeks prevented him from seeing how much face had reddened.
"I will have you know I am married and my husband is in the hall", she retorted back, feeling guilty for blushing at his words.
"Well, it is not like myself to see a beautiful work of art and not appreciate it. I am not sorry I called you beautiful, cause you are".
Just as she was about to reply, she saw Julliette turn into a corner of the corridor, and Seb following her closely, they obviously didn't see her.
"Uhm, it was nice speaking with you and all, and I am also sorry if I seemed rude, but I have to go now. Bye, Aiden. See you around".
She hurriedly left him standing and walked towards the direction she saw them turn to.
She followed them closely, determined to find out whatever it was they were hiding.