"Smile Estelle"
Her husband's voice was barely above a murmur, laced with warning that left goosebumps blooming across her arms. Estelle's throat tightened even without a single touch from him.
A happy marriage has in it all the pleasures of friendship, all the enjoyments of sense and reason and indeed, all the sweetness of life, they say.
However, as for Estelle, her marriage was like a very bitter herb. Each time she tries to add her own sweetness, it only brings out more of the bitterness, leaving a taste that lingered long after the moment had passed. The lovelessness and coldness from her marriage seeped into her bones, until every warmth felt unfamiliar and love became something she only remembered, not something she once felt.
She was like a Luna without a wolf. The moon goddess had turned her face away, leaving her bond to a mate who never looked at her like she was his. Her punishment? It was to bore the weight of a role she could never fully live, trapped in a marriage where love was never shown or felt.
She turned her head to look out of the car window, but closed her eyes due to the blinding glare of the paparazzi blubs. She tried to smile, but it barely reached her eyes. Her sky blue eyes shimmered under the relentless flash of cameras, catching the light in a way that made them glow.
"Hmm…" Softly, she hmmmed and lowered her head to look at her hand.
"Good" Blaise said when he saw the smile on her face through the reflection on the car window. He opened the door and stepped out. The cold night air brushed against his face.
He buttoned his suit before walking around the car to open the door for Estelle. He smiled and reached out his hand, silently waiting for Estelle's.
Slowly, Estelle put her hand in his and emerged from the car. Her satin gown shimmered under the light, hugging her curvy figure perfectly.
A smile appeared on her face.
Click. Snap. Click.
The sound of the camera chased them like the swarm of locust.
The press went wild.
Bodyguards flooded in at once, muscle bound men in black suits, forming a moving wall between the couple and the reporters.
"Step back!"
"Clear the way now!"
One of the guards said as they pushed back the reporters.
Through the noise and flashing lights, a female reporter in a red gown turned towards her cameraman and said, "Tonight, we are live at the Grand Aurelia Gala and yes, what you are seeing is real. Blaise and Estelle Astor have just arrived hand in hand, looking more united that ever. Honestly, it's not a surprise that people are jealous. Their marriage seems flawless and they are not the type to hide behind closed doors. Clearly, they are not here to shy away from the spotlight"
Flawless?
Estelle, who heard everything the female reported said, smiled in pain.
If only they knew.
Blaise and Estelle stepped into the hall together. Crystal chandeliers dripped from the towering ceiling like frozen waterfall. Waiters in spotless black and white uniforms moved through the crowd with trays of champagne while the soft hum of string quartet melted into the background.
Blaise guided Estelle through the crowd until his gaze locked into a figure seated almost near the far side of the hall. An older man with a dignified air and silver hair combed back neatly.
"Mr. Lancaster" Blaise said with a respectful nod, reaching out to shake the old man's hand firmly, the moment he reached his side. "It's been long"
"Blaise Astor" the old man said, raising slowly with the help of his cane. A warm smile spreading across his face. "Look at you, stealing the spotlight"
Blaise chuckled softly.
He then gently pulled Estelle towards him. "Allow me to introduce my wife. Estelle, this is Harold Lancaster. He mentored me when I was barely out of business school and there wouldn't be a Astor Corporation without him"
Estelle smiled and extended her hand with politeness. "It's such an honor to meet you, Mr. Lancaster"
Harold laughed loudly as he shook her hand. "Oh my dear, the pleasure is mine and I might say, you are absolutely beautiful. No wonder Blaise didn't accept the girl I gave him while he was still in school"
Estelle laughed in response.
Blaise placed his arm around her waist and lowered his head to whisper in her ear. "Come, our table is over there"
He then led her to the table and pulled out a chair for her to seat like a gentleman from another era. Estelle sat down. She was already used to this facade in public.
Almost immediately, a trio of sharply dressed businessmen approached them. Blaise rose to greet them with a handshake. "I'm sure y'all have met my beautiful wife, Estelle"
One of them laughed. "You sure have the most beautiful wife and I'm very sure you are proud of yourself for bagging her"
"Of course, I am" Blaise said as he reached out to grab Estelle's hand, squeezing it gently. "I can't afford to lose her at this point of myself. She's my everything"
Estelle raised her head to look at him and frowned. If she were not in her marriage, she would have believed everything that came out of his mouth. She would have prayed to also have the same marriage as this. Everyone thought she was so lucky to be married to Blaise.
However, how would she explain to them that not every marriage is as rosy as it seems on the outside.
She lowered her head to look at her trembling hands and pinched her skin hard, the pain rain through her veins, calming her down a little bit.
They all laughed, until one of them leaned in to say something in Blaise's ear.
He turned to Estelle, his voice low, but warm. "I'll be back soon. Just want to say a few business hellos"
Before Estelle could say anything, he walked away with them leaving Estelle at the table.