Hazel's POV
"I'm running late, can you be a bit faster?" I asked, staring back at my reflection in the mirror while the chaos behind me continued.
The stylists flitted around me as they got me ready.
Today was the day, and I was determined to make this year's banquet a night to remember for my mate. I got lingerie for tonight. It was beneath my dress, and I couldn't help but bubble with excitement at the possibilities that tonight was going to offer. I simply couldn't wait to get to the ceremony and retire to our chambers afterward.
"How do you like this hairstyle? Do you think I should adjust anything before we move on to the makeover?" One of them asked, holding up a mirror, so I could see it closely.
I smiled, "No, it's perfect this way. Can we move on already? I can't wait." I said again. She bowed and signaled her team to come over and finish up.
"Yes, your Grace." She replied. That was the moment the door to the dressing room swung open. Liam stepped in. I caught the way his eyes I caught the way his eyes immediately lit up when he saw me.
He was already dressed, and he was nothing short of stunning and masculine in his tuxedo. The smile didn't die even as he got closer to me. I could tell from every indication that he was mesmerized from the way I looked, which was precisely what I wanted. I could feel the bats flying around in my stomach again.
"Wow!" He exclaimed, staring down at me with bated breath.
"You look spectacular!" He bent down and wrapped me in his arms, momentarily stopping the stylists who had dressed back to let us have our moment. I laughed, leaning into his embrace.
"Thank you." Kissing him on the cheek, I added. "I'll be with you very soon. My makeup will be done very soon." He nodded, before kissing me again. His eyes sparkled with affection.
"I just wanted to tell you how much I'm looking forward to tonight. It's going to be a night to remember." He added.
"I can't wait." I replied, just before he kissed me again. The anticipation had my insides bubbling. I was going to make up for the bad times we had. And I hoped he was going to play his part and make promises to me that he wouldn't and would never go back to his ways and most importantly keep those promises. It was a new beginning, and I couldn't wait to see how it was going to play out now that we were on good terms.
"I'd have loved to wait, but I'll be leaving immediately to welcome some big guests who just arrived. I'll be waiting at the arena then." He said before he turned and exited the room. I watched him, happier than ever. Was there anything more perfect than this?
This was what I have always wanted. I waved to my stylists, and they all returned, ready to throw themselves back to the work. It wasn't long before they were done. They had done a perfect job and I couldn't have been pleased. That's when the door opened. A maid ran in, breathing heavily.
"Your Grace," she started, stretching out a package. "I just got this package. It's for you." She said, handing me the box.
Giving the box a curious look, I gently took it from her before asking her to leave.
"What's inside?" I asked myself as I looked at it.
Gently, I began to take off the wraps, a bit worried about what the package was. I was already regretting that I hadn't asked her who had given the package to her. I opened it to see a gorgeous red and black dress which had a deadly elegance to it. It had a note attached to it.
"For you, my dearest. Wishing you a magical evening."
I smiled as I held the dress close to me and took a very long sniff. But, I wondered, why would Nash have this brought to me at the last minute.
"Is there anything wrong, your Grace?" The head stylist asked. I must have looked worried.
Snapped out of my thoughts, I chuckled and shook my head in reply. That's when I got a brainwave! He must want me to wear it for him tonight to consulate our love. I couldn't wait. I turned to one of them.
"Get this ready, I should wear it once I'm back from the banquet."
"Yes, your Grace." She said before quickly taking it from me. I walked out the door, where a guard was waiting. He assisted me down the staircase until we arrived at the banquet.
My heart was bubbling with pride as I took in the elegant decorations and the candlelight that surrounded the whole large hall. An orchestra was playing soft music in the background. It was all a part of merely setting the stage, but it was perfect, down to the last-minute detail.
I was still lost in the beauty when I felt strong arms wrap around my waist. I giggled,immediately recognizing his scent.
"I can't get enough of how stunning you look tonight." He whispered in my ear before leading me to the table. We mingled with a guest or two on our way, before we got there. But I got the shock of my life when I saw her out of the corner of my eyes.
SKYLER?
What in the world was she doing here? I asked myself, staring straight at her figure. I paled instantly, remembering what she had done to me. She slept with my mate while pretending to be my only friend, and not only that, she had also killed my baby, and here she was.
AT MY FUCKING ANNIVERSARY!!
"Is everything okay?" Liam asked, monetarily drawing me out of my thoughts.
"Sure!" I replied, unintentionally loud."But I need to sort a few things out, though. Give me a few minutes, I'll be right back." I said.
"Do you need help? Can I come with you?" He asked, but I declined instantly.
"Of course not. Won't take me so long. I'll be back very soon." I said again before walking out of the table. The guests were starting to increase in size and there weren't many seats left. I followed her and didn't stop her until she was about to walk into one of the hallways.
"Stop there!" I growled. She froze and turned slowly.
"You! What are you doing here? You're not on the guest list, I don't remember inviting you to my anniversary." She scoffed, "Oh, really? Do you really think you can keep me away? If you can't, other people can." I was getting worked up by her terse reply.
"You betrayed me, Skyler. And I would rather not see your face here again. If I tell my mate what you've done, he will kill you this instant. Because you're nothing but a liar, and a homewrecker. You have no right to be here!" To my surprise, she let out a hearty chuckle, which soon turned into loud laughter.
"You really are naive, aren't you?"
"What is that supposed to mean? Get out of my home!"
She ignored me, and instead pulled out her phone. Her fingers were flying across the screen and instantly, she pulled out a picture, several pictures that I found it difficult to believe and in the photos was her completely stark naked with Liam underneath her. She was riding him while he held her breast in desperation.
She swiped to the picture and this time they were in a different position. She was on all fours, and he had his hand around her neck, pulling her against his chest. The next picture was no better, with him on top of her and her legs on his shoulders.
My fingers flew to my mouth in shock. I felt my heart stop. "No"
Seeing it in pictures hurt harder than just being told. I shuddered as shivers ran down my spine.
Skyler scoffed again, rolling her eyes. "I never thought you were this naive. Anybody can manipulate you easily. If he truly loves you, then explain this."