Catherine's POV
After Gerald's notice for me to keep myself free on Saturday I did not see him again. And on Friday, his assistant passed on his message for me to prepare for an event for Saturday evening.
I was surprised and confused on what to do until the maids came to my room with a dress and necessary accessories on Saturday morning.
"This is your outfit for this evening Ma'am". One of them explained and they both disappeared again.
When it was time to get ready, they returned again and announced that they were here to help me get ready.
"Can I really get used to this?" I thought with a sigh.
The dress they brought earlier was brought out of the closet, it was a black satin dress that shimmers under the light with graceful off-shoulder cut. When I pulled it on, I smiled at my reflection from the mirror. I haven't worn a dark colour before and I felt a sudden surge of power.
I am no longer going to be the goody two-shoes that lived for my father's approval, now I want to do everything he doesn't expect and live without his approval.
My make-up was done very lightly paired with a red lipstick.
"Can I get a black lipstick instead?" I requested and they exchanged a look before they quietly nodded and did what I wanted.
When I was done, I could not recognise myself from the mirror. My black hair had been given a wavy look and a few strands were pinned away from my face.
Soon it was time to leave, the driver came with a different car from the last time.
"Where is Gerald?" I asked my driver as I noticed we were about to leave alone.
"Boss said he would meet you there". He replied politely and held the car door for me.
It seems I'm in for a surprise tonight.
I thought with a sigh and entered the car. The drive to the venue was smooth and fast. I looked out the window as the car stopped and I was surprised by the sea of reporters that swam around the car ahead of us.
I frowned as I was getting worried, I wasn't expecting to come to an event like this. I've been having bad experiences in front of cameras lately.
I was worrying over Gerald's whereabouts when the door beside me was pulled open from outside.
My eyes froze immediately they met with his, dressed in a tuxedo and a black shirt—was my husband. His hair was gel and brushed to the back with a single strand dangling over his eyebrow. He smiled and that broke my reverie, his usual charming smile.
"Come". He said softly with a hand outstretched while the cameras shutters crazily around us. I slowly placed my manicured hand in his firm one and he helped me out of the car.
"Isn't that Catherine McLane?" one of the reporters yelled on top of her lungs causing me to cringe.
Definitely they would be interested in capturing me, since everything about me recently had been scandals. They might get lucky to see me embarrass myself again.
"Mr Dalkeith, how does it feel to have retired?!" Another person yelled and that made me look at him.
"Retire? What are they talking about?".
He stopped by the reporter that asked the question and leaned into her microphone to speak.
"It is Colonel Dalkeith". He said curtly and turned to link my arm through his.
"Colonel?" I thought with a jump in my heart.
As in the military? I was in so much confusion and that information also had an effect on the reporters that they did not react until we had walked down the red carpet before they snapped out of it.
I brushed the new development out of my mind and focused on not messing up today. I would smile and make sure everyone that has watched me fall also witness my happiness.
We had just walked into the hall full of people when various eyes turned in our direction. And from the far end I saw them.
Anna and Dane, she was dressed in a dress that was sculptured to fit her body as it showcased her curves. Her eyes went to Gerald and she smiled.
She was probably mocking me but I returned her smile and looked away.
I bet you didn't see that coming, she probably expected me to be somewhere struggling to survive after she and her father cut me off.
Gerald led me to the front of the hall and we climbed the small platform that had been put in place, his hand on my lower back was warm and gave me a sense of security.
"I want to welcome everyone to today's event, I will be back shortly". The host spoke into the microphone.
He walked towards us and he bowed slightly to Gerald and I almost bowed back to him but the expression on Gerald's face was cold and unreadable, sending chills down my spine.
"Who is he?"
"The General is on his way here, everything will begin when he gets here". The host explained and Gerald dismissed with the wave of a hand.
"Are you alright?" He turned to ask me and I smiled at him.
Of course I am alright, I am standing beside the man that is respected by everyone.
I nodded and he smiled again. I can't help but notice he had been smiling at only me.
"Why are we here?" I asked in a soft voice.
"You will know soon, just stay beside me. Don't speak if you don't want to". He instructed and I nodded slowly.
A few minutes passed and the entrance was immediately cleared, everyone moved aside for the person coming and it made me curious to see who it was.
Someone walked in with a walking stick and in a black suit. A few bodyguards followed closely behind him. He looked old but walked faster for his age.
He went to his seat and several people went to greet him. I watched in awe mixed in confusion.
I have seen his face before but could not quite place it.
"That is my father". Gerald said beside me and I turned sharply to him.