Chapter 10

*AURORA* Glancing at Lucien on the couch, I recalled that he had a low tolerance for cold. I sensed that he was already asleep, then I got the remote of the air conditioner and deliberately made the air as cold as possible. The only thing I felt now was tormenting him every chance I get. I hid the remote and went to sleep. When I woke up in the middle of the night, I saw him, curled up on the couch and shivering. With a satisfied smile, I went back to sleep. In the morning, I wasn’t surprised when he woke up with a cold. I never thought the day would come when all I would feel for him was hate. He deserved it and until we get divorced, I would continue to torment him. I didn’t care that he was ill this morning, I got ready and headed for the TV station. Coupled with the fact that I worked at the Sullivan’s company, I was also a TV host. This had been my dream since I was little and I was glad the Sullivans allowed me to work here even if I knew that deep down, they would prefer I work full time at their company. But they didn’t force me to give it up when I assured them that I could do both jobs. I was glad they respected my decision. I covered the morning news as usual and by noon, I went back home. I had to start preparing for the birthday banquet this evening. Plus, I wanted to make a gift for Mrs Dumont myself. Afterall, if we can get on her good side, she could persuade her son to let us handle the project. This wasn’t a bribe or anything, I was determined to prove to Manuel Dumont that the Sullivans could handle the project, effectively. Alma told me that Lucien felt better after taking some medication, I didn’t ask her about him but I guess she was still of the opinion that I still cared about her son. She also told me he went to the company to resume work. At five in the evening, he came back. I was almost done dressing up. I had delicate make up on. I was clad in a shoulder cutout maxi dress with thigh high slit. As I stared at my reflection on the mirror, I felt satisfied with my look. Lucien walked into the bedroom. I turned around to get my purse, but I could tell from the side of my eyes that he was standing and just staring at me. I pretended not to notice but the staring persisted and so I asked. “What? You haven’t seen a gorgeous woman before?”I drawled. And then he snapped out of it. “Gorgeous, my foot. The color of the dress doesn’t suit you. Go change.” He ordered. I scoffed.”What makes you think you have the right to tell me to go change? I feel beautiful in this dress and I don’t care what you think. Go give your stupid validation to Carla.” “Aurora, you really have been acting rebellious since I got back. Do you seriously think this would make me want you?” I burst into laughter because that was straight up funny. “Lucien, stop being delusional. I’ll wait for you at the car.” With that, I walked off. ************************* Almost an hour later found us pulling into a beautiful street. The car rode up the road. On either side of the road were lush and tall trees. Even the trees were in order. A tall and magnificent building, like a castle, slowly came in sight. The surroundings were bustling with activities. There were so many luxury cars parked on the huge lawn. Countless waiters in white shirts and black vests were welcoming guests. The car came to a halt, Lucien and I got down and as we approached the entrance, the waiters bowed and gestured inside. The huge door was opened and a red carpet of several hundred meters was spread from the inside to guide the guests to the banquet hall. I stared at the intricate pattern on it and was shocked for a moment. This was a handmade Persian carpet from Isfahan, combining materials such as wool, cotton, silk, gold and silver silk. The craftsmanship was fascinating and I was sure it cost millions. As we walked more and more into the villa, I got even more blown by the antique celadon porcelain displays, the huge British antique clock, the European and Chinese antique chandelier. At one glance, one could tell that this mansion was definitely filled with valuable treasures. I had grown up in wealth, I was wealthy myself but I knew what I had couldn’t even be compared to this. The Dumonts were truly the richest family in the country. “It’s such an honor to be at this event. Look, some governors are present, even many mayors are.” “I heard the president sent his representatives.” “You know, I was upset when I saw my table number was 98 but now I can understand why. It is such an honor to even be invited here.” I glanced at the women speaking behind me. They were Mrs Gonzalez and Mrs Reyes. They were in my mother’s social club and before I could look away, they caught sight of me. Reluctantly, I had to greet them. “Good evening, Mrs Gonzalez, Mrs Reyes.” They both flashed me a fake smile. “You’re here too, Aurora.” “Your mother and Isobel just went to present their gifts to Mrs Dumont.”Mrs Reyes said, pointing to that direction. I nodded. Lucien and I moved closer to Mrs Dumont, to present our gifts as well. Mrs Dumont was standing at the center of the crowd. She was dressed in an elegant white dress. Although her hair was white, she still seemed agile, hale and hearty. She looked younger than her age. And I genuinely found her to be very beautiful. She aged like fine wine. Behind Mrs Dumont was a huge gift table, and on top of it were so many gifts. I saw my sister, Isobel present a four-square brocade box to her. “Mrs Dumont, this is a gift from the Diaz family of Barcelona. It’s a set of QUEEN high definition jewelry. It’s worth 50 million dollars.” QUEEN was an internationally renowned luxury jewelry brand. It was loved by the Elites in the society because of their one of a kind designs and they were always made in limited editions. I watched the old lady smile at Isobel. “Thank you, Miss Diaz.” “This was specially made for you, ma’am. The only one of its kind. I told the owner of that brand myself to make it…” Before Isobel could finish talking, Mrs Dumont lifted up her hand and the waiter nearby accepted the gift from Isobel and placed it among the pile of gifts. And then the next family came forward to present their gift. I could see Isobel’s face redden in embarrassment. Couldn’t she see the many other people all waiting to present their gift to Mrs Dumont? She should know that this wasn’t the time for chit chat. Soon, it was me and Lucien’s turn. As I met Isobel’s gaze, she clearly wasn’t happy to see me here.