Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 82439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
I offer a smile, trying not to be intimidated. “Hi,” I say, my voice a little too soft.
Next to Ledger stands Posey, a stunning woman with long chestnut-brown hair that cascades down her back in soft waves. Her piercing blue eyes are striking, almost luminescent against her fair skin, and when she smiles, it’s wide and genuine, instantly putting me at ease. There’s an effortless grace about her, like she knows exactly who she is and isn’t afraid to show it. She’s wearing a chic, fitted dress that hugs her slim frame, and even though she’s beautiful, there’s a warmth to her that makes her approachable.
“This is my fiancée, Posey,” Ledger says, pride in his voice.
“Hi, nice to meet you,” I reply, feeling a bit more comfortable now.
Posey beams at me, her friendly demeanor making it easier to relax. “It’s great to meet you, Eva,” she says with a voice as soft as her appearance.
After a few more pleasantries, Greer steps forward to introduce me to her brother, Devereaux Huxley. You’d have to live under a rock not to know who this man is. Devereaux is tall, with slicked-back dark-blonde hair that gives him an almost dangerous edge. His sharp brown eyes seem to take everything in, and there’s an undeniable aura of power around him. He’s been in the papers more times than I can count, known for his business ventures, particularly owning Club Greed, one of the most notorious nightclubs in town—specifically, a sex club. His reputation precedes him, but standing here, he’s got a calm, almost laid-back demeanor, dressed in a tailored suit that screams wealth and influence.
“Nice to meet you, Eva,” Devereaux says, extending a hand. His grip is firm but polite, and standing beside him is an absolutely gorgeous blonde woman.
“This is Chloe, my fiancée and the mother of my child,” Devereaux says, motioning to a baby car seat resting nearby. Chloe is breathtakingly beautiful, her blonde hair shining under the soft light, falling in perfect waves over her shoulders. Her green eyes are warm as she looks at me, and she carries an air of elegance that makes her presence impossible to ignore. She’s dressed impeccably, her slim figure accentuated by a flowing, white dress, and she has that radiant glow of a woman who’s both confident and content.
I glance over at the car seat, where a beautiful baby with soft, chubby cheeks and bright eyes sleeps peacefully, completely oblivious to the gathering around them.
Everyone here is so stunning, it’s almost surreal, and for a brief moment, I feel awkward and out of place. Surrounded by all these beautiful people, with their perfect lives and movie-star looks, I can’t help but feel like the odd one out. But then Posey catches my eye again and gives me another reassuring smile, and I start to feel like maybe I belong after all.
I step closer to the baby. “Aww, so cute.”
Chloe smiles wide, like a proud mama. “He’s nearly three months old. And getting so big.”
“I figured we could eat out on the patio,” Greer says, gaining everyone’s attention as she leads us all outside.
It’s a beautiful day, with the sun shining brightly and a gentle breeze keeping the temperature just perfect. The patio itself is stunning, with a large teak dining table set with elegant dinnerware and a floral centerpiece. Comfortable, cushioned chairs surround the table, and there’s a pergola overhead draped with climbing roses, providing a bit of shade.
As I take a seat, I’m thankful to be here. I won’t come right out and tell Greer about my problems. I don’t want to appear needy right off the bat, but I am grateful to be among these people.
I need my own friends, desperately. After Christopher and I got divorced, our circle of friends obviously took his side. Women I once thought were my friends turned out to be nothing more than gossipers.
Roman mans a built-in grill and is already preparing some delicious-smelling food, and there’s a small bar area stocked with an assortment of drinks. Fairy lights are strung around the perimeter, and I can imagine how magical it must look in the evening. A gentle hum of conversation fills the air as everyone takes their seats, and I feel a sense of belonging starting to bloom inside me.
Everyone appears so happy, and as I listen to them speak, I can’t help but smile. They make it all look so easy. Like having your shit together comes so easily for them. I wish I had the same bravado they do.
I straighten back my shoulders, and allow Greer to pour me a mimosa. “You have a beautiful home, Greer,” I tell her.
“Thank you. I’ll have to show you the garden before you leave. You have a son, right?”
My face falls flat, but I try not to let anyone notice my sudden mood shift. “Yes, I do. He’s currently living with his father right.”