Sydney

I've never been one to feel at ease at large social gatherings, but they were a crucial part of Aiden's social life. The mayor's banquet, on the other hand, was not something I wanted to attend. I slipped into my purple gown reluctantly and struggled with my hair to get it into an acceptable hairdo. Finally, I was fully costumed into an upper-crust socialite.

Aiden kissed my naked shoulder and murmured, "You look wonderful." The gown had no straps. My skin was flushed pink, which matched the purple colour.

"Thank you, you look very handsome, as well." I replied, "are you sure I look alright?" I inquired, my gaze fixed on our reflection in the mirror. From behind, his big frame hugged mine. He was dressed nicely in a tuxedo and looked good enough to eat.

"You look wonderful, you would be the centre of attention, and I would be the most envied man at the party today."

I snorted and tucked a stray curl into my hair. "You make me feel good. Perhaps I could hire a stylist to make me look more respectable." I stated that as I linked my arm with his.

"Sure, do anything you want, but keep in mind that a stylist can only help you improve what you already have. You are great the way you are, in my opinion. My stepmother has a stylist, but it doesn't seem to have made a difference to her appearance." With a grin on his face, he said.

"She has a stylist? yet she looks like that! She should fire them."

I blurted out, then realised my folly. "I am sorry, I shouldn't have spoken like that."

He chuckled. "Don't worry, I don't have any flattering words for her either."

The luncheon took place in a posh downtown hotel. The area surrounding the hotel was rather nice. As we exited the limo, Aiden grabbed my hand as we faced multiple flashing cameras.

"Well, then," he said, holding me in his arms, "Let's make our entrance."

We strolled into the banquet with my arm around his. Fortunately, we arrived late enough that the pre-dinner discussions had concluded and the waiters were hurriedly delivering salads and dinners to everyone. Along with the Mayor and numerous other dignitaries, we were seated at a large round table. I ate while attempting to converse with the others at the table. Mr Hoffman, the Mayor, and Aiden were having a chat, which I overheard.

"If I can find a suitable replacement, I would like to retire early. I haven't been able to discover someone who is half as good as myself." Hoffman, me, said, chuckling.

"Well, Mr Hoffman, you are certainly irreplaceable," Aiden remarked gently.

"But it's true that our country needs more young blood. Old men like me can't run the country for long. You would be an excellent replacement. Me Rainer."

Aiden laughed.

" I would be honoured, Mr Hoffman, but I won't be able to do just such an important role. I barely get time from my work during the day, and my nights are busy entertaining my beautiful wife." He said with a sly smile.

In humiliation, I coughed at my drink, and the table burst out laughing.

"Ah! to be youthful once more! Those were my favourite times." Mr Hoffman added with a wistful tone.

Mrs Hoffman whisked me away to meet other ladies, much to my relief. She was a graceful lady in her late sixties. When a familiar sweet voice interrupted us,

"Good evening, Mrs Hoffman," Marilyn said softly before adding dramatically, "Oh! And good evening to you, Sydney; you're looking stunning tonight!"

"Hello Marilyn," Mrs Hoffman said warmly. "It's fantastic that you could make it to our dinner."

"Oh, I wouldn't miss it for anything," Marilyn said, smiling brightly and never moving her gaze away from me.

"I see, you're both familiar with each other already?" Mrs Hoffman said as she looked at us, and Marilyn and I exchanged chilly looks.

"Oh no! We are not that close. We have a few common friends," Marilyn said, stressing the word friends. "Though it wasn't until her arrest.......Oops! Maybe bad. I forgot you have been cleared of all charges." She said, her voice dripping with venom.

I was clutching my glass of drink with both hands. I was worried I'd break it. Mrs Hoffman was shocked, but she didn't ask any more questions.

"How wonderful! Please enjoy the party. I will just check on my husband." She excused herself and walked away.

I glared at Marilyn, "what are you trying to do, Marilyn?"

"What makes you think I would be bothered about a nobody like you?" She replied, pursing her red painted lips.

"Maybe because you are still holding a candle for Aiden?"

She smirked. " I can see you are still able to hold Aiden's interest even after 5 months. So I am surprised by your insecurity. Is it because he is no longer interested and already romping in other beds?" She fluttered her lashes.

"That's none of your business." I seethed.

"Yes, of course! But tell me if he still prefers to do it from behind. Did you know that was his favourite?" All pretentiousness had vanished. She didn't even try to hide the venom in her voice, yet her dazzling grin stayed firmly fixed on her face.

I was speechless as I stared at her.

"Oh, you didn't know ? Before you arrived, Aiden and I were lovers... he probably didn't tell you. Do you want me to describe his bedtime rituals? Or maybe you need a few pointers on how to get him to do what you want?" She said, with that evil smile of hers.

" How fascinating! " I said sarcastically. "I can see his taste has improved. I stated calmly as I stared at her. I was adamant about not allowing Marilyn to gain the upper hand. I knew it was juvenile, but I couldn't help myself.

"Oh! now you have grown a mouth to answer back! I suppose being Mrs Reiner has its perks. Would you have spoken to me in this way if you weren't Aiden's sex toy?"

"Marilyn, I am his wife, something you would never be. I feel we've covered everything there is to cover, so if you'll excuse me, I'll move on "I said, with a smile on my face. Despite the fact that my heart was outraged by jealousy. Marilyn painfully gripped my forearm as I was going to walk away.

"Don't assume you've won just because Aiden is your husband. The show has only barely begun!" She said in a threatening tone. Her brilliant smile was still pasted on her face, but it had taken on a horrible appearance.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Marilyn; please let go now before things turn unpleasant." I cautioned her.

She locked her gaze on me for a second longer before releasing her grip. Her lovely smile was back on her face.

"There is something you don't know, Sydney. When Aiden went to London last month, we met and spent some time together." Her eyes had an evil glint.

'No! This can't be true,' I thought. My heart felt like it was breaking into a million pieces.

"I am not interested in your lies, Marilyn," I said, trying to keep my composure.

"He won't deny it. You can ask him." Marilyn smirked and walked away. I didn't want to stay at the party for even a second longer. I had never felt so humiliated in my life. I looked across the room at Aiden. He was talking with a few others. His handsome face was glowing with a smile. The blonde woman standing near him was smiling adoringly at him. What was I thinking? How could I assume that a man like Aiden would stay faithful? None of them ever did. Neither my dad nor my ex-boyfriend. I picked up another glass of wine and finished it in one gulp. As if on cue Aiden caught my eyes, his smile seemed to falter. I saw as he approached me.

"Everything fine Love ?" He asked, touching my chin.

"Take me home, Aiden. Please " I pleaded. He nodded, his face was full of concern.