Chasing

Chapter 0033

KIAN’S POV Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

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One of the clauses that was tagged important on the invitation to the charity gala was for invited guests to be accompanied by a part I didn’t even have to ask before Beverly prepped herself up to be my plus one for the night and as much as it seemed morally wrong to be seen in public with another woman–a pregnant woman–one month after the death of my wife, I couldn’t complain.

I just sucked it up and even watched my mother encourage and gush over Beverly as she helped her prepare for the night. It has always been disturbing to watch both their delusions as wife and mother–in–law but tonight was on another level of sickening.

The ride to the gala was equally as suffocating as being home. I tried and kept failing to pay attention to Beverly as she spoke on and on. Something about her really expensive dress or was it how I wasn’t gentlemanly enough to open the door for her to get into the car and just let my driver do it instead?

I

It was hard to keep up with her and for the most part of driving to the venue, tried to think about all the reasons I used to love this woman in the past. Though vague, the little ones I was able to hold on to kept my thoughts busy till we got to the venue of the gala.

Fearing that I would have to listen to her complain again on our way back home from the gala later tonight, I step out of the car first and open the door, giving her my hand as she steps out.

Beverly beams at the gesture and doesn’t let my hand go again. Instead, she proceeds to interlock our arms. With a slowly protruding belly and our close contact, no one would have to look at us twice to think we’re a married couple.

It seems like that is what Beverly keeps aiming for and everything I have said in the past about me only being responsible for our child and not a relationship with her just goes past her ears.

Since I can’t get her to let me go, I have no choice but to walk hand in hand with her into the large plaza where the gala is being held. As I expect, our entrance is met with a lot of reactions, mostly disapproving judgeful ones and harsh whispers from people who know my status and most probably heard

the news of Leslie’s passing.

“Everyone’s looking at us. You think we outshined them?” Beverly says, her excitement clear. I can’t tell if she is making a joke or she really doesn’t understand why we are getting such looks from everyone. She can’t be that oblivious, can she?

I say nothing and just desperately look around for a spot that is far from the eyes of everyone else in the gala. It is insane that I, Kian Winston, suddenly care about the opinion of other people but it is the least insane thing that has happened to me in the last few weeks.

Beverly continues to speak while I nod abesnt–mindedly like a lizard.

“This is a great opportunity, Kian. Did you know the Chairman of Hanson group hasn’t been seen in public for years?” Her voice drops when she says her next words, “I heard he’s been actively looking for someone.”

I feign interest till I finally find a ‘spot for us both, safe from their judgeful gaze but trapped in Beverly’s unending small talk.

LESLIE’S POV

I arrive at the plaza moments after talking to Travis about how I want the night to go. I thank Travis‘ driver after dropping me off and slowly make my way to the entrance of the plaza. The queue at the entrance thins quickly and it’s finally my turn to go in but the men stationed at the door stop me with their arms before I can walk in.

“Your invitation card, ma’am.”

I frown, feeling offended. I organized this ball. I selected the theme in close relation with Travis and even made it mandatory for guests to come with a partner because I knew Kian would come with his pregnant Bimbo and it would be more satisfying to watch both their reactions to my presence at the ball. I don’t need an invite to an event I organized.

How are the men not informed?

“There must have been an oversight and that’s understandable but I am Leslie Wins–Leslie Hanson.” I approach the situation calmly.

One of the men sneers at me, “Of course, then I am Liam Hemsworth.”

The other one laughs and another guest behind me does too, making my cheeks burn in embarrassment.

“Step aside, ma’m, you can’t come in here without an invitation.”

Embarrassed, I slowly step to the side while the men continue to receive guests. Of course, I am no one. How could I have forgotten that because of a sudden change in my last name? The thought makes what I have planned out for the night seem humiliating. My confidence fizzles out and I slowly step back without any idea of what to do next but an arm rests on the small of my back and I twist sharply to find Travis looking at me in concern. His presence floods me with instant relief.

“Are you okay? Why are you standing out here?” He asks.

“They won’t let me in,” I start and my intrusive thoughts take over, “I am no one, Travis. All this seems like a pretense and like this isn’t my place.”

Travis frowns disapprovingly before turning me around to look properly into my eyes.

“That’s nonsense, Leslie. You fit right in and you look so beautiful that I can barely take my…” he catches himself at that statement and I wait for him to continue but he just smiles tightly and squeezes my shoulder, “You are worth more than you think and standing here won’t prove that to anyone.”

With that, he pulls me towards the men who instantly bow at the sight of him. He practically glares at them while holding me tightly.

“She is with me and she is Leslie Hanson, the daughter of the man who hired you to man this entrance and you will treat her with respect.”

He doesn’t even wait for the reaction to the warning he issued and just gently yet strongly pulls me along with him into the plaza.