the reality

“Mav.”

I held him by the arm just as it was time to go down after the valet opened the limousine door. I glanced at the red carpet below us.

“Why? What’s wrong? “

This prompted the valet to close the door again. Mav gave me his full attention. He took my cold hand and rubbed it on his hand.

“ Hey, look at me. What’s wrong? “

I first swallowed the blockage in my throat and fixed my perfectly made hair before responding.

“I’m scared. Can you just go ahead? It’s like I’m going to throw up in here. Please?” I pleaded.

He gave me a reassuring smile that sent his message that he understood me.

“Nonsense. You don’t have to worry. My family is kind, especially my mother. They will love you like I do.”

He cupped my face while his fingers were caressing my cheek.

“And besides, I’ll here all night for you. I won’t leave you. Hell, I’ll go with you, even in the powder room. “

His hand went down to my neck and massaged it.

“Relax. I won’t leave you. I’ll be with you the whole night. You just have to trust me on this, okay? Hmmm? “

I hugged him and leaned my face on his shoulder.

“I’m nervous. I mean, this is the first time that people will see us together at the same event. The news will go out. They’ll dig into who I am and my past. You’ll also be embarrassed eventually. “

He released myself into his embrace and locked my face in his hands again.

“We can never control the opinions of other people towards us, but we can always choose to ignore them. You come from a great family, sweetheart. I found out from mom that your family is somehow acquainted to the Fuentebellas. She said something about Bernandino Alcantara being the best man at their wedding.”

“He’s my uncle.”

He nodded and held my hand.

“Yes, all I’m saying is that there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Money, power, and social status come and go. What is important is what we have. You get it? “

I stared hard at his eyes long enough to understand what he meant. Maverick is asking me to trust him on this so that he can trust me as well. The edge of my eyes warmed at the realization.

“”How did you become someone like this? Act like that arrogant guy again who is full of himself and who doesn’t accept rejections. Come on, bring him back,” I joked, shaking my head.

He caught my hands and pinched my nose.

“ I don’t know that guy. Who’s that, huh? “

I smiled.

“That’s it. Smile more often. I’ve waited for that before. You look more beautiful when you smile. “

I blushed at what he said.

“I won’t say you’re just lying to make me feel good because I know I’m really beautiful.”

Maverick smiled.

“That’s the Femella I know. How are you feeling now? Still cold and scared? “

I shook my head. “Not anymore. Just don’t get me out of your sight tonight. Can you do that? “

“I’ve been doing that since our time in La Vida, Fem.”

I pouted. “Stalker.” I adjusted his navy polo suit and ran my hand over his growing beard.

“You didn’t shave. That’s itchy. “

He touched my chin. “You think so? I’d prefer it to grow some more before I cut it off. “ His hand went to my thigh and caressed me. “Did you shave for me?” He asks in a rough and seductive voice.

I pinched his ear and stared at his face. I also removed his hand from my thigh.

“There you are again. I don’t like that look of yours ‘cause I know where it will end up again. Let’s go down. Let’s go.” I stared at him without moving. “Come on, let’s go.”

He chuckled. “Shall we, my lady in red?”

My smile peeked at what he called me because I am wearing a red gown again. No skin this time. Long sleeve turtleneck is the design of the gown made of crepe material. The style is body fitting is that is up to my heel length. I looked taller with it with my four inch-heel.

I nodded. “Yes, Mav.”

His wide smile was still on his face until he came down and he held out his hand to me. I reached for it and I went straight down. We were immediately greeted by the flash of the camera. I can’t help but feel uncomfortable. Why did I forget that it’s a charity gathering? The media is really involved in this.

I turned to Maverick who understoodly squeezed my hand then held it tightly as we walked the red carpet to the convention hall. He pressed his lip to mine and whispered.

“Smile Fem. I haven’t forced to marry me yet.”

I smiled at the way he said it. Laughing, I slapped him lightly on the shoulder.

“That’s right. Hurt me. Show the whole world that I’m under your mercy.”

I laughed some more.

“Stop it. With the two of us, you are the more dominant.”

“Ah, I know what you mean.”

He puts his hand on my back when we finally entered through the massive revolving door. The space is so huge. Carpeted floor covered the whole area while the guests are busy talking in their perfectly pleated and designed tables.

The whole place glows because of the gowns and jewelry worn by the guests. Expensive chandeliers are dangling from the ceiling down the hall. The diamond necklace on my neck courtesy of Maverick is as equally as expensive as the jewelry of everybody. It also spreads light to anyone who can see it.

Now this brings back some good memories when our clans will held parties and soirees like this.

I tightened my grip on Maverick’s hand as I looked at his mother. His mom is elegantly garbed in a silver gown and a pair of red ruby earrings. Her fashion statement and the way she carries herself greatly remind me of my mom. I shook my head to get rid of the sadness I felt and put a smile on my lips.

“Let me warn you about mom, babe. She’s a bit excited to meet you though she doesn’t really know a thing about you yet. I just told her to be her best tonight because she’s about to meet one of the best woman I know. “

“I’m nowhere near your mom, Maverick. Comparing me to her is hyperbole.”

He kissed the side of my ear. “Well, for me you are.”

Raising my gaze, I was greeted by the smiling face of the beautiful Isabella Fuentebella. A flash of recognition crossed her eyes when we were finally in front of her.

“Hi, darling,” she immediately greeted his son who kissed her cheek but her attention was more focused on me. “Care to introduce me to this lovely lady beside you?” She said as her eyes blinked at me.

“Right. You’re really my mother.” Maverick held me by the waist. “Mom, I want you to meet Femella Alcantara, my girlfriend. Babe, meet the number one nagger of my life, my mother, the great Isabella Fuentebella.”

My smile spontaneously came out for the lady. I was also entertained by the way Maverick introduced her. I lost my bit of nervousness.

I held out my hand to her mother. “Good evening, ma’am. It’s an honor to meet you.”

But instead of reaching for my hand, the lady suddenly hugged me and kissed me on the cheek. I looked at Maverick who was also smiling looking at us.

Suddenly my chest tightened because of the strange impulse. It was such a motherly love and touch that I have never received for all of my life. I reciprocated with a hug here. Maverick’s mom was still smiling when she let go of the hug and stared at me.

“Look what a beautiful woman you brought, Maverick. I can see that you’re strong and bold, hija. Take it from a woman who has meet countless of people in her lifetime.”

I smiled shyly. “So I have heard, ma’am. Thank you.”

“Oh no! Don’t call me ma’am. Call me mom instead. Ma’am is for oldies. I live like I’m still in my early twenties but with a beautiful grandchild,” she beamed.

The fun and energy is contagious so my smile widens even more. This is not as bad as I thought it will be.

“Noted mom. I’ll keep that in mind. First in the checklist.”

“What do we have here?”

We all turned to a couple holding hands and approaching us. Gideon and Sheri are such a great pair with oozing appeal. Love is both in their eyes. It seems that the two are even on the honeymoon stage considering that they have been married for two years.

“Your brother is finally bringing his girlfriend to meet us,” Isabella replied and led me to meet the couple. “This is Femella. Fem, this is Gideon, my youngest son and his lovely wife, Sheri.”

“Welcome to the family, sis.” Gideon shook my hand while grinning. I blushed at what he said and turned to Maverick just shrugged as if to say he couldn’t do anything about it. I bet he’s enjoying this.

“Hi, Femella. Nice to meet you. I’m glad that Maverick finally found his match. Isn’t it, hon?” Sheri said after kissing me.

“Right. I’ll finally see how Maverick will be bent under Femella. Oh, it’s really good and I’m done with that phase, isn’t it sweetheart?”

“Really? Wait till we get home. You’ll see how I deal with you.”

Sheri stared at him sharply.

He quickly kissed her on the cheek. “Just a joke. We’re good, right? I just finished cleaning the whole house earlier as you ordered. I didn’t ask any of our helper to help me, promise.”

Their conversation was interrupted when Isabella laughed at them.

“Your father and I used to be like that. We’re like dogs and cats when it comes to bullying each other. Anyway, you boys should take care of your respective business while we ladies will waltz the night away.”

“Yes, mom. I saw Mrs. Divina Amor earlier. She asked me if you have a spare time,” Sheri said holding my arm.

“Certainly,” replied their mother and also held me by the other arm. “Come Femella. I will introduce you to our circle.”

I turned to Maverick who was right behind me.

“I’ll go with you ladies,” he said and pressed me to his waist.

“Nonsense. It’s a women’s thing,” her mother protested.

I smiled at Maverick to ease him. “It’s okay, really. I would like to go with them.”

“Are you sure? No, I’ll stay with you.”

My cheeks turned red when I caught their teasing stares at us.

“I’m sure, Mav. I’ll be alright. Do your business.”

He’s still hesitating to leave me but when he made sure that I really meant it, he agreed but not before whispering to my ear.

“I’ll always look at you.”

My entire face blushed when they were able to lead me to a group of women holding champagne glasses and talking. His whole family just heard what he said so they always threw me a knowing smile and looked at me the whole duration.

They introduced me to friends and business associates of the Fuentebellas. Every time I introduce myself as an Alcantara every time I shake hands, I am so nervous that someone might mention about my family or someone might ask. So far there is no one so I relaxed in the company of Tita Isabella and Sheri.

They are so friendly and welcoming that I found myself getting along with them. His mother kindly introduces me as Maverick’s girlfriend to everyone we meet. I also realized that I miss attending events like this without thinking about my plan or what but to just enjoy and mingle. It was as if I had returned to the times when we were still thriving as one of the most powerful clans in the country.

I never thought I’ll say it but I missed those times.

I also found out that this charity gala was organized by the wife of a politician who advocates helping children in conflict with the law.

Sometime in our chat with a well -known fashion designer who is based in Dubai, I simply looked around to find Maverick but I didn’t have to do that because his eyes were already focused on me. He is standing among a group of dignified men while holding a glass of wine on his hand. He caught my eye and winked at me. I bit my lips as a response and then turned to the conversation again.

The smile never left my face until the program started. Maverick went back to my side and assisted me into a seat in the same table his family is sitting.

“Are you okay?” he asked after twining our hands together on his lap.

I gave him a sweet smile. “Yeah, never been better. I thought it was scary but it wasn’t when you were there. Thanks to your mom and Sheri. No one asked either, thank God.”

“I’m glad.” He kissed my hand and rested his arm on the back of my chair.

We concentrated on listening to the speakers. The dinner was served after and then came the dancing. He invited me to dance as the classic song soared.

“So what do you think about my family?” he asked as we slowly move into the rhythm of the music.

“Hmm, let me think.” I dragged my hands over his neck and caressed his nape. “Your mom is a revelation. She’s so kind, warm-hearted and very fun to be with. I didn’t expect that because I prepared for the woman I saw in TV and business section of the newspapers. Sheri reminds me of my cousins while Gideon is like the less-aggressive version of you. I like him. You’re both funny but he’s far from your arrogance. “

He chuckled.

I buried my face in his chest and smelled his fruity scent.

“Well, you won’t have a hard time adjusting just in case.”

He kissed me on the hair and pulled me even closer to it.

I was stunned at the implication of what he said. Surely, he wasn’t thinking about it.

When the song change again, I told him I’ll go to bathroom. He would have accompanied me if I hadn’t just laughed off his suggestion. When I came out of the powder room I was surprised to see a woman waiting for me at the door. Her white complexion is very evident in the emerald gown she is wearing. She looked up at me with a jealous expression on her face and then scanned my appearance.

Monica Santabella.

I stayed on my position and do the same to her.

“Girlfriend? You?” She sips from the glass she is holding. “That’s why you look familiar the first time I saw you. I know you, Femella Alcantara. You’re the only daughter of the eldest son of the patriarch of the Alcantaras. You are the heiress. I know that because we’ve been invited to your place when you were still a princess. “

She approached and glared at me.

“Even if you dress up expensively with all your million pieces of jewelry, I can still smell your pitiful ass. As if being in a family who has been slapped with countless lawsuits is not enough, you chose to go lower.”

My teeth gritted and my fists clenched. My family is my exposed scale anyone should never dare poke fun at.

I raised my brow and crossed my arms.

“I know where you’re heading. That I worked inside a club and I sold my body. Well, guess what? You’re right. But you know the best thing that happened because of that? Maverick, the love of your life, just bought me and made me his girlfriend. And sweetheart, it felt heaven with Maverick. He loves me, protects me, and showers me with everything, something the likes of you can’t ever ever have with him. He accepts me for who I am now as well as my past. “

I felt pleasure to see the pain materialize on her face. She drained the contents of the glass and looked at me calmly. Her voice was soft when she spoke.

“You’re like all of them. He’s just playing on you. Eventually, you two will also break up and Maverick will go back to his old ways. I’ll just let him be until he realizes that the one he’s looking for has been on his side all along.”

“I pity you, Monica. As a woman I sympathize with how you feel but please , stop that stupidity of yours. Suppose we broke up today, does that make you think he will love you? No, he won’t. There will come another one like me that he will want and that will never be you. Girl, stop obsessing about my man. He only considers you a friend. I know better, okay? “ I smelled her. “Fix yourself. You look like you’re drunk.”

I turned my back and started walking away.

“You’re just going to hurt him.”

My steps faltered. She approached me. There’s an unreadable emotion on her eyes.

“Your baggage will keep him from being happy. No matter what you will do, you can’t escape the sin of your clan, Femella. Don’t be selfish. Let go of Maverick. I can see that you love him and even if it hurts to admit it, everyone here can see that he feels the same way about you. But what can you offer other than your love? Nothing. Let him go and I swear, I’ll take care of him. “

After saying that, she walked towards the CR. I was left out of breath and staggering. The woman has a point.

I looked around then I looked down to myself. My dress is expensive and so is my shoes, my jewelry and make-up but my life? It’s far from being glamorous.

Suddenly, I felt so out of place. Monica is right. I don’t belong in this world anymore. Our era is long over. We have long been defeated by the Asturians. We have collapsed.

What can I offer for Maverick then?

Nothing.

I saw Maverick and his family having a warm conversation. They look so happy and contented.

Who am I to disturb their silence?

I felt somewhat better for a moment. I know I made the right decision.

“But I’m two steps ahead, Monica. Always two steps ahead.”

I calmed myself and posted a smile on my face as if nothing had happened as I walked back towards Maverick.