Claiming another man's wife
The party was vibrant, Alana thanked her lucky stars Ricardo didn't say a word about her phone call situation. She had to pretend as if nothing happened.
Both got inside, after letting the reporters take as many pictures as they wanted. Ricardo was equally a celebrity. He was part of the fashion industry; hence he was well known. The question about his private life came, and Alana was shaken. She had to pose for cameras with Ricardo as a couple, as his wife. She heard some good compliments from people and bad ones.
Some said she wasn't what they were expecting. They thought he would marry a top model or famous fashion designer or famous actress.
Alana wasn't bothered, she was ready for this, despite how uncomfortable she felt.
“She's beautiful, I have to say you have good eyes, my friend,” one of Ricardo's acquaintances said referring to Alana. Of course, Alana felt shy hearing the men compliment her nonstop.
“She's a gem to keep, now I understand why you chose to hide her from us…she's gorgeous and suits you,” another one said with a grin. All of them were Ricardo's good friends in the fashion world. Some were suppliers and others owned model agencies. Alana was intrigued to meet such talented great personalities.
“Mrs. Romero, our apologies if we make you feel uncomfortable. It's just that, this man here didn't invite us to the wedding,” this time the elderly one said, he wasn't old with wrinkles. But he had silver hair. Bright brown eyes and a charming smile.
“That's enough, it's not like you would have attended,” Ricardo cut them off and the men burst out laughing and started clinking champagne glasses. Alana smiled warmly and focused her eyes around. She saw Felix looking at her from across the room.
“Let me say hi to the others,” Alana whispered to Ricardo when she found an opportunity, and Ricardo nodded. She muttered a thank you and hurried away from there. Brigitte was already at the party hanging out with the other employees.
“Hey, someone looks stunning…” Brigitte said with giggles as soon as Alana joined them. They were six girls elegantly dressed to kill,
“Yes Alana, it's great to have you here…you look beautiful unlike most times,” Eva said sarcastically while waving her champagne flute.
“Stop it, Eva… Alana is always beautiful…don't mind her…you and the boss have stolen the show,” Brigitte giggled while peeking to see Ricardo, Alana followed her gaze and felt her cheeks burning from embarrassment.
“Whatever, the boss is here… I wonder why,” Eva let out a lazy yawn and the rest of the ladies voiced out some cruel remarks. Alana noticed Eva. She was sitting with her legs crossed. She wore a short shimmery black backless dress, exposing her slender legs. It had had deep V-line which showed her cleavage with heavy makeup.
“Ignore her… I am sure the boss wouldn't let his wife come to the party alone…after all, you are his wife… Mrs Romero," Brigitte said mockingly while glaring at Eva scoffed, rose to her feet and stormed away swaying her hips.
“Come, let's get you something to drink,” Brigitte dragged Alan away from there, and they went to the bar area. The party hall was large and flashing with bright lights. The music was playing and people were dancing and having fun. It was good to see employees interacting with the boss. Not just Ricardo but others with high positions in the company.
“So, you look disturbed… Is something wrong,” Brigitte asked once the waiter handed them drinks, and they sat down to chat. Alana glanced at Brigitte and wondered how she managed to see through her.
“It's nothing, just bothered about work,” Alana lied, she wanted to tell Brigitte everything, but it wasn't the time.
“Well, sober up and shake some booty,” Brigitte smiled shrewdly while showing her the dance floor and Ricardo “he's hot alright…just take advantage, you are beautiful…entice him and make him go crazy,” she added with a sly grin. Alana covered her face with her hands, feeling shy, Brigitte was a pervert to think such.
“Stop it, okay…what if someone hears it,” Alana muttered for Brigitte to stop saying nonsense.
“I'm serious… you two make a great couple… Just go over there and dance with him,” Brigitte said more seriously and drank her cocktail. Alana took a sip of hers and let out an exhalation.
“I rather not, how about you dance with Cam… I saw some women clinging to him outside…aren't you bothered,” Alana said, changing the topic, Brigitte didn't seem happy at the mention of her husband.
“That's his business, not mine,” Brigitte scoffed and averted her eyes. Alana stared at her and knew despite what Brigitte said, she hated Camilo. Deep down, she felt jealous whenever her husband was with another man.
“Anyway, let's just…what is he doing here?” Brigitte asked, pointing towards the entrance, Alana followed her gaze and she nearly fell from the chair upon seeing the man who didn't stop bothering her.
“What is he doing here?” Alana muttered thinking Brigitte didn't hear her, but she did and both watched as Rocco and Ricardo stood face to face. Even from across the room, Alana could tell there was bad blood between the two men. Both were imposing, but Ricardo had the upper hand.
He was heavily built with his broad shoulders and hard chest and strong arms which were outlined even in the tux he was wearing.
Other than that, Alana was scared Rocco might tell Ricardo she was now working for him.
“I wasn't invited, yes…but I happened to be passing by when I saw a party going on,” Rocco said shrewdly and extended his arms as if showing Ricardo he was better. Ricardo already saw Dennis bring in security men to drag Rocco out.
“Leave now, this isn't your party… no one invited you,” Ricardo was not happy, he didn't like the idea of seeing his rival and enemy.
“Hehehe, Ricky…don't be such a fun sponge… I came to have fun…or are you afraid, huh?” Rocco chuckled mockingly and glanced toward Alana then back to Ricardo.
“Get the fuck out now!” Ricardo made a low yell, his eyes shone with hatred; however, Rocco didn't move an inch.
“I'm not here for you, I'm here to pick up my employee because I need her services," Rocco said more seriously, his gaze held with Ricardo's sharp gaze. Ricardo seemed confused at Rocco's statement, but he couldn't care less.
“You thought you could take things from me…but guess what, you didn't succeed…leave now, or you'll spend the night behind bars,” Ricardo scoffed, knowing full well he got what he wanted. Rocco laughed out loud, forgetting they were surrounded by people.
“You are a coward and certainly not better than me…at least I don't use a woman to get my way… I work hard to earn merits…unlike you who's willing to sell your wife for cheap diamonds,” Rocco spat out bitterly that Ricardo was tempted to punch him in the face for involving his wife in such rubbish.
“Get the fuck out of here before…”
“Before you what? Does the truth hurt…or should I call the media and tell them exactly what a shameless man you are… Ricardo, you are a cheap man,” Rocco said, glaring at Ricardo. Tension rose between the two men that Ricardo was an inch from losing it completely. He didn't understand what Rocco was saying. And when Alana rushed to them, thinking a fight might break out.
“Rocco, what's wrong with you,” Alana said bitterly with a death glare. Rocco seemed to have calmed down seeing her. Ricardo looked at his wife then Alana.
“Let's go…we are running late, my little angel,” Rocco said with a grin and took Alana by the arm and was about to drag her away when Ricardo held the other one. Anger flashed in his eyes and Alana saw it.
“Let go of her!” Ricardo muttered through gritted teeth, Alana tried to get out of Rocco's hold, but he tightened even more and glared at Ricardo.
“You have no rights over her, let go,” Rocco countered back.
“She's my wife, how dare you touch her!” This time Ricardo yelled and tried to keep Rocco off, but Rocco grabbed his hand and shoved him aside.
“I'm not leaving without her, Alana, is this what we agreed?” Rocco asked furiously as his gaze shifted to Alana, by now Alana was sweating from fear. Ricardo was confused. Why was Rocco boldly claiming her and she didn't get angry?
"That's enough Rocco, stop causing a scene," Alana said angrily, she saw how people were beginning to stare at them and the reporters found an opening to capture something to post and make fake news. Ricardo wanted answers.
