SWNOVELS Chapter 20
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Anna burst into laughter the moment they went through the door. She looked around to see if there was anyone around and when she saw it was just them, she continued laughing.
Davis stared at her like she had gone mad. “What’s funny?” he finally asked when she reduced her laughter.
“She’s my wife, Anna Solorante, and she’s not on the list,” she mimicked him. “I don’t know why but that sounded so funny and it was incredibly amusing the way they let me in just like that; it’s incredible.”
“Now you know the sort of power I hold,” he said like it was nothing.
“I should take advantage of my marriage to you to the fullest,” she said and before he could ask what her words meant, she was walking towards the door at the end of the hallway.
He stared at her, shook his head and briskly walked toward her. He took her hands in his when they arrived at the door.
“What am I supposed to do?” she asked, worry etched in her voice. “I don’t know anything about business or your world.”
“Just smile and do whatever you want so far it doesn’t cause problems for me, and also, don’t let the
knowledge that this is a part for elites deceive you into thinking they’re responsible or proper
humans-”
“Majority of them are downright scums-
Π
“Like you,” she muttered under her breath, but he heard her.
“I apologize for my actions earlier today,” he said in defeat.
She raised a brow, nodding in approval as a smile spread across her face, “I apologize too and I take my words back,” she said, “So, what were you saying about scums.”
“When I said you looked breathtaking, I wasn’t kidding-” he said with a blank expression, making it hard for Anna to take his word for the truth. “-so I’d advise you to be careful if somehow we get separated.”
“How long are we going to be here?” she asked.
“Not long, why?” he asked.
She gave him a mischievous smile. “You’ll find out.”
He nodded his head and turned to face the door. “Let’s go in now,” he said and pushed the door open.
The party pulsed with soft, golden light, casting a warin glow over the hall. Laughter and animated conversations filled the air, weaving a lively tapestry of social energy.
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The delicate clinking of glasses and the distant hum of music created an atmosphere of refined celebration. Intricate decorations adorned the space, adding a touch of luxury to the already elegant.
ambience.
“Wow! This place is amazing. Everything is just beautiful,” Anna observed, looking around the room.
“They might find you more amazing than the room,” he said to her and that was when Anna noticed all eyes were on them.
She descended the stairs, along with Davis, in her gown, a cascade of shimmering silk that hugged her petite figure with elegance. The fabric, a dance of midnight blues and silver threads, caught the light with every step, turning more heads. Completing the ensemble, her accessories glinted like stars.
“Well, this is unnerving,” she said, a forced smile on her face as they reached the very bottom of the
stairs.
“Try to stay calm,” he said as his eyes scanned the crowd.
“Mr. Solorante!” Anna turned to her left where the hysterical scream was coming from to see a short, but fit man dashing in their direction.
“Mr. Solorante?”
“He finally attended after years of being invited.”
“Is she his girlfriend?”
“Who’s the lady next to him?”
“I finally got a chance to see him.”
“I heard he was a troll, but he’s so handsome.”
Whispers came from all directions. “Are they trying to whisper or do they want you to hear them?” Anna asked Davis who appeared unmoved by the discussions.
“What does it matter?” he said. He had expected the reaction and so wasn’t moved by them. All he wanted was to establish his marriage to Anna and get out of there.
“And who’s the man headed towards us?” she asked, worried he’d trip with the way he ran.
“The organizer of the party, Richard Peterson,” Davis said.
“Oh,” Anna slowly nodded.
“You don’t know him, do you?”
“No, I don’t,” she shrugged.
“Mr. Solorante,” Richard stopped in front of them, panting as he tried to regulate his breathing.
“Mr. Peterson-“Davis took his hand in a handshake. “-thank you for inviting me to your party.”
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“No, no, I should be thanking you for finally showing up. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Peterson said in admiration, before noticing Anna who stood awkwardly, uncomfortable with the stares she was
getting.
“And who is this dazzling lady over here?” he asked.
Davis wrapped his hand around Anna’s waist, pulling her closer to himself. “She’s my wife,” he said
with a proud smile on his face.
Richard’s eyes widened in shock. “Is getting married in secret the new trend these days?” he chuckled. “Perhaps I should do the same.”
Davis and Anna chuckled at his words. “Mr. Solorante, I’d like for you to meet a few people if you don’t mind,” Richard said with hopeful eyes.
Davis nodded. “Of course I don’t, so far my wife gets to come with me,” he said and added, “I can’t stay away from her for far too long.”
“Of course, it’s no problem,” Richard said.
“It’s fine,” Anna quickly said, “I need to use the restroom anyway, so you both should go ahead. Just call me when you’re done, okay?” she said to Davis, kissing him on the cheek.
He had better not mention this later on.
“Okay, be careful,” he said sweetly, pulling her in for a hug. “I don’t know what you’re doing, but be
careful. I mean it.”
She wasn’t sure if it came from a place of care or if he just didn’t want her to mess up his reputation, but she still smiled at him and pulled away. “Take care, Mr. Peterson,” Anna said, watching as they left.
Davis turned to look at her as he left. What is she thinking of leaving my side?
Anna let out a sigh of relief. She felt so awkward standing there unable to add anything to their conversation. She didn’t want to go with them only to stand and smile like a doll because she didn’t understand what they were discussing.
“I’ll just hide in the hallway or something till all these die down,” she muttered when she saw some ladies approaching her.
re you
She immediately headed for the door only for someone to block her path. “What the hell are doing here? Especially when you most definitely weren’t invited.” Daniel questioned in bewilderment.
“My husband brought me here,” she said, taking a step back from him.
Daniel’s brow furrowed in annoyance at the way she addressed Davis, but he couldn’t say anything because she was right. “Why would he bring you here?”
“Unlike someone else, he’s proud to have me as a wife and loves me enough to show me off. Does that answer your question?” she said with a scoff.
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“Yeah…” he trailed off. “You look gorgeous by the way.”
“Thank you,” she said and walked away. Lily had said to run if she saw him and she planned on taking her advice.
She entered the hallway and walked down it, wondering where its branches led to. She turned back when she heard the door creak open and saw it was Daniel.
“Can we talk?” he said.
“Hell no,” she muttered and without thinking, dashed down the nearest hallway.