Chapter 16 : Preparing For The Gala I stared at the dress Larry had handed over to me the previous day . It was for the gala party which is today . I really wished there wasn't a gala party , and that no divorce would be coming after the gala party , but there was no way I could change that I sat down in front of my mirror , and applied some makeup to my face . He wants me to be there for being a wife's sake and that hurts , not because he truly wants people to see how grown our relationship has become , how close we turned out . I shoved the thought down my mind as I didn't want tears to ruin the perfect face I had just made Then I slid the dress on , watching how beautiful it was . It was obvious , it was the last dress Larry would get me in this façade of a marriage . Putting my heels on , I grabbed my Chanel bag then walked out of the room . I walked down the stairs , but I was forced to pause when I saw Brandy who was standing beside Larry , the both of them waiting for me . My fist clenched , my throat going dry . He didn't do this too . Brandy andy was wearing the same exact dress as mine and I hate that , so much I don't think I would attend the gala party , not in the same dress as her . I finished descending the stairs as I stood in front of them . " Larry , don't tell me you bought us the same dress " I asked him , staring deep into his eyes : " Brandy liked the dress first , Maya . And it had been the one I had also been eyeing for you " he said and I scoffed . " Then you could have picked another dress ! You don't expect me to actually show up at the gala party in matching clothes with her right ? " I asked him , disbelief etched at my voice . Larry stepped closer , " It has happened , Maya We have to go with it " " No. I will change " I said , and turned , wanting to head back upstairs but he grabbed my arms , looking at me with darkened eyes . " Try to listen to me for once , Maya " he gritted , his voice low I gulped , shivers going down my spine . He wants me to go there with her like this . It might mean nothing , but to me , it means a lot . I'm Larry's wife , but if she appears in the same dress when it's not even a coincidence , it would only mean that she's also someone of importance to him . Maybe more important than I am . " Maya . Brandy stepped closer , wearing her usual pitiful look . * I'm sorry about yesterday's night . If this is about it , then forgive me . I really didn't mean to call you a whore " Brandy said and I stared at her , watching as her face changed into a smirk Only Larry wasn't seeing that , only him was getting lied to about who she was . I smiled , wanting to keep up the façade . " It's okay , Brandy " " Are we cool , then ? " Brandy asked , almost giggling . I didn't give a response to that , just faced Larry . d him " Let's go . " I told He held my gaze for a moment , sighed , and then we left the room , Brandy following closely beside me . The drive to the gala party was silent , not until Brandy broke the silence . " Who's hosting the gala ? " she asked , like she's interested in the event and not Larry . it now we want to come back together " " A close partner of mine . We've been holding on our projects since two years ago , but i Larry said , explaining to her what I knew she couldn't understand " Who's the person ? A young man ? Quite old ? " She further asked and I felt my head aching , but I just couldn't tell her to stop . I wouldn't want a scuffle in the car right here . There was peace , even if it was lasting for a moment , it felt great . She continued the conversation with Larry all throughout the ride and when the car halted in front of the big hall , I breathed out a sigh of relief Larry stepped down , and when he opened the door to the passenger's seat before I could , he stretched his hand forward for me to take . My eyes lingered on his hand for a moment before I decided to take it . At least he was still being a gentleman towards me. I stretched my hand out , wanting to take the hand when I heard Brandy's groan . She had stepped out from the back seat and had fallen to the floor , holding her ankle , I groaned annoyingly . She was such a drama queen , making herself land on the floor just because she didn't want Larry to help me step down from the car Larry rushed over to her side , touching her shoulder as he took a look at herleg . " Are you okay ? His voice showed how panicked he was , how truly he cares . I got down from the car without his help and watched as he lifted her off the ground . " Let's go , Maya " he said , but he was holding on to Brandy who circled her hands around his waist all in the name of ' she sprained an ankle I watched their backs as they walked in and took in a deep breath . No tears , Maya . You don't want to ruin the makeup I followed behind them and then we were inside the big noisy hall . My gaze darted from the right to the left as I took everything in the place in So big . g , so meticulously designed , and crazily filled with rich and powerful men of different caliber Then a man appeared in front of us and exchanged greetings with Larry . Then his eyes darted between Larry and the lady clinging to him . " Nice to meet you . you , Mrs. Jonathan " he said to Brandy , extending his hand for a handshake . 23 My heart sank , throat tightening . He acknowledged her as his wife , not me . Brandy took the hand , I didn't talk , didn't complain . Instead the tears fell , when I honestly tried to avoid it .