Chapter 73 The Ordination
NIA’S POV
“You look so beautiful.” Gael mused for the umpteenth time.
I giggled in response, admiring myself in the long silver dress with an exposed neckline. Gael does have a pleasant taste when it comes to attires. I was surprised when the dress got delivered to me yesterday. I didn’t realize send-off parties were a big deal around here. It’s almost the same as the many balls that Gael throws.
He circled my waist, turning me to face him. “I have something to tell you after the party, so get into full gear and try your best to wait up for me and not leave too early. There would be many toasts given before I can slip away.” He said, kissing me.
I rubbed at his arm, still smiling. “What is it you want to tell me?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“Can I get a hint?”
“It will no longer be a surprise if you get a hint.”
I smacked my lips in disappointment. “That’s not fair. You will have me thinking about it all day long.”
Gael grinned sheepishly, “That makes sense. It means you will only think about me all through the party.”
I laughed, throwing my head to the back. “That is so not going to happen.”
“We would see about that, then.” He stated confidently.
A light knock came from behind the door, and Gael asked the person to enter. It was a guard. “Sorry to bother you, Alpha. Your presence is required now.”
“Okay, I will be right there,” Gael replied, turning his face back to me. “I have to go now, baby. Ensure to stay close and have fun, too. Take care.” He mumbled, kissing my forehead before running off.
I exhaled while taking another long glance at myself in the mirror. A lot has changed since I stepped foot in Gael’s territory many months ago. Who would have thought I would end up here with the Alpha of all people? Gael fills my empty heart with extreme joy. It feels like I have known him for ages, and I can no longer envision my life without him in it. It must be what everyone refers to as love. He is intentional and quite soft at heart. I was surprised when I heard about the party, and he assured me not to worry about preparing for the party.
From the dress to the makeup and hair, Gael handled everything. I am a bit anxious as regards what he intends to tell me. Is there a chance he wants us to take another step in our relationship? I shake the thoughts out of my head quickly. It’s best not to be too hopeful; that way, I can avoid disappointment. He probably wants to hang out with me, as always. Clearing my throat, I poured myself a glass of water. I drank to my fill and picked up my phone.
I thought to call Perry, but then it’s late, and she might be busy. Still, today is all about her brother and uncle; she should at least be curious about how their celebration went. I dialed her line and waited for her to pick up. The line connected, and I felt my heart thump all of a sudden.
“Girl!” Perry let out in her high-pitched tone. “oh, my goodness! You look breathtaking in that dress; heads will surely turn.” She complimented.
I blushed profusely. “Gael thinks the same thing.”
She held an amused stare. “I am guessing Gael chose the dress, then?”
“Don’t be such a tease. Of course, Gael did. But that doesn’t change the fact that the dress is beautiful.”
“And you look beautiful in it, too. Have you seen Ezra? I have tried to reach him, but he seems busy with his supposed party.”
I laughed lightly. “No, I haven’t seen your brother. The party is about to start, and I am heading to the hall.” I said, making my way out of the room to the hallway. The party hall is just below. There is an entrance from within the pack house that only house members can follow through the door.
“I would like to have a view of everything,” Perry said excitedly. “I have never been to the parties Gael throws. It bothers me so much that I hate to talk about it.”
“Oh? Why are you interested now?”
“Because you are there.” She grinned.
“Fair enough.” I mused, chuckling. As I attempted to enter the hall, Gemma bumped into me. My guard went up at the sight of her.RêAd lat𝙚St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only
“Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean for that to happen.” Gemma said, to my surprise.
“Who is that?” Perry asked.
Still holding Gemma’s gaze consciously, I kept the phone’s mouthpiece close to my mouth. “Let’s talk later. Your cousin is here.” I whispered, ending the call and attempting to walk away from Gemma before she settled for trouble.
“Nia?” She called out, halting me abruptly for the second time in less than three minutes.
I raised a brow, giving her a blank stare. “Is there something you need me to do for you?”
She held up a soft smile. “I know we aren’t the best of friends, but I would like us to talk for a few minutes. I promise not to take too much of your time. I have been looking around for you.”
I blinked slowly; her demeanor appeared calm, unlike her usual self. Should I be suspicious or be open-minded to the fact that she might just be trying to act friendly? But from what I know, Gemma doesn’t seem to understand what excellent means in her conceited dictionary.
“Why do you think I would want to talk to you?” I inquired.
“I want to apologize. But it isn’t quiet here, and you won’t hear me properly. We didn’t start on a good note, but I have had much reflection these past few weeks. I intend to start on a new slate. Please.” She urged.
I felt doubtful. Perry’s advice a while back circled my memory. What if this is a trap? I can’t get fooled by anyone’s sudden niceness, not after I almost lost my life doing that. I folded my arms, “okay.”
“Thank you. We can talk in the hallway. Here would be crowded with people trooping in soon. Let me get us a glass of champagne.” She offered.
“No, thank you.” I mused quickly. “I am not drinking.”
“Okay.” She mumbled with a slow nod of her head. I almost felt guilty at the sad look that crossed her face. But I turned my face away instead and followed her back to the hallway quietly.
“I will be quick with what I have to say. I know you have your reservations about me, and I know you have every right to. It’s not like I did any excellent deed towards you. However, I have had to rethink the many things I have indulged in, so I want to make amends and apologize for everything.” She swallowed hard.
“I apologize for whatever pain I must have caused you. I grew up getting everything that I wanted. So, I thought it would be the same regarding whoever I was with. Pardon me for everything. I am not saying we should be friends. It is to clear my conscience.”
I swallowed hard, still feeling skeptical. But I didn’t hesitate to observe Gemma’s features. What would it take from me to accept her apology, and everyone gets to move on? I don’t want to live bitterly, too, and hold grudges. Maintaining cordiality will be best for us all. I exhaled slowly.
“Alright, it is fine. Thanks for acknowledging me. I appreciate it.”
Gemma clapped in excitement as she exhaled in relief. “thank you so much. I thought it would not be easy to get you to respond; all the same, I just had to try. Thank you. Can I hug you?”
I thinned my lips, still unsure, but before I could decide, she pulled me into a tight hug. And all of a sudden, I felt dark clouds settle on my eyes, and everything turned hollow.