Page 36 of After Hours


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I had brought a small gift for Mara, carefully wrapped in vintage-inspired paper, and I placed it on the designated gift table. It wasn’t much but one can never attend someone’s birthday party empty handed.

Finding my seat, I couldn’t help but admire Mara when she entered the party. She looked absolutely radiant. Her dress, a deep crimson with intricate beading, clung gracefully to her baby bump. The dress featured a drop-waist style, another nod to the fashion of the 1920s.

Her hair was elegantly styled in soft waves, and her makeup highlighted her natural beauty. She wore a stunning headpiece with a silk rose that matched the color of her dress.

As she walked into the party, all eyes were on her. Her entrance was a breathtaking moment, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful to be a part of this special evening, celebrating a wonderful woman.

The night carried on, each moment as enchanting as the last. As I savored the lively atmosphere, Mara came over, wearing a beaming smile, and introduced me to her husband, Alexander.

“Azzaria,” she shouted as she approached me, “hey!”

I smiled and reached out to give her a warm and gentle hug. “Happy birthday, you look really beautiful.”

She blushed, her cheeks staining red. “Thank you, and you look so gorgeous too.” Mara continued, “And oh, I’d like you to meet my husband and father of the huge ass baby I’m carrying, Alexander.”

I extended my hand, and he shook it warmly, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Azzarria. I’ve heard wonderful things about you.”

“It’s lovely to meet you too. I wish you and Mara all the best on your new family.”

“He’s also one of Dillon’s bestfriends,” she said, turning to face me, “And Alex, she’s the intern we were telling you about.” He didn’t give a verbal response but maintained a very pleasant facial expression.

“If you’ll excuse me,” he said and started walking off.

“So, how are you? Are you enjoying yourself?”

“I really am. This a really lovely party and the food is amazing. How are you?” I wasn’t lying. It was nice.

“I’m glad you’re having fun, and I’m good. I’m just nervous about parenthood.”

That’s not something I couldn’t relate to, but it’s something I could understand. She started telling me about how rough her relationship with her parents were and she didn’t want that for her baby, and I assured her that she would definitely be nothing like her parents.

I hurriedly changed the topic as I could see how sad it was making her and the conversation flowed naturally. Mara was a really nice person to talk to.

After we finished speaking, Mara headed to the head of the table. She took a moment to address everyone, her voice full of cheer, “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for a little game! Let’s see who knows me best among my dear family.”

“Husbands included?” Alexander asked.

Dillon chuckled aloud. “No.”

“Come on, babe?”

“No Alex, you can’t participate.”

He jokingly sighed. “My money’s on Dillon.”

“Fuck yea,” he shouted and dabbed Alexander up.

I must say that Mr. Xander is absolutely the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. If they had a prize for best dressed person, he would’ve definitely won. His tailored gray suit, high-waisted trousers, and sharp black tie framed his built, confident figure. Slicked-back hair revealed striking hazel eyes, and polished shoes completed his look. He looked absolutely scrumptious.

The game began, and the questions rolled in. Mara’s siblings and relatives took turns answering. When asked about her favorite childhood memory, Dillon recounted a particular incident from their youth, a story filled with laughter and shared secrets. When questioned about her favorite song, he immediately named a song she had played on repeat during their teenage years.

I couldn’t help but be surprised by Dillon’s in-depth knowledge of Mara. The way he remembered the most intricate details about her life was both endearing and impressive. I couldn’t understand why Mara had referred to him as sweet, but it was becoming clearer with each passing moment.

The night continued, filled with laughter and whole lot of fun. As I sat, engrossed in the festivities, I felt the weight of someone’s eyes on me. With a discreet glance around the room, I realized it was Dillon who was watching me, his gaze hidden in the shadows of the night.

Sensing his eyes on me made my heart race. It was both exciting and unsettling knowing he was watching me with such intensity. I didn’t want to make a scene, so I decided to step away for some fresh air and a closer look at the exquisite scenery. The garden was bathed in soft moonlight, creating a breathtaking backdrop.

As I strolled amidst the vibrant blooms, I couldn’t resist the temptation to capture their beauty. “Abigail would love this,” I thought and immediately snapped her the pictures. My attention focused on the screen, I was entirely absorbed in my texting.

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