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I nod, trying to steady my racing pulse.
How can I tell him I'm not worried about what he thinks I'm concerned about?
This whole time, pretending to be nervous about the clothes or what people will say has been eating me from within.
I'm just playing hide and seek, waiting for Felix to find the real me.
And the thought petrifies me because I know he'd hate what he sees.
The party is a cacophony of noise, laughter, and clinking glasses melding together under the seductive melodies of a live jazz band.
Beautiful women draped in silk and diamonds dance with powerful men in tailored suits, their eyes filled with thinly-veiled hunger for power and lust.
"Let's get you a drink," Felix suggests, leading me toward the bar.
My stomach churns at the thought of alcohol, knowing it's not just my secret identity I must hide but the life growing inside me.
I smile and nod again, afraid that if I say no, I'll betray my fear.
After all, I'm not one to say no to a drink, and Felix knows that.
"Two vodka waters, please," Felix orders, handing one to me.
I accept it gratefully, though I know I won't drink it.
When he's distracted by an acquaintance, I quickly switch my glass of vodka water for someone else's untouched water.
"Cheers," he says, returning his attention to me.
Our glasses clink together, and I take a small sip, hoping he doesn't notice the lack of alcohol in my drink.
"Come on, let me introduce you to some of my friends," Felix says, guiding me through the crowded room.
His warm hand at the small of my back is the only source of comfort I can cling to now.
The noise and laughter around us feel like a cacophony, drowning out my thoughts.
"Emily, meet Tony and his wife, Gina," he introduces with a charming smile.
I force a weak grin and nod at the couple.
Tony's eyes narrow slightly as he takes me in, and I avoid eye contact.
"Nice to meet you," I murmur, hoping my voice doesn't betray my anxiety.
Felix frowns, clearly noting my unease.
"Are you alright?" he asks, concern evident in his deep brown eyes. "You seem a bit off."
"Uh, yeah, just feeling a little overwhelmed," I admit, attempting to deflect his suspicion.
"Don't be," he says, gently twirling a strand of my hair in his fingers.
But I can't get Tony's face out of my head.
Why had his eyes narrowed when he saw me?
Was it because I looked familiar, or was he taking in the Don’s new woman?
