It felt like a part of me died inside when I saw the ring on her finger, sparkling as she waved her hand. My ring! My wedding ring from Corbin! I held my breath and blinked repeatedly, trying to hold the tears in for just a little longer. I pleaded and pleaded with my heart not to break open in front of all these people. At the same time I wanted to blurt out everything. But the thoughts of being readmitted into the hospital steadied me in my chair.
“Thank you,” she said with a smile into the microphone. “What an amazing turnout here this evening. I want to personally thank you for coming out tonight and showing your support. I also want to thank the Transfern Museum Art Gallery for holding such an amazing event.”
The crowd cheered and clapped. I watched as she fumbled with her hands. It was something she had always done when she was nervous. Surely Corbin had to have picked up on that. I never fumbled with my hands like that when I was nervous. I glanced back towards Corbin. He was so mesmerized by his beloved Alaina that he probably didn’t even notice. And now that she’d been doing it for seven years, he was probably used to it. But still, that was something I never did!
“As you are all aware, I am a huge supporter of the Children of the World Hunger Prevention Charity. I have been involved with them for the past six years and I couldn’t feel more rewarded than to be able to give back to such an amazing charity. Corbin and I have been very involved in this charity.”
I bit my bottom lip and tightly clasped the champagne glass. I took a few deep breaths and tried to control my rapidly beating heart. How could she stand up there and be so deceiving?
“Since I have always loved to paint, I just knew I had to take out some of these old paintings and display them for the world to see. I am selling every painting that I currently have to support the Children of the World Hunger Prevention Charity.”
My jaw dropped. Did I just hear her right? Selling my paintings? All my paintings? She really was finally trying to remove me from her life.
“Kassie,” Jonah whispered. “I think you need to get some fresh air. You really don’t look so good...”
“You know, you’re right.” I looked at him. “I thought I would be better once I sat down, but it’s really making me feel worse.” I looked into his eyes. I could feel myself slowly sinking but I wanted to stay. I wanted to get what was mine! What belonged to me! I wanted to make her pay for everything! “Let’s arrange a meeting with her in a little more private setting,” I whispered to him.
I glanced at Corbin. I wanted so much to run to him and feel his arms around me again. I wanted to feel his kiss, his touch; breathe in his scent that always drove me crazy and comforted me at the same time. I wanted to look into his eyes and see the sparkle when he laughed. I wanted to hear him whisper in my ear that he loved me and that everything was going to be okay. I wanted to lie in bed next to him, lay my head on his chest, listen to his heartbeat and fall asleep feeling safe. I wanted to see Hailie and hold her in my arms and never let her go.
The longer I sat there the more agitated I began to feel. I knew I had to get a handle on myself now. I bit my lower lip. “I’m ready.” I could feel my heart begin to beat rapidly again as the air around me began to dissipate. I took a deep breath before standing up. Jonah stood up with me and escorted me out of the row. I handed my wine glass to him and glanced up at the podium where Kassie stood, making eye contact with her.
I glanced at Corbin, whose eyes were now fixed on me. I could feel his electricity zap through my body as I watched as his jaw hit the floor. And I knew, right then, where his mind was taking him—back to the very first night he laid eyes on me. And tonight, here I was, standing before him in a crowd. Wearing the same red gown, my blonde hair falling around my shoulders, and my lips the same shade of red as my gown. Looking very much like I had almost ten years ago.
I didn’t realize the silence that had overtaken the room as Jonah apologized quietly to those around us. He placed the champagne glasses on the nearest table and took hold of my arm. We casually made our way across the entire banquet room towards the exit doors. I turned around one last time once we reached the doors, looking Kassie right in the eyes. She stood white as a ghost and speechless at the podium. I locked eyes with Corbin, nodded, and smiled. I watched as he slowly stood from his chair, his hand covering his mouth. Jonah and I left the room just as others were beginning to turn around in their seats. But not before I watched a stunned Corbin glance at Kassie, then back at me, and I knew I had his attention. All of his attention.
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