Chapter 4
Alaric finally called me the next day.
Sounding eager to please, he asked, "Are you still mad at me, Elena? It's Mom and Dad's 50th wedding anniversary tomorrow. We said we'd go back and celebrate with them, remember?
"They've missed you and won't stop talking about you. I… I miss you, too. Please come back. Let's make up."
I remembered his parents' wedding anniversary, of course.
In preparation for the big day, I'd even prepared a present to Alaric's parents.
"Will Tracy be going as well?" I asked.
There was a beat of silence on the other line, then Alaric answered slowly, "Well, my parents did watch her grow up… She's like a daughter to them, and it's a must for her to attend such an important celebration.
"Don't think too much of it, Elena. It's just a family get-together."
I closed my eyes, the last warm sentiment in my heart vanishing like smoke. I asked coolly, "What time's the celebration tomorrow? I'll head over directly."
Alaric heaved a sigh of relief, and his tone lightened up. "It's 12 noon at the Allegra tomorrow. I'll be waiting for you!"
An icy smirk tugged on the corner of my mouth when I hung up.
On the day of the party, I arrived at the Allegra half an hour early. I didn't go straight to the lounge and instead went to see the restaurant manager.
The manager went by Gerald Kinsley. He was a distant uncle of mine.
When he saw me, he met me halfway and greeted me warmly, "Elena! What a rare sight! What brings you here today?"
I chuckled and fished out an envelope from my purse. Handing it to him, I said, "Uncle Gerald, I've got a small favor to ask of you."
Gerald opened the envelope and peered at its contents. There was a slight shift in his expression before he quietly and subtly pocketed the envelope. Clapping a hand on my shoulder, he reassured me, "Don't worry. You can count on me. It's no big deal."
"Thanks, Uncle Gerald," I replied.
"Don't mention it." He lowered his voice. "I've set up and programmed the projector and sound system in the lounge for you. I guarantee that the effects will be top-notch!"
I nodded, feeling my heart settle.
At 12 noon, I pushed open the door of the lounge.
Tracy was seated beside Alaric's parents, Alicia and Morgan Lovell. The couple laughed as they listened to her jokes, which she delivered quite animatedly.
Upon seeing me, Alaric stood up, making to link arms with me like we were close. "Elena, here you are! Come sit!"
I dodged him and made a beeline for Alicia and Morgan. I handed them the gift box I'd been carrying. "Mr. and Mrs. Lovell, happy 50th anniversary. May the both of you always be in good health."
"Why, hello, Elena! Come, sit with us!" Alicia enthusiastically pulled me over, grinning. "Oh, child, you didn't have to bring us a present! Just having you here is enough. You're far too polite."
Off to Alicia's side, Tracy interjected sarcastically, "Yes, Elena has always been big on manners. I never did care about such formalities. After all, I grew up with Alicia and Morgan and see them as family."
Alaric's relatives chimed in agreement, "Yes, Tracy has always been a charming, obliging young lady. She's the daughter Alicia and Morgan never had!"
A proud smile worked its way onto Alaric's face. He had a hand on Tracy's shoulder as he took his seat.
With natural ease, he gave her a helping of the food on the table. "Eat up, chatterbox. This is oxtail stew, your favorite."
Tracy pinched his face playfully. "Trust my best friend to know me inside out!"
Their intimate, affectionate display hurt my eyes.
Several rounds of drinks later, the atmosphere lightened up, and everybody was having a good time.
I stood up and raised my glass.
"Mr. and Mrs. Lovell, dear friends and family, in honor of today's celebration, I've prepared a special gift for the golden couple. I'd also like to share it with all of you!"
Everyone's gaze fell on me, their curiosity plainly written on their faces.
Alaric and Tracy exchanged a brief look, confusion flashing in their eyes.
I walked over to the projector by the wall and hit play.
One picture after another appeared on the screen, all intimate shots of Alaric and Tracy. Among the pictures were the shot of them commemorating the loss of their "angel" and the abortion slip with Alaric's signature and name.
The sound of frenzied discussion filled the lounge. Alicia's and Morgan's smiles faltered.
I cut a look at Alaric and smiled. "You said your first time was with Tracy, Alaric. She even had a kid with you. Now, with your beloved parents, friends, and family as witnesses, would you mind telling me again where the kid in question is?"
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