For Better, For Worse: The Serpent's Contract Wife

As though he sensed my rising anger, he kissed my cheek. "Off you go, darling. Show them how amazing you are."

"Shall we?" Mrs. Valmont said, reminding me she was still here.

I forced a smile and followed after her, not without looking over my shoulder to find Zade stalking me like a predator with those lethal eyes.

What is that snake up to?

I couldn’t rein in my thoughts because Mrs. Valmont introduced me to the board members.

"This is the dancer I was talking about, Anastasia Salvero."

We shook hands, and they told me how brilliant my performance was; all I could do most of the time was blush and offer them my thanks.

It didn’t end there, because we proceeded to meet with the patrons, donors, choreographers, artistic directors, and the list just went on and on.

I was really not up to this, but somehow I found the strength to do it, also fueled by the burn on my back I knew without a doubt belonged to Zade.

After an hour, I was finally left alone, not without the occasional greetings.

I wish Jade could have been here, but she was out of the city visiting her hometown. I would kill to have her right here with me.

She better make it up to me when she gets back.

"Hey!"

I whipped my head to Chris. "Hey! I was wondering where you were..."

I blinked when I saw Luca beside him.

"Luca! I didn’t realize you were on the guest list."

"Hey, sis." He kissed me on my cheek. "What can I say? You and Brother aren’t the only ones popular in the city."

"Mm, I thought you had a cold," I lied.

"Did you?" Chris questioned in worry, and seeing that look was exactly what I aimed for.

"What? No!" He gave me a side eye. "I don’t."

"Well, he did have a cold," I interjected. "He got so chilly each time he talks about you. And he talks about you a lot."

"Really?"

"Yep!"

Luca chuckled. "That’s sis, for you. She always tells all kinds of jokes."

I giggled, taking a flute of champagne from the passing waitress. "He’s right."

Luca cleared his throat. "So! My brother needs me. I can tell. Excuse me."

He didn’t wait for Chris’s response as he hustled away.

Chris sighed. "Don’t get me wrong, is he usually like this?"

I shrugged. "I mean, you have spent some time with him, so you tell me."

"Yeah, I have." He scratched the back of his head. "Sometimes I think I don’t know him completely."

"Don’t worry about Luca. He’s just shy, and he’s cool."

He sneered. "Really?"

I nodded. "Even I am surprised, but it’s a good thing."

Chris narrowed his eyes. "I don’t know..."

"What?" I asked, mused.

"Is this just me, or are you glowing right now?"

"Glowing?"

"You look happy."

His words made me pause, then slowly I brought the flute to my lips and sipped. "Did I not look happy before?"

"This is different..." he replied softly. "And it suits you. Really."

I smiled. "Thanks."

Someone called out to him.

"Off you go. I need a moment to recharge my battery anyway."

"Don’t worry, this won’t last long." He raised his glass to me.

"Tell that to Mrs. Valmont."

He laughed, leaving.

My eyes quickly searched around, but I was having a hard time spotting Zade. More people had occupied the hall too.

I didn’t see this coming. Knowing who Zade is, I thought he was gonna stay by my side the whole evening.

I guess not.

I sighed, turning, but I bumped into someone. Thankfully, my champagne didn’t fall off or spill because I balanced myself just in time.

Wait... who did I bump into?

"Sorry!"

I lowered my eyes and saw the cutest girl I have ever seen holding her button nose.

"Oh... I’m so sorry, are you okay?"

She nodded. "I’m fine, and you shouldn’t be sorry. I’m the one that ran into you."

I was about to say something, but then she gasped.

"Are you Anastasia Salvero?!"

"Y-Yes."

"I’m a big fan of yours! I came all the way here just to see you!"

"Oh yeah?" I said sweetly.

"Yes!"

I’d been so crowded by so many grown-ups, and although it was pleasing, seeing this sweet girl with stars in bright blue eyes was all worth it.

I don’t know, maybe because I was reminded of my younger self. I was certain if I were in her shoes, I would be just as delighted as she was.

"Esme!"

My eyes moved to a beautiful woman with wavy red hair and hazel eyes. She wore an emerald evening gown that showed all her wonderful curves.

I just kept staring like a fool; she was just too gorgeous.

"There you are!"

"Mommy, I found her. Isn’t she pretty?"

The woman finally noticed me. "Oh, hi."

"H-Hi," I replied nervously, realizing I was staring too much.

"I see why Esme ditched me." She pulled some tousled hair behind her ear.

Redhead. Is this the woman Zade told me to watch out for?

"It was worth it," Esme remarked.

I smiled.

"I’m sorry. My daughter was so excited after seeing your performance. We had to leave for Hightower just in time for the Gala."

I felt a tug on my gown, and I looked to Esme.

"Daddy told me yes, that’s why," she whispered, even though it wasn’t much of it.

"They outvoted me," the woman intoned. "By default."

I giggled. "Must be tough."

"Is there anything tougher than that?" She tilted her head.

"I live with five brothers."

"Oh... I spoke too soon."

We both giggled.

"Sorry, where are my manners? I’m Anastasia Salvero, but you already know that, don’t you?"

She rolled her eyes. "Oh please, the manners were long gone when my daughter ditched me to find her fan."

"And I’m honored," I mused.

The woman chuckled softly and said. "I’m Catherine. Catherine King."