The Unwanted Bride Of Atticus Fawn

~CLARA~

"There is this party tonight," Scarlett informs me. "I think it's your chance to make Alaric jealous or at least test him to find out if he's interested in you. Once you confirm this, you'll know what to do from there onwards."

"Would you be there?" I ask her.

She shook her head. "Carter doesn't want me to go. He says that it wouldn't be good for me or the baby. I've been giving him a hard time recently, especially with all these crazy hormones. So tonight, I want to give him a chance to breathe again. I'm finally listening to him."

Jenna laughs, "I still can't believe you got Carter Prince to his knees like that. He worships you!"

I grin, "he really does."

"I'm sure soon enough, the both of you will have men in your life that worship you as well." She teases us.

Jenna rolls her eyes, "I'm sure Clara has a good chance with Alaric, especially since the heated kiss. But me, there isn't a single man in my life."

"We are not sure that Alaric even likes me." I remind her.

"That is why I will be there with you tonight." She informs me. "I'll make sure that Alaric gets jealous. First, we are going to start with the outfit. I'm aware that you don't need any fashion tips from me, but you are going to love the dress I chose for tonight."

I stared at the long white dress in her hands; there was a long slit to the left side and gems on the chest area.

"It's beautiful."

She smiles, "I knew you'd love it. Scarlett helped me to pick it out for you."

I look at my sister in surprise. "You actually helped with this?"

She smiles, "What can I say, sister? I might finally be interested in fashion, just like you always wanted."

I roll my eyes. I knew damn well that would never be true.

Jenna and I took our time getting ready for the party, carefully doing our hair and makeup. Scarlett was also there to help us every step of the way. Once we were satisfied with our appearance, we stepped outside and into the waiting limousine. The driver greeted us with a smile and we settled into the comfortable leather seats.

I was nervous. I wasn't sure that making Alaric jealous would work. I didn't want to get my hopes crushed when he gave no reaction at all.

But if I didn't try, I would never know. Alaric seemed like the type of man to want someone and let them go because he thinks it's the right thing to do.

"You look stunning," I tell Jenna.

"Me?" She asks in surprise. "Have you seen yourself in the mirror before you left home? You're the stunning one. I can't wait to see Alaric's face when he finally spots you."

"I don't think he really likes me," I tell her. "I know Scarlett seems to believe that he does, but I know he only has a heart for Nicole."

"If that were the case, he wouldn't have filed for a divorce." She points out. "I think it's quite obvious he has feelings for you as well. You're the only one who doesn't seem to notice he has feelings for you."

"I guess tonight we will be able to know for sure," I tell her.

She smiles, "Believe me, Scarlett and I will be proven right tonight." Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

I actually hoped that she would win this bet. Alaric having feelings for me will be like a dream come true.

The second we pulled up to the house, I could feel my nervousness begin to rise.

Was this the right thing to do?

Would Alaric be upset with me for playing this silly game just to find out if he has feelings for me?

My mind was racing with these questions, but it was too late to turn back around now. I already made up my mind to do it.

"Who exactly will I be flirting with tonight?" I ask her.

"Don't worry," she assures me. "I have it all planned out. Just flirt with the first guy before you as long as Alaric is looking. I'll be right by your side to guide you; you don't have to worry about a single thing."

I gape at her, "That's your mastermind plan?"

She grins, “Come, we are late.”

As soon as we stepped out of the grand limousine and the gust of wind blew my hair across my face, a shiver ran down my spine, making me realize that the moment I had been waiting for had finally arrived. Jenna, who was standing beside me, sensing my nervousness, took my hand and pulled me forward with her as if assuring me that everything would be fine. The sound of the wind blowing through my ears and the thought of seeing Alaric again was all I needed to keep moving forward.

I follow Jenna through the pathway and up the stairs to the rooftop.

"I don't see Alaric anywhere," I tell her as soon as we step outside into the party. "Are you sure he will be here?"

With all of the excitement, I forgot to ask my sister if she was certain that Alaric would attend this party.

She nods, "Scarlett was positive that he would be here."

I take another look around us.

Where was he?