After My Death, My Husband Who Threw Me Into the Hunting Grounds Went Insane novel Chapter 139

JULIA

Guests in suits and fancy dresses had already filled the posh interior of Prime Hall. Everything was glistening before my eyes, including flashes from the camera snaps. In each corner, people bragged about their wealth—which made the grand event absurd since it was supposed to be a charity event. I suddenly felt overwhelmed. I clearly didn't belong in his world.

"We are half an hour late. Didn't you realize that?" said Adam, offering his arm as we walked the red carpet. I held his arm, squeezing his bicep a little.

"Then why didn't you come here straight away? And I didn't ask you to wait."

Damn, look at him. He's so fine-looking himself. It wasn't every day I saw Adam in a black tuxedo, and it suits him immaculately. He looked devilishly gorgeous.

"I'm sorry." I held my breath. He smelled so good I almost wanted to faint.

He frowned. "Are you all right?"

"Why?"

"You're sweating."

I cleared my throat. "It's just... It doesn't feel right," I whispered. "This party, I mean."

"Why?"

"This party is for a cause… for charity. But if it were me, or if I had the means, I would probably just bring the party to the children. Their foster homes, public schools—perhaps conduct an outreach program instead. It's all about knowing them, not having a party like this which only rich people could—" I shook my head. "You know what I mean?"

He chuckled, amused. "Yes. I know what you mean."

"Never mind. How could you know?"

Adam stopped and then held my hand. "I understand you. Really. You see, this is just for public appearance. Something they can show on TV." He gazed at me. "Listen. People can get very disapproving most of the time. They are envious. This charity was once questioned because some people thought the funds were coming from something illegal, but it's not. Therefore, we need this gathering—the rest is uncontrollable. You are right, too, sweetheart. The extravagance is present. But believe me, behind what's happening here, the people's money, their donations… it will serve its purpose."

Sweetheart. I almost gasped.

"Am I disapproving, then?"

He smiled. "No. I think what you said is nice."

"Well, thank you." I smiled back. 

"You're welcome."

Despite Adam's mood swings, I didn't know he could be sentimental at times and sympathetic too. As we continued walking to our table, a man in his late twenties approached him with open arms.

"There you are, you really came!"

"Dominic." Adam accepted his warm welcome, then released each other briefly.

Oh, so he was Dominic Grant. This foundation's CEO. I was used to answering his emails, but it was my first time meeting him. I was slightly mesmerized by how good looking he was. He was tall, blond-haired, and muscular. He wore a crisp designer black three-piece suit.

"You rascal, you didn't tell me you arrived yesterday."

"Sorry. I had a situation," Adam reasoned.

Dominic clicked his tongue. "I'll beat you to death if it's because of a woman. You still owe me a drink."

I almost choked. They both turned to me, clearing my throat certainly caught their attention.

"Oh, you're with this wonderful young lady?" Dominic asked while he was checking me out.

"Dominic, this is Julia, my assistant. Julia, this is Dominic, my, er… best friend."

"I'm hurt. You seem unsure," he commented. Dominic walked closer, reaching a hand to me. "Hi, Julia. So you're the one who reads and replies to Adam's emails?"

"Yes, it's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Grant." I pumped his hand.

"If I only knew you were this beautiful," he said, bemused and grinning.

"Dominic, no," Adam warned.

Dominic chuckled. "Relax, man. You're so serious. I won't do anything. Besides, Demi is here; she came with me." He laughed, then clicked his tongue. "Anyway, enjoy the party since I'm the host."

Adam rolled his eyes. "That's a given." He crossed his arms over his chest. "Demi's here? Is her husband here as well?"

Dominic knew Demi, and they came together? Clearly, there were still things I didn't know. And why was Adam asking about Demi's husband? Was Demi even married?

"Doc didn't come. She came alone. Oh, the party's about to start," he informed. "As for you, my lady. I need you."

I blinked. "Me? Why?"

"Just come with me. It will be fun. May I, Adam?"

"Sure," Adam agreed, but I caught his arm.

"Wait. You're allowing him to take me? To where?"

"Relax. He means well." He winked.

"Well, wear this thing." Dominic requested and placed a round-shaped pink stoned ring on my palm. It was strikingly beautiful.

 "What should I do with this—" I stopped. Dominic had already got away. I rolled my eyes and glared at Adam. "I'll beat you senseless if anything goes wrong."

He laughed, lifting both his hands in surrender. "Okay!"

Dominic ushered me backstage. Five beautiful young women were already there. I greeted them with a smile. They grinned back. Then Dominic left and stepped on stage. He waved to the crowd as he pulled the microphone from its stand.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Are you feeling good tonight? Oh, I hope you all are," he began to speak, his voice filled with humor. "I am your host for tonight. The name is Dominic, and I welcome you all to the Grant and Chester Foundation Auction Night! I would like to welcome our guest singer to sing us a song before we start the event. Let's give Sylvain Strauss a big round of applause."

Ovation erupted in the hall. A woman in a glamorous crimson backless dress stepped on stage. Dominic pecked her on her cheek and then offered her the microphone. A soft instrumental played, and a sweet melodious voice filled the air.

After the three-minute song, Dominic came back.

"Thank you so much, Sylvain, for the wonderful song. Now, Gentlemen, ready your wallets because I'm ready to get down to the main purpose of this event. This will be fun. I promise." He let out a broad grin as his eyes scanned the whole floor.

Wait, what? What was he trying to include me in?

"As you can see, I have six wonderful ladies here," he continued.

What the hell?

"The first lady we have is Fiona Johnson!"

What? Oh, no!

Fiona was a red-haired woman in an emerald evening dress. She looked gorgeous, absolutely stunning.

"Fiona graduated from Harvard University," Dominic said. "She is wearing Antoni Carassi's 20-carat blue diamond necklace. There are only two of them in the world. The price starts at five million pounds. Who wants to make the first bid?"

Men began lifting their slogans. I was afraid. What if they don't like me? I don't want to embarrass myself. I have to go.

"Going once! Going twice!" Dominic shouted.

"Twelve million!" someone yelled.

"Sold!" Dominic shouted. "To Mr. Harry Bryant of CG Technologies. Step up here and claim your prize, sir."

A young bachelor went onto the stage and took Fiona with him. She's blushing and giggling like a teenager. 

"The next lady is Julianne Taylor…"

What!? A spotlight hit my face. God! I didn't even know this. I looked for Adam in the crowd, but I couldn't find him.

"You should have just told me," Adam muttered.

"I'd like to stay here with her too," Henry said.

"Are you asking for my permission?"

"No, I'm informing you, and it's because tomorrow is Monday, which means she has to extend her vacation."

Adam was about to say something, but Demi joined in. "Just let them, Adam. The spa here is good."

"I need you back on Tuesday," Adam ordered icily.

"Of course," I mumbled.

"We're going. Have a great day tomorrow," Demi said, then they left together.

"Shall we go?" Henry asked.

"Huh?"

"I mean, don't you want to go already? Your boss just left."

"Of course, we should." I forced a smile.

Physically, there really wasn't much difference between the siblings, except the fact that Henry could make my heart sing. I felt so loved and cared for whenever I was with him.

Adam, however, made me feel crazy and consumed. Wasn't it clear that Henry was the right choice? But why was my heartache when I saw Adam with someone else?

I sighed sharply. I should forget all about him and focus on Henry. 

ADAM

Damn it! I loosened the necktie in suffocation. I pulled out a bottle of whiskey from the mini-bar and poured it in a glass. I couldn't stop myself from shuddering—it's as if my blood was going to pump out of my head any moment now. I gulped the glass of whiskey straight down my throat.

"Adam, are you there?" Demi's calm voice echoed in the room. "This is not what you want." I heard her footsteps coming towards me.

"Please not now, Demi."

"I can't just ignore you. I know how hurt you were before when I dated you and Henry and—"

"I said, stop. This isn't how it was before." I poured another shot of whiskey in the glass.

"Okay, I'm sorry. Are you heading to Florida?"

"Yes, I can't just suck it up for a whole night."

"Take care, Adam. I don't want to say anything, but I can't ignore this. I think Julia likes you."

"She doesn't want me. She wants Henry, and I can't stop thinking about them, Demi. I admit it. Why does it have to be my brother again?" I drank the last drop of liquor.

"I'm sorry, Adam. I really am."

"What's wrong with me? Am I that unworthy?" I barked, then I threw the glass on the floor harshly, and it shattered into pieces. "Why does it always have to be this way?"

Demi quickly wrapped her arms around my neck. She let me rest my head on her stomach, caressing my neck so lightly, with her palms. "Hey, you know that is not true. Maybe it's not just the right time."

"I'm pathetic," I whimpered. I slowly slipped my arms around her waist. It's been a long while since Demi comforted me like this.

"Thanks for staying here."

"I have a lot to repay you and Henry for, but I'd rather pay my gratitude to you first."

We stayed like that for a couple of minutes, and then she released me, saying she had to go back home to her husband. Hurriedly, I packed my things then headed back to the airport, not informing anyone.