•Ivy•
The last time I smiled this much that caused my face to hurt was at my father's birthday celebration four mouths ago. I'd been forced to pretend everyone's jokes were funny and that their compliments were nice.
After the party, I had to ice my face and treat myself to facial massage. I had a feeling I was going to do the same tomorrow.
The wedding reception was in full swing. The smile on my face didn't falter a bit. Not too bright, polite, pretty. Smiling perfectly was one of the most important traits to have as a business person.
I was kinda finding something I knew how to do very well a bit hard to do now that Camden Evander was glued to my side with an arm never leaving my waist.
"What location's the honeymoon? Maybe I can swing by and tag along." Henry Hawk tried to joke with us, looking drunk as fuck.
Camden still smiled at his friend like the guy was in his right senses and said, "No honeymoon for now. Maybe later."
Ah, yes. How were the two of us supposed to have a honeymoon outside the country when there were so many things to do inside it?
"What a bummer. Ivy, let me tell you something," Henry reached to place his hand on my bare shoulder. Camden slapped the hand away before it could make contact with my skin.
"Your wedding night is the most important night of your marriage life. Enjoy it at all cost." Henry winked at me with his two eyes, then turned to Camden and said, "Make sure to take care of the missus, alright?"
"You don't need to tell me." Camden said.
Henry communicated with his eyes to Camden in a language I couldn't understand before smiling at me one more time and staggering away.
"I'm afraid I'll have to kill any thought you have of enjoying a splendid wedding night." Camden whispered into my ear, like he was saying something romantic.
I turned to look at him, about to question him on the meaning of his words but someone cleared their throat close to us, disrupting the atmosphere.
It was Father and Mother. My back straightened unconsciously and I subconsciously shifted away from Camden. I only realized this when he pulled me even closer to his side.
I glanced at him, trying to signal that he should behave himself but he was not even paying attention to me.
"Mr. and Mrs. Beaumont. Or should I say Dad and Mom? How are you guys?" Camden spoke with a gentlemanly smile and tone that it caused my insides to cringe.
It was always weird when he acted so polite.
"Don't you dare." Father glared at Camden, disgusted by the title. Then he looked at me and said, "I still can't believe you got married to this heathen."
"Dad, he's not—"
"Don't defend him in front of me. I am so dis—"
"Calm down, Thomas." Mom held Dad's arm and gave him a look. He exhaled with his mouth and composed himself.
"Congratulations, Ivy. We're happy for you as long as you're happy." Mom smiled at me softly.
I sincerely smiled for the first time today because of those words. But the fake smile returned when I remembered that I was deceiving her.
It was crazy to believe that I'd ever be happy in a relationship with Camden Evander. I was just doing all of this to secure my future. I felt guilty leading Mother on with a well-crafted lie.
"Thank you, Mom. I am happy." I said to Annabelle, hoping she would see the lie in my eyes. But she didn't. I knew better.
I was a better actor than I let on. So good that I believed my own lies sometimes.
"I'm still not satisfied with this. Silvia would have never done such a thing." Father commented with a gruff tone.
"Then go attend Silver's wedding reception instead and leave mine." Camden said with a polite tone in contrast to his actual words and cold facial expression.
Father paled at Camden's words and seemed to be speechless for a few seconds before regaining his composure.
"Hmph!" Father spat in contempt, unable to use the words he would have liked to use on Camden in front of him.
I wanted to remedy the situation, say something. But Father had already turned around and walked away, fuming with negative feelings.
Mother didn't say anything. She just looked at Camden and I, trying to force a smile on her face but failing noticeably. She trailed after Father, obviously out to calm him down.
"Good riddance." Camden blew a whistle in their absence, letting go of me to pick up a wine glass from a waiter.
"What is wrong with you??" I whisper-yelled at Camden through my teeth, glancing left and right to check if there was anyone close enough to hear us.
"What? They're not even your parents. Why do you care so much?" Camden said nonchalantly, sipping on his wine.
My face instantly fell at the blunt reminder.
"Fuck you, Camden," was the only thing I could say to him before walking out on him.
"Did I say something wrong?" He called after me, but I refused to respond.
He was so fucking annoying. Yes, they weren't related by blood to me, but they were still my parents. Still the people who raised me. Who trained me. Who taught me everything I knew.
I would never stop caring so much. Even if I didn't want to.
In the spur of the moment, I ended up bumping into someone.
"Oh, sorry. I didn't realize I—"
"Lady of the day. Congratulations." An annoyingly familiar high-pitched voice cut me off and my apology hooked in my throat.
"Thank you." I said to Silver, deciding not to play into her hands today.
"This wedding would have been so much nicer if you'd invited your actual family." Silver suddenly dropped vague words, then continued on her way before my brain fully processed them.
My actual family? Nah.
The Beaumonts were my family. No one else.