The CEO’ s second choice novel Chapter 38

　　Elena

　　The Midford Winter Ball was always the last event before Social Season kicked off. They would expect me to attend all these events as a Dumont Representative, and somehow, I knew I could do it.

　　“By the way, love, I thought you might want to know that Sarah’s family hosts this ball. She is a Midford.” He says, and my eyes widen at this. Sarah Midford? So not only did Sebastian screw around with his business partner, she was a Midford as well.

　　This bothers me some, as he could easily have married her instead of me. Where I was literally royalty, she had a powerful name and family. They hailed from Australia and settled here over ten years ago. They did not have the same pull as The Wiltshires or Dumonts, but the name demanded respect.

　　“Why didn’t you settle for someone like Sarah, Sebastian?” I blurt out without thinking, and I see the scowl forming on his face. Damnit, I surely know how to put my foot in it. He sighs. “Because as much as Sarah and I shared a bed at times, we can not stand one another. Her alpha female display in front of you the other day was just that; a display. We loathe one another, Elena. If it wasn’t for alcohol, I would never have touched her in the first place.” He says, and I found that I believed him.

　　Every time I caught them together, he had bourbon on his breath.

　　Sebastian gets out of the car when we arrive and opens my door and I get out. He takes my hand in his and we saunter inside Midford Hall. This family loved putting their wealth on display and were extremely arrogant in doing so.

　　Heads turn to face us as we walk in, and I catch the envy radiating from every heiress and socialite in the room. Gosh, was Sebastian that attractive? I glanced up at him with a swoon and decided that he was most definitely that attractive.

　　“Oh, I forgot to mention, love, Oxford has an open day in about a month’s time which I will be attending, Oxford Lit Alumni will be attending. I am hoping to pique one of the Alumni’s interests enough for them to mentor me.” I say, telling him about my day, and I see the warmth in his eyes. He nods. “I am sure you will pique all of their interests, love. I am so very proud of you.” He says and plants a gentle kiss on my forehead.

　　The forehead kisses he gives always mean more to me than a deep and passionate one, and I am sure he just cemented our marriage in front of the others.

　　We spent the next few hours socialising and for once; I felt free. As if I could take on the world with Sebastian at my side. “Elena, darling!” The voice of Mirabelle came, and I turned to face her. Oh, my gosh, I have missed this woman!

　　“Mom!” I say, wrapping my arms around her in a warm embrace and taking in her lovely scent. She looked beautiful in her deep burgundy gown and I told her as such, but she waved me off. “Oh, psh, you are the gorgeous one, this dress! Dior?” She asks and I nod. “How could you tell?” I ask her, impressed by her keen eye, and she flashes me a smile. “Because I use Dior, Meghan is a God sent and her work is impeccable.” She admits and I smile at this, having seen her and my dress, I knew this to be true.

　　“I see you’re drinking wine. Will I be getting a grandchild soon?” She suddenly asks me and I, in a very ladylike fashion, sputter and choke on my wine. I cough and dab at my mouth with a napkin. “Uhm, not any time soon as I will be studying for the next 3 years,” I tell her honestly.