"Shattered Vows: A Tale of Toxicity"

15. Party

Confusion clouded Amelia's face as she glanced down at herself, then back at William. "What do you mean by 'this kind of dress'?"

William's expression darkened further, his anger reaching its limiting point. "I can't allow you to go to the party wearing this revealing dress."

Amelia's eyes widened in surprise and hurt. "But William, this dress is not that revealing."

His resolve unyielding, William cut her off with a sharp tone. "Stop arguing, Amelia. You can't wear this dress."

Defeated, Amelia stood there, the disappointment evident in her eyes. "But William—"

He interrupted her, his voice cold and final. "I'm calling my secretary, James. He will get you a dress of my choice."

As William turned to leave the room, his parting words hung in the air like a decree. "You stay in this room. Don't even think about stepping outside."

Left alone in the suffocating silence of their bedroom, Amelia's shoulders sagged with defeat and sorrow welled up in her eyes.

Amelia stood at her room, her heart pounding with uncertainty as she watched William approach with a black dress in his hands. She took the dress from him, her fingers trembling slightly, and nodded in acknowledgment before retreating into her changing room to change.

As she slipped into the elegant black dress, she couldn't help but feel a mix of apprehension and curiosity. What awaited her downstairs? Would William's demeanor be as unpredictable as ever, or would he surprise her with genuine warmth?

With hesitant steps, Amelia went down the stairs, the fabric of the dress trailing behind her like a whisper. As she reached the bottom, her eyes met William's, and she noticed a glimmer of satisfaction in his gaze. It was a small flicker of emotion, but it caught her off guard nonetheless.

Approaching her, William complimented her appearance, his voice soft yet filled with sincerity. "This dress suits you, Amelia. It compliments your beauty without revealing too much.You've been so quiet Amelia, I know you are mad at me please forgive me my love."

Amelia's heart fluttered at his words, her resolve wavering under his gentle gaze. She opened her mouth to respond but found herself at a loss for words. Instead, she listened as William poured his heart out, expressing his love and admiration for her in a way that melted her defenses.

Feeling a rush of emotions, Amelia nodded slowly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I... I forgive you, William. I understand."

With a relieved smile, William turned to James, instructing him to fetch a jewelry box. As the box was placed in his hands, Amelia's curiosity peaked, and she couldn't help but ask what it contained.

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, William opened the box, revealing a breathtaking necklace adorned with white and red diamonds. The gems sparkled in the light, casting a mesmerizing glow.

"This necklace is for you but I think It's nothing compared to your beauty," William remarked, his voice filled with adoration. Moving behind her, he carefully fastened the necklace around her neck, his touch sending shivers down her spine.

As the necklace settled against her skin, Amelia felt a sense of completeness wash over her. In that moment, she knew that despite their challenges, their love would always prevail.

With a final glance at William, she whispered, "Thank you, William."

He smiled, his eyes crinkling with warmth. "You're welcome, my love. Now, you look perfect."

As the car came to stop in front of the grand venue, William swiftly stepped out, his demeanor exuding confidence. He rounded the car to Amelia's side and opened the door, offering her his hand with a warm smile.

"Shall we, my love?" William's voice was reassuring, his eyes locked onto hers with a mixture of affection and support.

Amelia hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding with nervous anticipation. She took his hand, feeling the reassuring strength in his grasp, and stepped out of the car, her elegant gown swishing around her as she moved.

As they made their entrance into the party hall, all eyes turned towards them, whispers rippling through the crowd like a gentle breeze. Amelia felt a flush of anxiety rising within her, the weight of their stares bearing down on her like a heavy cloak.

Sensing her unease, William tightened his grip on her hand, his touch giving assurance to her amidst the sea of curious gazes. Leaning in close, he spoke softly into her ear, his words were soothing enough to calm down her nervousness.

"Don't be scared, my love," William's voice was barely above a whisper, but his words carried the strength of his confidence. "You are my wife, and together, we can face anything. Be confident, Amelia. You belong here just as much as anyone else."

Amelia's eyes widened in surprise at his words, her heart fluttered with gratitude for the unwavering support he offered her. A radiant smile spread across her face, illuminating her features with newfound confidence.

With William by her side, she felt invincible. Straightening her posture, she lifted her chin and met the curious gazes head-on, her steps steady and sure as they made their way further into the hall.As they mingled among the guests, the whispers faded into background noise.

William's business partners came forward to meet his wife, William felt a surge of pride introducing her. "Everyone, this is my wife, Amelia," William said with a smile, gesturing towards her.

The partners greeted her warmly, some even complimenting her beauty. William couldn't help but feel a pang of insecurity.

As the conversation progressed, William grew increasingly uneasy, "Amelia, my love," he said softly, leaning in to her ear, "I have something important to discuss with my business partners. You might find it a bit dull. Why don't you go and grab something to eat?"

Amelia nodded understandingly, hiding any hint of disappointment with a gracious smile. "Of course, William," she replied, "I'll go and eat something. Don't worry about me."

With a bright smile, William watched as Amelia gracefully excused herself leaving him to attend to his business matters.