There was a party arranged on the third day of the conference. At first, I dressed myself in dress pants and a button down shirt but then Amber saved me from embarrassing myself and told me that it was a really formal party and I need to wear something classy, like a dress.

Without having to ask, she lended me one of her dresses, probably after realising that I didn't bring anything like that with me. This was the second time I was wearing her dress and it made me feel a little awkward. But I didn't want to embarrass my boss by underdressing for the occasion so I didn't argue.

The dress that she gave me was a red body con dress with two thin spaghetti straps holding it up. Although the dress reached below my knee, it was a little too tight for my taste.

Straightening my wavy hair and then curling the tips, I let them down freely on my shoulder. After applying some makeup and stepping into heels, I was ready to go to the party.

Throwing my mobile and purse in a handbag, I made my way to the elevator. The hall where the party was supposed to be was on third floor. Many reporters were lined outside it, trying to catch a single answer from the businessmen and businesswomen going inside.

Once I reached the door, the guard asked me for my invitation card, which I didn't have because I was just a secretary. Amber had told me specifically that I should be there with her but I totally forgot about the entry thing.

Shit. I should have come with her.

"I don't have one. My boss, Amber Stevens, she is inside. I'll call her and she will come get me." I said to the guard and he frowned at me.

"Back off until then." he said rudely and attempted to push me away but stopped when a hand landed on my waist.

"She is with me." It was Aaron's voice. I looked up to watch him glaring at the guard, his hand gently brushing over my back. He showed him his card and the rude guard let me inside. All the while, Aaron kept him hold on me which caused small tingles all over my back. He was wearing a black three piece suit and he looked really attractive in it.

Once we were inside, he pulled his hand away and I mentally frowned at the sudden loss of warmth. Before I could thank him, he had already moved forwards to talk to someone, leaving me standing behind.

Sighing, I looked around awkwardly. Amber was right. Everyone was dressed in fancy gowns and business suits, drinking champagne or wine and decently conversing among themselves.

I felt so out of place, even though I have been to such parties before with Dad. But it has been a long time since then. Now the closest I go to a party is a night out with Ava once in six months.

Not wanting to stay in centre, I moved to a lonely corner where nobody could see me. Picking up a glass of wine, I took a small sip and the sharp taste burnt my tongue.

"Here." a blue glass appeared in front of my face. "Contrary to popular beliefs, this blueberry juice tastes much better than this expensive wine." The same voice said.

I angled my neck to look at the source of the voice. He was a tall guy, with black curly hair and glasses. He was dressed in a shirt and business pants, exactly what I was planning to wear.

"And you are?" I drew my eyebrows closer and asked.

"Alex." he smiled.

"Clara!" I returned his smile and pulled my hand out for a shake.

"Clara!" he repeated. "So are you a businesswoman, a subordinate or a trophy wife?"

I chuckled at his way of asking. "Secretary to a CEO." I told him.

"Wow, same. See that uptight woman over there." he motioned towards a woman dressed in a white business suit, with hair pulled into a tight bun. "She is my boss."

"Well sorry but I can't relate. My boss is really sweet and humble." I told him and motioned towards Amber who was talking to a child sitting beside a man.

"Lucky you." he said and took a sip of his own blueberry juice. "I'm just grateful that I don't have to be awkward alone."

"Um.. Thanks for calling me awkward?" I said in a serious tone. When his face paled at my reaction, I let out a small chuckle.

"God, you're evil." he said.

We talked like that for some fifteen minutes. Throughout the time, I felt a pair of eyes on me but whenever I would look around, not a single soul was interested in looking at me.

Alex led me to the food Corner which was rather unoccupied. My mouth watered at the sight of the delicious mini-burgers. I didn't even count how much different kind of mini-burgers I ate. After that, I tasted the prawns out of Alex's plate, much to his dismay.

After eating to our desire, we both sat down again in a corner. He told me about all the people passing in front of me, who was single, who was the richest, who had the fanciest bumgalow. Even though we both were on same designation, he had a lot more knowledge of these people and different companies.

"And see, that tall, handsome man over there." he pointed towards Aaron this time. For a moment, Aaron's eyes averted to us but when he found me already looking at him, he looked away. "He is Aaron Vincent. Although he owns Vincent Textile Industries, he works in another company because he prefers making his name on his own."

"Uh Actually.." I tried to cut him in between.

"Poor guy. I have heard is a nice fellow but you know what, her wife ran away with his own brother. Tch." he said and sharp pain shooted in my chest at the reminder. "Like how cruel can someone be, to do this on their wedding day?"

"I... I.." I stammered, trying to find words to defend my actions.

"Are you fine? You look flushed." he said in worry.

"Yeah. I need some fresh air." I said and darted out of the hall as soon as possible, not caring about the fact that they might not let me in again.

Once I was out of the hall, I rushed to the stairs at right and climbed down. There was a lawn near the entrance, which was stranded at this time of the night. Once I reached there, I sat down on a bench and let out an exhausted groan.

How long do I have to bear this? Would people ever forget this one mistake? Would I always be known as a cheater, a betrayer?

"Seems like you have changed your type." It was Aaron's voice.

"Not now Aaron." I whispered but he didn't hear it.

"I really want to know Clara. How does it feel to flirting with someone else in front of the man you left behind?" he asked once he was in front of me.

"Please Aaron." I almost begged. He looked like he was drunk. His eyes were darkened and his jaw was clenched.

"You know I'm really intrigued. Have you kept a tab of how many men you fucked throughout these six years? I would really like a number. Just a rough estimate." he leaned down and gritted each word.

"I didn't sleep with anyone except Ryan." I mumbled, fighting the tears.

Yes I did a mistake but that doesn't give him a right to assume whatever he wants.

"What? I didn't hear you correctly." his eyes were red with anger. "100? 500? 1000?"

"I said I never slept with anyone except Ryan." I screamed at him and he immediately sobered up, all the color left his face.

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