Discovered by Kim Black Page B

photographers who stood on either side of the red carpet. As I stood there, my thoughts drifted to Emily and her ex. I wasn’t jealous of course but the hurt I saw in her eyes as he walked away stirred something within me - Something that I definitely did not like. Does Emily want to be with him again? I wasn’t sure, but one thing was certain, I would do everything in my power to ensure that never happened.
    Forty five minutes later and Charlette had finally decided to grace us with her wonderful presence. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes when she tapped the window for me to open the door for her. Since the photographers were now at full attention, I leaned in and tugged the door open. As she gracefully got out of the car, she smiled for the cameras. I couldn’t help but get annoyed as she swayed her hips purposefully, practically making love to the camera.
    “Mrs. Belmont, when can we expect a little one?” one photographer asked as she took hold of my arm, without my offering it to her.
    I cringed at the thought of having children with the woman. Not that I was one to even want to children to begin with, but my father’s sole purpose in insisting that I marry has been centered around the idea of having an heir to our empire. Little did he know; I have no plans for children in my future! Children required more than I could ever offer. And it wasn’t like I could ever picture Charlette with children either. She loved herself too much to really ever be able to give a child the kind of love and attention it required.
    Emily on the other hand, I could definitely see mothering a child. The thought of her cooing with her children brought a smile to my face but I instantly pushed the thought out of my mind. I didn’t want children! Hopefully Emily didn’t either.
    As we made our way inside the ballroom, Charlette clung to me like a cat in heat. Each time I managed to get some distance, she would only wiggle her way closer. She pushed her breasts against my arm which wasn’t too difficult since the skin tight red gown she wore could barely contain them. It wasn’t unusual for us to put on a show for the world, but tonight she was even more flirtatious, which made me groan in disgust.
    “Well if it isn’t the lovely couple. How are you Charlette?” I heard my father ’s strong voice behind me say. He leaned in and gave Charlette a kiss on both cheeks before extending his hand to me.
    “ I’m much better now that you’re here. I’ve missed you terribly Jack, we must have lunch sometime and catch up,” Charlette babbled. She was the fakest person I had ever had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting.
    What she failed to realize was that my father saw right through he r. My father knew just how to handle women like Charlette. He had many mistresses who were just as manipulative and calculating as Charlette. This was all of course before he married my mother. The stories she used to tell me of my father put my affairs to shame. Her love was what changed him. Even after she passed, he never loved another like he loved her.
    “It seems you’ve managed to outdo yourself yet again Father. We have a wonderful turn out this year,” I muttered as I grabbed a glass of champagne from the passing waitress, downing its contents completely and then grabbing another.
    Charlette pouted when I didn’t extend the glass towards her. I couldn’t help but smile. When I saw the look of disapproval on my father ’s face, my smile quickly died.
    “Charlette dear, I need to speak to my son. Would you mind terribly if I steal him for a moment?” My father said while he signaled another waitress to come over. When the young woman made her way over, he handed Charlette a glass and then grabbed one for himself.
    “Why thank you Jack… It seems some Belmont men do have manners after all. Steal away!” she pouted as she took a pull of champagne and began making her way through the crowd. She added an extra sway to her hips as she walked