Bondage and Marriage - 69

Social gatherings can be divided into two main types: small and informal meetings that focus on socializing, and larger, official gatherings aimed at networking and exchanging information. The last time Dmitri attended, the gathering fell into the former category, while the one held on Cube Island belonged to the latter. This time, the social gathering was an official and even larger-scale charity auction.

At the end of the auction, a famous artist’s crystal ornaments were always featured, so this event was often called the Crystal Charity Gathering. Held once every two months, all proceeds, apart from hosting costs, went to charitable causes. Despite its scale, the atmosphere wasn’t overly solemn, and the dress code wasn’t too strict.

Although the participation and membership fees were quite high, the event offered participants the chance to gain positive media coverage for their substantial donations. It also attracted prominent figures, making it an excellent networking opportunity. Many attended with the goal of forming connections. For businesspeople, attending these gatherings was practically essential, so attendance rates were high. Even Noah had attended the Crystal Charity Gathering two or three times with Tanner or William.

“If you feel tired, let me know. We can leave early.”

Noah said he was fine, but whenever Ian showed unexpected kindness, Noah felt pangs of guilt. Why was this happening? Why on earth did Ian like him? Wouldn’t they both be happier if Ian just went back to his old ways and tormented him? Of course, just as one could fall in love with someone over something trivial, there didn’t have to be a reason for Ian’s feelings. But then again, Ian wasn’t an ordinary person.

Lost in these thoughts, Noah didn’t notice Ian occasionally glancing at him or sighing quietly. As they both remained immersed in their own thoughts, the limousine arrived at the hotel where the Crystal Charity Gathering was being held.

As Ian and Noah stepped out of the car, it was evident from the crowd that this event, one of the largest of its kind, had a high turnout. More people seemed to be attending compared to the last gathering Noah had attended, proving that the reports about the increasing donations over the years were true.

Entering the hotel with Ian, Noah occasionally recognized familiar faces. Most were people he wasn’t close with but had seen at various gatherings before the marriage. Unlike William, who would inherit Tanner’s business, Noah hadn’t been trained in management and wasn’t often brought to such events by Tanner. Benjamin, who had chosen a different career path, wasn’t brought along much either.

Inside the hall where the auction was taking place, various items were displayed. The theme of this auction seemed to be books, as about half of the items on display were either slightly worn or very old books.

“Let me know if there’s anything you want.”

Though Ian’s tone was indifferent, his actions felt unexpectedly considerate compared to how he used to be. Noah, uninterested in books, said he was fine but sighed inwardly. What should he do… Divorce or not? Every time Ian was kind, the thought of divorce wavered in Noah’s mind, stirring up inner conflict.

While Noah was deep in thought, Ian, who had far more connections as a business owner, was busy greeting many people. Watching him, Noah wondered how Ian managed to remember so many names.

It reminded Noah that Ian had started running his company at the incredibly young age of twenty. Over 13 years, Ian had built it into what it was today. With good looks and talent, Ian must have received numerous marriage proposals besides the one from Tanner—though his personality was less than charming.

Noah followed Ian around, standing by and observing while Ian talked to others. He couldn’t join in the conversations without knowing the topics. Most of the businesspeople were Alphas, many of whom believed Omegas didn’t belong in such discussions—just as Tanner had.

While Noah occasionally nodded and sipped champagne, Ian, who had been in a long conversation with his third acquaintance, glanced at him repeatedly before turning fully toward him.

“Look at the auction items and see if there’s anything worth buying.”

Ian’s words were essentially permission to wander as he pleased. Feeling relieved from boredom, Noah brightened and quickly agreed, stepping away from Ian. He was also hungry since it was nearing dinner.

As Noah walked toward where he thought the buffet was, he suddenly felt a prickling sensation on his back. Turning instinctively, he saw Ian engrossed in a serious conversation with someone.

“Oh, there it is.”

Noah spotted a buffet table set up with various finger foods and small dishes perfect for light snacking. Excited, he approached to fill his stomach but quickly became disappointed after taking a bite.

The mansion’s chef was far better. Of course, expecting much from buffet food wasn’t realistic, but at such a large-scale auction, they wouldn’t have hired just any chef… Would they?

When Noah thought about it, divorcing Ian would mean not being able to enjoy the meals cooked by the mansion’s chef anymore. Noah had never met anyone who could cook as well as the chef. Maybe instead of divorcing, he should take his time and calmly explain the truth to Ian… Noah’s thoughts were gradually leaning toward not divorcing. While he sipped his drink absentmindedly and turned his head, he spotted someone he recognized.

However, it wasn’t someone Noah was happy to see.

He quickly pretended not to notice and turned his head to examine the food, but the other person clearly had no intention of letting it slide.

“Oh my, Noah?”

A loud voice called his name deliberately, leaving him no choice but to acknowledge it. With a forced smile, Noah turned to face the speaker. A sophisticated beauty with a haughty expression walked confidently toward him, giving him a once-over with a smirk.

“It’s been a while. You’ve been avoiding social events lately. What brings you here?”

“Hi, Alicia…”

The elegant woman approaching Noah was Alicia Patterson. She fluttered her well-shaped eyebrows and spoke with a seemingly friendly smile. But Noah could easily detect the sharp barbs hidden in her words.

Back in school, Noah had been quite popular, but he hadn’t been liked by everyone. The private school he attended was full of children from influential families, and among them were “queen bee” types who needed constant attention and admiration to feel secure. These types usually didn’t like Noah, perhaps because they felt he threatened their status. Alicia Patterson, when she was in her senior year, was one such example.

Now that he thought about it, Alicia was very pretty, had good grades, and came from a wealthy family. But her personality left much to be desired. Unlike her, Noah thought, he wasn’t like that. Then again… “I’m a weirdo,” he muttered to himself.

“I heard you married Ian Miller?”

“Uh…”

Since Alicia had always enjoyed picking on him, Noah didn’t feel like engaging. But Ian, the only excuse he could use to escape, was still across the room, chatting with someone. Giving up, Noah braced himself and faced Alicia.

Why, of all places, did he have to run into Alicia here? Then again, it wasn’t surprising. Unlike her, Alicia’s younger brother, an Alpha, had openly claimed he would surpass her as their family’s heir. Naturally, Alicia made sure to attend events like this one.

“Congratulations on your marriage, though I have to say, Ian Miller is a bit too good for you…”

Alicia’s words carried an obvious insult, implying that Ian had married beneath him. But Noah wasn’t offended. He had thought the same thing early in their marriage. Alicia really wasn’t good at picking fights. If she had said something truly hurtful, like insulting his appearance, it might have stung. Not that his appearance was bad, of course.

Seeing that her jab hadn’t fazed him, Alicia’s expression grew frustrated, and she tried again.

“By the way, have you heard the news? There are rumors that Ian Miller is selling his shares in F&N.”

Lowering her voice as if sharing a secret, Alicia leaned in. Her family, the Pattersons, owned a significant portion of the media industry and were well-connected when it came to rumors and information. Alicia, aspiring to be her family’s heir, was no exception. But Noah simply blinked, unimpressed.

F&N? It sounded familiar, but he couldn’t place it. Alicia’s smile faltered, and her brows knitted in annoyance.

“You idiot. F&N is one of your father’s subsidiaries!”

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t take many business classes.”

Noah responded cheerfully, which only made Alicia angrier. He found her frustration amusing. In school, Alicia had often initiated conflicts, only to get flustered when things didn’t go her way. She used to complain about how unfair it was that an Omega like Noah was more popular than her.

“What other reason could there be for selling off such a major asset? Ian Miller must be planning to betray your father.”

Alicia’s tone grew sharper, and her words became more cutting. “Some people are even saying Ian married you just to get revenge on your father. What do you think, Noah?” She smirked arrogantly, lifting her chin.

Noah wasn’t particularly moved by her words. After all, he already knew Ian had married him as part of a plan to get back at his father. But the bit about the company finances was interesting. It made sense—his father had once used Noah’s forced marriage as a bargaining chip to threaten Ian. Of course, Ian wouldn’t let that kind of leverage slide. That must have been why Ian took control of that mine from Dmitri recently.

Still, Alicia’s expectant expression made Noah feel like he should respond. But if he admitted he already knew, she’d only make more of a scene. He just wanted her to leave so he could finish eating.

Just as Noah was about to say something, a hand landed on his shoulder. Startled, he turned his head and gasped. Ian had approached silently, as usual. Was it Ian’s habit, or was Noah just unobservant?

Judging by Alicia’s reaction—she visibly flinched—Noah figured it wasn’t just him. Ian stood there with a cold, menacing expression, the corner of his mouth curling into a mocking smirk.

Alicia’s face turned bright red, not just from embarrassment but from Ian’s cutting remark. “You sure have a lot to say for someone who doesn’t know when to keep their mouth shut.”