Chapter 3 Witch!

Michel’s cheeks were hurting so bad at this point from having to fake smile at every guest as they heartily congratulated him.   “Oh Michel, you’re so lucky!” Anne Marie, the wife of his best friend, Victor gushed.   “She is so beautiful, isn’t she honey?” The question was directed at her husband.   “Not as beautiful as you, honey,” he answered dutifully.   She laughed, her beautiful face bright with merriment. Her cheeks were turning red.   “Oh honey!” She smacked his hand.   “I love you guys but I’m not in the mood for your sappy love tonight,” Michel grumbled.   He pulled Anne Marie closer and pressed a kiss to her cheek.   “Now get out of here. Both of you,” he said lightly.   Victor shook his hand. “We should meet soon for drinks and discuss this… happy event of your marriage,” he said codedly.   Michel winced and nodded. “Yeah, we should.”   They’d been friends long enough for Victor to read from his expression that he was anything but happy.   Victor turned to leave with his wife. He stopped and turned around again, a quizzical look on his face.   “By the way, your wife looks a little familiar, don’t you think? I can’t quite place where I’ve seen that face before,” he said and left.   Michel frowned. ‘Really? She didn’t look familiar to him but then again, he hadn’t really looked at her yet.   That’s how things were when you married someone on your grandmother’s orders a day after you met her for the first time.   One thing was sure though… she was as beautiful as they all said.   The party had ended now and all the guests were leaving. In fact, Victor and Anne Marie were one of the last to leave.   Which meant that he could also leave now without being a bad host.   He sighed and headed to the door. His new wife was nowhere to be found. She must have left at some point too.   She’d stuck by his side for a while graciously accepting their congratulations while clinging to his side like a good, loving wife.   She was up to something and he couldn’t tell what it was but he’d be damned if he didn’t find out.   He made his way to the parking lot and headed straight for his car.   “It’s about time,” a voice came from behind him. “I was getting tired of waiting.”   Michel whirled around to see Maria casually leaning against the wall by his car.   She pushed off the wall and walked to his side with a smile. Somehow, the smile made him uncomfortable.   “What are you doing here?” He demanded.   “You seem to be asking me that a lot tonight,” she observed, her pleasant smile not shifting once.   “Maybe because you keep showing up in places you shouldn’t be in,” he countered irritably.   She blinked at him with faux surprise. “Shouldn’t be? Where else would I be after a party I attended with my husband? By the car waiting for him so we can go home, of course!”   “You didn’t come here with me, why do you think you are leaving with me?”   “I already sent my driver back so I’ll be riding home with you,” she said cheerfully.   He smirked. “You shouldn’t have done that. You’re not getting in this car with me. You can walk home for all I care.”   He hopped into the car and slammed the door shut behind him.   ‘Shit! What now?’ She’d really sent her driver back. How would she get home?   She looked around for a solution. Just then, a huge one jumped at her.   Alaina smirked. The universe must really be on her side tonight.   “Oh, Mrs Featherwork! Mr Featherwork! How lovely to run into you again,” Alaina called out.   The old couple paused in their track, on their way to their vehicle. When they saw her, they headed towards her.   The door opened behind her. Alaina didn’t bother to turn around. She simply smirked in the dark.   “Hello again, darling,” Mrs Featherworks said sweetly. “What are you doing out here?”   “Oh nothing, I was just about to get in the car with my husband when I saw you approaching. I simply had to say hi!”   “That is so sweet of you! Thank you!” She gushed. “It’s late and you must both be so tired. Don’t let us keep you waiting. Go on now.”   “Thank you soooo much for understanding!” Alaina’s voice was practically dripping in sweetness.   It was all Michel could do not to throw up.   He saw right through her facade. She’d called the old couple over to strong arm him into letting her into the car.   Since they were standing right there, he had no choice but to let her in.   “My sweet wife,” he said through clenched teeth, “Please get in the car.”   “A gentleman should open the door for his wife,” Mr Featherworks said. “Ain’t that right, honey?”   “That’s exactly right!” She giggled. “Forty years together and he still opens the door every time.”   “Wow! Isn’t that just romantic,” Alaina gushed, batting her eyelids.   Michel had to keep himself from scoffing but he obediently opened the door and stepped back.   Alaina climbed in happily. It was all he could do not to slam the door on her foot.   “Well, goodnight sir. Ma’am.” He entered the car as well and shut the door.   As soon as they pulled away from under the watchful eyes of the Featherworks, Michel turned to his wife.   “You… you’re a witch aren’t you?”