I arrived at the grand hall, my eyes scanning the glittering crowd, searching for two familiar faces. There they were, standing a few feet away, looking around as if trying to take in every corner of the lavish room. I made my way over to them, the hem of my turquoise gown brushing softly against the marble floor.
"Hello, guys. Enjoying yourselves?" I asked with a smile. Maxwell's eyes swept over me from head to toe, and a slow grin spread across his face."Wow… baby, you look absolutely breathtaking tonight," he murmured, his voice almost reverent.
"Thanks, Maxwell," I replied, warmth rising in my cheeks. "And you don't look bad yourself."
Without warning, he took my hand, his grip warm and steady, and brought my knuckles to his lips in a soft kiss. My breath hitched.
"Hey, that's enough," I teased, glancing at Angel. "I don't want her beating me to death."
The three of us burst into laughter, the kind that momentarily melts away tension. But somewhere in that lighthearted moment, I felt it someone's eyes burning into me.From across the hall, a man stood in the shadows, watching us intently. His gaze wasn't just focused it was predatory.
Mark.
His lips curved into a dark, knowing smirk as he studied Maxwell. "So… that's Maxwell the well-known businessman," Mark muttered under his breath. "Could he be Aurora's boyfriend? Oh… how deliciously ironic it would be… stealing the woman of Jake's best friend."
He chuckled low, the sound laced with menace. Suddenly, a collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Even Maxwell's head whipped around. My curiosity piqued, I turned to see what had caused such a reaction.
And then… my eyes met a pair of hazel orbs sharp, hypnotic, and unyielding.Mr. Demi-God.
I immediately rolled my eyes and turned back to Maxwell and Angel, but they were still staring in his direction, their expressions unreadable. "Is it just me," Angel whispered, "or are you and that guy wearing the exact same color?" My brows furrowed. "Now that you mention it… yeah. He's in the same turquoise shade as my gown." I scoffed lightly. "I have no idea who he is or why he's here, and honestly, I don't care. Let's just enjoy the party."
"You're right," Maxwell said, but there was an edge to his tone. "And I think it's best if you don't know who he is."Before I could question him, Maxwell cupped my cheeks with both hands, his eyes locking onto mine. Something in his gaze protective, almost desperate made my heart skip. Unable to help myself, I leaned forward and wrapped my arms around him.
From across the room, Mark's gaze turned glacial.So, they really are a thing…
Suddenly, a strong grip clamped around my arm, yanking me away from Maxwell and Angel. My father's face loomed close, his smile tight for the sake of the guests, but his fingers were digging into my skin like claws.
"Dad, you're hurting me," I hissed through clenched teeth, still forcing a pleasant expression. "Loosen your grip if you don't want me making a scene." His lips twitched with amusement. "As if you could, my princess. Jake isn't here anymore to defend you. So be a good girl and follow me to the podium while I give my speech." Mark saw everything. He noticed the way I masked my pain with a smile, the slight flinch I tried to hide, the silent plea in my eyes. His gaze flickered to Maxwell, whose jaw was clenched so hard it looked like it might snap.And then the realization struck him. Ah… I see now. Charles doesn't want his daughter anywhere near her lover especially not tonight. Not at her own betrothal party.
My own gaze wandered restlessly across the room until it landed on a familiar face."Hey, sis," I called to Tiwa. "Enjoying the party?"
"Of course I am," she replied with a curious grin. "But why are we really here? I'm dying to know. "Patience, little sis," I said with a faint smile. "You'll find out soon enough. "Fine," she huffed, scanning the crowd. "I'll just make some new friends… and who knows? I might meet my one true love."
"Of course you can," I said lightly, though my chest felt tight. "Just… be careful, baby sister. "I will."