CHAPTER 83: DON’T

On their way back to the main hall, Joanna’s phone beeped, making them both stop in their tracks.

She reached for her phone, and her mood shifted instantly, brightening with excitement as she looked at the caller ID. Patricia, who hadn’t been paying attention, was drawn in by Joanna’s sudden enthusiasm and glanced down, curious to see who could provoke such a reaction. The name on the screen read, ’My Ride.’ But Patricia couldn’t understand how that alone could bring someone such joy. Was it her driver? Or perhaps a nickname for someone more important?

"Ermm, I will catch up with you on the way. I have to take this call." Joanna quickly untangled her arm from Patricia’s and excused herself before Patricia could get a word in.

"But..." Patricia called after her, frowning. Her protest faded almost immediately; Joanna wasn’t even looking back. Whoever that caller was, Patricia was certain they were significant.

With a sigh, she turned back toward the path ahead, lowering her gaze. That was when she realized she had no idea where she was. Joanna’s constant chatter earlier had kept her distracted, and she hadn’t paid attention to the route they had taken. Now, every corridor looked the same. Three main paths stretched ahead of her: the one to the right seemed familiar, but so did the one in the middle.

Annoyed, she glanced around, hoping to spot someone who could point her in the right direction. But the halls were silent, the only company a faint gust of wind that whispered past her.

Deciding not to overthink it, Patricia chose the right path and started walking.

After about a minute, faint hushed voices reached her ears. She slowed her steps, straining to listen, and moved cautiously toward the sound. Part of her considered turning back, but the chance of finding someone who could guide her outweighed the hesitation. It could just be two people bickering, there was no need to stress over it.

The closer she drew to the door at the end of the path, the louder the whispers became, her heartbeat syncing with her careful footsteps. When she finally reached it, she inhaled deeply, closing her eyes for a moment to steady herself. Whatever was happening inside might not be something she wanted to see. It wouldn’t be surprising if it turned out to be a couple making out, after all, most of the guests at the party were married. What worried her was the possibility of being accused of spying when all she wanted was directions. But then again, who made out with the door open?

Leaning slightly, she peered inside, making sure not to reveal too much of herself. Her eyes scanned the room until they landed on the couple locked in a heated embrace, exactly as she had suspected.

But then she froze.

Why did the man look like him?

They stood near the fireplace, half-hidden by a curtain that blocked her view. Patricia edged closer, her chest tightening with every step. Then the truth hit her, and her heart stopped for a moment.

It was Roman.

Roman, with Silver in his arms.

Her pulse spiked. A sharp ache clawed at her chest, her brows furrowing as confusion and hurt collided inside her. Why did it sting so much to see him with another woman? She had felt the same gnawing ache back at the hospital, though she had tried to convince herself it was nothing and just a doctor and a patient interaction. But no... it had felt wrong then, and it felt wrong now. Like something forbidden. Like something that should never have been happening.

But after last night... everything had changed. She could no longer lie to herself. When did it start? Was it that sudden kiss on the yacht? Or the one they shared after the vacation? She couldn’t pinpoint it, but somewhere along the line, something had shifted. Now, every time she saw him near another woman, her blood boiled. And seeing him with Silver, his ex, was even more unbearable.

Her chest heaved. Was she... in love with him? The thought terrified her.

She realized too late that she had been holding her breath. When she finally exhaled, it came out too loudly, a heavy rush of air that gave her away. Roman’s head snapped up. His eyes locked on hers and instantly, he shoved Silver aside like she no longer existed.

Patricia’s stomach dropped. Heat flushed through her as embarrassment washed over her. She felt as if she had been caught doing something shameful, when they were the ones who should be ashamed. And when Roman took a step toward her, those dark eyes fixed on her, panic surged through her veins.

She turned and bolted.

Her legs carried her aimlessly, her only thought to escape. To get out. To breathe.

She sprinted through the hall, her chest burning, her throat raw with swallowed sobs. She didn’t even care where she was going. She just needed to be anywhere but here.

"Hey! Are you okay?" Joanna’s voice cut through her frantic footsteps. Patricia barely registered her, brushing past as though she didn’t exist. Joanna’s smile fell, confusion flashing across her face. For a fleeting moment, guilt stirred in Patricia’s chest. Was it because she abandoned her? She took a step to follow after but...

"Patricia!"

Roman’s voice, sharp and commanding, echoing down the hall.

Joanna froze as Roman thundered past her, chasing after Patricia. That was when she realized. This wasn’t about her at all. This was something deeper, something raw and messy between the two of them. Her lips parted in surprise before she caught herself, frowning. Best to stay out of it. Getting in between a married couple’s fight was a dangerous game, you always ended up the villain once they made up. With a heavy sigh, she turned and walked away.

Meanwhile, Roman kept running after her, his voice louder now, drawing stares from passersby.

"Patricia!"

Outside, Patricia finally stopped, bent forward as she gasped for breath. Her lungs burned. Her legs trembled. It had been years since she had run like this, not since her days in high school when she was running from bullies. Not even at the emergency department had she ever felt this drained.

"Patricia!"

She whipped around at the sound of his voice, her chest still heaving. Roman caught up, his face set, his stride relentless.

"Don’t!" She snapped, thrusting out her hand to stop him. Her voice cracked, but her warning was clear.

"Stay away from me."