CHAPTER 91: THE NIGHT BEGINS

Braelyn’s POV

The night for the fundraisers and project launch arrived before I knew it. Because I had spent a good amount of time at the hospital, Natalia was the one who ended up hosting the event.

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I dreaded attending the event; it was all smiles and sparkles in a room filled with vipers, and worse, the entire Volkov family would be there. That made my stomach churn.

The house was pretty lively tonight without a doubt. Let’s say Amelia had gotten almost every store in the city to come here, although I didn’t mean it in the literal sense, but the amount of clothes that flooded the sitting room was enough to open a store.

They weren’t cheap either and I don’t think she would be able to wear them all before they go out of style.

I could hear distant chatter coming from her way as I approached her. "I can’t believe Raphael really got all these luxurious stores to come over ", one of her friends was fawning over her. My eyes almost fell at her pitch; her voice was so high-pitched that it made my stomach churn.

"It’s no big deal. This is the official launch of my first project, and it is a big collaboration with the Volkov Apex Holding and the Titans group. I have to look my best." Amelia chimed. Their voice was loud enough that I heard it all the way from the hallway leading towards the foyer

It felt as if they deliberately wanted me to hear, which was petty because I didn’t care. Raphael had done something similar for me on multiple occasions because he didn’t trust his judgment in picking the right dress

And besides, I stopped attending events unless my presence was required after the rumours of my infertility became a public topic. Then I would rather work late in the office than accompany Raphael to avoid hearing those whispers.

Raphael understood me, at least it felt that way, and didn’t push, but after a while, a few months back, he started attending those events with Amelia. I didn’t think much about it although I felt uncomfortable.

At times I wonder if I was the one who pushed him away. My hands clenched as I approached the sitting room door. The door was slightly agape, so I could get a peek at the spectacle. Dresses, shoes, jewellery and purses you name it. An entire team of beauticians was fawning over her, with her group of annoying friends, too.

One I was very familiar with. Angela was the one who was the loudest to whisper those rumours. Now I think about it there was a possibility Amelia started the rumours in the past and I danced to her tone

I smirked at the thought holding back a dry laugh.

"The Sinclair family would be glad. Your project involves two multinational companies. I heard the Titans are a powerhouse." Angels chimed, she was going through the dresses with the other girls to find a perfect dress.

"Of course, the project will be awesome. Since it is Amelia’s." Another said with a proud look. Amelia was all smiles. I didn’t understand why I was watching but this was oddly entertaining.

I left my room earlier because Lucien had informed me the car was almost here.

Their voices turned hushed, "Will Braelyn be attending?" One asked, and just like a plague, the room went silent ..

"Please don’t mention her before you jinx my night. She has been holed up in her room all day probably loathing herself." Amelia sneered and her friends laughed off

"She would not even be able to have a good dress for the gala since Raphael paid all his attention to you. He really treasures you." Angela fawned while talking down to me. I clicked my tongue at them.

Even if I could not get a dress from this city it wasn’t like there weren’t other luxury stores elsewhere.

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"By the way, when does Raphael plan on making things official with you?" One of her friends asked oblivious to the looks the others were giving her. Amelia’s face turned ugly. Her foundation cracked. Angela, being her biggest fan girl, nudged the other.

Angela laughed trying to smooth over things. "We all know Raphael adores Amelia; it is only a matter of time before things are made official." I scoffed already having enough of this conversation.

It was either that they were dumb or pretending to be dumb not to know their precious Amelia was nothing more than a mistress. My phone dinged with a notification

Lucien: The car is already waiting outside

My attention was focused on the screen, walking mindlessly towards the main entrance.

Lynn: I will be outside in a bit

I sent the message, then slipped the phone into my purse. I accidentally bumped into a wall because I wasn’t paying attention.

I hissed, annoyed, ’ How can I be so careless? ’ I sneered inwardly. Slowly lifting my head while rubbing my forehead

"Let the car in." I heard Raphael’s voice before I realised the wall I walked into was him. Our gaze locked and silence took over...

None of us said a word. After the last shameless incident, we hadn’t met eye to eye. "Raphael," I calmly said.

His Adam’s apple bobbled as he swallowed. "Are you heading out like that?" He asked, gauging my outfit. I wasn’t dressed for the night yet.

"If you could not get anything to wear, there are a lot of dresses for you to choose from." He added, sounding so chivalrous, my nose bled because of irritation..

He wanted me to pick from Amelia’s leftovers. "It’s fine, I will figure out something myself." I chimed. He didn’t move away; it was as if he had more to say.

He sighed, my eyes trailed over him. He was already dressed for the night; he was wearing a navy blue tux, his hair was slicked back, and unexpectedly, he was wearing his wedding ring while accompanying Amelia.

I snickered, of course, he would. We still had to act a certain part, but at this point, we have both forgotten our roles. "Please excuse me, my ride is waiting," I mentioned. He was blocking my way..

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He stood aside letting me walk by, then his voice drifted towards me.

"Are you going with him?" He asked despite already being informed of the car waiting for me.

I didn’t answer his question. "Please enjoy the night, Amelia should be waiting," I said instead and could feel his jaw visibly tense up

Right on cue, the sitting room door was pushed open. Amelia spotted me first and couldn’t hide her annoyance, but yet frown quickly curled up when she glanced at Raphael.

"Raph, can you help me pick out a shoe?" I rolled my eyes; her words faded as I marched outside, not bothering to hear the rest.

The cold autumn breeze struck me, giving soft goosebumps. My eyes immediately found Lucien’s figure leaning against his car. He was dressed in black denim and a leather jacket. He didn’t look like someone who had a gala to attend.

He glanced up once he sensed my gaze, a soft smirk graced his lips, but I could sense something was visibly wrong.

After my birthday this was the first time we were meeting again.

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