“I didn’t know you were so eager to ruin your sister’s rehearsal dinner. Inviting your ex and present lover at the same time? When the lover is a fiercely possessive one?” Cassie asked, glancing behind me.
My heart skipped a beat. Turning around, I found Warner strolling in the backyard. Noticing him, Tess and Caleb walked up to him, giving him welcoming hugs.
Sighing, I turned back.
“What’s with the sullen face?” The side of her lips turned up into a devilish smirk. “Expected someone else?”
Glaring at her, I took a sip of my lemonade.
It’s been an hour since we arrived for Tess’s rehearsal dinner at Valencian Mansion. A BBQ party was held in the vast backyard of the mansion before the dinner. The trees were lit with fairy lights and a small bonfire was set in the middle of the place. While Mom, Dad and some of our relatives sat around the fire to keep themselves warm in the early winter night, Tess, Tobias, Caleb, and their friends took care of the BBQ meats.
It was more like a small get-together with close family and friends than a rehearsal dinner. Tess didn’t want it to be a formal event. She wanted to have some cozy time with everyone.
Though I was happy with her decision and had a polite conversation with her, I couldn’t help but feel bored.
Well, worried, to be exact.
There was no sight of him yet. And I could understand why. Coming to the house he’d faced so many hurdles in his childhood wasn’t an easy thing to do.
Tess and Caleb had their new home ready to move in after their wedding for a new beginning. The main reason for them to keep this dinner over here, they wanted to spend some quality time before they left this place. And I couldn’t be mad at them for that.
But that didn’t make his pain any less. He’s already been here twice for me, but I didn’t know if he could do it again and again. Even if I dreaded of the outcome once Ace would find Warner here, I was more concerned with his state of mind right now. My hands itched to call him, but I kept them in control.
I was mad at him, right? I couldn’t just call him to ask if he was all right. He’d think I forgot everything and forgave him. Which I didn’t.
Well, not yet…
“Can you stop getting lost in your thoughts? Just call him and get over with it.” She rolled her smoky amber eyes, which went well with her black cocktail dress and high heels. “You’re not even talking to me properly. Are you ignoring me?”
I leaned against the small bar situated not far from the bonfire. “Yes, I’m ignoring you. You just realized that? Why would I talk to a friend who joins hands with the enemy?”
“Enemy?” Her brows crinkled.
“Uh-huh. Enemy.” I threw her a look. “You told Ace about mine and Warner’s break-up. And I had no idea about it. You should be in my gang to kick his ass with me, but here you are, passing information to him about my life?”
With wide eyes, she flashed me a sheepish grin. “Oh, so you’re mad about that.” She cleared her throat. “It’s not my fault. When you weren’t responding to his calls or messages, he ruined my peace to know what was going on in your mind because he thought you shared everything with me as your best friend. So, to have a good night’s sleep, I had to pass him something to calm the beast, you know?”
I shook my head at her.
“And I didn’t say anything wrong. He’d know sooner or later,” she added. “Now stop being a grumbling ass and call him. Don’t make any excuses. Even among so many people, your mind is somewhere else. I can see it. It’s on your face.”
Was it that obvious?
“By the way, does he still send you roses every morning?” she asked out of the blue.
“Yes?” Why’d she ask that? She knew they were an everyday thing now.
“Save the day after tomorrow’s bouquet for me. I’ll drop by your place at eleven.”
My eyes narrowed. “Why’d I give you my flowers?”
“Jeez, relax. Don’t need to get all green now. You can keep all of them. I just need one bouquet.” Taking a last swig of her drink, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “That day is my current date’s bitch elder sister’s birthday. I have to attend her formal family brunch with something in my hands. Why’d I waste my money to buy something for her when I can just take your bouquet?”
I let out a chuckle, not surprised at all. Typical Cassandra Brooks. When it came to the people she disliked, she wouldn’t even throw a penny for them.
“Kids, the lambs are ready!” Mom beckoned us with her hand, serving the smoky grilled lambs on plates for everyone.
“Don’t forget the flowers!” Cassie skipped off to the group.
Placing the glass on the bar counter, I heaved a sigh. Cool air kissed my arms, raising goosebumps across my skin. While rubbing my arms to provide some warmth, my eyes fell on the bracelet on my wrist. Those tiny emeralds and diamonds sparkled under the light.
An involuntary smile touched my lips as I ran my thumb softly over it. After acknowledging he was the one who gave it to me, it felt closer to my heart than ever. As if it was one of my limbs I couldn’t even imagine losing. I didn’t even put it off while taking showers.
Where is he, anyway?
My eyes went to my left when I heard footsteps approaching. And to my great displeasure, it was Arthur.
Approaching the group, he flashed everyone with one of his fake polite smiles and shared hugs with Tess and Caleb. Both seemed quite happy with his presence.
“I’m glad you could make out some time for the dinner, Arthur. I hope you didn’t have to cancel too many of your meetings?” Tess asked, grinning ear to ear.
Unfortunately, he handled most of the important deals of Valencian Corp. Due to Ace’s trust in him, he saw if everything was going smoothly for those projects to get them completed on time and without any hurdles. Not to forget, he managed Ace’s many side businesses.
“Oh, no! Not at all. Nothing is more important than family,” he said, fishing a small rectangular velvety box out from his pants pocket. “Here, I got something for you. I hope you like it.”
Tess’s eyes shone with excitement as she took the box from his hand and opened it. The perfectly arched brows of her rose to her hairline. A pair of sparkling diamond earrings sat inside.
“Oh my! This is beautiful, Arthur! Thank you so much! You really didn’t have to buy me such an expensive gift, though.” She wrapped her arms around him once again, which he returned with a pat on her back.
Pulling away, he shook his head. “Nothing is as expensive as the smile I got to see on my future daughter-in-law’s face.”
Her eyes filled with moisture as Caleb pulled her into his arms, starting a conversation with Arthur.
“Who can say this man could be dangerous for someone?” Warner’s voice spoke beside me.
“This mask of his will be revealed soon.” My eyes didn’t move away from him. Something glowed inside his pocket. His phone. Moments later, it went off as he ignored it.
“By the way, did you talk to your cousin?” I turned to look at him. With a formal white button-down shirt and dark slacks, he had a glass of orange juice in his hand.
He nodded. “Yes. I gave him the information you messaged me about Arthur’s businesses in the UK. He already started to look into it. I’ll update you as soon as he gets back to me with anything.”
“Good. Tell him to do his best. Money isn’t the matter of concern here. I want his truth.” So I could disclose him before Ace and throw him out of his and my family’s life.
“I will. But… are you sure you want to do this, Em? If he somehow gets even a sniff on this…” He trailed off.
I shrugged. “I’m not scared of him. And don’t worry, your cousin is a detective. He knows how to be discreet.”
Nodding, his gaze went around. “Where is Achilles, anyway? I thought he wouldn’t leave another chance to convince you to forgive him.”
The bitterness of his voice didn’t sit well with me. I could understand his concern for me, but I didn’t like that he thought I’d do anything Ace would tell me. I had a mind of my own. I knew what to do in my life without anyone’s influence.
But I kept quiet. Though unintentionally, I’d hurt him. I knew he wasn’t over our past yet, and it was leading him to grow bitterness for Ace. I just hoped he’d move on soon. He had every right to be happy in his life with someone who’d love him truly.
“Maybe he won’t join the dinner tonight. Must be busy somewhere.”
“Busy with who?” he taunted.
I threw him a sharp glance. His indication pricked my skin. “Warner, please. We already talked about it, didn’t we? I don’t want a scene at Tess’s rehearsal dinner. So even if he comes, please be civil with him. Tonight and tomorrow are very special for my sister, don’t ruin it.”
Sighing, he nodded. “Sorry, I got a little carried away.”
“Just remember what I said.” My eyes went back to Arthur.
Finally pulling his phone out, he watched the caller ID. As soon as he did it, his whole demeanor changed. Casting a discreet glance at Tess and Caleb, who were busy talking to each other, he excused himself and walked inside the house.
“Where are you going?” Warner’s voice called out, but I was already following Arthur’s path inside the mansion. It must be an important call. Maybe I could find something out?
Halting in a hallway, I moved my head to my right and then left. Endless eerie corridors welcomed me with its silence. Distant music ringing outside was the only sound I could hear. Where did he go? He was just here a moment ago.
Ella, a house help who worked for Tess, emerged from around the corner of the corridor at my right with a tray of drinks in her hands.
“Miss? What are you doing here alone? You need anything?” she asked as soon as she noticed me.
“No, Ella. I don’t need anything. Thank you. Uh, did you see anyone going that way?” I pointed to where she just came from.
She shook her head. “No, miss. I didn’t see anyone. Why? Is everything all right?”
Nodding, I smiled. “Yeah, don’t worry. Everything is fine.”
Once she was gone, I took the left corridor, making sure not to make any noises. If he didn’t take the corridor Ella just came from, he must’ve taken this way. Ella would’ve seen him if he took right.
After walking aimlessly through the empty corridors for awhile, I finally heard something. His voice. I stopped right before the door of the balcony. Through the gap of the door, I peeked outside. And there he was, standing beside the railings, he had his phone against his ear. His hand was in a tight fist as he heard the person on the other side of the phone. The veins of his temple stood out as he gritted his teeth.
“And you’re telling me this right now?” he hissed, tone low. “That bitch!” he cursed under his breath. “Did she spill anything?”
A muscle of his jaw ticked.
“Are you sure?”
Then he nodded. “Keep an eye on her. Inform me if she tries to do anything against me.” His features turned blank as he straightened his collar with one hand. “If she doesn’t stay in her limits, make sure she loses her life just like she lost her job.”
