Chapter 85
Antonio took a sip of his drink, savoring the sharp burn as it went down his throat.
“Tell me,” he started and Zabelle turned her attention to him, “Are you having fun, or are you counting down the seconds. until we can leave?”
As much as he hated social events, there were some that he couldn’t miss and this gala was one of them.
However he was pissed at the fact that Alejandro didn’t show up. That bastard had really abandoned the gala for something else. He had texted the betrayer and he had not responded.
Zabelle chuckled softly as she looked around before turning back to him.
“A little of both, if I’m being honest. I don’t exactly thrive in rooms like this. I’m just curious to know what happens here to answer one of the questions I’ve always had.”
“You’re doing better than most of the people here,” Antonio told her. “Half of them are desperate to impress, the other half are desperate not to show it. You? You just exist, and it’s enough to make them stare.”
Zabelle raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching in amusement. “Is it just me or have you been attempting to charm me all night?”
“Maybe. Who else am I supposed to charm if not you,” he raised his eyebrows, a rare softness in his voice. “Is it working?” She shook her head, though her smile betrayed her. “You’re impossible,”
“And you’re fascinating,” he replied without missing a beat
Zabelle turned her attention when a person came on the mic and Antonio was left staring at Zabelle.
For a moment, the world around them faded into the background. Antonio found himself drawn to the way her eyes sparkled, the way she carried herself with quiet strength despite everything she’d been through.
He didn’t know why he was flirty tonight but he had no intention of stopping especially as he liked seeing her turn red. Not even the makeup she was wearing could hide how red she became whenever he spoke and he smiled at the thought of it.
But then, a strange warmth suddenly spread through his chest, seeping into his veins like liquid fire. His grip on his glass tightened as a sudden wave of heat rushed over him which caused his breath to hitch
“Shit!” he cursed under his breath and this drew Zabelle’s attention back to him.
“Antonio?” He heard Zabelle call out to him and he saw her brow furrow with concerii.
Grabbing his face, she made him look at her. “Are you okay?” She probed.
e to clear
He shook his head slightly, his mind. “I–excuse me,” he said abruptly, setting his glass down.
“I’ll be back soon. Don’t drink or eat anything in the meantime, he told her and he–mmediately headed toward the
restroom
As soon as he got in, Antonio splashed cold water onto his face, the droplets clinging to his skin as he leaned against the sink.
He raised his head to the mirror and he found his reflection staring back at him, his normally sharp features clouded with confusion.
Something wasn’t right. He thought to himself as he splashed some more water on his face.
18:22 Sat, Dec 28
Chapter 85
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His pulse raced unnaturally, his skin burned, and his thoughts felt sluggish, yet hyper–focused all at once. Plus, what was that damn uneasy feeling he was feeling under his skin.
“This isn’t helping, he muttered to himself after some time had passed and the uneasiness only increased.
Without wasting time, he turned off the faucet and left the restroom. As he came out, he bumped into someone, and he quickly caught them before they could fall.
“Thank you,” he heard a familiar voice say, and he found Vanessa standing there, her expression feigning innocence.
“What are you doing here?” he demanded, his voice sharp as he immediately let go of her as though she was a disease he didn’t want to touch.
“I came to use the restroom,” she told him, stepping closer. “You don’t look too well. Are you
okay.”
“Are you stupid or something?” he snapped in irritation. “Last time I ordered for your kidnapping, I didn’t make them touch you. Stay away from me, or I won’t be nice next time.”
But Vanessa didn’t back down. She stepped closer, her perfume overwhelming, and Antonio’s senses reeled. Why did it feel like her perfume just made the sensation under his skin worse?
“Do you really have to be so mean, I’m just trying to help you,” she said softly, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “I know we started off on a bad foot, but the kidnapping made me come to my senses.”
Antonio let out a harsh laugh, turning to face her fully. “Is that what you tell yourself? Let me make this clear, Vanessa. You are, without a doubt, the ugly sister.”
Vanessa flinched, her carefully constructed acting cracking.
“You can throw on all the designer dresses you want, Antonio continued, his voice cold, “but it won’t change the fact that you’re cheap. You’re so desperate, you settled for Jeremy–who, by the way, isn’t even good enough to clean Zabelle’s shoes
It was the first time he was actually giving the time of day to Vanessa, and it was to make it clear that he wasn’t interested in what she was doing. It might have worked on Jeremy, but he wasn’t the asshole.
No matter the circumstance surrounding his and Zabelle’s marriage, she was the only woman in his life and he had no intention of looking outside. He didn’t even need to, she was more than beautiful.
Vanessa’s face twisted with fury, but before she could respond, she caught sight of Zabelle approaching from behind
Antonio.
Her mind raced, and she made a split–second decision. If she couldn’t get Antonio easily, she would at least plant a seed of doubt in Zabelle’s mind that would lead to their relationship breaking.
She quickly got on her tiptoes and pressed her lips against Antonio’s, her hands framing his face as though she were pulling. him into a passionate embrace.
Antonio shoved her off instantly, his disgust evident. “What the Hell is wrong with you?!” he spat, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
But the damage was done. Vanessa smirked.
Antonio frowned when he heard a gasp from behind him and when he turned, his eyes widened in horror as Zabelle stood frozen a few feet away, her wide eyes locked on them.
18:22 Sat, Dec 28 GO
