Chapter 31
Chapter 31
VENUS
ས ེ
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The second we stepped out, two burly men flanked us; bodyguards, obviously. The flashes hit like lightning-chaotic, blinding. Reporters screamed Aaron’s name like he was royalty.
He didn’t break stride. His hand found my waist, firm and grounding. His cologne wrapped around me like armor, and just like that, the nerves simmered. Not gone, just hidden beneath hi touch.
“Who’s the lady?” someone shouted.
But Aaron didn’t stop. No interviews. No pauses. Just a purposeful stride and his hand never leaving my waist as we swept into the building.
I could already picture the headlines:
“Aaron Sinclair Spotted With Mystery Black head”
Gianna better not check the tabloids today or I’m toast.
We entered the Rosemary Hotel, and my breath caught. The lobby was a cathedral of opulence-crystal chandeliers,
marble floors, and gold accents screaming money from every corner. I instinctively moved closer to Aaron, hyper-aware of how out of place I felt. His fingers tightened on my side, a silent I’ve got you.
The main ballroom was even worse or maybe better. I couldn’t tell. It was stunning. But the moment we walked in, everything fell silent.
Eyes. So many eyes. Watching. Judging. Calculating.
I lifted my chin and kept walking, pretending I belonged, like I wasn’t a girl who once begged her boss for overtime pay just
to cover rent.
“Aaron, my boy p>
Mr. Felix. Middle-aged, charming, and one of the few people who’d ever acknowledged me back when I was just Aaron’s overworked PA. He approached with a warm grin and a firm handshake.
“Felix,” Aaron nodded, offering what might have passed as a smile-if it had come from literally anyone else.
Then Felix’s eyes landed on me.
“Oh-Venus? I almost didn’t recognize you. You look stunning.
My cheeks betrayed me with heat. “Thank you p>
They launched into business talk. Stocks. Mergers. Numbers that sounded more like code than conversation. I added a few words when prompted, careful not to come off like a porcelain doll clinging to Aaron’s arm. We drifted from group to group
-shaking hands, exchanging smiles, plastering pleasantries. Aaron introduced me as his girlfriend.
And just like that, people started listening,
But not everyone was welcoming. The glares from the women? Whew. If looks could kill, I’d be ashes before dessert.
“Want a drink?” Aaron’s voice slid into my car like silk dipped in sin.
The way he leaned in, barely brushing my shoulder-be knew actly what he was doing.
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Chapter 31
“Maybe juice,” I said, keeping my voice light. “I’m a lightweight, remember p>
He gave a soft chuckle, then pressed a quick, possessive kiss to my lips.
“I’ll be back p>
I inhaled sharply. I had to keep reminding myself—this was all for show.
Right?
Minutes later, he returned with a glass in hand. “Orange juice p>
“You spoil me p>
“You have no idea p>
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Before I could savor it, someone tugged him away-an investor maybe. His fingers slipped from mine like a reluctant goodbye.
“Don’t wander,” he said over his shoulder. “I’ll be back. Promise
He kissed my
cheek and vanished into the crowd.
appeared.
That’s when he
Tall. Suave. Probably someone’s son. Heir to a fortune, no doubt “You must be Aaron’s girl,” he said, offering a charming grin and a flute of something sparkling.
“Something like that,” I replied, politely declining the drink.
He chuckled. “You clean up dangerously well p>
“I try p>
“You’re not from this world, are you p>
“What gave it away? The nerves? The way I cling to Aaron like a lifeline?” I laughed softly.
He smiled. “You’re real. That’s rare here p>
And for a moment, I forgot the cameras, the diamonds, the whispers. He made me laugh—not flirtatiously, just… effortlessly.
“I’m Gerald, by the way,” he said, offering his hand.
“Venus.” I took it.
That’s when I saw Aaron returning.
Beside him was Connor-casual arrogance and devilish charm olled into a tailored suit. Gerald immediately backed off the second Aaron’s gaze landed on us. Smart move.
Connor leaned in with a smirk already forming.
“If I’d gotten to you before Aaron did, I’d have put a ring on your finger the day we met p>
I snorted. “Liar”
He placed a hand over his heart. “Honest truth. I would’ve locke you down before Sinclair so much as looked at you p>
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Chapter 31
Aaron shot him a look.
Connor held up his hands. “Hey, don’t blame me for having taste p>
Before I could fire back, a pair of dainty arms wrapped around Aaron’s torso from behind.
Feminine. Familiar.
I froze.
Aaron stiffened.
Connor raised an eyebrow.
Well.
This just got interesting.
AD
Mark Twain