Chapter 59
Chapter 59
VENUS
This gala was otherworldly. It screamed wealth in a way that bordered on obscene-even for someone used to standing beside Aaron Sinclair. I’d been to my fair share of high-society events with him, but nothing quite like this. The chandeliers glittered like a thousand stars trapped in crystal cages, and the music thrummed through marble walls-haunting, elegant, and impossible to ignore.
Of course, I had the glam team work their magic on me. They always did. Tonight’s look? Flawless. Hair swept into an intricate updo, red lips that could command kingdoms, and a gown that clung to me like a whispered secret. And for once, even Aaron noticed.
“You look… good,” he’d said. Practically Shakespeare, coming from him.
But just when I thought the night might glide by smoothly, fate decided to stir the pot.
Dorian was here.
I spotted him early-his piercing gaze finding me through the crowd like a predator clocking prey. He didn’t approach. He didn’t have to. He just stood there, drink in hand, eyes glued to me. It made my skin crawl.
No familiar faces so far, thank God. At least I wouldn’t have to suffer through Caroline ambushing me in the bathroom, spewing venom behind a plastic smile.
Aaron was working the room-talking, charming, dealing. I remained at his side, the elegant silent partner. I didn’t mind. His world was a battlefield disguised as a ballroom, full of power plays and veiled threats dressed up as pleasantries. I had no desire to be caught in any crossfire.
We’d just stepped away from a tolerable business associate when she appeared.
She was stunning. The kind of stunning that knew it. Impeccably dressed, skin glowing, confidence dripping off her in waves. She moved like she owned the floor-and made a beeline for Aaron.
“Aaron,” she purred, eyes lighting up as she placed a hand-an intimate, possessive one-on his arm like she was returning to her rightful place.
My spine straightened like someone had pulled a string.
“Andrea,” he said. Flat. Not cold, not warm-just unreadably neutral. And that irritated me even more.
“It’s been so long,” she cooed, tilting her head like a curious cat, eyes crawling over him with a hunger that made my stomach twist. She looked at him like she’d tasted parts of him I hadn’t even glimpsed yet.
Then her gaze finally shifted to me-like I was an afterthought.
“I’m sorry,” she said with faux-sweetness, “so you’re Venus p>
She butchered my name like it was a foreign language. I winced.
“Venus,” I corrected, voice clipped but polite, mouth stretched into a smile that didn’t touch my eyes.
“Andrea Marlowe.” She extended her hand like she was doing me a favor. I took it.
Marlowe. The name clicked instantly.
“You’re… Gerald’s sister p>
Her smile grew saccharine. “You know Gerald? Of course you do p>
Oh, I knew Gerald.
At least to me, Gerald seemed more genuine. Aaron didn’t seem to like either of them.
“Excuse us, we have-” Aaron began, already trying to pull us away.
But Andrea wasn’t done.
“Come on, Aaron,” she crooned, leaning in, her perfume sickeningly sweet. “You can’t spare me a few minutes p>
Aaron’s arm tightened around my waist.
And then, thank God, someone else called out to her. She turned, momentarily distracted. She gave Aaron one last parting smile. “We’ll catch up later p>
Over my dead body, sweetheart.
Where did that come from Venus?
Successfully unlocked!
As she drifted away, I looked up at him, arching a brow. “Old flame p>
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Chapter 59
He didn’t answer. Not with words. But something flickered in his eyes-shadows, unspoken and buried.
Interesting.
Still, his hand stayed firm on my waist, guiding me through the ballroom, past glittering bodies and murmured gossip.
Then I felt it-dizziness creeping in like a fog.
Aaron noticed instantly.
“When was the last time you ate p>
“I don’t remember p>
That was a lie. I did remember. Yesterday afternoon. Half a grilled cheese sandwich I couldn’t finish-I lost my appetite halfway through.
He exhaled, something close to a grumble. “Women p>
“I’m not hungry p>
“You will eat p>
“Bossy,” I muttered. If he heard, he didn’t show it.
He led me to the buffet table, grabbed a plate, and began serving-dish after dish like he was preparing to feed an army. We both knew I wouldn’t eat half of it, but he still carried the plate over, placed it in front of me, and drew out a chair.
I sat. He sat beside me. He gave me a look that said: eat.
I hesitated.
“Would you prefer I spoon-feed you?” he asked, deadpan.
I grabbed a spoon immediately and took a mouthful, swallowing fast.
“Happy p>
“Eat p>
I was on my third spoon when another voice cut through the hum of the ballroom.
“Aaron p>
Oh, for the love of-
He looked up.
But this time… he wasn’t indifferent.
His face shifted. Shock. Softness. Something rare and raw.
“Mom p>
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Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.