CHAPTER 140. CLAIRE

CHAPTER 140. CLAIRE
My apartment doorbell rang. I hurriedly opened the door and smiled to greet Raviel. He looked incredibly handsome in his navy suit and black tie. His hair was neatly combed and gelled. His jawline was perfectly smooth and smelled of masculine aftershave. He never failed to captivate any woman with his looks. But tonight, I sensed something different about Raviel. Perhaps it was his aura. He had a warmer aura, rather than a cold one. The gleam in his eyes was no longer something freezing, but something that could make any woman melt upon looking at him.
“Are you ready?”
“Yeah. I’ll get my handbag in my room.”
“Where’s Aiden?”
“He’s with Emma in his room. Aiden would cry if he saw me dressed up like this, but I didn’t take him out. He’s starting to understand. If I’m dressed up, it means I’m going somewhere, and he doesn’t like being left at home.”
“I wish I could say hello to him before we leave.”
I grabbed my black handbag, which was lying on the bed.
I took a moment to check my appearance in the mirror. I was wearing a knee-length navy dress with ruffles and a backless dress. I fell in love with this dress the moment I saw it in a store window two months ago. I bought it on impulse, but I’ve never worn it before. I didn’t expect it to match Raviel’s suit so well. He didn’t specifically ask me to wear a navy dress when he asked me to be his partner in an auction tonight.
“You look so beautiful tonight. You don’t look like a woman who just gave birth five months ago.”
Raviel's eyes traced every curve of my body. His gaze lingered on my back as I put on my pumps.
"I worked really hard to get back into shape. For a month after giving birth, I went on a strict diet and exercise regimen. It really took a lot of effort."
"I guess the effort paid off. You've got longer legs and a curvier figure. It's all beautiful."
"Thanks."
I straightened my back as I finished putting on my pumps.
"I'm ready."
"Let's go."
We walked hand in hand to the elevator. We looked like two people going to a party together, not a couple going to a formal event. I didn't feel like I was cheating behind Anthonio's back because nothing had happened between Raviel and me. I could tell we were friends now.
"Where do you live?"
"I already told you I live here."
"Your apartment number?"
“Thirty-five. Would you like to come over to my apartment?”
I thought for a moment. That didn’t seem like a bad idea. I wanted to see Raviel’s apartment, although I was sure it wouldn’t be much different from mine.
“Maybe I could come over to your apartment to cook dinner. Seth isn’t here, so you probably don’t have anyone to cook for you.”
We stepped into the elevator, and the electronic device glided down to the lobby. I was relieved we didn't have to stop at each floor to pick up the other apartment residents.
"I don't really have anyone cooking for me. I always do takeout. And if you'd like to cook dinner for me, I'd be delighted."
"Okay. I'll come to your apartment with Aiden and cook dinner for you."
"That sounds great. I can't wait."
We didn't talk much on the way to the Atrium near City Hall. We seemed at a loss for a neutral topic. Raviel had been speaking very cautiously to me since his second visit to my apartment. He hadn't mentioned anything that would spark a fight between us. But somehow, I didn't really like it when Raviel was passive and rather meek. I was used to seeing Raviel being cold-aggressive. I missed hearing him curse and speak sarcastically.
"There are paparazzi here."       
I was stunned to see a group of paparazzi at the entrance to the atrium. They were so excited to point their cameras at everyone walking down the red carpet.
"Are you afraid they'll take your picture with me?"
I instinctively shook my head.
"Why should I be afraid?"
He smirked at me.
“Maybe you’re afraid your fiancé will see our photo.”
“Not at all. I’m sure Anthonio will be fine.”
Raviel stared at me for a few moments before gesturing for me to slip my hand through his.
"It would have been awkward if we came together, but you didn't put your hand on my arm."
I smiled and put my hand on his arm.
I’d never attended an event like this before, let alone walked the red carpet. Flashes of paparazzi rained down on us as we walked in front of them. Raviel didn’t give them a chance to ask us questions as he immediately ushered me into the atrium. The paparazzi couldn’t get inside because of the burly bodyguards blocking them.
“Who do you usually take to events like this?”
“Nobody, because I usually skip them.”
“Why? I thought you used to take Karina to these kinds of events.”
"I never wanted to be seen with her outside the house, so I never took her to events like this. Besides, she already had plenty of friends without needing to attend events like this. I can't imagine how many new friends she would make after attending events like this."
"You're right. You two are complete opposites. Karina always wants to be the center of attention, while you shy away from the spotlight."
“I don’t like to talk about my personal life.”
“But you were a good host when you threw your anniversary party in Hawaii.”
“That was just part of the act I had to put on for you. I do have a lot of business associates, and I have a pretty good relationship with them. But I don’t really enjoy it. It’s just part of being a businessman.”
“Even if it was just an act, you did a good job,” I shrugged.
Raviel took me around the atrium. We looked at the items being auctioned tonight. There were all sorts of vases and other antiques. I saw a beautiful ruby ​​bracelet. It was being auctioned for a fantastic price. In fact, the prices for all the items were so fantastic that it took my breath away.
“Are you interested in any of them?”
“No. They’re definitely not for me. I can’t even afford the cheapest one.”
“I’ll buy you one.”
“No, you don’t have to bother.”
Raviel's gaze fell on the ring on my finger as I waved my hand in the air.
"Nice ring."
"Oh... Thank you."
I didn't know what a more appropriate response to Raviel would be. I wished I didn't have to wear this ring. It felt wrong. I felt like I was betraying Raviel, rather than Anthonio.
"Did you ask Anthonio for permission to attend this auction with me?"
"I thought he was too busy to care about such things."
Raviel smirked. "Don't tell me we did this behind Anthonio's back."
I looked away. I hated to admit we were doing this behind Anthonio's back. But I felt no need to confirm it because Raviel and I hadn't done anything inappropriate.
"Chill, I won't tell Anthonio about this."
Raviel pulled my chin up to make me look at him. His gaze turned sad and hurt.
"I don't blame you for being with Anthonio right now. It's mostly my fault. I didn't do anything to clear up the misunderstanding when I had the time."
I hated it when we started talking about it. We each played a role in it because we were both selfish and childish.
“Can we just enjoy this event and forget about that?”
Raviel stared at me deeply before nodding.
I hoped he would lean in deeper and kiss me, but he pulled away from me. He put a fair amount of distance between us before leading me to the dining room.