Chapter 27
All heads turned the instant we entered, and a whisper filled the hall. I had sensed it even before the grand door opened and instinctively slowed my pace. Both men walking beside me were tall and broad enough to shield me from curious eyes. So I shifted slightly and hid myself behind them.
I stayed close, moving when they moved, stopping when they stopped.
From the corner of my eye, I could see how the guests were looking at Matteo as if they were seeing him for the first time.
Perhaps this really was his first public appearance after his return. That's why he was reluctant to attend this party.
I sighed.
Whatever is the case, the night has not even begun, and I have already started feeling uncomfortable. I just want all this to end soon so we can return.
Back to the cage I loathed.
I chuckled internally.
I never thought I would ever want to go back to my cage.
Suddenly, a sharp, feminine voice reached my ears, one that always infuriates me.
"Welcome, Matteo."
My jaw clenched tight as soon as I heard Violet.
"I was waiting for you..."
She pressed herself against him, circled her arms around Matteo's neck, and wrapped herself around him like the snake she is.
Matteo’s body turned to stone. His posture remained stiff, his hands buried deep in his pockets, his jaw set hard. He neither moved nor said anything.
Why all this drama when he has already done a lot more than this with her?
"Welcome back, Matteo." I heard a man's voice, but I couldn't see the face of man.
Violet pulled back.
"I hope you are doing fine," he further added.
Matteo just nodded his head.
“See, Dad,” Violet purred, “I told you Matteo would come.”
Violet's dad.
He is Violet's dad.
Violet sounded so comfortable, as if she owned this place.
"Let's come inside," Violet's dad suggested.
And just like that, they both left me standing there.
My throat ran dry in an instant, and I swallowed hard when I found myself standing in the middle of the hall. Alone.
My body froze in its place as I watched how Matteo and Kayden mixed with the guests, completely forgetting about me. My heart pounded in my chest. I didn't like the way the guests started looking at me. They were whispering and smirking, definitely thinking of me as Matteo wanted to show me in front of the world.
I curled my fingers into fists at my sides, trying to compose myself, but I couldn't figure out where to go. At that moment, I wished the ground would open and swallow me whole.
“There you are, sweetheart.” I heard a soft, comfortable voice that caught my attention.
Relief washed over me as soon as I saw the person who had invited me here.
Matteo’s mother.
She was looking effortlessly beautiful and graceful. Her smile felt warm and genuine. I know it will not take a second for her to become better the moment she knows my reality.
But for now, I was a different girl. Samantha.
Her eyes swept over me as she said, “You look lovely tonight.”
"Thanks," I mumbled. "Happy anniversary, Mrs Russo."
"Thank you," she chuckled softly. “Come, let me take you to the kitchen.”
I nodded, thankful to her that she at least took me from here.
The scent of fresh herbs and baked bread reached me before the kitchen doors opened. I was completely taken aback because it looked more like a restaurant than just a kitchen.
“The guests have already started arriving,” she said, grabbing my attention once again. “You don’t have to worry about too much. Just make sure the drinks and food are served on time. That’s all I ask from you tonight.”
I nodded and she left, patting my shoulder once.
The kitchen was already buzzing with activity. I got to work to distract myself from Violet, moving from table to table, checking that everything was perfectly aligned.
Time ran faster than I realised, and I didn't realize when an hour passed.
"Hey, the cake has arrived. Can you please check?" One of the head chefs asked.
I nodded and walked out, but the scene that greeted me made my chest tighten. Matteo was talking to the guests with a wine glass in one hand and Violet in the other.
Violet's smile was so bright as if she had won the world. She leaned against him like she owned him. My steps faltered, and for a moment, I wished I had stayed in the kitchen.
I could barely breathe looking at them together.
“Looks like you don’t quite fit in with them.”
My head snapped at the intruder. It was a man in his forties, well-suited, exuding power. But I didn't like the way he looked at me.
"I mean to say you are far too beautiful to be working like this." He blinked at me. "Surely Matteo didn’t bring you here to fetch drinks?"
I inhaled a breath and straightened up. After everything, I was not in the mood to deal with him.
"This is my work and I love it," I told him flatly. "And let me know if there is anything you need."
His eyes dipped down, scanning my figure in a way that made my skin crawl. His gaze came back to my face.
“A drink,” he smirked widely. “Whichever one you think I’d like.”
Poison, I thought. That’s what I’d pick for you.
I called a bartender and asked him to serve the man a drink. Without wasting another second, I just walked away, though I could feel his stare scorching the back of my dress.
Shrugging my thoughts, I walked ahead and made sure that the cake was properly set, the knife, tissue paper, and other things were also there. I went to the hall and stood in a corner as the cake was brought.
Soon, Mr. and Mrs. Russo came near the cake. Matteo and Kayden stood beside them, and of course, Violet was still hanging on Matteo's arm.
When I thought they were going to cut the cake, Mr. Russo cleared his throat. He looked out over the guests to make sure everyone was looking at him. His body language was saying that he was going to announce something. I noticed his eyes flicker briefly to Matteo before turning to the guests.
“My dear family and friends,” Mr. Russo began, “we are so grateful you all could join us tonight to celebrate this wonderful occasion. But before we cut the cake, I have a little announcement to make.”
Suddenly, my heartbeat quickened and my throat became dry..
“We wanted tonight to be not only a celebration of our anniversary,” Mr. Russo continued, “but also to share some very special news. Violet and Matteo…” He looked at them for a brief moment. “...are going to get engaged by the end of this month, and you all are invited.”
Suddenly, I felt as if the air had been sucked out of my lungs.
Will they be engaged by the end of this month?
My hands started shivering, and my eyes snapped to Matteo in search of answers...