Chapter 45 Chapter 45
Adele
A look of surprise flickered across Killian’s face before he masked it with a careless smile. “Oh,” he said lightly, “it didn’t make the news. I thought you were planning to marry your job.”
I didn’t hesitate, I reached across the table and took Rafe’s hand, my fingers tightening around his as I met his eyes with a silent plea that he please play along with this. Then I turned back to Killian, my lips curving into a polite but sharp smile.
“Babe,” I said calmly, “meet my ex. The one I completely forgot I ever had but yet somehow, he still keeps tabs on my life.”
Rafe didn’t miss a beat. “The one you dumped at the altar because he’s a serial cheat?” he said smoothly.
My eyes widened in shock. How did he know that? Before I could react, he squeezed my hand gently and gave me a reassuring smile, grounding me instantly.
Killian’s expression darkened, but he recovered quickly, stepping in before Rafe could say anything else. “It’s nice to see she told you about me,” he said, his tone turning sharp.
“You might think you are special now, but don’t get too comfortable. She has a habit of using men and dumping them just like she did to me, and every other man she’s been with over the past five years.”
His eyes flicked to our joined hands. “Just enjoy her money while it lasts.”
“Unlike you,” I said coldly, my voice steady despite the anger burning in my chest, “he isn’t a broke debtor with no real job, just big, useless dreams. I wouldn’t be surprised if you are leeching off the woman you came in with. In fact, I’d bet my life she’s the one paying for this dinner. You have always been like that—unable to afford even the basics unless a woman is footing the bill.”
He scoffed loudly, shaking his head. “And yet here you are,” he shot back, “on a dinner date with a man you claim is powerful and impressive, but who can’t even buy you a dress. You are wearing a dress I bought you five years ago—on a dinner with your fiancé. What a shame.” He smiled like he had just scored a victory.
“A dress you picked,” I corrected him calmly, “and one I paid for with my own card.”
Rafe finally stood, his voice firm and controlled. “Look here,” he said evenly, “I think you should respect yourself and your date instead of coming over here to exchange insults with your ex. It’s extremely disrespectful, to everyone involved.”
“Shut the hell up, lover boy,” Killian snapped, his composure cracking. “You don’t get to tell me how to treat my woman, you fool.”
My gaze shifted past him to the corner the woman was sitting, she stared at us in confusion.
“Fine,” Rafe said, his voice low but dangerous, “but I suggest you watch how you speak to my woman.”
The words sent an unexpected flutter through my stomach, butterflies bursting to life before I could stop them.
“You messed up and lost her,” he continued, his voice rising with every sentence. “She has moved on. You’ve moved on. So why are you standing here throwing tantrums like a fool?”
He straightened, his presence commanding. “If you continue to cause a disturbance, I won’t have any choice but to ask management to have you removed.”
Killian snapped. He slammed his hands down on the table, the sharp sound cutting through the restaurant and drawing curious stares from nearby diners.
“I dare you,” he shouted, his face flushed with anger. “I dare you to ask them to throw me out. Who the hell do you think you are?”
The woman Killian came with hurried over, alarm written all over her face. She reached him and placed her hands gently on his shoulders, trying to calm him.
“Babe,” she asked softly, confused eyes moving between us, “what’s going on?”
I looked at her and felt a sharp pang of pity twist in my chest. This was exactly how his exes must have seen me when I was with him.
“Take Julie and go wait for me in the car,” Killian barked, his voice sharp and commanding, leaving no room for discussion.
She hesitated then shot me a hard, subtle look one filled with judgment before turning and walking away with the child. I watched her go.
Rafe didn’t waste another second. He snapped his fingers, and one of the waiters hurried over immediately.
“Get security,” Rafe said calmly, his tone firm and unmistakable. “Have this man removed from the premises at once. And blacklist him from ever coming here again.”
The waiter nodded quickly and rushed off.
Killian laughed harshly, bitterness twisting his face. “You think you are powerful?” he sneered at Rafe. “I will be here when she dumps you at the altar and runs off with some younger man.”
Before Rafe could respond, security arrived. They took hold of Killian firmly and began dragging him toward the exit.
“You slut!” Killian shouted, struggling against them. “You will regret this. I will make you pay for humiliating me like this!”
His voice echoed through the restaurant until the doors finally closed behind him, cutting him off completely.
Silence followed, I let out a slow breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. “Thank you,” I said quietly.
Rafe simply nodded, then smiled at me, soft, reassuring, nothing like the dominance he’d just displayed.
“That idiot polluted this place with his presence,” he said lightly. “Now, may I take my fiancée somewhere more private? Somewhere we can properly discuss our marriage plans?”
I chuckled, warmth spreading through me.
“Yes, husband-to-be,” I teased. Then I paused, curiosity creeping in. “Wait, are you related to the owner of this restaurant?” I asked. It had been far too easy for him to have Killian thrown out.
That single move, yhe calm authority made me like him even more. The memory of shock and humiliation on Killian’s face felt like justice I could sleep peacefully with for years.
“The restaurant belongs to my mother,” Rafe said simply.
He stood and reached for my hand, helping me up with gentle ease. Hand in hand, we walked out of the restaurant together.
Author's note: Well Rafe is not denying it😂. Killian is a fool, a big one at that.