Anna’s POV:
Blake appeared suddenly, walking briskly toward us with a group trailing behind him. I heard Claire’s voice calling out, Blakey, wait for male a to catch up. Two assistants I recognized from the Wright Group office followed close behind.
Seth immediately moved me behind him protectively and confronted Blake. “What are you doing here? I don’t remember inviting you
Blake remained calm, taking a step forward. Seth pulled me back.
One of Blake’s assistants rushed over with an explanation. “Mr. Price, our CEO’s invitation was personally delivered by your father, who specifically emphasized that our CEO must attend. She pulled out an invitation from her folder–
–even more elegant than the one I’d received,
Seth clenched his fist and turned to me. “Anna, I swear I didn’t know.”
“It’s okay,” I replied.
A tall brunette woman with striking blue eyes ran up to us, calling out in accented English, “Seth! What are you doing here?”
Seth’s expression changed as he shot Blake a furious glare..
I’m here to pick up my friend for our wedding tomorrow,” Seth responded.
The woman gestured toward Blake. “What a coincidence, my father also asked me to pick up our esteemed guest. Let me introduce you–this is a very fam young entrepreneur in America. He’ll be working closely with our family business in the future.”
Seth gave a cold laugh. “Oh, I know him well. He’s sort of our matchmaker,” he said, glancing at me.
Only then did I realize that Seth’s upcoming wedding was somehow connected to Blake.
Blake’s eyes remained fixed on me as he extended his hand. After saying goodbye to Emily, Ethan, and Seth, I took Blake’s arm and left. From the corner my eye, I could see Seth clenching his jaw in anger.
In the car, Blake sat next to me while Isabelle joined us. She briefly introduced herself as Isabelle Morris before launching into rapid French conversati with Blake’s assistant. Blake occasionally joined their discussion.
I observed Isabelle closely–she had an obvious ambitious streak, the type who would fight fiercely for her interests. I couldn’t help wondering if Seth truly be happy with a woman like her.
After dropping Isabelle and the assistants at their company building to discuss business matters, the car fell silent. The air felt suffocating, filled with unfamiliar perfume.
Claire broke the silence. “Blakey, take me sightseeing later. We haven’t really enjoyed Paris together yet.”
Blake didn’t respond, sitting with his eyes closed, looking exhausted.
“Blakey, Claire persisted, her voice grating on my nerves.
My head throbbed. “Stop the car,‘ I told the driver. “I’ll get out here.” I wanted to leave them alone.
To my surprise, Blake got out too, instructing the driver to take Claire around the city.
I realized Blake was following me. I stopped, and he stopped too. We stood facing each other on a busy Parisian street while people rushed past,
I remembered the first time I saw him at that party years ago. If I’d known then that he would bring me both happiness and despair, would I still h my eyes linger on him? I tried to look away but couldn’t–some–invisible force kept pulling me back.
“Do you really have to follow me?” I snapped, anger rising inside me. I was certain Blake had known all along about Seth’s wedding but deliberatel from me.
Chapter 247
He had intentionally appeared when Seth and I met, bringing me back to his side. He had enjoyed seeing our shocked faces,
Blake pressed his lips together, his expression impassive. We stood several feet apart on the busy Champs–Elysées, surrounded by crowds–not the place for the kind of conversation that was brewing.
As I turned to leave, Blake suddenly rushed toward me with an urgent expression. Ile wrapped his arms around me, making us stumble backward in a hall- circle.
Then he leaned in to kiss me while passersby stopped to watch, some cheering at the romantic display.
I gasped and buried my face in his coat.
Blake cupped my face with both hands and announced in fluent French to the strangers around us: “This is my wife. She’s a bit shy.”
The onlookers smiled warmly, offering congratulations. For a
brief, disorienting moment, I felt the happy illusion of what marriage could be.
“If you don’t take me with you, and I don’t follow you, we’ll end up separated,” Blake explained. Then, more directly, I don’t want you to leave.”
Pretty words. I trusted them maybe thirty percent.
I pushed him away and ran to a quiet spot by the Seine. “Does Seth’s marriage have something to do with you?” I demanded.
Blake’s expression darkened, his voice hoarse. “I’m not blaming you for attending his wedding behind my back. Let’s just pretend we’re traveling together. D you really need to discuss this during our trip?”
‘Why are you playing with someone else’s happiness because of whatever is between us?” I shot back. “Seth and that woman are completely wrong for each other. This whole thing is ridiculous!”
Blake gave a cold laugh, “If they’re not right for each other, then who is? You?”
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