Chapter 94 #12: Jealousy Always Looked Good On You
I’m on a call the next day when the smell of lunch drifts through the apartment. Vincent has probably made grilled cheese for Lucy and something simple for us. I head to the kitchen. Lucy is on a stool, yogurt smeared all over her face, giggling because Vincent is pretending to steal a bite.
“Mommy, Daddy says I can have ice cream if I finish my granola,” she announces, waving her spoon.
I raise an eyebrow at Vincent. He shrugs and grins. “Bribery works wonders.”
“Only because you’re the soft one,” I say, sliding onto the stool next to Lucy and kissing her sticky cheek. “But yes, baby. Finish up, and you get ice cream.”
We eat together. The conversation stays easy, mostly about Lucy’s plans for the afternoon: colouring books, maybe a movie. Vincent looks at me over her head. His face is softer than earlier, but I can still see some of the tension in the way he watches me. When Lucy jumps down to play in her room, he leans across the counter and covers my hand with his.
“We need to talk about the gala next week,” he says quietly. “The Children’s Foundation one. I think we should go as a family. Take some photos, show everyone we’re together. The tabloids have been digging since the deal news. A strong family appearance will stop the rumours about problems at Calder.”
I nod, running my finger around the rim of my glass. It’s a good plan – especially with David’s name in the news more every day. “You’re right. It shows we’re stable. Happy family, strong business. Plus I think Lucy will love it. She gets an excuse to wear her new dress.”
His thumb moves over the back of my hand. “Exactly. And it might help with… everything else. Remind people – including Reid – that we’re solid.”
I look straight into his eyes, searching for any doubt left from his question earlier. “We’re more than solid, Vincent. We’re unbreakable.”
He pulls me closer and kisses me gently. “I know. Let’s make sure everyone else knows it too.”
The next few days pass in a blur of preparation. I take care of the details – RSVP confirmations, outfit coordination with the stylist – while Vincent finishes work before the Singapore deal closes. When I tell Lucy about the gala, her whole face lights up at the idea of dressing up.
“Can I wear my sparkly shoes?!” she asks, spinning in the living room while I sort invitations on the coffee table.
“Absolutely,” I say, pulling her into a hug. “And we’ll put those pretty clips in your hair.”
Vincent watches from the doorway, smiling softly. “You two are going to steal the show.”
“That’s the plan,” I say, winking at him.
The night of the gala arrives. The air is cool and clear, stars already visible above the city as our car stops at the hotel. Lucy holds my hand tightly as we step out, her dress sparkling under the lights. Vincent is on her other side in his tux, looking every inch the confident CEO. He puts his arm around my waist as we stop for photos.
“Nora, Vincent! Over here!” a reporter calls. “Is this little Lucy’s first gala?”
Vincent grins and lifts Lucy so she can wave. “It is, and she’s the star tonight.”
Lucy laughs and hides her face in his shoulder for a second before peeking out again. People around us say how cute she is. I smile and lean into Vincent, looking like the perfect family. But inside, my mind is racing. This isn’t just a night out. It’s a message – especially if David is here. I saw his name on the guest list earlier and didn’t tell Vincent.
We go inside. The ballroom is full of gowns and tuxedos. Chandeliers give off a warm light. Waiters carry champagne, and a string quartet plays softly. Lucy’s eyes get big as she takes it all in.
“Mommy, it’s like a castle,” she whispers, tugging my dress.
I kneel down and fix her hair clips. “It is, isn’t it? Stay close to me and Daddy, okay?”
She nods seriously, then spots the dessert table and pulls Vincent toward it. I follow, saying hello to people I know – board members, investors, the usual group. They talk about the recent deal and ask about future plans. I answer the way I always do, keeping things light, turning questions back when they get too personal.
“Nora, darling, you look stunning,” Elena says. She’s an executive I’ve known for years. “And that dress... where did you get it?”
“Custom made,” I say, smoothing the silk. “Vincent insisted.”
She glances at him as he’s helping Lucy pick a cookie. “Lucky man. And the family photos outside? Smart move. Stops any talk about Reid.”
I take a sip of champagne, keeping my face calm. “Talk?”
“You know how it is. Old relationships, new business deals. But you three look perfect.”
Before I can answer, a murmur moves through the room. People turn toward the entrance. I look too.
David walks in.
He moves with the same easy confidence he’s always had. His tux fits perfectly. But it’s not just him that makes my stomach twist. It’s the woman on his arm – tall and elegant, in an emerald gown, her hand resting in the crook of his elbow like it’s the most natural thing.
Maya.
Reporters rush them. “David! Is this the fiancée we’ve been hearing about?”
Fiancée. The word lands hard. I watch him smile down at her, say something that makes her laugh. Then he leans in and kisses her cheek, letting it linger a second longer than necessary. The cameras catch everything as heat begins to climb up my neck.
Lucy tugs at my hand. “Mommy, that’s him! That’s my new friend, Mr. David!”
I squeeze her fingers gently. “I know, sweetheart.”
Vincent’s eyes follow mine and narrow slightly when he sees David. “With company, I might add. Did you know about this?”
“No,” I reply honestly.
He tries to conceal it, but his lips twitch ever so slightly upwards. “How scandalous!”
“Yeah.” I shift Lucy on my hip, using her to steady myself against the feelings rising up.
We keep mingling, but my eyes keep going back to them. David moves through the room the way he always did – handshakes, laughs, working everyone. Maya charms people just as easily. At one point our eyes meet across the crowd. He holds my stare, a small smirk on his lips, then turns back to her.
I need air. “Vincent, I’m stepping out for a minute. It’s too warm in here.”
He nods and takes Lucy again. “Want me to come?”
“No, stay. Enjoy the party. I’ll be quick.”
I slip through a side door onto the terrace. The cool night air feels good against my skin. The city lights stretch out below me. I lean on the railing and breathe deeply. My heart is still racing.
Suddenly, the door opens behind me, but I don’t have to turn to know who it is. His presence is impossible to miss.
“Nora,” David says, his voice closer than I expected.
I straighten and face him just as the door clicks shut. “What are you doing out here?”
“Same as you, I'd imagine. Needed a break from the noise.” He steps closer, hands in his pockets, eyes moving over me – my dress, my face, the colour still in my cheeks. Up close, the years fall away too easily. He smells the same. Clean and familiar.
“Congratulations,” I say coolly. “Your fiancée seems lovely.”
His mouth curves upward. “Does she?”
“She does.”
He steps closer. Not invading my space yet, but just enough to be felt.
“And it has nothing to do with the fact that I just announced my engagement?” he says.
I laugh softly. “Don’t flatter yourself.”
“Why not? You’re already doing it for me.”
“I’m reacting to a surprise,” I reply. “There’s a difference.”
He tilts his head. “Is there?”
“I didn’t expect to see you parading a future bride in front of cameras,” I say. “That’s all.”
“And yet you’re out here,” he counters. “Alone. Watching the door.”
“I needed air.”
“Or maybe you needed a break from watching me with her.”
I give a short laugh. “I’m here with my family.”
He chuckles slightly at that, then slowly reaches out and brushes my arm lightly. The touch sends a shiver through me. “Jealousy always looked good on you, Nora.”
I step back. The railing stops me. He follows, standing close... close enough that I feel his body heat, though he’s not touching me.
“Someone could see us,” I whisper.
“That’s what makes it exciting, isn’t it, Doll?” His hand settles on my waist, fingers spreading wide. “I can see it on you. You're breathing faster now. Your nipples are hard under that dress. You miss this, don’t you? The risk. The control.”
I swallow hard. Heat gathers low in my stomach even as I fight it. “David... stop.”
He doesn’t. His other hand lifts my chin so I have to look at him. “Tell me you don’t feel it. Tell me you haven’t thought about us... about how I used to make you beg.”
My pulse pounds in my ears. I want to push him away, but my body leans into his hand just a little.
“Tell me you don’t miss being tied up and bent over my desk like the dirty little girl you are.” He leans in until his face is inches from mine and our breath mixes. “Tell me your husband makes you as wet with just his words as you are right now, Doll.”
His fingers trail down my collar bone, up the curve of my breast, brushing my nipple ever so slightly, making my breath stutter.
“Say you don’t want this... and I’ll stop right here,” he whispers, his mouth a hair's breath away from mine.
My heart slams against my ribs as he inches closer. So close that I can smell the faint whiff of mint on his breath. My lips part slightly in anticipation, ready to let him close the distance. But suddenly, he smirks – that same infuriating smile – and steps back, leaving cold air where his warmth had been.
“It's been nice seeing you, Doll,” he says, and with that, he turns and walks inside, the door closing behind him.