Chapter 130
Aria's POV
Three days later, I decided to accompany Jeremy to Caroline and Noah's engagement party after all. I wanted to find out what had happened with Devon.
I stood before my bedroom mirror, scrutinizing my reflection in the emerald cocktail dress that hugged my curves perfectly. Eight days. It had been eight days since I'd heard from Devon Kane. No calls, no texts—nothing but silence. I couldn't help but smile bitterly at my reflection.
"Looks like Mr. Kane has had his fill," I murmured, adjusting a strand of hair that had fallen out of place.
The thought left a hollow feeling in my chest that I refused to acknowledge. Without Devon's protection, I felt strangely vulnerable again, but I quickly pushed the feeling aside. I had gotten ready earlier than necessary, ensuring every detail was perfect—from my makeup to the delicate gold jewelry that complemented the dress.
William Harper passed by my open door and paused. "Where are you going today?" he asked, his tone casual but his eyes calculating.
"Out," I replied absently, continuing to arrange my accessories.
I moved to stand by the window, waiting for Jeremy to arrive. The morning sun cast a warm glow over the Harper family estate, but it did nothing to warm the chill that had settled in this house years ago.
A sleek black Range Rover pulled into the driveway precisely at seven. Jeremy Pierce stepped out, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit that screamed old money and good taste. His posture was elegant and confident—every inch the New York socialite.
As I walked out the front door, Victoria and Scarlett trailed behind me, clearly curious about my visitor. Victoria's eyes narrowed when she saw Jeremy, jealousy flashing across her face.
"Such a man-eater," Victoria whispered to Scarlett, loud enough for me to hear.
Scarlett stared at Jeremy, her eyes filled with envy and resentment. "Why does Aria always have all these rich, handsome men around her?" she muttered, biting her lip as she watched me walk toward Jeremy.
"Good morning," Jeremy greeted me with a warm smile, opening the passenger door. "You look stunning."
Victoria gave Scarlett a gentle push forward. "Go ask for a ride. Didn't you say you needed to go downtown?"
Scarlett hesitated before trotting over to us. She deliberately ignored me and flashed Jeremy her sweetest smile. "Excuse me, sir, could I possibly get a ride? I'm heading downtown as well."
Jeremy acted as if he hadn't heard her, focusing entirely on me. "Please get in, Aria."
"Sister, could I get a ride with you?" Scarlett asked, turning to me with desperation in her voice.
I was about to respond when Jeremy politely but firmly declined, "Sorry, miss, we're not going that way." He closed my door and walked around to the driver's side, quickly starting the engine and driving away.
In the rearview mirror, I caught a glimpse of Scarlett nearly stumbling backward, her face contorted with rage as she ran back to Victoria.
"What happened to your gentlemanly manners back there?" I asked teasingly as we pulled away from the estate.
Jeremy raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Gentlemanly manners are reserved for those who deserve them. Some people don't merit that respect."
I looked out the window, thinking about Ethan and Scarlett's intimate embrace from yesterday. "You know, she might have done me a favor by helping me cut my losses early."
"Cut your losses?" Jeremy glanced at me curiously.
"Nothing," I said, changing the subject. "Today's party should be quite an event."
We were in no rush to reach the party venue. Jeremy suggested stopping for brunch first, and I gladly agreed. We spent the morning at a charming café, discussing architecture and design. Jeremy's knowledge was impressive, and for a while, I forgot about my complicated life.
"How well do you know your brother's fiancée?" I asked casually, trying to mask my nervousness about the upcoming party.
"Caroline?" Jeremy shrugged. "Boston socialite, perfect match for the Pierce family standards." There was a hint of sarcasm in his tone that I couldn't quite place.
It was nearly eleven when we finally headed to the Pierce family estate, where the engagement party was being held in their expansive back garden.
The garden was decorated with exquisite taste—champagne towers, fresh flower arrangements, and string lights created an atmosphere of refined celebration. Guests mingled in small groups, champagne flutes glinting in the midday sun.
"Take my arm," Jeremy instructed at the entrance. "After all, I'm paying you to be here."
"What?" I looked at him in surprise.
"Joking," Jeremy smiled, but his eyes suggested it wasn't entirely a joke. "But I would appreciate your cooperation."
I linked my arm through his, and we entered the venue together. Noah Pierce spotted us immediately, his expression cooling when he saw us arm-in-arm.
"Noah," Jeremy deliberately approached his brother. "I'd like you to meet Aria Harper, my date."
I could feel the tension between the brothers and wanted to excuse myself.
As I was searching for a polite way to step away, my gaze traveled across the crowd and locked with Devon Kane's. Time seemed to freeze. He stood on the opposite side of the garden, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, a whiskey tumbler in his hand, his sharp eyes fixed on me and Jeremy.
I steadied myself and offered Devon a polite smile and nod before turning toward the champagne tower, trying to appear nonchalant despite my racing heart.
I decided not to approach Devon first. Instead, I wandered through the garden, engaging in superficial conversations with other guests while keeping Devon in my peripheral vision.
Soon enough, I spotted him standing with a blonde woman in a white dress. She was elegant and poised, laughing at something Devon said. Every gesture screamed old money and breeding.
A dull ache settled in my chest as I sipped my champagne, trying to dismiss the feeling. "Why should I care?" I asked myself, but still chose to walk to the opposite side of the garden, away from the unsettling scene.
"Aria!" a familiar voice called. I turned to see Caroline Hayes approaching me, her engagement ring catching the sunlight.
"Caroline," I smiled, greeting her. "Congratulations on your engagement to Noah."
"Thank you," she said, glancing at my arm linked with Jeremy's. "I thought you'd be here with Devon."
"No, I'm Jeremy's date today," I explained, my voice steady despite my discomfort.
Caroline's eyes widened in surprise. "Did you and Devon break up?"