Chapter 40 Serving Them

Chapter 40 Serving Them
Kai’s POV

A sharp slap cracked through the air and snapped Dorothy’s head to the side. The sound echoed louder than the murmurs in the room.

“Look at what you’ve done!” Mrs. Harrington’s voice shook with rage. “Look at this mess!”

Dorothy staggered, hand rising instinctively to her cheek, eyes wide. “It wasn’t me I swear…there was a light and I slipped and—”

“Don’t you dare,” Mrs. Harrington cut in, stepping closer again, voice rising. “I’ve heard the rumors about how you dislike Alina and I’ve ignored them. I even gave you the benefit of the doubt. But this?” She gestured around the ruined room, at the overturned tables, shattered plates, ruined desserts. “This failed little stunt to ruin this party…to steal Alina’s spotlight and you had the nerve to drag me into it?”

Dorothy shook her head frantically. “I didn’t…please, I swear I didn’t mean for any of this to happen—”

Mrs. Harrington’s hand flew up again and Dorothy flinched.

But before the second slap could land, her husband caught her wrist mid-air.

“Enough,” he said firmly, pulling her back.

She resisted, still trembling with fury, eyes locked on Dorothy like she wanted to finish what she started, but he didn’t let go.

“She’s not worth it, honey,” he muttered, his voice lower but final. Then, louder, for the room to hear… “Go. Clean yourself up darling. Don’t let this sour sight ruin our afternoon.”

Mrs. Harrington stood there breathing hard, chocolate dripping slightly from the edge of her dress, humiliation and rage warring across her face.

Dorothy’s face crumpled as more tears cut clean tracks through the chocolate mess on her cheeks. 
“I…I didn’t…someone pushed me!”

Nobody bought it. They just kept staring, that mix of secondhand embarrassment and quiet delight rich folks get when someone else’s perfect image explodes.

She sobbed harder as a man on black suit led her away from the hall, muttering how she’s embarrassing him while people sighed with relief, exchanging low murmurings.

I stayed hidden near the service edge, watching the whole scene. But my eyes weren’t on Dorothy’s meltdown. They were on her.

Alina.

She looked like a kid on Christmas morning. Pure, glittering joy lit up her face. That dimple I loved appeared on her cheek as she tried…and failed…to hide her smile. 

Her eyes darted around the room excitedly, as she searched. Looking for someone. Looking for me. 

My chest tightened so hard it hurt. I was whipped. Completely gone for this girl.

I took one step forward before I caught myself. I looked down at my cheap server uniform and clenched my jaw. 

Going to her now would only make things worse for her. I’d paint a target on her back bigger than the one already there.

So I stayed in the shadows, fists clenched, jaw tight as stone.

Blake’s father recovered quickly, smoothing things over with practiced charm after he instructed security to investigate what happened with the light. 

The lights were back already, music resuming, staff scurrying to clean up the mess. 

Then came the part that made me want to punch through a wall.

They called Blake and Alina up to the stage for the so-called formal introduction. 

Blake took her hand, all smiles and possessive charm, leading her through the crowd like a trophy. 

I watched every step, imagining tomorrow’s headlines… Harrington Heir and Sterling Princess: Fairytale Engagement. The thought made bile rise in my throat knowing the entire city is probably shipping them right now as the most powerful young couple. 

My fists stayed balled at my sides as they cut the ridiculous five-tier cake together once the introductions were over. 

Cameras flashed from every angle as people clapped and cheered. Blake leaned in close and whispered something to Alina.

She smiled.
Not the polite little smile she gave everyone else. Not the practiced one for the cameras.

A real smile. One that reached her eyes.

My jaw tightened in anger. What was so funny anyway?
So he's a comedian now?

Since when? And why was she looking at him like that?
Please. If Alina wanted to laugh, I could have her doubled over and gasping for breath in minutes. Blake wasn't special.

The irritating part was that I wasn't even sure whether I was jealous of the smile... or offended that someone else had managed to earn it first.

Their sweet gestures and stupid closeness made the crowd fawn and whisper how they are the perfect young model couples. 

Bullshit.

I couldn’t take much more… I couldn't bear it.
Before I could take even one step to leave, a heavy hand landed on my shoulder. 

The head chef…my buddy’s uncle…thrust a fresh silver tray into my arms. It held two champagne flutes and a small plate of those stupid golden appetizers.

“I need a quick restroom break,” he grunted. “Take this to Master Blake and Miss Alina on the stage for their toast. Don’t mess this up, kid.”

Before I could protest, he was gone, disappearing into the kitchen like his life depended on it.

I stared down at the tray, then at the so-called happy couple on stage. At Alina’s dimple and Blake’s arm around her. The entire circus was still applauding them.

I hate this more than anything I’ve ever known.
I muttered under my breath, already moving forward against every instinct screaming at me. “I’ve already come this far. Might as well see it to the end.”

I pulled the nose mask up properly, adjusting the black fabric so it sat snug against the bridge of my nose. 

The material felt warm and slightly damp from my breath. I exhaled slow and deep, trying to push out the knot twisting in my gut. 

The air in the hall still smelled like spilled champagne, melted chocolate, and too much expensive perfume. 

My heart hammered against my ribs, each beat loud in my ears. Just get through this, Kai. One tray. Then you’re out.

The head chef’s words still echoed… ‘Don’t mess this up, kid.’

Yeah, right. Everything was already a mess…my head, my chest, the way Alina had looked at Blake like his words could light up her world. 

Well, damn it! I could set her world on fire if she needs light.

I gripped the silver tray tighter as a wave of jealousy rushed through me. The two champagne flutes wobbled a little, golden bubbles rising fast inside the crystal. 

The appetizers on the small plate glistened under the lights, tiny gold flakes catching every flash from the chandeliers.

I stepped out from the service edge, shoes quiet on the polished floor. 

The crowd parted just enough for a server. Eyes slid over me like I was furniture. That stung more than it should. 

Up ahead, Blake and Alina stood on the raised stage like they owned the damn world. The city’s newest model couple. 

Blake’s arm was loose around her waist, his smile wide and camera-ready while Alina’s dress caught the light, making her look like she glowed. 

But I saw the tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers twisted the edge of her clutch. She doesn’t belong by his side. It…just doesn’t suit her fire.

Blake cleared his throat into the mic. “Thank you all for being here tonight. It means everything to have our families and friends celebrate with us.” 

His voice boomed smooth and practiced as he went on with his dumb speech. People clapped. A few raised glasses already and chuckled when he made those rich people’s type of humorless jokes.

Meanwhile, my mind raced ahead, dark and sharp as all manner of mischievous ideas rushed in.