Chapter 4 Birthday Gone Wrong

Lenora arrived at the venue dressed in an understated black dress that hugged her curves just right. Her long brown hair was combed and straightened to her sides, giving her an exclusive appearance.

The moment she stepped in, eyes set on her, and whispers followed. "Who's this gorgeous?"

"That looks like the woman who embarrassed Mr Gerald in the viral video, what is she doing here?"

"Have they settled their differences?" Different whispers went on in the background as she continued to walk inside like the main character. Then she spotted Lucian. He was dressed in a shimmering three piece obviously expensive-looking suit that has intricate shiny embroidery covering the collar part. He never failed at giving the "Look at me" aura. He was grinning wildly as he exchanged words with one of the guests who was complimenting him when his eyes fell on Lenora. His wild grin slowly faltered as he realized that she wasn't putting on the dress he had sent to her. Lenora had already noticed his disappointment before he wore back his mask of excitement.

Lucian walked down to her side, holding a glass of wine in his right hand, his left arm slipped possessively onto her bare lower back and squeezed gently. As much as Lenora hated to admit it, she felt that familiar tingle when he did that. She guessed it was normal to still have some left over feelings for him. What mattered was, she was no more blinded, she knew what she was doing now. And that was the moment Lenora's gaze fell onto a man that stood out in the room. If her eyes weren't deceiving her, then she was sure she had met him before.

It was inevitable to ogle him. He was taller than most guests around here and although he wasn't overly dressed, he still looked the most gorgeous and... rich, judging from his dress sense and his skin. His sharp features were chiseled to perfection. Leaning lazily against that pillar with a glass of wine in his hand, he looked like a god. The moment his eyes caught Lenora's, she quickly looked away. Then it clicked. He was the stranger who had helped her from falling at the eatery, the angelic face.

"You look stunning," Lucian complimented, and that was when Lenora remembered that Lucian was still there. "Uhm, yeah... Happy birthday," Her gaze shifted back to the spot where angelic face was just now but he was no more there. She returned her attention to Lucian.

"Even though you didn't wear the dress I gifted you." Lucian added. Lenora almost rolled her eyes. "You should go back to attend to your guests. I would be fine sitting here." She flashed him a forced smile then turned around to find a seat.

The party continued, drinks flowing, laughter echoing. Lucian played the perfect host, but his eyes never left Lenora. He wanted her to feel like she belonged to him again, that he had tamed the woman who had defied him. Lenora on the other hand was starting to feel uncomfortable, yet it was foreign to her why she felt this way. She suddenly felt the need to leave, not wanting to ignore the unsettling feeling that just dawned on her, but that was when Lucian's voice ran across the room. He was holding a microphone.

The music lowered, and all eyes turned to him. He grinned, his charisma filling the room immediately.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, voice dripping with confidence. "Tonight is special, not just because it's my birthday, but because I want to acknowledge the woman in my life."

What? Lenora didn't see that coming.

Hundreds of gazes shifted around in wonder at who the woman was. No one knew about her because Lucian was never proud to show her off, yet some gazes were on her, curiosity and judgment reflecting in them. Must have been because of the viral video.

Lucian extended his hand. "Come here, sweetheart."

A lesser version of herself might have blushed. She might have stepped forward with the eager belief that he had finally chosen her, that this was some grand romantic gesture.

But she wasn't that woman anymore.

Still, she played the part. She took a few measured steps forward, her lips curving into a polite smile.

And then, Lucian turned away.

Lenora stilled, her fingers curling into her palm as Lucian bypassed her and reached for someone who just seemed to arrive... Megan. Megan, who was wide-eyed with shock, looked just as confused as everyone else.

Lucian pulled her forward, wrapping an arm around her waist before dipping his head and kissed her.

Gasps echoed, and claps followed. Lenora's eyes widened. Not because she was surprised, she knew they were going to betray her, yet experiencing it for the second time gave her a sour feeling. And coming out thinking Lucian meant her was embarrassing.

He deepened the kiss, making sure everyone saw, making sure Lenora saw.

And she did.

She saw the calculated cruelty in his eyes as he pulled back, smirking at the stunned crowd.

He wanted her to break. To crumble. To fall apart in front of all these people. She wasn't surprised. No, she was only disappointed that it had happened so soon. She had expected the betrayal eventually, but Lucian was so desperate for revenge that he couldn't even hold his act together for long.

"She thinks Mr Gerald was going to pick her?"

"She must think she's something, I've known from the video that she was his mistress."

"Yes, maybe she was angry that he wouldn't make her his main woman. Now I get it, that was why she poured the drink on him." The gossip went on in the background.

Feeling quite embarrassed with the whole drama that just took place, she turned around to leave but just then, she was held back. Before she could comprehend what was happening, the strong hand pulled her flush into his arms and kissed her. Her eyes widened in shock when she saw who it was.

A hushed murmur swept through the room as they bore witness to the on-going drama of kisses happening before them. Lucian looked devastated, he was deeply annoyed because he hadn't expected the turn out of event. It was supposed to be his moment of victory, not the other way round. The scene before him was a stab into his chest. It was one thing that the young man was taking his time to kiss Lenora, it was another that Lenora had complied by entangling her manicured fingers into his tousled hair, welcoming the kiss passionately as well.

Megan's lips curled with disgust. "She must have been cheating on you all along. Good riddance to bad rubbish." She commented, slipping her hand into Lucian's but he withdrew his hand from her, his gaze on the two who were just pulling away from one another.

Lenora slowly pulled away, looking into the eyes of the young man that had captured her attention earlier. She had almost forgotten where she was. Maybe she was supposed to get mad that a stranger had kissed her without her permission, but she didn't feel any bit offended, which was something to worry about. "Let's get out of here babe," The hot stranger whispered into her ears, but loud enough for people around them, and even Lucian to hear.

His big hand got hold of her tender one and tugged her along, leading her out of the bustling party. Finally, they got outside, and he slowly let go of her hand, turning to face her. Lenora immediately folded her arms against her chest in defense. "Why did you do that?"