Chapter 2 Betrayed

ADELAIDE POV

I held up my hand to the light. Cartier. Heavy yet regal, in dull blue-green tones. A perfect fit. The diamond shimmered under the yellow picnic lights he'd set up.

He swept me into his arms, kissing me deeply, hand protectively around my waist.

His blue eyes shimmered. "Adelaide, you have made me the happiest man on earth today."

His voice breathless as he pulled me in a tight hug.

Suddenly around us, camera lights began going off from the surrounding bushes.

"Miss Adelaide, how do you feel about his proposal tonight??"

"When are you guys getting married??"

"Was this planned to coincide with your graduation party tonight?"

"Paparazzi. Being ambushed was a daily thing in our lives, but this was a highly secure area. Someone must have let them in.

My heart thudded in my chest, plummeting my excitement. Where were Ethan's guards?

Squeezing his forearm, "Let's get out of here, Ethan."

"What are you talking about, silly?" He flashed me a dismissive grin then a charming smile and waved to the still flashing lights, beckoning the reporters.

"Mr. Lain! Mr. Lain! When was this proposal planned??"

He strode forward, Obviously prepared.

"Settle down everyone, this was a spur of the moment thing, I've realized that once you love someone, there is no perfect time," he patted my head gently to the 'awws' of the reporters.

"A question for miss Adelaide-"

"No, my fiancé has had a long day, whatever questions you have should be passed to the family at her graduation party tonight at the Dallas mansion."

What? What party? Confusion mirrored my expression as Ethan held on to me as we pushed past the reporters to his car, waiting with his security detail to take me home.

As soon as we got into the car, my questions poured, demanding answers.

"What party? The last party my family threw for me was when I was 4. And how did you know about that before me?"

"Summer called me." Ethan said.

I felt a stab of pain in my chest.

The look on his face when he asked me to marry him a few minutes ago was entirely different now.

I clutched the hem of my sequined blue gown to look out the window of the passing New York scenery.

"So, the proposal. It's a bit too soon, don't you think?"

He didn't answer. His phone vibrated again, I caught a glimpse of the name before he quickly yanked his phone out of sight; Summer.

***

"Happy engagement. Happy engagement. We're so proud of you."

Clinks of champagne glasses, the smell of expensive perfume, unique but formal outfits, quiet laughter and the smell of exotic desserts in the air; a true Dallas family affair.

Leave it up to my mother to throw a party this lavish with little time to spare.

Did they set it up because of my sudden engagement?

They weren't even planning to congratulate me for graduating.

I feel nauseous.

"Baby?

Ethan's voice snaps me out of my reverie and I look down at him holding my hand, possessive.

I didn't know how to feel about Ethan acting like this.

Why the hurry?

At least, I don't see Summer anywhere.

"Congratulations darling! Who knew you'd be the first to get married and so soon!" Mrs. Arlington, affected with her high-pitched British accent, pulled me in for a kiss on the cheeks.

I managed a tight smile as she turned to Ethan.

I need air.

I slipped out to the Hall's balcony, shimmied between guests, responding only briefly.

"Finally..." I breathe, ducking out of sight to a small corner where you could observe everything going on downstairs while you could hide undetected. Sinking to the cold tiles, feeling a wave of tiredness and relief wash over me.

"What was he thinking?" I mutter to myself.

Raising my left hand to examine the ring again in the dim light, I sighed.

Behind me was the muffle of guests and muted music. There was a live performance from Briana Frande–a famous pop star, hence the excitement.

Suddenly, a roar of an Aston Martin engine downstairs. I sat up quickly to peek. Downstairs was another guest pulling up in front of our house.

The security guards hurried from the entrance to open the door, bowing respectfully to a man in a dark navy suit. Hmm. Must be an important guest.

Even without seeing his face, I could see his impressive build; all muscle and power straining against that expensive suit.

He muttered something to his personal guard, who nodded.

All of a sudden, he whipped his head up, looking straight at me. I dodge out of sight with a gasp.

Did he sense someone was looking at him?

"This is ridiculous," I muttered to myself, gathering my sequined gown.

I'll just make sure I'm seen greeting the guests, find Ethan. We needed to talk.

Not far away from me, I suddenly hear Moans and whisperings.

Heels in hand, I freeze.

"Ugh, couldn't wait for the after party?" I whispered to myself. I caught the silhouette of the couple making out-nope, they were definitely having sex on the other hidden corner of this balcony.

Sneaking past as quietly as possible, trying not to listen to the moans and whisperings of the woman.

"Oh Ethan..."

I froze in my tracks.

Did I hear right?

"Oh my sweetest darling..."

My sweetest darling.

Only Ethan called me that.

Drawing myself up, I march straight to the couple in the shadows, turning on my phone light.

There he was; pants halfway down, supporting a woman by the waist, thrusting violently and the woman who had her head thrown back, nails digging into his back was....my sister.

They weren't just kissing.

They were fucking.

I felt my heart crack and shatter.

"Summer..."

She smirked. "Oh, don't look at me like that, big sis." Her voice was mocking. You should've known you could never keep him."

The floor tilted beneath me.

My fingers trembled, gripping my phone.

"Adelaide, wait-"

I slapped him.

Hard.

The crack of it rippled through the night air.

My phone fell out of my hand.

"Hey, get that shit out of my...." Ethan's annoyed voice disappeared once he recognized me.

"Oh shit."

Color drained from his face.

It's not what you think, sweetie, come I can explain."

Before he could reach out to me, I turned and fled.