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Hurriedly, he followed behind and opened the door. I got in. He joined me in the car in the driver’s seat. He gave me a confident smile before he started the engine and headed out. He was on his best behavior until we arrived at the venue. When he parked, he hurriedly left his side to open my door. I nodded my thanks, but I still didn’t take his hand.
The entrance to the party was enwreathed with vines and flowers. As we entered, we presented our invites.
“Enjoy your night, ma’am and sir.”
I gave attendant a curt nod and he returned to answering other invitees. The décor was otherworldly elegant and before I opened the door, I gave Howard a look. He gave me his arm and I linked mine through his. Putting aside my animosity, we smiled as we entered the room.Karl, what will you think?
Chapter 16
KARL
Ilingeredinaseparate room, drinking a glass of wine. I wasn’t ready to join the party yet. I knew if I did, I’d have to face the guests and talk to them. However, remembering Marie and her newdate,my insides twisted.Why didn’t you tell her she mustn’t bring someone else along?I still debated whether she was actually joking or found some random man to bring along.Humph, so what? He can’t be better than me.
A knock sounded. I reached the door and opened it. A young server holding a tray of champagne quickly spoke, “Sir, I was informed to tell you Miss Rosii has arrived.”
I nodded, recalling I told the staff to inform me when she arrived. “Is she with anyone?” I kept my voice neutral.
“Yes. They look quite intimate.”
She shook from the look I gave her. I waved my hand, which made her scamper off to serve the guests.Marie was here, truly with another man?I had to face her. She couldn’t just throw away what we have between us. I set my glass aside before I entered the party.
The floor was filled with sophisticated people, drinking and talking. I scanned the room for Marie. I saw her taking two glasses of champagne, giving one to a man beside her. I faintly recognized him. Selena joined them and they quickly struck up a conversation. I walked towards them.
“I see you’ve gotten yourself someone new …”
Selena paused as she saw me. She arched her eyebrow.
Marie gave me an effortless smile, which I returned. She was breathtakingly lovely in her dress. I looked at the man beside her, he was of average height and good-looking. Marie saw me looking and at that moment, she linked hands with him, resting her head on his shoulder. The man looked pleased.
“Howard, this is Karl, our host. You’ve met his sister, Selena, my best friend. Karl, meet Howard Spencer, CEO of Horizons Estates.” There was a wicked grin on her face.This is a game to you, huh?
I stretched my hand to him, which he shook dismissively. “A pleasure,” I said to him, facing Marie, “You are trying, I can see that she’s a lovely lady” She frowned. Howard didn’t seem to notice the sarcasm.
“Yes, she is. We’re taking it slowly,” he replied.
“How about we take a breather and enjoy the party, huh? Come on, Karl. We’ll talk later, Marie.” Selena pulled my arm lightly, and I followed her. I wanted to wipe the stupid grin off Howard’s face.
I remember where I had seen him: back at the bar.She must have brought him to spite me.Even with that knowledge, I was still annoyed. We were some distance away from them when Selena stopped to face me. “What was that about?”
I shrugged and offered, “Enjoy the party, I have other things to attend to.” I pulled away from her and went to welcome the other guests. There was a mini runway for the models to give the guests a taste of what was to come.
There was also dancing, which I didn’t join–I refused anyone who asked. I wanted Marie and watching her dance with Howard infuriated me. I stayed away for most of the party.
As the party died down and the guests were leaving, I said my goodbyes. Selena left earlier than expected. There were just a few people left, enjoying each other’s company. Beside one of the pillars stood Marie and Howard, her back was to the pillar and Howard shielded her from view. They seemed to be in a heated argument, which drew my attention.
I walked over, no matter what was happening, Howard couldn’t treat her like that. As I got closer, I heard the hushed whispers of their conversation. Howard noticed me coming close and gave me a hateful look. She took that moment to shove him hard. He staggered and fell.
Marie’s eyes were red, and when she saw me, she looked away. I wanted to touch her.
“No! Excuse me.” She sped past me. I watched her climb the stairs to the upper floor quickly. I faced Howard who was getting on his feet, an embarrassed look plastered on his face.
“What was going on here?” I advanced on him.
“None of your business.That bitch!” he murmured, adjusting his suit.
“Say that again and you’ll regret it,” I whispered in his ear. He froze. Ignoring him, I went up the stairs to find Marie. I found her in a dark corner by one of the doors. She looked to be wiping tears from her eyes. When I reached her, I impulsively pulled her into my embrace. She tensed then eased up. She hugged me tightly.
“I’m sorry, I was foolish.”
