You are ugly when you do that..

As they returned to the dinner party, Scarlet followed Lucian into the banquet hall, once again feeling the weight of countless gazes settling on her.

The whispers resumed, though subdued, and she could sense the curiosity and speculation in the air.

Scarlet Roberts was no longer outside, but the unease in Scarlet's heart remained. The familiarity between them still gnawed at her, an unanswered question lurking in the back of her mind.

"Lucian, you're back?"

A deep, charismatic voice cut through the murmurs. Scarlet turned to see a tall, enigmatic young man approaching with an easy confidence.

His sharp features and piercing gaze carried an air of mystery, but there was something oddly familiar about him.

Lucian's expression shifted slightly, a rare flicker of surprise crossing his face before he pulled the man into a firm embrace.

"Brandon? When did you get back?" Lucian asked, his tone carrying genuine curiosity. The last time they had spoken, Brandon had mentioned returning soon, but never specified a date.

If he had known, might have created a time out of his busy schedule to pick him at the airport.

"Just a few hours ago," Brandon replied casually, slipping his hands into his pockets.

Scarlet remained silent at the side, observing the interaction with quiet interest. There was something about Brandon—his voice, his name—that tugged at her memory. But she couldn't quite place it. After trying for so long, she decided to let go.

Brandon's sharp gaze flickered toward her, studying her with quiet contemplation. His brows knitted together slightly, as though he, too, was trying to place a vague memory.

"Lucian," he drawled, his scrutiny never wavering, "is she your wife?"

Before Lucian could respond, Scarlet spoke up, her voice firm but controlled.

"No. I'm his assistant."

Lucian's gaze darkened instantly. He had expected resistance from her, but for her to outright reject the truth in front of Brandon? That was something else entirely.

Brandon, on the other hand, chuckled, his amusement evident. "Interesting. First time I've seen a woman so eager to disassociate herself from Lucian Sterling."

He took a slow sip of his drink before continuing, his smirk deepening. "Did you know he has a principle? He never brings a woman to a banquet, dinner, or any formal event? It is well known in the circle that Lucian "

Scarlet stiffened. The color drained from her face as realization hit her like a tidal wave.

Scarlet's feet faltered for a brief moment as Brandon's words sank in. Her heart pounded against her ribcage, and a wave of realization washed over her like ice-cold water.

So that's why everyone had been whispering, staring, and exchanging meaningful glances. It wasn't just about Lucian bringing a woman to the banquet—it was because, in their world, it meant only one thing.

She wasn't just anyone. She was his wife.

Scarlet swallowed hard, struggling to keep her face neutral. She had been thrown into a whirlwind of misunderstandings, and now, even strangers had begun to confirm the shocking truth she had been trying to deny.

Brandon smirked, his keen gaze flickering between Scarlet and Lucian. "What's the matter? You seem surprised."

Scarlet squared her shoulders, forcing her lips into a tight, polite smile. "I just wasn't aware of this so-called principle." Her voice was composed, but she felt anything but calm inside.

Lucian remained silent, his dark gaze locked onto her with a mixture of intrigue and something unreadable. He had expected her to deny their relationship in front of others, but not with such conviction.

Brandon chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "Interesting," he mused. "Most women would be eager to claim the title of Mrs. Sterling, yet you're acting as if it's a burden."

Scarlet's fingers curled into a fist at her side. "That's because it is a misunderstanding," she said, her voice sharp. "This whole situation was never supposed to happen."

Brandon lifted an eyebrow. "Oh? Then I assume Lucian forced you into this?"

Scarlet hesitated, her lips parting, but no words came out. She turned to Lucian, almost challenging him to deny it.

Lucian, however, simply slipped his hands into his pockets and tilted his head slightly, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Did I, wife?" His voice was deep, slow, and taunting.

Scarlet clenched her jaw. "Don't call me that."

"But it's the truth," he countered smoothly.

Brandon watched them with great interest, clearly enjoying their banter. "Well, well, this is getting quite entertaining," he murmured, sipping his drink.

Scarlet felt trapped. She had hoped to keep a low profile tonight, but instead, she had become the center of attention. And Lucian wasn't helping—if anything, he seemed to be enjoying watching her squirm.

"You should really embrace your title, Miss Assistant," Brandon teased, eyes twinkling. "Because after tonight, no one in this room will believe anything else."

Scarlet exhaled sharply, realizing the damage was already done. Even if she shouted at the top of her lungs that this marriage was a mistake, no one would believe her.

In their eyes, Lucian Sterling had claimed her—and that was the only truth that mattered.

Scarlet clenched and unclenched her fingers, trying to suppress the growing frustration in her chest. She knew everyone was watching, and yet, she couldn't stop the emotions from bubbling up.

Brandon, observing her silent struggle, couldn't help but smirk. His gaze lingered on her puffed cheeks, and before he could even process the action himself, he reached out, gently pressing his finger against her cheek.

"You're ugly when you do that," he murmured.

The moment the words left his lips, silence fell between them.

Scarlet's breath hitched. Lucian's gaze flickered between the two, a sudden sharpness in his eyes. Brandon, as if realizing what he had done, stiffened.

A strange tension settled in the air, thick and suffocating.

Brandon's fingers curled into fists at his sides. Without another word, he turned on his heels and strode toward the exit.

Lucian hesitated for only a second before patting Scarlet's back. "Wait for me here. I'll be right back." His tone was firm, but there was something else laced within it—urgency. Then, without another word, he hurried after Brandon.

Scarlet stood frozen, confusion swirling in her mind like a storm.

That touch. That phrase.

It was too familiar to ignore.

She pressed her fingers lightly against her cheek, her thoughts racing.

Why did that feel like déjà vu?

Her memory was hazy, but deep inside, something stirred—an image, faint but persistent. A young boy with a sunny smile, pressing her cheeks playfully, the same words tumbling from his lips.

"You're ugly when you do that."

Her heart pounded with trepidation and unanswered questions.

Who was Brandon to her? And why did it feel like she had met him before?