Chapter Twenty Three.

Vincent had departed with his brother, Mister Charles. I sensed there was something unusual between them, though I couldn't quite identify it. They seemed to think it was acceptable for me to uncover the truth myself.

* Who knows what next?! Maybe finding out that Lily was really his sister masquerading as his maid. There was so much I didn't know. Sheesh!*

At that moment, I noticed someone familiar waving at me from afar as they came closer. I squinted to see who it was.

"Mrs. Mia!" I exclaimed as she approached the large table, capable of seating twenty or more—a truly impressive arrangement for dinner.

"Wow, you look amazing!" I said as she embraced me.

"You too, dear! Let me guess, you're one of the boys' dates?" she inquired, a sparkle of curiosity in her eyes.

"Yes, I am," I responded.

Unfortunately, I spotted a familiar figure lurking behind her, so I leaned in for a better look.

"Oh, don't mind me. This is my younger brother, Kai," she said, stepping aside to introduce him.

"Actually, we've met before," I informed her.

"Really!?" she gasped, clearly taken aback.

"Yes, at Vincent's company," I clarified.

"Oh, so you work with Vincent?" she said, her surprise evident.

"Yes, I do."

*Unfortunately.*

I smiled at her.

"Well, that certainly clears things up. By the way, you look fantastic," Kai remarked.

"Thanks," I returned.

"Would you consider leaving your date for me?" he whispered close to my ear.

Mrs. Mia instantly gave him a playful smack on the back of his head. "Vincent would murder you, you fool."

"I know, it was just a joke," he mumbled.

"Alright, let's take our seats," she said, ushering him to the opposite side of the table.

Lily settled into the chair next to me, with Adriel beside her. I noticed Vincent approaching, his gaze locked onto mine. He appeared troubled, and I couldn't help but question what was bothering him.

As he took his seat, our hands barely grazed, sending a spark of electricity between us.

"Are you enjoying the party?" he asked softly.

"Sort of," I replied quietly.

"Hey!" Lily nudged me gently.

"Huh?" My mind was elsewhere.

"Are you not aware of the latest gossip?" she asked, intrigued.

"There's quite a buzz about you and Master," she murmured.

"Honestly, who wouldn't react like that after he's skipped family gatherings for five years?" I shot back.

"It's not only about him; you're in the spotlight too—people are talking about you," she pressed.

"Well, I've caught wind of some chatter about you as well," I said casually.

"No, yours is different," she said, exasperated as she slapped her forehead.

"Really?" I questioned, surprised.

"Just look at those women over there; they keep stealing glances at you, and that group of men too," she highlighted.

"Are you saying everyone's buzzing about me?" I probed, skeptical.

"Absolutely! Duh!" she rolled her eyes dramatically.

"Why is that?" I asked, genuinely intrigued.

"Maybe it's because you're cute or something," she teased.

"Come on, let's not go there…"

At that moment, a woman shot us a fierce glare, as if she could tear us apart with her eyes.

At that moment, a waiter inadvertently drenched her dress with a tray of champagne. Lily and I shared amused glances and stifled our laughter as the woman berated the waiter before swiftly making her way to the restroom.

I caught Vincent's gaze; he had been watching me but was now engrossed in a chat with someone who claimed to be a relative.

Just then, I noticed a familiar face burst into the room—it was Sharly!

She looked stunning, which wasn't quite the surprise given her usual appearance.

She settled into the chair across from me.

"Hey, Sharly!!" I called out to her.

"Bloom! You look great!" she complimented.

"You too," I responded.

"Let me guess, you're Vincent's partner?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Yeah," I murmured, turning my gaze slightly.

"I knew there was something going on between you two!" she whispered, giggling quietly to avoid Vincent's notice.

I offered a nervous smile in reply.

"Your commercial was the best I've ever done! Many customers have been reaching out, and other modeling agencies are eager to set up appointments with you," she exclaimed with enthusiasm.

"Wow, I honestly didn't see that coming," I replied.

"How about I take the initiative to assist you?" She extended her hand as a gesture of confirmation.

"I don't think that can happen without his consent," I said, subtly indicating Vincent, who was completely unaware.

"Oh, don't stress; I'll have a word with him about it," she smiled, withdrawing her hand.

"Thanks," I nodded appreciatively.

Suddenly, someone approached the small stage.

"Let's give a warm welcome to Mr. and Mrs. Marino as they make their entrance," he announced.

The lights dimmed, casting a bright spotlight on them as they elegantly walked in, arm in arm, to their beautifully adorned oversized chairs at our table.

*They certainly know how to make an unforgettable entrance.*

*

Reginald's intense stare zeroed in on Vincent, projecting an aura of intimidation that surpassed Vincent's own. A pronounced scar stretched from the outer edge of his left brow to his mouth, creating a fierce, battle-worn look. This scar was rumored to be a legacy from a brutal confrontation with a rival family long ago, embodying the fearsome reputation Reginald had cultivated over the years.

His dark hair showcased strands of gray, enhancing his commanding and distinguished presence. He moved with an unnerving, calculated precision that suggested both confidence and menace. While his demeanor was definitely intimidating, Reginald favored cunning over brute force, positioning him as an even more formidable adversary.

In essence, Reginald Marino was a force to be reckoned with—ruthless, clever, and astute, he was relentless in the pursuit of his goals.

*

When his eyes turned toward me, I felt a wave of fear wash over me. He was undeniably more frightening than Vincent.

As the waitstaff placed trays of food on the table, they briefly obstructed my view.

*Cheers to their efforts.*

Once the trays were in place, a hush fell over us as Reginald gave the signal for the feast to begin.

Feeling overwhelmed, I couldn't summon the desire even to glance at the food as others dug in.

Lily noticed my unease and promptly served me a small helping, placing it in front of me.

"Have a bite, or you'll attract unwanted attention," she murmured close to my ear.

"S-sure, thank you," I replied with a faint smile.

Gazing at my plate, I realized my appetite had vanished, overshadowed by a thick cloud of anxiety.

The atmosphere felt heavy with tension, making each breath a challenge.

"Hey, little de," Vincent called to me.

"H-huh?" I managed to reply.

"Just breathe; it's all okay," he said, taking my hand to offer comfort.

To my surprise, his reassurance helped calm my jitters.

I finally managed a few bites before leaning back in my chair, listening to the lively chatter that surrounded the table.

I caught a glimpse of Vincent's mother observing me with a vacant expression.

*

Catherine Marino was an exquisitely delicate woman in her late 40s, possessing a porcelain-like complexion and cascading, curly blonde hair. Her once-vibrant green eyes now seemed lifeless and hollow, shrouded by the burdens of her history. Despite her gracefulness, an air of profound sorrow enveloped her, as if she had been irrevocably broken by life's harsh realities and her husband's choices.

*

"So, Marino, what brings you to my gathering after five years?" Reginald inquired of Vincent, prompting a hush to fall over the room as all attention shifted to them.

"Running low on company funds, and you need my assistance?" he quipped, maintaining a stoic expression.

Vincent's demeanor darkened, his grip on my thigh tightening. I squeezed his hand, offering a gesture of support.

"The company is thriving; I'm here because it's been ages," he asserted resolutely.

"Who is she?" his mother gestured toward me. 

Immediately, all attention shifted to my direction. 

"She's my girlfriend," Vincent replied casually. 

*Fantastic, now I have to keep up this act as his girlfriend indefinitely.* 

"What's your name, dear?" she inquired. 

"Blossom, Everly Blossom, ma'am," I answered. 

"What a charming name; it sounds familiar," she commented. 

"Thank you, ma'am," I said, slightly bowing my head. 

"So, you're in love with Vincent?" her curiosity piqued, as everyone leaned in to hear my reply. 

"Yes, I am," I confirmed. 

"May I ask why?" she pressed, clearly intrigued. 

"Um, because he's really handsome," I responded, feeling the weight of disappointed stares from the group. 

"Actually, I adore him for his crazy personality," I added, catching Vincent off guard. Surprisingly, they seemed to embrace my answer and drifted back into their conversations. 

"It's time for our spontaneous karaoke contest! If you'd like to join in, please sign up," the announcer announced. 

A crowd hurried to write their names down.

"What was that?" Vincent inquired, pondering my earlier remark.

"I was just winging it, and they seemed to like it," I clarified.

He cast me a cautious glance before looking away, and I couldn't suppress a grin at his reaction.

"Alright, everyone's signed up. Jennifer will now draw two names at random," the announcer said, pointing to the woman who had spilled champagne on her dress earlier, now looking fabulous in a new outfit.

"Okay! The male vocalist is... Kai!" she declared, and he quickly made his way to the stage.

"And for the female singer, I choose... Blossom!" she beamed.

*WTF?!!! I've been here the whole time, and I never signed up. Who put my name down?!*