Chapter 2
I didn't leave Lucas's arms right away.
I knew that if I did, it would only make Charles's anger burn even hotter.
What I wanted was to stoke the fire, push him over the edge until he completely lost it and made a scene in front of everyone.
I lifted my tear-stained face and looked at Charles.
I asked, "Charles, do you think it's all my fault, too?
"Should I not have shown up? Am I just making things awkward for you?
"If I were gone, would you and Sophie finally be happy?"
With each word I spoke, Charles's expression grew darker.
The guests nearby started whispering to each other.
"What's wrong with Charles? His fiancée is getting bullied like this, and he's still snapping at her."
"Sophie is way out of line. She's obviously doing this on purpose."
"Poor Ms. Winters. She looks like such a gentle, naive girl."
Hearing all their whispers, I scoffed inwardly.
Gentle? Naive?
That was just because none of you have ever seen the real me.
Charles clearly heard the whispers, too, and a vein throbbed at his temple.
He wanted to blow up, but with all these people around, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and hold it in.
Charles forced a smile that looked more like a grimace.
Charles said, "Lila, don't say such things. How could I ever think that?"
He reached out his hand to me. "Be good, let's go change your clothes. There are too many people watching."
But I shook my head, tears falling down my cheeks again.
I replied, "No, I don't want to.
"Please, just let me be alone for a bit. I need to calm down."
With that, I broke free from Lucas's arms and stumbled toward the terrace of the ballroom.
I must've looked just like some tragic heroine, heartbroken and on the verge of a dramatic breakdown.
Obviously, I wasn't actually going to throw myself off the terrace.
I just needed a quiet spot to watch the drama unfold.
I rushed out to the terrace, grabbed the railing, and pretended the chilly breeze was helping me calm down.
But in reality, my gaze stayed fixed on the ballroom.
Sure enough, Charles didn't come after me.
He was surrounded by a bunch of nosy uncles, all of them giving him a lecture about how he should treat his fiancée.
Sophie shot me a venomous glare, then turned, grabbed a glass of wine, and strutted over to another group of men.
She worked the crowd effortlessly, laughing and joking around as if nothing had happened.
This was what one called a pick-me tomboy.
Sophie hid her scheming and jealousy behind a bold, carefree attitude, making guys think she was just one of the bros, and totally genuine.
So they never noticed how vicious she was toward other women.
But today, she messed with the wrong girl.
I was basically a master when it came to spotting fakes like her.
Soon enough, Lucas made his way over.
He kept his distance, standing a few paces away as he lit up a cigarette.
The evening breeze played with my hair, carrying away the smoke he exhaled.
"Ms. Winters, aren't you cold?" he asked.
I turned to him and gave him a weak smile.
"Thanks, Mr. Sterling. If it weren't for you, I don't know what would've happened back there," I said quietly.
"It was no trouble," Lucas said with a calm shrug. "But aren't you worried Charles might hold this against you later?"
I lowered my gaze, letting my long lashes hide the clever glint in my eyes.
I replied, "I have no idea what you're talking about.
"I'm just so heartbroken."
Lucas let out a soft chuckle and didn't press any further.
He took a drag from his cigarette and said, "That dress you're wearing is an Elie Saab couture piece from this spring's collection, one of only three in the world."
My heart skipped a beat.
Who would've thought he could actually recognize this dress?
"It's a shame the dress got messed up," he continued. "But honestly, Charles's attitude hurts way more than a ruined outfit, doesn't it?"
I glanced up at Lucas. The moonlight carved out his features, and his eyes were so deep they looked like a bottomless well.
This guy was way sharper than I had ever expected.
He wasn't just here for the show; he was breaking down every move, analyzing the whole mess.
"Mr. Sterling, you seem to know Charles pretty well," I said, testing the waters.
"Wouldn't say I know him well," Lucas replied, flicking ash from his cigarette. "We've just dealt with each other a few times in business. I'm pretty familiar with his self-important attitude, that's all."
He turned his head and looked at me.
Lucas said, "Ms. Winters, you're a smart woman.
"Smart people shouldn't let themselves end up in such a vulnerable spot."
My heart tightened.
What was he getting at?
Was he trying to clue me in, or was he just messing with me?
Before I could think it through, I spotted Charles heading our way, looking furious.
Trailing behind him was Sophie, her face twisted in annoyance.
Looked like the second act of the drama was about to begin.