Chapter 26— The Mysterious Stranger

Diana’s POV

What just happened?

I felt Raphael heave a sigh of relief. It seemed like he knew what just happened. Slowly, he released his grip on me, pulled me away slightly, and then placed a kiss on my forehead.

My heart raced.

Why would he do such a thing to me? Without warning.

I blushed.

He turned to look in the direction where Marcel was standing, but he was no longer standing; instead, he was on the floor panting heavily.

I saw a strange person standing beside him. I had never seen this person before; he didn't look like the Lorenzos either, but he had a charisma like theirs, and he wore a perfumed that I recognised.

It was one of the unique scents that Lorenzo always produced. I remembered one of my discussions with Gramps years back, that was during my first year in my relationship with Marcel.

Marcel had gone to attend to something, so I was left with Gramps in their home for a while. I would have gone home, but Marcel had insisted that I stay and get familiar with Gramps, too.

Gramps took me around the Lorenzos penthouse until we got to a room that had different collections of perfumes and cologne.

On top of the first row were unique colognes that can only be perceived in one family or from one person, and this scent that filled my nose happened to be one of those collections.

And I remembered Gramps telling me that that particular scent was used by the mayor of New York City's son.

Could he be the one, the mayor of New York City's son was here at my introduction party?

Well, it was not much of a party anymore; it was more of a sick, traumatic and despicable gathering now.

I looked at Raphael, I saw him smiling then I knew he had to be acquainted with this person.

Could he be the mayor's son?

There was no way the Lorenzos would make the mistake of selling a cologne that was meant for a high-profile customer to another customer; they could be sued for that.

I am sure you might be wondering how I was able to remember a scent from almost seven years ago; well, I have a very retentive memory, especially when it comes to recognising scent; my memory never forgets a scent.

"Who is that fine gentleman?" Ciara asked, her voice a whisper in my ears.

I ignored her.

Marcel stood up and was about to attack the stranger, but he moved swiftly, like someone who had either been watching karate or kung-fu movies all the rest of his life or had learnt the act.

With one hand, he gave Marcel a blow that knocked him back to the ground.

Everyone stood watching. I looked around for the people that stood behind his back but none of them was there anymore. Even Mrs Riley, whose mouth was always running, kept mute.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she watched the stranger deal with her son.

Who is this stranger?

Why is everyone quiet watching him do what he likes with Marcel?

"Who is he?" Ciara asked.

"I am as lost as you are Ciara."

Marcel stood up again and was about to attack the stranger when he snapped his fingers and then bodyguards came in.

One of them placed their hands on Marcel's shoulders, and he couldn't move.

He tried to move, but the bodyguard's grip was too tight.

"Cease him, cuff him, and take him out of here, make sure he doesn't come in until the party is over."

What!!

Could he do that to Lorenzo?

It felt like I was dreaming.

I never would have imagined a Lorenzo being treated like this by someone who isn't a Lorenzo.

That only meant one thing— whoever this person was, he had to be in the same league with the Lorenzos, maybe slightly higher, and a little bit lower or better still, the person must have more connections and ground in the city than the Lorenzo.

Only one person was coming to mind.

The mayor.

It had to be.

I watched as they bundled Marcel out of the event room. He yelled Raphael’s name, cursing him. His mother followed behind him, shouting to the bodyguards to release her son.

But they didn't listen; I guess the words of their boss carried more weight to them than Lorenzo's.

"How dare you treat my son in this manner."

"With all due respect, Mrs Lorenzo Junior, your son was second son, was causing havoc at the introduction part of your firstborn son, and no one was doing anything. What would you have me do, stand and fold my hands and watch as he ruins everything."

"This is a family matter, and you should learn to stay away from family's business," Mrs Riley said angrily.

The stranger turned around looking at the room "Come on ma'am, look around does everyone here belong to this family, as far as I know, the Lorenzo has always had eleven members for a very long time and right here in this room there are more than two hundred people"

"I promise you," she said leaning closer to him and pointing a finger at his face. "You will regret this day." She added and barged out of the event room.

I heaved a deep sigh of relief as I watched Mrs Riley step out of the room.

"I am sorry, everyone, for the brief interruption; please let the music continue." He said smiling.

He was facing us now; I could see him clearly; he was very handsome, the same height as Raphael, with the same body build too.

He began to head in our direction.

"Oh my gosh, Diana, he's so fine"

I chuckled.

Typical Ciara, always tripping for cute boys; I am sure if Raphael wasn't into me already and if I wasn't her friend, she would have hit on him.

I won't be surprised if, later today, she gets a one-night stand with this hot stranger.

When he got to our front, he stopped; his gaze moved from Raphael to mine, then back to Raphael’s.

They both smiled and did a funny winking and funny greeting sound like they were kids, even the way they shook was in style.

They were in sync.

"Been ages man." He said hugging Raphael.

Raphael made a slight sound that suggested that he felt a slight pain because of the hug.

"I am sorry you have to go to the hospital."

"No, I have to finish this."

The stranger's eyes fell on me, "You've got good eyes, Raphael. This is a beauty goddess standing right here."

"I told him" Shania interrupted.