Chapter 3

Lexi hadn't mistaken earlier. 

The piercing gaze and feeling she had earlier on was actually the devil himself. That presence as he stared at the man holding her wrist tightly was more like someone who was about to murder the world.

It wasn't right. 

Mr Blake immediately let go of Lexi's wrist while Max just smiled faintly, one hand in his pocket and a glass of whiskey in the other. His gaze was fixed on her. Something in the way he watched her made her pulse quicken. It sends tingles racing up her spine.

Mr Blake had already frozen as soon as Max had spoken. Even drunk, he felt the sudden shift in the air. He squinted, unable to decipher why Mr. Max would be defending his enemy's wife in public.

“M–Mr. Reed,” he stammered, trying to smile. “Just having a little chat with Mrs. Blackwood.”

Max’s eyes narrow. “A chat?”

The man’s face paled. “Yes, I didn’t mean—”

“I’m sure you didn’t,” Maxwell cut in, stepping forward. “But next time you feel the urge to ‘chat,’ make sure it’s with someone who actually wants it. Now get out of here, before I have my own personal chat with you."

The man opened his mouth, closed it again, and then rushed off down the corridor, muttering apologies as he left.

Silence stretched between the two people as soon as Mr Blake left. Max cater looks at Lexi. “You okay?”

She nodded. “I’m fine.”

“You didn’t look fine a minute ago.”

“I can handle myself,” she said, even though her heart was still pounding.

“I don’t doubt it, at one point you looked ready to claw his eyes out.” 

A small, humorless laugh escaped her. “Maybe I was.”

His gaze flicked down to her hand, the one squeezed by Mr Blake. “But you shouldn’t have to."

Lexi bit her lips as last night popped out in her head again.

Max hesitated before continuing,“If you ever need help, you know where to find me.”

Lexi looked up at him, but before she could say anything else, a sharp voice broke through the silence.

“Lexi!”

Ethan.

Lexi shut her eyes for a second before turning around. He was storming toward her, drink in hand, face red from alcohol and pride. Sophia trailed behind him, pretending to look concerned but unable to hide the glint of satisfaction in her eyes.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Ethan snapped, his voice loud enough for people near the ballroom entrance to glance their way.

Lexi's eyes turned cold, her fist clenched tightly. What a caring husband he was!

She took a deep breath before responding, “What are you talking about?”

“Mr. Blake just told me you insulted him,” he said, waving his glass around. “He’s furious. Do you have any idea what kind of damage you could’ve done?”

“He was drunk, Ethan,” Lexi said quietly. “He grabbed my arm and wouldn’t let go. Max saw—”

“Don’t drag him into this!” Ethan interrupted, pointing a finger at her. “You embarrassed one of my most important investors in front of everyone!”

Sophia moved closer, her tone sugar-sweet. “Ethan, maybe she just misunderstood Mr. Brown’s intentions. He can be…a little too friendly sometimes.”

Too friendly? That wasn't just too friendly. 

“I didn’t misunderstand,” Lexi said firmly, but Ethan glared at her.  

“Do you ever think before you act?” he spat. “God, sometimes I wonder what my life would look like if I’d married someone who actually understands how this world works.”

The words hit like a slap. 

Lexi stood there, every instinct telling her to defend herself as usual, but she didn't. Not here. Not with everyone watching.

Just then the MC announced couple-dance. Lexi looked at Ethan who obviously had Sophia glued to him as usual. She let out a bitter smile, staring at her supposed husband.

" Ethan, let's dance. You know I have been craving to dance this tune with you. It's our first dance way back in high school," Sophia said, her eyes pleading.

" Sure, Sophie. Anything for you."

Ethan didn't even hesitate for a second. Lexi let out a short laugh which caught Ethan's attention. He must have realised his mistake.

" Lexi, Sophia is my best friend and you are my wife. You will always be my wife. There would be many more occasions like this..."

Lexi scowled," More marriage anniversaries that won't be invaded by her? Ethan, this is our anniversary not hers!"

Ethan's face turned gloomy as he spoke harshly," Why are you so inconsiderate? You could at least try to act proper like Sophia here!"

Lexi was about to burst out when another voice beat her to it. 

“If your husband won’t dance with you, it would be my honour to dance with the most beautiful woman in the room,” Max cuts in calmly.

Ethan stared at him like he couldn't believe what he was hearing. “You’re joking. That's my wife!”

Max let out a surprised gasp laced with mockery, “Your wife? I thought the red vine around your arms was Mrs. Blackwood.” 

Then he extended his hand toward Lexi. “May I?”

Lexi hesitated for a heartbeat while Ethan’s glare burned holes through her. She turned to Max, placing her hand in his. “I’d love to."

The look on Ethan’s face was priceless.

Max smiled as his hand closed around Lexi's, leading her back toward the ballroom.

After a while, the song began to fade. Lexi could see Ethan across the room with Sophia whispering something into his ear, as he slammed his glass onto the table.

When the music ended, the crowd applauded. That's when Max leaned closer, his breath brushing against Lexi's ear.

“If you ever need help, you know where to find me.”

And then he let go, leaving her standing in the center of the floor, breathless and shaken.

Lexi's eyes found its way to her husband. He was already brimming with gunpowder.