Chapter 3 The party

Rose's POV

I leaned against the cool balcony railing. Below me, the arrival line stretched out into the driveway, but I had managed to slip away early. More importantly, I had successfully avoided Remy. That man made absolutely no sense; every time I saw him, he somehow looked more handsome than before.

From my perch, I watched the crowd gathering around the pool. It looked exactly like a scene from a luxury summer movie. The terrace was packed with the sons of my father’s business partners, all of them looked gorgeous and trying entirely too hard to impress.

But my eyes ignored everyone else. I kept looking back at the French man lounging on a deck chair. Remy possessed an effortless elegance that the others lacked. His blue eyes caught the afternoon sunlight, and he wore a casual linen shirt with just a few buttons left open. His gym-toned frame was impossible to ignore. I wondered what God was thinking when He made him. He truly felt too perfect to be real.

I forced myself to look up at the clear sky, trying to clear my head. The afternoon breeze was warm, making me wish I was out for a long, quiet walk,something I rarely ever wanted to do.

“Rose! Why are you hiding up there?“

A sharp voice shattered my peace. I gasped, dropping my hand to my chest as my heart hammered against my ribs. Mira stood right behind me, wearing a bright coloured swimsuit and a loose poolside robe.

“Mira, you frightened me,” I breathed.

She rolled her eyes and stepped closer to the railing. “Everyone is down by the water “having fun, and you're up here brooding like a lone wolf. Go get change.“

“I didn't bring a swimsuit,” I lied, crossing my arms.

Mira laughed. “Nice try, you little liar. I literally helped you pack your suitcase. Go put it on, or I will drag you down the stairs myself.“

Knowing she meant every word, I let out a heavy sigh of defeat. “Fine. Give me a few minutes.“

“Don't make me come back up for you,” she warned with a triumphant smile before turning away.

I went inside and walked into the closet. I had unpacked the previous night, so it took me no time to find what I needed. I picked out a simple pink bikini and threw a plush white robe over it, leaving the tie loose. After a quick look in the mirror to make sure everything was in place, I headed downstairs.

The backyard was alive with the sound of laughter, upbeat music, and the constant clinking of glasses. Waiters glided through the crowd with trays of drinks and appetizers. As I stepped onto the patio, I spotted a face that instantly ruined my mood. It was Helen Bramwell, a woman connected to my father’s firm. I detested her from the bottom of my soul. She was a manipulative, cruel person who cheated on her husband… a kind doctor who had no idea who she really was, with anyone who had a pulse. Just looking at her made my teeth grind.

“Stop glaring at her, Rose,” Mira whispered, slipping up beside me. “People are going to notice.“;I didn't break eye contact with Helen, who was currently giggling against some stranger's shoulder. “I absolutely hate her, Mira.“

“We all do,”'Mira sighed. “But your dad had to invite the whole department. Just ignore her and look at the scenery. There are plenty of cute guys here.“

“I don't want a boy,” I murmured, watching the crowd. “I want a real man.“

Mira gasped, her eyes wide with shock. “Don't let your dad hear you say that. He'd lock you in your room until the wedding.“

“Let him try,” I said, rolling my eyes as I walked toward the outdoor bar in the corner.

I ordered a cocktail from the bartender, who gave me a warm, cute smile. I barely noticed him. My eyes automatically searched the yard until they found Remy, and my stomach instantly dropped. Helen had moved on to a new target. She was standing entirely too close to him, her long nails tracing slow lines up his forearm. Remy looked miserable. He was leaning back, trying to create distance while maintaining a polite, forced smile. A hot surge of jealousy flared up in my chest. He wasn't mine, but watching her touch him made my blood boil.

“Give me one glass of vodka, please,” I told the bartender, ordering Remy's favorite drink. I unknotted my white robe, letting it fall open to reveal the pink bikini. With the cocktail in my left hand and the vodka in my right, I walked straight toward them. Remy saw me coming. His blue eyes locked onto mine, tracking my movement as I approached. Helen noticed his sudden distraction and turned around, her smile fading when she saw me.

I completely ignored her presence. I stepped right into their space, leaning lightly against the bar rail next to Remy. I held out the glass to him.

“I brought your favorite,” I said softly.

His eyebrows shot up in surprise. As he took the glass, his fingers brushed against mine, sending a sudden spark of heat straight up my arm.

Then, I turned a bright, fake smile onto Helen. “Oh, Helen! It's so wonderful to see you. How is your husband doing?“

The colour instantly drained from her face. She stumbled over a response, looking entirely caught off guard. “He's... yes, he's fine,” she muttered, shifting uncomfortably. “Excuse me, I need to go grab a fresh drink.“

She practically ran toward the main bar, leaving us alone. I watched her go, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. I turned back to Remy. He looked relieved, his shoulders relaxing as he stared down at me with an intense, curiosity in his blue eyes. Before he could speak, I leaned in close, my breath brushing against his ear.

“Thank me later, Remy,” I whispered.

Then, I turned on my heel and walked away.

As I passed the lounge where he had been sitting moments before, I let my white robe slip off my shoulders. I dropped it onto the cushion, leaving myself in just the pink bikini, and continued toward the pool without looking back.

I could feel his gaze burning into my back the entire time. It was so intense that the hairs on the back of my neck stood up, but I kept my pace steady and smooth, refusing to let him see how much he affected me.

I slid into the cool water, joining Mira and a few other women who were huddled near the steps. They were deeply invested in a conversation about upcoming wedding plans. The topic bored me completely, and I couldn't focus on a single word they were saying. Instead, my attention kept pulling back to the edge of the pool.

Remy hadn't moved. His piercing blue eyes were locked onto me, completely ignoring the rest of the party.

When I looked back at him, he slowly brought the glass of vodka to his lips. He took a slow sip, his eyes never leaving mine for even a second.

god! If he kept looking at me like that, resisting him was going to be completely impossible.