Chapter 5

In the blink of an eye, the day of the charity gala had arrived.

I was dressed in a champagne-colored gown, and my hair swept up to reveal my neck. Rafael's gaze lingered for a brief moment when he saw me.

"You look beautiful," he said.

"Thank you," I replied with a smile.

Deep down, I couldn't wait for his true love to finally make her appearance. I'd already made all the preparations to set the stage for them.

The gala was held at a five-star hotel. Glasses clinked as impeccably dressed guests mingled across the hall.

As the main sponsor, Rafael naturally became the center of attention. People constantly approached him to exchange pleasantries.

"It's been a while, Mr. Cortez." A gentle voice echoed out behind us.

At the sound of her voice, Rafael and I turned at the same time.

The woman, Evelyn Lloyd, was clad in a white mermaid gown. Her long hair fell in soft curls, framing her delicate features. There was something almost otherworldly about her presence.

A faint smile curved her lips when her gaze settled on Rafael. For a fleeting moment, a hint of melancholy crossed her face.

Here it came!

I perked up at once. I was more than ready to watch the drama unfold.

Rafael visibly stiffened for a moment.

"How have you been, Evelyn?" His voice carried a gentler note than usual when he spoke up again.

Evelyn's gaze landed on me. "And this is…"

"This is my wife, Irene Houston," he introduced.

I held out my hand. "Hello, Ms. Lloyd. I've heard so much about you."

Those were my heartfelt words. In the story, Evelyn was the woman Rafael had carried in his heart for years.

Evelyn shook my hand with an impeccable smile in place. "You're beautiful, Ms. Houston. The two of you make a wonderful match."

After a few polite exchanges, Evelyn turned back to Rafael.

"There are a few things I'd like to ask you about, Mr. Cortez. Would it be convenient for us to speak somewhere else?"

"Of course," he replied. Then, he glanced at me before adding, "Why don't you take a look around, Irene? I'll be back in a while."

"Sure, take your time." I smiled sweetly, looking every bit the gracious wife.

I cheered inwardly as I watched the two of them walk away side by side. The plot was finally about to get back on track!

I slipped onto a quiet balcony to get some air. Just as I took out my phone to scroll through Instagram, a familiar voice spoke from behind me.

"So this is what you look like in a gown."

I was so startled that I nearly dropped my phone.

I spun around, only to see Xavier dressed in a waiter's uniform. He held a tray in one hand as he fixed a dark, inscrutable look on me.

"What are you doing here?" I lowered my voice as I glanced around nervously.

"I told you, didn't I? I wanted to come and take a look too."

Xavier stepped closer as he trapped me between himself and the balcony railing.

His lips brushed against my ear as he murmured, "You look stunning tonight, Irene. Too bad you're dressed up for another man."

"That's enough, Xavier. There are too many people here."

"Then let's go somewhere quieter. Come with me." He grabbed my hand as he spoke.

"No, I can't. My husband could come back at any moment."

His expression darkened at my words. "Do you care about him that much? Then what about me? What am I to you then?"

How could I not care? If those two ever ran into each other head-on, I'd be done for!

I was still scrambling for an answer when the sound of approaching footsteps echoed nearby.