6

Amelia’s POV 

Xavier’s cold, commanding gaze shifted back and forth between Raisa and Lidya. I could feel the air in the room suddenly grow tense.

“I was only looking for the bathroom,” he said flatly. “Since everyone was busy and there was no one I could ask, I went on my own and got lost. Who would’ve thought I’d stumble upon such an unpleasant scene.”

I saw Raisa’s body stiffen. “I–”

But before she could finish, Xavier cut her off. “Is this the attitude of Kevin Aprilio’s chosen fiancée? Harsh and without a trace of gentleness. Completely unfit to marry into the Aprilio family.”

I almost couldn’t believe those words came out of Xavier Aprilio’s mouth. Raisa froze, clearly stunned. Lidya quickly jumped in, pointing straight at me.

“Mr. Xavier, Raisa isn’t at fault. It’s actually her mistake.”

I froze, my blood running cold. Just as I was about to speak, Xavier turned his piercing gaze toward me, and my tongue went numb.

“What did she do to make Miss Raisa want to slap her?” he asked.

My voice caught, but Raisa spoke first. “She spilled Kevin’s juice.”

Xavier looked back at me. “Is that true?”

I quickly shook my head. “I didn’t notice. It really wasn’t intentional,” I said softly, though clearly enough to be heard.

Xavier’s face remained impassive as he turned back to Raisa. “She didn’t mean it. Besides, it’s just juice. Ask the waiter to replace it. There’s no need to slap her.”

Raisa persisted. “But she stained my gown. The engagement hasn’t even started yet.”

I lowered my head, heat crawling up my cheeks. Every stare in the room felt like a dagger.

Xavier’s voice cut through the air again, sharp as a blade. “The event hasn’t started, has it? You can change. Kevin won’t run away. Don’t tell me the Rinov family’s daughter only owns one dress?”

Raisa flushed crimson, biting down hard on her lip as she swallowed her anger. Lidya quickly tugged her arm, coaxing her gently. “She’s right, Raisa. You have plenty of beautiful gowns. Let’s go change.”

With clenched fists, Raisa finally turned and left with Lidya.

Once they disappeared, I let out a shaky breath. I wanted to thank Xavier. If not for him, my cheek would surely be burning red right now. I wasn’t truly afraid—but I would’ve been humiliated beyond words in front of the Aprilios.

I was about to speak, but his phone rang first. Without a word, he pulled it out and stepped onto the balcony to answer. I stood frozen for a moment before deciding to follow. I couldn’t let this chance slip by—I had to thank him properly.

On the balcony, I found him standing tall, his silhouette framed by the sunlight. He was speaking into the phone, his voice low and steady. From the side, his face resembled… my husband’s. The only difference was the aura—Xavier exuded a cold authority, intimidating yet magnetic.

The moment he noticed me watching, he ended the call and turned. My heart lurched violently.

“Miss, why did you follow me here?” he asked.

His voice was so close—and so much like my husband’s—that I froze when I realized he was suddenly standing beside me, only a few inches away. My breath caught in my throat.

Struggling to calm myself, I stammered, “Oh, um… I just wanted to thank you for helping me earlier.”

“It’s nothing. That’s all,” he said coolly, his face expressionless, not even a hint of a smile.

I swallowed hard, feeling awkward under his gaze.

“But I feel like I’ve seen you before. Have we met somewhere?” he asked.

My eyes widened. “No. You must be mistaken. We’ve never met anywhere besides here.”

“I see,” he replied briefly. Then, to my shock, he extended his hand. “In that case, why don’t we introduce ourselves properly?”

I froze in place. “I’m sorry, but I’m already married. Introducing myself to another man… wouldn’t that be inappropriate? Aren’t you married as well?”

“Oh.” His hand slowly dropped back to his side. Then he asked, “May I at least know your husband’s name?”

I tensed. “I don’t think that’s any of your business. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” With that, I quickly turned and walked away.

Even without looking back, I could feel his eyes following me. My lungs tightened as I forced myself to breathe evenly, praying he couldn’t see how rattled I was.

I didn’t understand why my heart pounded so wildly. Maybe it was because his face really did look so much like my husband’s… but the aura he carried was something else entirely.

What I failed to notice was the faint curve of his lips as I left him there.

Xavier didn’t follow me. I faintly heard him leaving the Rinov residence and driving away after giving brief instructions to his assistant.

Moments later, I saw his assistant return to the living room.

Raisa, who had earlier spotted me with Xavier on the balcony, quickly asked, “Why did Mr. Xavier leave? Did someone offend him?”

The assistant gave a faint smile. “Mr. Xavier had urgent matters to attend to, so he had to leave early. Please inform Mr. Tomi.”

Raisa nodded politely.

The engagement ceremony ended on a slightly strange note. After the guests departed, Father—Mr. Tomi Rinov—asked with a worried expression, “Why did Mr. Xavier suddenly leave? Did we do something to upset him?”

I lowered my head, trying not to draw attention.

But Raisa clenched her fists and spoke up, “Father, I saw Amelia bothering Mr. Xavier on the balcony. He seemed very angry. That’s why he left. He even left a message.”

“What message?” Father asked, his face tightening.

“He wanted you to discipline Amelia properly,” Raisa replied, her lips barely concealing a smile. “With her behavior like that, people might think you failed to raise your child well.”

I held my breath, my chest constricting. Father’s face paled with anger. And I knew—once again, all the blame would fall on me.

I could feel his glare pierce into me, cold and full of fury. Lidya stood at his side with a sullen expression, as though savoring every second of my misery.

“Amelia,” Father’s voice finally broke the silence, heavy and suffocating. “How many times must I repeat myself? Do not disgrace this family!”

I lowered my head, my fingers clutching at the fabric of my dress. “I didn’t do anything, Father. I only—”

“Enough!” he barked, silencing the room. Raisa smiled in satisfaction, pretending to bow her head to hide her expression.

It felt like a boulder was crushing my chest. I wanted to defend myself, to tell the truth—that I wasn’t trying to draw Xavier’s attention. But I knew it was useless. To them, I was nothing but an illegitimate child, and every accusation would always fall on me.

“I don’t want to hear your excuses,” Father continued. “From this day forward, stay away from our distinguished guests. If you dare cause trouble again, don’t blame me if you’re no longer considered part of this family.”

I bit my lip, holding back the tears threatening to fall. His words cut deeper than any slap ever could. Once again, I was the scapegoat.

I bowed my head lower, making a silent vow: one day, they would no longer be able to look down on me.