All Chapters of The Billionaire's Borrowed Bride : Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

If I had the choice not to attend the party, I would’ve taken it in a heartbeat. But that was impossible since I was required to be there. Tonight was the launch of De Luca Jewelry’s new collection, and I was the one who designed it. Leandro and my team made it clear that I couldn’t skip this event, even though all I wanted to do was hide under my blanket and pretend to be sick. I was now standing in front of the mirror at home, staring at my reflection. I clutched my silver bag so tightly it was as if it was the one holding me together. My chest grew heavier when I remembered this would be my first time attending a high-profile social event. I wasn’t ready for this and honestly, I doubted I’d ever be ready for this kind of world. Especially since I was sure I’d run into Luciana and Madam Celestine again. God, I just hoped they wouldn’t come near me tonight. The last thing I wanted was to be humiliated in front of all these people. “What’s with that face? You look like you’re going

I could feel that the event was about to begin the moment I saw one of the hosts preparing on stage, and I noticed guests slowly taking their seats at their respective tables. I drew in a deep breath, trying to calm myself, but it didn’t help much because the weight of the entire room felt heavier with every passing second. The soft murmurs around me were fading, replaced by the dimming of lights and the glow intensifying on the stage.Then came the sound of a mic test, that familiar soft tap on the glass and a muffled “check.” And that was it, the official signal that it was starting.I swallowed hard. My chest tightened, nerves tightening their grip on me. Tonight was the night my designs would finally be unveiled to the public. Every piece I’d worked on for endless days and sleepless nights would be out there, under everyone’s scrutiny.I bit my lower lip without meaning to. Just earlier, I was dodging Luciana like my life depended on it, avoiding any unnecessary encounter with her

Once Leandro and I were away from the media, I finally breathed a little easier, though I still hadn’t fully relaxed when Luciana appeared before us again. Her irritation was etched across her face, as if she were not pleased that Leandro and I were together. Her eyes seemed like they could shoot fire, and every step she took carried a mixture of determination and anger that she always seemed to show me.Here she goes again. I seemed to know exactly what she was about to do next, which was exactly what I feared when I had agreed to go with Leandro earlier. I realized that Leandro was still holding my elbow, so I quickly pulled away from him, but I was certain Luciana had already noticed and would give it her usual insinuation.I swallowed hard as Leandro and I stopped directly in front of her. Once again, she looked me over from head to toe as if I were filthy. I could feel my anxiety rising because she might make a scene, especially with the media all focused on us.“You know what?”

Up until now, I still can’t believe everything that happened tonight, and it only really sank in after the event ended especially when my team came running up to me. “Miss Gianna, congratulations! We’re so proud of you!” Via said, practically jumping from excitement. “You had so many surprises tonight!” Mika added, her voice trembling from enthusiasm. I laughed softly because their happiness was so obvious. I could feel it too. A strange lightness in my chest, as if someone had finally lifted a huge weight off me ever since people started recognizing me. “Thank you, guys. I couldn’t have done all of this without your help,” I told them sincerely. “And we still can’t believe you’re the star of the night, Miss Gianna. It feels like you even outshined Miss—” “Come on!” I quickly cut Theo off before he could finish, one of my teammates who also happens to be openly gay. “I never intended to compete with anyone. What matters to me is that I got what I’ve been fighting for.” “That’

Our conversation ended without me even asking Leandro why he ended his engagement with Luciana. I simply followed behind him as we entered the bar together. It was already close to midnight, but the energy inside was still alive and pulsing. Laughter mixed with the pounding bass from the speakers, and the air carried that familiar blend of alcohol, perfume, and sweat. Some people were already tipsy and judging by their unsteady steps and flushed faces, yet they still kept drinking, clinking glasses like there was no tomorrow. Others had migrated to the dance floor, bodies swaying under the dim, shifting lights. The colorful strobes painted everyone in fleeting shades of red, blue, and gold, like moments captured inside a dream. I was caught off guard when we passed by a corner and saw a couple openly making out against the wall. My eyes widened, and before I knew it, I quickly looked away, cheeks heating up instantly. I wasn’t sure why I felt embarrassed for them when they cle