Page 23 of His Son's Ex

You know where to find me.”

CHAPTER 4

EVA

"Holy fuck balls. That was the most iconic thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life," Halsey declares, practically vibrating with excitement as she shoves a glass of champagne into my hand.

We’re back at the reception, but the energy has shifted.

People keep sneaking glances at me like I’ve grown another head.

Or sprouted diamonds. Or maybe both.

“I mean, are you serious right now?” Halsey continues, grinning so hard I’m afraid her face might crack. “You had Sarah Kensington-Jones publicly shut down by none other than Dante freaking Bellacino. Luca’s dad. In front of everyone. If that’s not a power move, I don’t know what is.”

I clutch the stem of my glass, still feeling the aftershocks of that moment. “It wasn’t me, Halls. I didn’t do anything. He just… stepped in.”

“Exactly!” she cries, slapping the table for emphasis. “He stepped in. For you. Like some mafia daddy straight out of a dark romance novel. Do you know what kind of fantasy that is?”

I laugh under my breath, cheeks burning. “Keep your voice down.”

“Oh please,” she huffs, waving a hand. “Everyone saw it. Sarah’s lip trembled. Luca looked like he was going to throw up. You’re basically the main character now.”

She’s not wrong. The glances haven’t stopped since we walked in.

The music resumes in the background, people attempting to move on with polite small talk and hors d'oeuvres, but the tension still lingers.

Sarah’s huddled with her bridesmaids, glaring daggers at me whenever she thinks I’m not looking. Luca hasn’t come near me.

Good.

“You know she’s pissed, right?” Halsey says, sipping her drink like she’s got front row seats to the downfall of a Disney villain. “Sarah’s burning up with jealousy. You stole her moment.”

“I didn’t steal anything.”

“You didn’t have to.” Halsey grins. “That’s what makes it even better.”

I look around and catch a few guests whispering behind their hands, darting glances in my direction.

Some look curious, others impressed.

No one is laughing anymore.

Luca and Sarah may have thrown a lavish wedding, but tonight, the spotlight has officially shifted.

And it was Dante Bellacino who drew the line.

My pulse stutters just thinking about him.

About the way he looked at me.

The way he touched me. The way he claimed me.

But no one knows about that.

No one can know.

Halsey nudges me with her elbow. “So, when do I get the real tea?”