Page 35

“Ana, don’t be like that.” Miles gripped the top of her arm, causing her to stop as my blood boiled at the way he thought it was okay to put his hand on her like that.

“Take your hands off my wife, Miles,” I ordered. I didn’t care if that was her brother. Nobody treated her that way.

“You’ve been her husband for two damn minutes, you have no right to speak to me that way. She’s my sister.” He scowled back. Ana let out a sigh, and I knew she’d had enough of this whole situation.

“It makes no difference if it’s two minutes to two years, you will never lay a hand on my wife.” I cracked my neck to the side. “Besides, it’s a shame you didn’t think much of your sister when you were backing Daddy Dearest over there.” He was about to speak when I cut him off, returning my attention to Ana. “Shall we head inside?”

“Please.”

As we stepped through the grand double doors of the ballroom, the glittering chandeliers casting a warm glow over the crowd, I noticed the way her eyes darted around the room, her lips parting slightly as if words were ready to spill out. Her smile, which had been gradually brightening her face like a sunrise, wavered for a moment, as though she was caught between speaking and holding back.

"I find it funny how you got on his case for acting a certain way when you're no better,”she said with no expression. “Practice what you preach, Lorenzo.”

She slipped her hand from mine and gracefully navigated through the dense crowd, her movements fluid and purposeful, until she reached a small group of women gathered on the far side of the room. I recognised them immediately from the wedding; they were esteemed members of Victor's team, their presence commanding respect. My gaze remained fixed on her, tracing her path, when Red suddenly emerged at my side, his presence both familiar and unexpected.

“For a man who can’t stand his wife, you sure can’t take your eyes off her.” He laughed, nudging my elbow.

“You’re seeing things, mate. Delusional is what you are.” I scoffed, my eyes remaining on Ana.

“Mhm, if you say so.” He continued to try his best to wind me up. “Maybe I’ll go and keep her company. She seems to like me,” he bantered.

“Don’t even think about it,” I chuckled, relaxing slightly. “I’ll see you later.”

“I just got here, where are you going?” he asked, but I was sure he already knew the answer.

“To join my wife, she looks as though she could use some company.”

“But she already has some,” he directed his hand towards where she stood, smiling wider and brighter than I’d seen before.

“Not mine.”

I strode confidently over to where Anastacia stood, her poised figure framed by the dim lighting overhead. As I approached, she turned her attention towards me, her smile as radiant as it was a moment ago, not once wavering. Yet, beneath that polished exterior, I knew it was a performance, a carefully crafted façade, and I hadn't yet decided if I wanted it to remain a mere act or transform into something genuine.

Who was I kidding, of course I didn’t want it to be real.

“Lorenzo, you know I only just left you, right?” she said, her lips curving gently.

“Yes, but you’re going to dance with me.” I took her hand, not giving her a choice.

“Lorenzo,” she gasped as I spun her into my arms.

“Ana,” I responded, matching her tone.

“What have I told you about calling me that nickname?” she sighed, relaxing into my hold ever so slightly.

“I don’t recall you saying anything about it,” that was a lie, I knew she hated it, but that gave me all the more reason to use it. “Now, stop with the questions and dance with me.”

“Why do you feel the need to put on a show? Why are you so bothered about what people think?” she asked, and the truth was, I didn’t really care about what the other people in this room thought. I knew the majority envied my marriage to her.

“I don’t give a shit what the people in this room think of me. I just wanted to show that we’re united. That you chose me.”

“I didn’t choose you, though.” she responded, as quick as ever.

I rested my hand on the small of her back as her body remained flush against mine. I knew her parents' eyes were on us, as well as many other alliances, so I played the part just as much as she did. But it was hard when her body fit perfectly against mine. It was as though she was put on this earth to be mine. All I could wonder was whose great idea that was.

Ah, yeah, mine.

“What did your father say to you?” I asked.