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Chapter 5: A Party

"You look beautiful as always, Miss Lilian." Sofia praised her lady as she finished doing her hair.

Lilian's eyes twinkled in delight upon hearing the compliment. She turned her neck from left to right to check every angle of her face. Lilian stared at her reflection in the mirror and nodded gently, hinting at her satisfaction.

Xander's POV

I had just finished buttoning my polo when 17 came into my room. He left as soon as he finished reporting to me the situation of the Bardales gang. Ever since the gang tried to take over one of our companies situated in Italy, I've had my men watch their movements to make sure they won't try again.

My brother—stepbrother, to be accurate—and the previous CEO have connections in the underground world, as do I. But he has way more enemies than me that he has left untaken care of. And the Bardales gang is one of them. The gang is quite powerful with many members, but they can't compare to my privately hired mercenaries.

"Are we going to pick up Ms. Lilian?" Diego asked as soon as he started the car's engine.

"No need, I simply replied.

I saw Diego's hesitation as he stirred the wheel to the right.

"I told you we didn't need to pick her up.

"But even if you're married on papers only, it is known to people that you're husband and wife. It would be suspicious if you wouldn't arrive together, Diego gently explained.

I can't argue anymore; we've been almost there anyway. sigh This man never listens. If he hadn't saved my life before, I wouldn't be this tolerant.

Lilian's POV

As soon as I finished dressing up, I rushed down the stairs to take my leave for the party.

Leon was standing beside the opened car door as he gestured for me to come in. But before I could, I heard a honk and saw a black Mercedes Benz approaching. I almost jumped in excitement after realizing that it was Xander's car. Oh my! He came to pick me up. This is a very rare occasion.

He rolled down his car window. "Hop in. We're going together."

I hurriedly took the offer and sat beside him.

"Good evening, lady," Diego greeted me as soon as I pressed my back into the back seat.

"You too, I replied while looking at Xander, who was staring outside.

"You didn't forget to wear our wedding ring, didn't you?" I asked as I glanced at his hands.

"Oum"

His short replies and avoidance of looking at my face told me it was not good to continue this conversation anymore. I might end up annoying him if I continue chatting.

I sat properly and fixed my sight in front.

The party is going to be held at El Sueño Garden. The said event will open many doors for investments and partnerships with G&G Incorporation. With the help of Diego, Xander will grow his familiarity in the field by conducting the event.

It's only thirty minutes past seven in the evening. Rian and Ethan arrived half an hour early at the party's venue. As they walked their way in, they were welcomed by the aesthetic ambiance of the garden—different flowers were blossoming at almost every corner, the chairs and tables were arranged neatly, leaving spaces for walking guests, the white cloth that hanged from the furniture danced with the gentle wind, and the darkness was lighted by small lightbulbs hanging on every angle of the garden, imitating fireflies. It looked like a fairytale-themed party, and for Rian, a sucker for fairytales, attending the party was like going to a fairytale land.

Rian's mood was lightened by the surroundings. The nervousness in her system faded away as she started shaking hands with the other visitors. They exchanged greetings and business cards. Of course she did it with Ethan.

Ethan's POV

"Is that a wedding ring on your hand?" A certain man said to Rian, whom she calls Mr. Clements.

Ah, yes, it is, Rian said casually.

"Is he the owner of the other ring?" Mr. Clements asked while pointing at me.

"Indeed he is." Rian smiled while looking at me and then looking back at Mr. Clements. And I did the same.

"You make a good couple, the old man praised, his eyes scanning us. "Invite me when you hold the wedding. I like watching people getting married to the love of their lives. Their smiles remind me of pure joy and bliss." Mr. Clements handed a business card to both me and Rian.

We didn't reply but exchanged his commendation with a sweet smile and pocketed his business card.

I don't even know if we can have a wedding ceremony. My engagement with Rian will end after she takes over her grandmother's company and I take back the hacienda left by my Grandpa that DC Group took years ago. That was the content of the contract I signed with Rian when we started walking this path as fiancés.

As Mr. Clements walked away, Rian pulled me to the nearest chair.

"My legs and feet are achy after standing long with these heels," she sighed and started to massage her calf. I sat beside her.

"You know what, Ethan, we really make a good partner." She smiled enthusiastically, looking at my face. I was still and didn't respond.

"You know people are so convinced that we're a sweet couple. Maybe we have a knack for acting. Don't you think so? Should we change professions and start acting instead? She joked. "Hmm? " She stared at me, waiting for an answer.

The smile slowly faded from her face, and she sighed. Ethan, are you overwhelmed by the crowd again?" She asked, tilting her head.

"U—uh no"

"Then why are you sitting there soulless? Were you even listening to me?"

Oh, sorry, just a thought crossed my mind. Would you mind repeating what you were saying?" I smiled awkwardly.

Rian suddenly stood up, holding my arms. I unconsciously went with her, and she took me to a table located meters away from the center.

"Here, I have spotted this table since we came. You should sit here for the meantime; I'll continue with the formalities for the other guests that just arrived." Before I could say anything, Rian disappeared from my view.

I slumped in the chair. I stared blankly in the open—Rian was very beautiful tonight, not just because her hair and makeup were done nicely and her dress suited her well, but because of how she handles herself in this kind of situation, which is what makes her exceptional.

I massaged my forehead as I shrugged this thought out of my mind. We're here on serious business; I can't be distracted.

Lilian approached the newly arrived guests and exchanged business cards with them. She has already eyed many potential investors, and their business cards are filling her purse now. She walked toward a man. He stood 6 feet tall and wore a navy suit. He's quite attractive, she thought.

"Good evening, gentleman," Rian said cheerfully.

The man looked at her. "Good evening to you too, gorgeous lady." His lips curled into a malicious smile and he winked with his nasty eyes.

From that moment on, Rian knew this man was a flirt. Her face turned serious, and she offered him her business card. The man took it with his left hand.

"Marian De Castro," he said while reading what's written on her card. Rian turned away from him, but he grabbed her by the arms. Rian was shocked.

"Take your hands off me," she ordered.

"What if I don't? Your beauty is bewitching my lady. You would make a perfect bride for the Valenciano's,"

Her eyebrows raised. "We just met and you're asking me for marriage already? And for your information, I am already engaged." She said firmly

" Why, what's wrong with it? Its like getting into a marriage of convenience right after signing contract papers." The man said unbothered by the weight of his words. "Engagement is nothing. Tell me who's the man, he can be taken care of while you take my proposal." He quered eagerly.

Rian gasped, it reminded her of her engagement to Ethan.

"Didn't it even occur to you that I might not want to accept your damned offer?" Rian gritted her teeth as anger consumed her veins.

"Why not? I've got money and power. Just name it and you can have anything as long as you keep my bed warm." He responded with a wicked smile as his sight trailed down into her covered bossom.

Rian was alarmed but remained calm. He stared at her, and Rian did her best not to lose eye contact. She was thinking that if she slapped this man right here and right now, she would attract

unwanted attention, and she knew she couldn't do that. She can't cause a disturbance at this very important event. She might ruin her image as well as this man's. This man standing in front of her might be a douchebag, but he is still someone powerful the fact that he got invited in this kind of party. Better not shame him too much. On her deep thoughts, an idea crossed her mind. A smile twitched on her lips as her eyes pierced through the man's lower half.

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