Chapter 46 - Chapitre 46

I take a breath and follow her.

A few minutes later, we find Jon in the middle of a group of elegantly dressed men and women. As soon as he sees me, his face lights up.

— Ah! There she is at last.

He places an affectionate hand on my shoulder.

— Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to officially introduce my daughter-in-law, Esther Arrison.

Everyone's eyes turn toward me.

My God. I really hated being watched like this.

— Nice to meet you, I say with a polite smile.

The introductions begin immediately.

Jon introduces me to a first person, then a second, then a third.

After ten minutes, I have already forgotten half of the names. Yet everyone is warm, the conversations flow naturally, people talk to me about companies, investments, travels, projects, and to my great surprise, several people seem genuinely interested in what I have to say.

Little by little, my nervousness decreases.

The hours pass quickly between discussions, introductions, and exchanges. I almost forget the crowd around me.

As I slowly catch my breath after this conversation, a waitress discreetly approaches me.

— Mrs. Arrison... your father would like to see you.

I immediately raise my eyes.

— My father?

She nods with a polite smile.

I glance toward Tony without even realizing it.

He is still a little further away, deep in conversation with some guests, calm as always.

As if nothing could truly disturb him.

I smooth my dress absentmindedly before crossing the hall.

When I see my father in the distance, my heart immediately warms.

No matter my age.

No matter that I am married.

No matter everything else.

I am still his daughter.

As soon as I reach him, I hide in his arms. His arms immediately close around me.

— I missed you, Dad.

— Me too, princess.

His voice is soft, familiar, comforting. It had missed me.

I briefly close my eyes.

I needed this.

Just a few seconds in my father's arms.

A few seconds where I was no longer Esther Arrison.

Just Esther.

His daughter.

He eventually pulls away slightly while keeping a hand on my shoulder.

— I was looking for you.

I gave him a small smile.

— Did something happen?

— No, nothing worrying. I just wanted to introduce you to a few important people.

I followed his gaze. Several investors were looking at me with interest, some smiling, others more observant.

— Ladies and gentlemen, my father said as he spoke again, allow me to officially introduce my daughter, Esther Besson… and now Esther Arrison.

I immediately felt several eyes turn toward me.

— Nice to meet you, I said politely.

The greetings began. Handshakes. Smiles. Quick questions. Everything seemed perfectly organized.

But one question came up several times, in different forms.

— Why weren't you introduced earlier tonight?

I paused slightly.

My father answered before me with a controlled smile.

— Because tonight is a special evening. And I wanted my daughter's introduction to happen at the right moment.

Another investor nodded.

— That's understandable… but you should have introduced her from the beginning. She is attracting a lot of attention.

My father let out a slight smile.

— Let's just say that some events like to keep their best cards for the end.

I lowered my eyes slightly, a little embarrassed, but also reassured by his presence.

The conversations continued for a few more minutes, becoming lighter afterward.

And for what feels like an eternity, I shake hands, smile, answer questions, and listen to conversations that I don't even understand half of.

Then my stepfather needs me.

Then my stepmother.

Then my mother.

Then my father again.

Then my stepfather again.

At some point, I don't even know where I'm supposed to be anymore. I just keep following people like a little leaf carried away by the wind.

— Esther, come here.

— Esther, I'd like to introduce you to someone.

— Esther, stay for a moment.

— Esther!

— Esther!

— Esther!

My God.

I feel like I've become the official mascot of this evening.

I smile.

I talk.

I shake hands.

I thank people.

I answer.

I smile again.

Always smiling.

Smile again.

By the end, my cheeks almost hurt.

And the more the hours pass, the more I feel exhaustion taking over.

Between the asthma attack.

The stress.

The journalists.

The dance with Tony.

The investors.

The family friends.

I feel like I've lived three entire days in a single evening.

At one point, I find myself in the middle of the room with a glass of juice in my hands.

I look around me.

My father is talking with guests.

My mother is speaking with some doctors.

My stepmother is surrounded by her friends.

My stepfather is busy with investors.

And me… I'm standing here in the middle of all of this without really knowing why.

I stare at my glass for a few seconds.

Honestly… Who would have told me a few months ago that I would find myself here, in the middle of one of the most influential families in the country, married to Tony Arrison, and forced to smile at hundreds of people?

Because even I would have never believed it.

At the back of the room, I spot Leila sitting alone at a table.

Well… alone with a mountain of food in front of her.

I swear this girl and food are living one of the greatest love stories I've ever seen.

I walk toward her and sit across from her.

— Has madam finally finished playing the star? she says before stuffing another bite into her mouth.

I let my head fall against the back of my chair.

— I'm tired. I'm exhausted. All I want right now is to put on my pajamas, crawl under my blanket, and sleep for three days.

Leila bursts out laughing.

— Unfortunately, you can't.

— Why?

— Because you are the queen of the evening. If you leave, what will become of your kingdom?

I roll my eyes.

— My kingdom can survive perfectly well without me.

— Oh no. Ruling a kingdom is a difficult task. But don't worry, as long as you have your king by your side, everything will be fine.

I look at her suspiciously.

— Who are you talking about?

She gives me a look that screams "seriously?"

— Don't pretend you don't understand.

Of course I know who she's talking about. I'm just pretending.

— I really don't see.

— Liar.

I take a fry from her plate.

— Hey!

— You have enough food to feed an entire village.

— And yet you still steal from me.

I smile innocently.

Then Leila narrows her eyes at me.

For way too long.

I know that look.

I really don't like it.

It's the look she gets when she's planning something stupid.

— What?

Her smile grows wider.

— I have a question.

— No.

— But I haven't even spoken yet.

— I know that smile.

She bursts out laughing, then leans slightly toward me.

— You and Tony...

I can already feel the disaster coming.

— Leila...

— What?

— Don't ask weird questions.

— You're married, though.

— Leila.

— Okay, okay.

I let out a sigh of relief. Which lasts exactly two seconds.

— Have you already consummated your marriage?

I almost choke on my own saliva.

— LEILA!

She immediately bursts out laughing at my horrified expression.

— Judging by your face, I'll take that as a no.

— I'm going to throw this plate at your face.

— Violence. I'm just interested in your married life.

I hide my face in my hands while she continues laughing like a crazy person.

Why is this girl incapable of having a normal conversation?

— Hmm... I'm just asking the question. The way you two were holding each other, it looked like you were alone in the world.

— I... he didn't want to let me go.

— Oh, I saw that. Well... everyone saw that.

I feel my cheeks heat up instantly.

— I was dying of embarrassment, I swear! He wouldn't let me go and...

I don't even have time to finish my sentence before she bursts into laughter. A real loud laugh, to the point where several people turn their heads toward our table.

— You? Dying of embarrassment? Seriously, Esther, who are you trying to fool?

— It's true!

— Of course, I believe you.

She shakes her head while trying to calm down her laughter.

— You mostly looked like you were enjoying him holding you like that.

— That's not true!

— Keep convincing yourself.

— I'm not convincing myself of anything!

— Esther...

She puts down her fork and looks at me with that unbearable big-sister expression that thinks she knows everything.

— The problem with you is that your face tells your whole story before you even open your mouth.

— Nonsense.

— It does.

— No.

— Esther.

— What?

She leans slightly over the table.

Enough so that no one else can hear.

Her smile becomes mischievous.

— When you lie, it shows. And when certain people affect you... it shows even more.

I give her a dark look.

She, on the other hand, seems to be enjoying herself more than ever.

— But what are you even talking about?

— And you know what's the funniest part?

— No, and I don't want to know.

— It's that you're trying to convince yourself Tony has no effect on you while your entire body says the opposite.

— You're talking nonsense.

— Really? Esther, the guy spent the whole evening looking at you. You're going to tell me you didn't notice? she says while looking behind me.

I follow her gaze.

Bad idea.

Because on the other side of the room... Tony is there.

And as if by coincidence, he is looking at me.

My heart makes a ridiculous jump.

I immediately turn back toward my glass.

Leila bursts out laughing.

— There. Thank you for proving my point.

— I hate you.

— No. You adore me.

Anyway, I advise you to quickly move things to the next level because, judging by the way I see your guy, he won't be patient forever.

— What do you mean by that?

— Oh, stop pretending you don't understand. You know exactly what I'm talking about.

Of course I know what she's talking about.

And that's exactly why I prefer not to think about it.

— Can you stop, please?

— I'm just telling the truth.

She calmly takes another bite before continuing as if she's talking about the weather.

— Plus, with the way he looks at you, I'm sure he thinks about it all day. That's why he's frustrated and always cold. He's probably just desperate, she says while eating.

I stare at her with wide eyes.

This girl has absolutely no restraint. It's unbelievable.

— You're talking nonsense.

— No, you're the one refusing to see what's obvious.

— What obvious thing?

— That this man is completely obsessed with you.

— Leila! You're completely crazy.

She bursts out laughing.

— Yes, I admit it!

Why me?

Why her?

Why this conversation?

— I'm serious, Esther. Every time he looks at you, it's like he forgets the rest of the world.

— You're exaggerating.

— Not at all.

She looks at me for a few seconds before adding with a knowing smile:

— And you, every time he gets within a meter of you, it's like your brain resigns.

— My brain does not resign!

— Oh really?

— No!

— Then explain why you're still blushing.

I immediately put my hands on my cheeks.

I shouldn't have done that because her laughter gets even louder.

— There! Thank you for confirming it!

I give her a hopeless look.

This girl is a lost cause.

— But admit one thing.

— No.

— I haven't even asked the question.

— I know your type of questions.

— Just admit that when he looks at you like that... your little heart does weird things.

It's true.

But I will never say it out loud.

—I'm not even going to answer you.

Then she looks in Tony's direction.

But why does she keep looking there all the time?

And despite myself, I follow her gaze.

He is standing a little further away, in the middle of a conversation with two men.

One of them, I immediately recognize.

He was at our wedding in Palestine.

Ethan... yes, I think that's Ethan.

The other one, however, I have never seen before.

I observe him for a few seconds.

He is tall, very tall even.

Muscular too.

He has a natural presence that draws attention.

He looks a little like Tony in some ways.

They are almost the same height, even though Tony is slightly taller.

He is quite handsome...

But I think Tony is better.

Wait.

What?

Since when do I compare men?

Oh my God.

This is all Leila's fault.

She puts so many ideas into my head that I'm starting to analyze things I never would have noticed before.

As if Tony had sensed my gaze, he suddenly turns his head in our direction.

Our eyes meet.

My heart makes another ridiculous jump, which immediately makes me look away.

Leila looks at me right away with a mischievous smile.

— Why are you looking at me like that?

— Why did you look away?

— I asked the question first.

— And I'm asking why you looked away?

— Of course not.

— Of course you did.

— No.

— Yes.

— No.

— Yes.

I let out a sigh.

Arguing with Leila is sometimes as useful as arguing with a wall.

Or maybe worse.

I already know I won't win, so I decide to change the subject.

— Who is the man next to him? I mean... Ethan, I know him. Well, I remember him because he was at the wedding. But the other one?

She looks at me as if I just announced that I didn't know how to read.

— Shouldn't you know your husband's circle?

— I... We didn't really have time to talk about that kind of thing.

— So you've never asked him questions about his life?

— And why should I do that?

She stays silent for a few seconds before slowly shaking her head.

— Oh Esther... You have so much to learn.

— I'm doing perfectly fine, thank you.

— No, you're a whole project by yourself.

— What does that mean?

— It means that thanks to me, you'll soon become an expert.

— An expert in what exactly?

— Human relationships.

Judging by her smile, I'm almost certain she means something else.

— And to return to your question, the one next to Tony is named Samir.

— Samir?

— Yes. His best friend since childhood. They went to primary school together, high school, then university. After that, they created their hotel group.

— Which one?

— Aurora Crown Hotels.

Even I know that name.

Aurora Crown Hotels are among the most luxurious hotels in Europe.

— They own it?

— Exactly. Today, they own establishments in several European countries and they are already planning to expand to other continents.

I blink.I knew Tony was rich.

But sometimes I forget just how much.

— And how do you know all that?

Leila simply shrugs.

— I do my research.

— You spy on people.

— I prefer the term "strategic information gathering."

— That is exactly the definition of spying.

— The details are not important. Anyway, you should make an effort to get to know his circle, she continues more seriously. You're married now.

—...

— And like I already told you, if you want your relationship to work, you'll also have to take a step toward him.

— And who told you I wanted it to work?

Leila looks at me for a very long moment.

Then she sighs.

— I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that.

— You...

— And I'm also going to pretend you don't spend your time looking at him.

— I don't

— And that your heart doesn't do somersaults every time he enters a room.

— You're talking nonsense.

— Of course.

I'm about to reply when a deep voice rises behind us.

A voice I would recognize among a thousand by now.

— Are we talking about me?

I turn around Tony is standing behind us, his hands in his pockets his gaze shifts from Leila to me, and for some reason I can't explain, my heart starts beating a little too fast again.

I honestly think this man is going to end up being the cause of all my problems.

— And what makes you think we were talking about you? Leila asks as she keeps eating as if nothing had happened.

— Usually, when two people stare at me for five minutes and then immediately look away the moment I notice them, it means they're talking about me.

— Hmm... fair point, Leila admits.

Tony then lowers his eyes to the table.

Well... to the many plates covering almost the entire surface.

Then to the desserts, then to the pastries, then to everything spread across the table.

— Don't you have enough food at home? It looks like you raided the buffet.

Leila looks at the table then at him then at the table again then back at him.

— Listen, some people collect cars, others collect luxury watches. I collect free food.

— You've taken enough food to feed an entire family.

— Exactly.

— You're alone.

— That's where you're wrong.

She proudly points at her plate.

— This family has been keeping me company for the past twenty minutes. And as long as the food is free, I don't see the problem.

— You've practically emptied a quarter of the buffet.

She casually picks up a macaron.

— False. I only emptied the part that interested me.

— Which represents a quarter of the buffet.

— I prefer to say that I'm helping the organizers reduce waste.

— I'm trying to understand how someone your age can eat that much without exploding.

Leila places a hand over her chest.

— It's a gift.

— More like a curse.

— That's what jealous people would say.

Those two are truly incapable of having a normal conversation.

— Anyway, Leila continues as she grabs another canapé, if I ever disappear, look for me near a buffet before calling the police.

— I'll make a note of that, Tony replies.

— Thanks. I knew I could count on you.

Then she shoots me a mischievous look.

— Unlike certain people who spend all their time admiring their husband from afar.

I immediately choke.

— LEILA!

Her laughter echoes through the entire hall while Tony slowly turns his head toward me.

And I swear, the smile that appears at the corner of his lips suddenly makes me feel very warm.

— Yes. Leila is my name. It's pretty, isn't it? Besides, your first daughter will be named after me.

She is absolutely incorrigible.

Tony slowly turns his head toward me.

— Oh really?

— Don't listen to her.

— She seems very sincere.

— She isn't!

— I'm always sincere, Leila chimes in.

— No.

— Yes.

I look up at the ceiling.

Lord.Why am I friends with this girl?

Tony crosses his arms as he keeps looking at me.

— So... you didn't think I was handsome?

My heart skips a beat.

Why is he asking me that in front of her?

Why?

Leila watches us with the excitement of someone watching their favorite TV series.

— Answer him, Esther. The people want to know.

— What people?

— Me.

I groan inwardly.

Tony still hasn't taken his eyes off me.

And the worst part...

is that I'm incapable of holding his gaze for more than a few seconds.

So I end up looking away.

Which, of course, makes Leila smile even more.

— Yes, she confirms proudly. She thinks you're very handsome.

I shoot her a death glare.

— What? I'm just doing your marriage a favor. You should thank me.

— I think talking to you is pointless, Tony finally says.

Leila gives him a cheeky smile.

Then he turns toward me.

And without taking his eyes off mine, he simply says:

— I came to get my wife.

My heart does that strange little movement it always does whenever he says those words.

"My wife."

I don't know why, but coming from him, those two words have an utterly unreasonable effect on me.

— There she is. Take her and let me eat in peace, Leila replies, gesturing toward me. Besides, you two spend all your time staring at each other. It's honestly concerning.

Several people tell her to be quiet.

— Leila. Be quiet.

— No, thank you.

Tony, however, seems far too amused by the situation.

— Is it a crime to look at your wife? he asks calmly.

Leila swallows a bite before answering:

— No, it isn't.

Then her gaze shifts to me with unbearable mischief.

— But pretending not to enjoy it should be.

This girl is really going to be the end of me.

— What now? I'm only telling the truth.

Tony doesn't say anything.

But that little smirk at the corner of his lips makes me want to disappear under this table.

— Are you coming? he finally asks, holding out his hand to me.

My eyes drop to his hand.

Such a simple gesture, yet my heart immediately speeds up again.

I hate the effect he has on me.

Well...

Maybe I don't hate it that much.

— Esther, if you keep staring at him like that, we'll still be here tomorrow morning, Leila says.

— Nobody asked for your opinion.

— I know. But I'm giving it anyway.

I let out a sigh before standing up.

My hand hesitates for a second, but I finally place it in Tony's.

His fingers immediately close around mine.

As if that place already belonged to him.

Once again, my heart betrays me in his presence.

— See you later, lovebirds, Leila calls out.

I throw back,

— Eat less, I say with a laugh.

— Impossible.

— You're going to explode, Tony adds.

— Dying happy and full is a lifestyle choice.

I can't help laughing.

Tony shakes his head before starting to lead me away.

I glance back one last time.

Leila has already gone back to her plate as if nothing else in the world existed.

— So? I ask as we walk away from the table. Where are you taking me?

— You'll see.

And something in the way he says it suddenly makes me really want to find out where he's taking me.

We finally arrive in front of the two men.

The moment they see us, Ethan is already opening his mouth.

— Well then, my dear sister-in-law, how are you? I hope this grump here isn't torturing you too much. If he is, call me and I'll come over to punch him right in front of you.

I can't help laughing.

— Good evening to you too. And no, I'm fine.

— You don't have to defend him. If he ever does anything to you, call me and I'll be there without hesitation.

— I promise.

— Now that's a reasonable woman.

— So you're this idiot's wife? Samir says as he walks over.

Tony immediately turns toward him.

— Don't insult me.

— And I didn't ask for your permission to do it.

— Watch what you say.

— Oh no, here he goes threatening people already.

Samir shakes his head before turning to me.

— See what I've had to put up with for years?

I simply smile.

— We can insult him today, tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow. He can't do anything to us because he loves us too much to hurt us, Ethan adds with a satisfied smile.

Tony raises an eyebrow.

— Don't be so sure. You know accidents happen. You could very well leave work and get hit by a car.

Ethan's eyes widen, and he dramatically places a hand over his heart.

— Did you hear that? Did you all hear that? He just threatened me in public! My life is in danger! I'm a victim!

He looks around.

— Where's Ibrahim? I want to file a complaint for public threats!

Without even realizing it, I burst out laughing.

Samir smacks him on the back of the head.

Even Tony ends up smiling.

I think it's only the third time I've ever seen him smile.

I'll never get tired of that sight.

— But that's not even a real thing you just said, I say, trying to hold back my laughter.

— Of course it is.

— No.

— Of course it is.

— No.

— I just invented it, so now it exists.

I shake my head, laughing.

This man is impossible.

— Alright, enough talking. Let me introduce myself properly, Samir interrupts.

— No, leave it. I'll do it, Ethan immediately replies.

— Ethan...

— Be quiet.

Samir lets out a deep sigh.

Apparently, this scene isn't new.

— I know I've already introduced myself, but I'll do it again. I'm Ethan. The most handsome, the most stylish, and above all, the funniest one in the group. The one who keeps these guys entertained and brings a little light into their sad and miserable lives.

— Nice to meet you, Ethan.

He places a hand over his heart.

— Finally, someone who recognizes my worth.

Then he points at Samir.

— And that's Samir. The serious one of the group. The one who always says no. The one who works all the time. The one who's married to his apartment and his files. Basically, he's all of our dad.

I can't hold back my laughter.

— Nice to meet you, Samir.

— Don't listen to him. He's an idiot, Samir replies with impressive calm.

— See? He's always like that.

— Because you talk too much.

— And you don't talk enough.

Then Ethan points at Tony while putting on a dramatic expression.

— And this one... is the group's official killjoy. The grump. The coldest one. And most importantly, the least handsome of all of us.

— You're the least handsome, Tony shoots back.

— Oh really?

— I'm handsome, elegant, charming, and charismatic.

This time, I'm the one who turns to look at Tony.

What a lack of modesty.

Exactly like his mother.

I'm seriously starting to understand where he gets that personality from.

— Why are you so lacking in modesty? Samir asks.

— I don't care. If being handsome means lacking modesty, then I gladly accept that flaw.

— See? Ethan exclaims. That's exactly why we have to put him back in his place regularly.

— You're just jealous.

— No, Samir replies.

I watch them bicker like teenagers.

Ever since I've known Tony, I've almost always seen him cold, distant, and unreadable.

So seeing him like this...

So relaxed, smiling, almost normal.

Without a mask.

Without the coldness.

Without that distance he always keeps between himself and everyone else.

And I have to admit, it suits him incredibly well.

— Why are you looking at me like that? Tony suddenly asks.

Darn.

I was staring at him again.

— I wasn't looking at you.

— Liar, Ethan blurts out immediately.

— Nobody was talking to you, Samir adds.

— And yet everyone listens to me.

— Nobody listens to you.

— See? Even when you answer me, you're listening to me.

Samir lets out a deep sigh.

— Sometimes I wonder why I'm still friends with him.

— Because without me your lives would be sad and meaningless.

— No, Tony replies.

— No, Samir confirms.

— You're all just jealous of my charisma.

I let out a laugh.

Ethan immediately places a hand over his heart.

— Did you see that?

— See what? Samir asks.

— She laughs at my jokes.

He points at Tony.

— Your wife has good taste after all.

— Don't let it go to your head, Tony replies.

— Too late.

I shake my head with a smile.

Honestly, Ethan is even worse than Leila.

— When he told us he was getting married, Samir continues, we didn't believe him. We honestly thought he was joking.

— Yeah, but we'd forgotten one important detail, Ethan adds.

Tony Arrison never jokes. Ever.

— I'm not even going to answer that, Tony says, shaking his head.

— Anyway, I have to admit one thing, Ethan continues as he looks at me. He made an excellent choice.

Before I can answer, Tony speaks.

— I know. I never make bad choices.

— How arrogant, Samir mutters.

Tony simply shrugs.

— When you have good taste, you might as well own it.

Ethan bursts out laughing.

— There he is. That's the Tony we know.

— There you are at last.

Samira's voice cuts our conversation short.

— Good evening, everyone.

— Samira! Samir says with a smile. You look gorgeous tonight. I have a feeling Ibrahim is going to have to fend off quite a few suitors.

She runs a hand through her hair.

— I know I'm gorgeous. In fact, I've always been gorgeous.

Honestly, modesty really isn't a family trait.

— You people don't know what modesty is, do you? I ask.

— Absolutely not, Tony declares without the slightest hesitation.

— Modesty doesn't exist in the Arrison dictionary, Samira confirms.

— Samira, actually, I was looking for you, Ethan interrupts with the utmost seriousness.

— Why?

— I need to file a complaint. Where's Ibrahim?

She frowned.

— Really? Is it serious?

— Very serious, he replied with the utmost seriousness. Your brother here just threatened to kill me.

Samira burst out laughing.

— Tony threatened you?

— I don't even know what he's talking about, Tony replied with unsettling calm.

— See? He's already lying. Luckily, I have witnesses. Samir, repeat exactly what he said.

— I don't remember anything, he said with a laugh.

— I knew you were a traitor.

I couldn't help laughing.

Then he suddenly turned toward me.

— Esther, at least you tell the truth. I swear I'll protect you with my life.

— I didn't hear anything either.

This time, he actually placed both hands over his heart.

— Ah... I didn't see that one coming.

— You'll survive, Samir said.

— No. I'm deeply wounded.

— Did you really think she was going to betray my brother for you? Samira asked, laughing.

— I had hope.

— Bad idea, Tony replied.

— Alright, I get it. You're all against me in this family.

He pointed at Tony.

— And if anything ever happens to me, I'm holding all of you responsible. Every single one of you. You'll all be considered accomplices of this psychopath.

— Psychopath? Tony repeated dangerously.

— See? He's doing it again!

I ended up laughing along with everyone else.

Samira shook her head before turning to me.

— Alright, enough talking. Esther, come with me.

— Where?

— Grandma wants to see you. We'll be right back, she said, addressing the others.

— And where's Grandma? I asked Samira as we walked across the hall.

— She's busy charming a man, she replied with a little laugh.

I stopped in my tracks.

What kind of madness is this now?

— Are you serious?

— If you don't believe me, see for yourself.

I followed her gaze.

And indeed...

Grandma was sitting at a table, a glass in her hand, deep in conversation with an elegantly dressed man. She laughed at one of his remarks while he leaned slightly closer to whisper something in her ear.

What is wrong with this family?

— Do you believe me now? Samira asked with amusement.

— Oh yes, I definitely believe you.

I was still trying to process it all when we finally reached them.

— Here she is, Samira announced.

Grandma immediately looked up at us.

— Finally. Samira, why did you take so long?

— I don't know. I felt like making you wait.

Grandma stared at her for a few seconds without saying a word.

— One day, I'm really going to end up selling you.

— You've been saying that since I was five years old.

— And I'm still looking for a buyer.

I let out a little laugh.

The man sitting beside Grandma seemed amused as well.

Grandma finally turned her attention to me.

Her eyes looked me up and down for a few seconds before a smile appeared on her lips.

Grandma then turned to the man sitting beside her.

— This is Esther, my granddaughter-in-law, she said, looking at the man beside her.

Then she gestured toward him.

— And this is Richard. Today's admirer.

— Grandma! Samira exclaimed.

The man burst out laughing while she wore a perfectly innocent smile.

— What? At my age, I'm still allowed to have fun.

— That's exactly what I told her, Richard added.

— You two are impossible, Samira said before taking a sip of her drink.

— Thank you, Grandma replied proudly.

I shook my head, laughing.

Honestly... this family really wasn't normal.

After a few minutes of conversation, Grandma finally let me go.

— Go enjoy your evening, sweetheart. You'll have plenty of time to put up with this family later.

— Thank you, Grandma.

I kissed her on the cheek before walking away.

My eyes swept across the room until they landed on Leila.

She was still sitting at her table, but this time...

her plate was completely empty.

I stared at her for a few seconds.

— Oh my God...

I walked over and sat down across from her.

Leila looked up at me.

— What?

— You ate everything?

— Of course.

— Everything?

— Esther, don't judge me.

I looked at the table, then at her.

— I think you just ate enough for four people.

She rolled her eyes.

— Anyway, Leila continued, settling more comfortably into her chair, let's get back to our conversation.

I looked at her warily.

— I have nothing to say.

— Maybe you don't, but I do.

— Leila...

— Tell me, when are you planning to do it?

I frowned.

— Do what?

She looked at me as if I were the slowest person on the planet.

— Don't mess with me, Esther. Stop pretending you don't understand.

— But I really don't understand. Be a little clearer.

— You want me to be clearer?

I immediately regretted my words.

A devilish smile spread across her lips.

She leaned over the table toward me and whispered:

— When are you planning to sleep with Tony?

I nearly fell off my chair.

— Leila! Are you serious?

— Yes, completely serious.

I stared at her in horror.

— You're completely crazy. Totally crazy.

— No, I'm realistic. The guy hasn't stopped looking at you since the beginning of the evening.

— You're exaggerating.

— Not at all. Honestly, he looks frustrated.

— You're impossible.

— What? I'm just saying what I think.

— I'm ashamed to know you.

— And yet you adore me.

— Absolutely not.

— Liar. Anyway, listen. All I'm saying is that you're married now. Sooner or later, you'll have to stop looking at each other like two teenagers discovering their feelings.

— We don't do that.

— Of course, she said, looking at me.

— Stop looking at me!

— Impossible. Your face is way too entertaining.

— I hate you.

— No. You're just embarrassed.

— Let's stop talking about this, please.

Leila looked at me for a long moment before letting out a sigh.

— You know that sooner or later you'll have to stop avoiding the subject, don't you?

— No.

— What do you mean, no?

I shrugged.

— I don't know.

— At some point, you two are going to have to learn to trust each other and move forward together.

— I...

— Anyway, you should hurry up and figure out what you're feeling.

— What do you mean?

Leila subtly gestured toward someone with her chin.

— I mean that.

And right beside him...No, not beside him clinging to him a stunning young woman stood with her arm linked through his as if that had always been where she belonged.

She was tall, slender, with the perfect figure. Her long chestnut hair cascaded down her back in silky waves, her hazel eyes shone with confidence, and her smile seemed designed to make heads turn. Her champagne-colored dress hugged her figure elegantly, while her discreet jewelry added even more sophistication to the whole look.

And the worst part...was how naturally she stood beside Tony.

As if she had known him forever.

She was laughing with Ethan and Samir while Tony listened with a calm expression, and then...

she turned her head.Our eyes met.

Her smile widened slightly, and without taking her eyes off me, she moved even closer to Tony.

A violent heat spread through my chest.

It felt as though a fire had just been lit inside me. I abruptly looked away. Angry at him. Angry at her.

And above all, angry at myself, because I had absolutely no right to feel that way.

— There, Leila announced.

I turned to look at her.

She was holding out her phone to me.

— Deyla Moretti.

I lowered my eyes to the screen.

A series of photos immediately appeared. Fashion shows. Magazines. Red carpets. Interviews.

Deyla Moretti was clearly far from being an unknown.

— An international model, Leila continued as she scrolled through the information. The face of several luxury brands. Voted among the most influential women in the fashion world for five consecutive years.

I didn't say anything.

— She's very beautiful, Leila added.

— Thank you, I'm capable of seeing that.

— Anyway, let me continue. They've been close since they were children. Deyla followed Tony everywhere he went, and Tony protected her from everyone. They were so close... and they still are today.

— Where do you get all this information?

I'll never understand how she does it.

This girl knows everything about everyone.

— That's not the point, she replied with a wave of her hand. Apparently, this Deyla is in love with Tony.

The moment she said that...I felt another wave of anger rise inside me. Stronger than the first.

I instinctively tightened my grip on my glass.

— I don't care.

The answer came out a little too quickly. A little too sharply as well.

Leila immediately raised an eyebrow.

— Okay, I believe you.

— I'm telling you I don't care.

— And I'm telling you you're lying.

— I'm not lying.

— Esther, you've been looking at that woman for the past ten minutes as if she had personally declared war on your entire family.

— That's ridiculous.

— Exactly what a jealous woman would say.

I let out an exasperated sigh.

— I'm not jealous.

— Alright.

— Thank you.

— You're just furious.

— Leila!

She burst out laughing. I looked away, but unfortunately...my eyes landed right on Tony and Deyla again.

As if the universe were mocking me at that very moment, Deyla placed a hand on his arm while saying something that made him smile.

Well...that made him smile.

A real smile.Small, but unmistakable. A smile nonetheless.

— Esther.

— What now?

— You were squeezing your glass so hard I thought it was going to shatter.

I immediately loosened my grip. I hadn't even noticed.

— I'm fine.

— You know that...

— Stop.

— Listen to me until the end. If that woman really didn't matter to you, you wouldn't even be looking at her.

I remained silent.

She settled even more comfortably in her chair before shifting her gaze from me to Tony, then from Tony to Deyla.

She frowned.

— There's one thing I don't understand, though.

— What?

— Why is that woman clinging to your husband's arm, and you're not saying anything?

I stayed silent for a few seconds.

— I... it's up to him to do something. Besides, he doesn't seem bothered by it.

Leila looked at me as if I had just said the stupidest thing of the century.

— Why do I get the feeling that ever since you got married, you've become even more naïve and foolish?

— Listen...

— No, you listen.

This time, she sat up completely in her chair. Her eyes locked onto mine.

— I've already told you. You're his wife. You have rights over him, and he has rights over you. When another woman starts circling your husband, you have every right to make it clear to her that this man is already taken.

— But he...

— He won't do it.

— How can you know that?

— Because he's waiting for you to do it.

I frowned.

— What?

— Think about it, Esther. He hasn't taken his eyes off you since the beginning of the evening.

— He hasn't...

— Yes, he has. You should get up, go over there, and reclaim your husband.

— What?!

— You heard me perfectly.

— Never in my life!

— Why?

— Because I'm not going to make a scene in front of everyone!

— Who said anything about making a scene?

You're simply going to remind her that that's your place.

— I can't do that.

— Why?

— Because...

I stopped myself.

Because I had absolutely no idea what I could answer.

Leila looked at me for a few seconds.

Then her expression changed slightly. She was still teasing, but this time there was also something softer in her eyes.

— Esther.

— Hmm?

— Stop trying to suppress what you feel.

— I'm not suppressing anything.

— Liar.

I immediately lowered my eyes.

— You have the right to love again.

I didn't answer.

— You have the right to be happy. You have the right to give someone else a chance.

Stop keeping everything inside, she continued more gently. Stop locking everything away in your heart. Let yourself feel things for once.

I stared at my hands resting on the table.

— I don't know...

And for the first time since the beginning of this conversation...

I realized that it was perhaps the only truth I had.

— Of course you do. You just have to find a way to let it out, and that's it.

I opened my mouth to answer when a voice interrupted us.

— Good evening.

Leila and I both looked up at the same time.

And of course...

Deyla was standing in front of our table with her usual perfectly controlled smile.

— Esther, you look gorgeous. That dress looks stunning on you.

You can tell she's not even being sincere.

— Um... thank you.

— I mean it. You look absolutely stunning.

— Thank you. Your dress isn't bad either.

— Thank you for the compliment.

Then she turned to Leila.

— Good evening. I'm Deyla. You must be Esther's friend.

She held out her hand to her.

Leila looked down at that hand, then looked back up at her face, and the very next moment...

she completely looked away as if Deyla didn't even exist.

I knew that expression.

Leila had just decided that she didn't like someone, and when that happened...

may God help us.

— Leila... she's greeting you, I said quietly.

— So? I don't have to answer her.

— You...

— Excuse me, Leila, is it?

Deyla still kept her smile.

Leila, however, continued to ignore her completely as if she were looking at a wall or a plant or anything except her.

A brief silence settled. Then Deyla tilted her head slightly.

— Ah...

This time, Leila looked at her.

— Ah what?

Deyla's smile widened slightly.

— So you can talk after all.

I immediately saw Leila's eyes narrow.

Oh no that woman had just gotten exactly what she wanted.Her full attention.

— Listen carefully... Deyzi, Deyli, Deyna, Deysy, or whatever your name is.

I immediately closed my eyes...Leila had decided to declare war.

— Leila... I murmured.

She straightened up in her chair and looked Deyla straight in the eyes.

— Me, I don't play hypocritical games. I don't like that.

Deyla's smile faltered slightly.

— I don't know what you're talking about.

Leila let out a humorless laugh.

— Of course you do.

We didn't go to hypocrite school together, so you'd better stay away from me.

This time, Deyla frowned slightly.

— And what makes you think I'm a hypocrite?

— First of all? Everything about you screams "hypocrite."

The way you smile. The way you talk. The way you pretend to be nice when you came here for one reason only.

Deyla's smile stiffened.

— Which is?

— To provoke Esther.

Silence immediately fell between them.

Deyla slowly turned her eyes toward me before looking back at Leila.

— I'm not sure I understand.

— Stop it. This time, Leila's voice had become colder.

You understand perfectly well. But since hypocrisy runs through your veins, you're pretending not to understand.

I saw Deyla's jaw tighten.

For the first time since she had arrived...her mask was beginning to crack.

— I think I'm going to leave, she finally said.

— Ah. Looks like the mask has fallen.

— But what's your problem?

Leila gave her an innocent smile.

The kind of smile that announced exactly the opposite.

— I don't have any problem, but you know what? You can leave.

No one called you over here anyway. For a second, no one spoke. Then Deyla took a slow breath. Her gaze passed over Leila.

Then over me. And strangely...it wasn't Leila she was looking at most intensely.It was me.

As if she were trying to see whether I was going to defend her.

As if she were waiting for something.

But I remained silent.

— Have a good evening, then.

Then she turned on her heel and walked away.

— Finally, Leila sighed.

I immediately turned toward her.

— Did you really have to be that harsh?

— Yes.

— Leila...

— What? I don't like that woman.

— You don't even know her.

— I don't need to. My instincts are enough.

I let out a sigh.

This girl was going to drive me crazy.

I suddenly felt completely exhausted.

Between the journalists.

The investors.

My mother.

My mother-in-law.

My father-in-law.

My father.

Tony.

Deyla.

And now Leila...

I felt like my head was about to explode.

— I'm going to get some fresh air for a while.

I immediately looked up at Leila.

— You're going to run away?

— I'm going to breathe.

— Ah yes. Important distinction.

I shot her a dark look.

She gave me an innocent smile.

— Go breathe then.

I shook my head before standing up.

I eventually walked away, and as I moved forward, the sound of the conversations became more distant.

Laughter. Music. The clinking of glasses.

Everything seemed to gradually fade away.

I pushed open the large glass doors leading to the gardens.

A cool breeze immediately brushed against my face.

Oh...

I closed my eyes for a few seconds.

It felt good.

In front of me, the garden was beautifully illuminated.

Stone pathways wound between the flower beds.

Lanterns hanging from the trees cast a soft golden light.

For the first time since the beginning of this evening... I finally found myself alone.

I slowly walked toward a small fountain in the center of the garden.

The sound of the water soothed the chaos in my mind a little.

I rested one hand on the stone edge and looked up at the sky.

This evening was completely insane.

Just a few weeks ago, my life was normal, and now... I was married to Tony Arrison.

Even that thought still felt unreal.

A faint smile appeared despite myself as I remembered the dance.

His hand on my back.

His forehead against mine.

His scent.

His lips so close to mine.

The way he had looked at me.

The shivers I couldn't stop feeling every time he touched me.

My heart immediately skipped a beat.

— Stop it, Esther.

I placed a hand over my chest.

— Stop thinking about him.

As if that were possible, my conscience whispered.

I let out a nervous laugh.

Then my smile slowly disappeared when another image crossed my mind.

Deyla, clinging to his arm, laughing with him as if her place beside him were the most natural thing in the world.

A strange feeling tightened in my chest. I didn't like it. Not at all. And the worst part... was that I didn't even understand why.

I lowered my eyes to the fountain's water.

— This is ridiculous...

I murmured.

— What's ridiculous?

That voice... That voice I would recognize among a thousand others. And I didn't even need to turn around to know who had just arrived.

Before I could even fully turn around, a hand grabbed my wrist.

— Let go of me!

I didn't even have time to react before he was already dragging me farther into the garden.

— Malik, let go of me!

— No.

— Malik!

But he kept walking without listening to me.

The lights from the reception gradually disappeared behind us until we reached a quieter part of the garden, almost hidden by the trees.

He finally stopped.

I abruptly pulled my arm free from his grip.

— Have you gone crazy?

— So... you missed me, my love?

I shot him an icy glare.

— Don't ever call me that again.

His smile immediately disappeared. For a few seconds, he remained silent.

He ran a hand through his hair.

— Okay.

I frowned.

— Okay?

— I'm sorry.

This time, I was the one who froze. Malik and an apology in the same sentence? That was new.

— I know I hurt you.

I know I made mistakes.

I crossed my arms over my chest.

— Mistakes?

— Esther...

— You call that mistakes?

He briefly looked away.

— I didn't come here to argue with you.

— Then why did you come?

His gaze met mine again.

Intense.

— Because I want you back.

— What?...

He took a step toward me.

— I'm serious. I want us to start over.

— No.

— Esther.

— I said no.

— You don't mean that.

— Of course I do.

— No. Stop it, I said, shaking my head. I know you.

— You don't know me anymore.

That sentence seemed to hit him head-on. His gaze darkened. His jaw tightened.

— Is it because of him?

— That's none of your business.

— Is it because of that bastard?

— I'm his wife.

The moment those words left my mouth, something changed in his expression.

He took another step forward.

Then another until I instinctively stepped back, my back hitting the trunk of a tree.

— Malik...

He placed his hands on either side of me, practically preventing me from leaving.

— Do you know what I felt when I saw you in his arms?

His voice was tense, almost trembling. His eyes burned with anger.

— Malik, stop.

— I watched him touch you as if you belonged to him.

— I am his wife.

— SHUT UP!

I flinched.

His breathing was heavy, uneven.

— He has no right over you.

I held his gaze despite the frantic beating of my heart.

— Of course he does. He's my husband. He can touch me however he wants and do whatever he wants with me.

His hands suddenly tightened around my waist, causing me slight pain. His eyes turned red with anger.

— He doesn't have that right.

His voice was harsher than I had ever heard it before.

— He has no right over you. Only I have the right to touch you, to kiss you... to love you. You waited for me all those years, Esther. Your body belongs to me. Everything about you belongs to me.

— It's not up to you to decide.

— I refuse to accept it.

For the first time, I saw something break in his eyes a real pain but strangely... I no longer felt the same way as before.

In the past, seeing him suffer would have destroyed me. Today... I only felt tired.

— You should leave, I said softly.

— I love you.

I closed my eyes for a second.

Those words... Those words I had longed to hear for so long, and today they no longer stirred anything inside me.

— It's too late, Malik.

— Esther...

— It's over. Please leave.

Before I could even understand what was happening, he brutally captured my lips.

My mind went blank.

This kiss felt foreign, cold, wrong. I felt nothing.

Nothing except an overwhelming urge to get away.

I pushed against his chest. I tried to turn my head. I tried to pull away, but he refused. His hands held me back, and with every passing second, a horrible feeling rose inside me.

Disgust.

Disgust for him.

Disgust for what he had become.

Disgust because he didn't even understand that I didn't want this.

My eyes suddenly filled with tears.

And without being able to explain it... I thought of Tony because this kiss made me feel as if I were betraying him even though I wasn't doing anything, even though I was trying to push Malik away, even though I was struggling to get away.

After several seconds, seeing that I wasn't responding to his kiss, he finally pulled back. He was out of breath, his lips slightly swollen.

I remained motionless, breathless, my lips trembling.

— You...

He closed his eyes before opening them again.

— You can't do this to me. No, you can't... I... you can't.

I immediately shook my head.

Tears were now flowing freely.

My voice broke.

— Malik, leave me alone. I'm a married woman now.

I placed a hand over my lips as if I could erase what had just happened, as if I could make that feeling disappear.

— You're not my husband. You're nobody to me. You have no right to touch me or kiss me anymore.

I completely broke down in tears.

He shook his head.

— No.

— You shouldn't touch me like that anymore. No, you shouldn't.

This time, I couldn't hold back my sobs anymore. Tears streamed down my face without me being able to stop them. I felt as if I had done something wrong.

I felt as if I had betrayed Tony. How was I supposed to look him in the eyes after this?

How was I supposed to pretend that nothing had happened?

Even though I had pushed Malik away.

Even though I hadn't done anything.

But despite all that... I felt guilty.

Why had he done this to me?

Why was he making everything even more complicated?

Why couldn't he simply let me go?

Malik looked at me as if every tear were a stab wound.

For a few seconds, neither of us spoke. His hands slowly left my waist. I hurried to move as far away from him as possible. My chest rose with difficulty because of my sobs.

— Esther...

His voice had lost all its anger. He reached a hand toward me.

I stepped back again.

— Don't touch me.

Those words seemed to hit him head-on.

His hand slowly fell back to his side.

— I'm sorry...

I shook my head.

— No.

— Esther, listen to me...

— No!

My voice broke.

— You had no right! You had no right to do that!

The tears kept running down my cheeks.

He ran a hand over his face, completely lost.

— I love you.

— Stop.

— I still love you.

— Stop!

This time, I almost shouted.

Because I didn't want to hear those words anymore.

Then he finally lowered his head.

— Do you love him?

I remained still because I already knew who he was talking about.

I didn't answer. I didn't even know what to answer myself. I no longer understood what I was feeling.

All I knew... was that whenever Tony looked at me, my heart raced. Whenever Tony touched me, I felt safe. And when I had seen him with Deyla... I had been angry.

But am I in love?

I don't know.

— You see.

A sad laugh escaped him.

— You won't even answer.

I raised my eyes to him.

And for the first time in a long time... I no longer saw the man I had once been in love with.

I simply saw my past. A past I had clung to for far too long.

— Malik... You have to let me go.

He closed his eyes as if those words hurt him.

— I can't.

— You destroyed everything between us! You cheated on me, you lied to me, you used me just to destroy my father at the expense of your own! I... I hate you, Malik Belrose.

Those words burned my throat, but I meant them. For the first time in a long time, I truly meant them.

Malik remained motionless for a few seconds.

— You may hate me... But I love you.

I shook my head.

— No.

His voice suddenly became harder and darker. He took a step back.

— I want you to know one thing, Esther. No one. I mean absolutely no one will take away what belongs to me. And you belong to me.

I felt an unpleasant shiver run through my body.

He stepped back again.

— I'll leave you for tonight. But I'll come back whether you want me to or not. You will be mine.

He turned on his heels and disappeared among the trees.

I remained motionless, unable to move, unable to think.

I felt completely empty.

Everything exhausted me.

Emotionally.

Physically.

Mentally.

I just wanted to forget.

Forget this conversation.

Forget his words.

Forget what he had just done.

My fingers trembled slightly.

He had kissed me.

That thought kept coming back to my mind.

Again.

And again.

And again.

— Oh my God...

I ran a hand over my face.

Why hadn't I pushed him away sooner?

Why had I frozen?

Why did I feel so guilty?

I took a deep breath before starting to walk toward the entrance.

I quickly wiped away my tears.

I had to go back inside. This evening had to come to an end.

But after a few steps... a figure appeared in front of me, blocking my way.

The man looked to be in his forties.

Tall.

Elegant.

His black suit was perfectly tailored.

His white shirt was immaculate.

A discreet but obviously very expensive watch gleamed on his wrist.

He carried the quiet confidence of men who are used to being listened to whenever they speak.

His hair was beginning to turn gray at the temples.

And his eyes...

His eyes seemed strangely familiar to me.

— Good evening, Esther.

I frowned.

My instincts immediately screamed at me to be cautious.

— Good evening... sir. How do you know my name?

A slight smile appeared on his lips.

— Let's just say I'm an old friend of your father's.

Strangely... that answer didn't reassure me at all. My father had introduced me to almost all of his friends tonight. I had met them, talked with them, but him... I had never seen him before. Never even heard of him.

The man looked at me for a few seconds before slowly extending his hand.

— Christopher Belrose.

I abruptly raised my eyes to him.

I understood why his eyes had seemed so familiar, why certain features of his face reminded me of someone.

Because they were the same.

The same as Malik's.

— You... You're... Malik's father? My voice was barely above a whisper.

His smile slowly faded.

— Yes, Esther.

A chill ran through my entire body.

What kind of madness is this?

— But you're not my father's friend.

He slowly lowered his hand.

— No.

— What do you want from me?

— Nothing. Well... not directly.

What is he talking about?

I looked at him as if he had gone mad, and what came next almost confirmed that impression.

— I know you're aware that I hate your father. You also know that I wanted to destroy him through you, but unfortunately, my idiot son ruined all my plans.

This man is completely insane.

— I ask you to leave and never come near me or my family again.

I turned my back, ready to get away from this man as quickly as possible, but his voice stopped me.

— My son is deeply in love with you.

I slowly turned back to face him.

— We had a plan. To destroy you and destroy Alex Besson at the same time.

Every word made me want to leave, but my legs refused to move.

— But Malik ruined everything by truly falling in love with you, he continued. Now that that's happened... I suppose you're in love with him as well.

— You're mistaken, sir. Malik and I are over. I'm a married woman now, so respect that and leave me alone.

For a second, he said nothing.

Then slowly, his smile widened.

A smile that sent chills down my spine.

— And yet... you were willing to run away with him on your wedding day.

— It was a kidnapping.

— Really?

— Yes.

— That's not what it looked like when the two of you were kissing.

My blood turned to ice.

He... he was there?

Impossible.

How?

When?

My fingers began to tremble.

— That's not true. We weren't kissing. He kissed me... that's different.

I immediately felt the tears returning.

He stared at me for a long moment.

A laugh appeared on his face.

A cold, sick, almost sadistic laugh.

— I wonder... How would your father react if he found out that his only daughter... his little princess... was secretly involved with the son of his worst enemy?

I felt my world begin to collapse, as if the ground had suddenly disappeared beneath my feet.

He... he wouldn't dare.

— You're not going to do that... I whispered.

— Of course I am. I want to do it just to see your miserable father's face fall apart.

— I forbid you to do it.

He burst out laughing.

— You have no right to forbid me from doing anything, little princess. Seeing the face of the man I hate crumble because of his own daughter's betrayal pleases me immensely.

My heart was beating so hard that I felt like it was going to explode.

This man was completely insane, and the worst part was that he seemed perfectly aware of what he was doing.

— But since I'm such a generous man... I'm going to offer you a deal.

I immediately looked at him suspiciously.

— I don't need your deal. You can keep it.

An amused laugh escaped him.

— You've got spirit. Just like your mother.

He knows Mom?

How?

Since when?

— But I'll explain it anyway.

I already had the feeling I wasn't going to like what came next.

— I'll keep silent if you run away with my son. Far away from here. Very far away. And of course, he raised one finger, you'll write a lovely letter. A letter explaining that you never wanted this marriage.

— ...

— That Tony Arrison is abusive.

— ...

— That he mistreats you.

— ...

— That his family treats you badly.

And to finish it off perfectly, you'll hand that letter to a journalist.

His eyes shone with excitement.

The entire press should know about it.

I clenched my fists.

This time, my fear disappeared, replaced by something else.

Anger.

An immense anger.

— Listen to me carefully, Mr. Belrose, because I won't repeat myself.

His smile faded slightly.

Good.

That's exactly what I wanted.

— First of all, it's over between your son and me. There's nothing left. He lives his life, and I live mine. Secondly, my father loves me. I'm his daughter, his pride. And I will not let you or anyone else destroy our relationship or his reputation. Thirdly... My husband and my in-laws are good people. I would never deliberately hurt them. So if you intend to harm them, you'll have to go through me first.

I was afraid, but I refused to back down.

Christopher stared at me for a long moment.

Then something changed in his eyes.

I don't know what it was, but it immediately made me uncomfortable.

His gaze slowly moved across my face and lingered on me, studying every detail as if he were only just truly seeing me.

It instantly made me uneasy.

He took a step toward me.

— The same way of looking at people. The same spark in your eyes. The same way of speaking with conviction. You look so much like your mother.

I instinctively stepped back.

He reached a hand toward my face as if he wanted to touch me.

And at that exact moment...

A voice rang out behind me.

— Get away from my daughter.

I immediately turned around.

— Dad?

My father was walking toward us with quick strides.

His face was closed off and hard.

I had never seen that expression on him before.

Christopher gave a slight smile.

— Alex.

My father stepped between him and me.

— Don't say my name.

My father's tone was icy.

— Dad, calm down...

— Esther, go back inside.

I immediately frowned.

— But...

— Go back inside.

Christopher raised his hands in a gesture of innocence.

— Come on, Alex, we were just talking.

— I don't believe you.

— You wound me.

He placed a hand over his heart as if he were genuinely offended.

Then his gaze shifted toward me, and I felt my blood run cold.

No.

No.

He wasn't going to do this.

— Actually, I was just about to tell you something.

My father immediately tensed.

Christopher smiled.

He looked at me before looking back at my father.

— It's about your daughter.

At that moment, I completely panicked.

— Be quiet!

My voice came out louder than I had intended.

Christopher burst into laughter.

As if this whole situation amused him.

— Esther, don't talk to him. Go back inside.

— No.

— Let her stay, Christopher said with a provocative smile. Maybe she'd like to take part in the conversation.

I could see exactly what he was doing.

He was deliberately provoking my father.

And it was working.

— I told you to go back inside.

This time, my father's voice was much harsher.

I had never heard him speak like that before.

— What's your problem? Christopher shot back. She's old enough to make her own decisions.

— Shut up, Belrose.

My father-in-law's voice cut through the argument.

I turned my head.

Jon Arrison was walking toward us, and he looked furious as well.

When he reached us, he fixed Christopher with a glare full of anger.

— You'd better leave.

Christopher sighed dramatically.

— It's really not very nice to chase away a guest.

— Nobody invited you, you son of a—

He abruptly stopped himself, as if he had just remembered that I was still there.

He turned toward me.

— Esther. You should listen to your father and go inside.

— But Dad...

— ESTHER, GO INSIDE RIGHT NOW!

I flinched violently.

My father...

My father had just shouted at me.

For the first time in my life.

The first time he had ever raised his voice at me.

I immediately felt my eyes burn.

My father-in-law placed a hand on my father's shoulder.

— Alex... Calm down. Don't yell at her.

My father closed his eyes for a few seconds, as if he already regretted it.

Then he turned to me.

His expression had completely changed.

All the anger had disappeared.

Only worry remained.

— Go inside, please. We'll talk later.

His voice had become gentle again.

I felt my throat tighten.

Then I simply nodded.

— Okay...

But as I turned around...

I couldn't help looking back at Christopher one last time.

And the smile he gave me...

That smile frightened me far more than all of his threats.

As I walked away, I felt as though my entire world was falling apart.

I love my father so much that the thought of him shouting at me tore my heart apart.

I took one step.

Then another.

And before I even realized it, tears were streaming down my face without me being able to stop them.

My father shouted at me because I was talking to Christopher Belrose.

So if he ever found out that I had been in a relationship with Malik Belrose...

What would he do?

Would he resent me?

Would he hate me?

I kept walking, my tears blurring my vision, when I bumped into someone i looked up and saw Tony the moment our eyes met, all the sobs I had been holding back for the past several minutes came rushing out at once, like a dam breaking.

— Esther?

His voice was lower, more concerned and without thinking... without even asking myself if it was a good idea... I threw myself into his arms.

My fingers clung to his jacket, my shoulders shook with sobs. I buried my face against his chest, unable to speak, unable to explain. I just wanted everything to stop. Just for a few minutes. Just for a moment.

And unexpectedly...

Everything came out at once the pressure, the fear, the shock, the uneasiness, and this never-ending evening.

— What happened? he murmured against my hair.

I shook my head.

I didn't have the strength to speak. Not now. Not after what Malik had just done. Not after what his father had just said.

My silence seemed to make him even more attentive.

His hand slowly slid across my back, as if trying to calm me.

— Look at me.

I couldn't.

I stayed against him, clinging to him as if the whole world would collapse on me the moment I let go.

— Esther.

He repeated my name, more gently this time, and it made me break down even more. I could feel my heart beating too fast, my hands trembling, my breathing uneven.

— I... I can't, I whispered.

— You can't what?

I took a shaky breath, but no words came out properly because everything in my head was a mess.

Tony didn't move.

He waited.

And that hurt even more because I felt like I was hiding something from him.

I slowly lifted my head, just enough to meet his gaze.

His eyes were fixed on me, and at that exact moment... I realized I didn't want him to see me like this, so lost and so guilty.

— I'm sorry... I whispered.

His expression hardened slightly.

— For what?

I swallowed hard.

I couldn't tell him.

— Nothing... I'm just tired, I said, shaking my head.

A long silence settled between us, and very slowly, he rested his forehead against mine.

— You're trembling.

— It'll pass.

His fingers tightened slightly on my back.

— Who did this to you, Esther?

— I... I just want to leave. I'm tired.

He looked at me for a few seconds as if searching for something in my eyes.

Then, without warning, he slipped one hand beneath my knees and the other behind my back, lifting me effortlessly.

A small gasp of surprise escaped me.

— Tony!

— Stay still.

His voice was calm.

I wanted to protest, to tell him I could walk on my own, but I didn't have the strength anymore.

As if I weighed absolutely nothing, he carried me against him, and instinctively, my arms wrapped around his neck.

I didn't even think about it.

My body had done it on its own, as if it already knew where to find its balance.

He began walking slowly toward the hall, and because I didn't want to see anyone, I buried my face in the crook of his neck.

I closed my eyes.

His scent immediately surrounded me.

That familiar woody fragrance I was beginning to recognize... and, despite myself, to love.

Strangely...

It soothed me.

I took a breath without even realizing it, and at that moment I felt his body tense slightly.

Or maybe I had imagined it.

I was so exhausted that I could no longer tell reality from everything else.

We walked silently through the hall.

I kept my eyes closed because I didn't want to see anyone.

Not the guests.

Not the journalists.

Not even my family.

Several people turned their heads as we passed.

I knew it.

I could feel their stares, but no one came closer.

No one dared stop us.

Tony kept walking without slowing down, without looking around, with that natural confidence that made it seem as though the entire world had to move out of his way.

As if he were silently saying:

Don't disturb us.

When we reached our room, he opened the door and walked inside.

Silence welcomed us immediately.

Finally.

No more music.

No more noise.

No more stares.

Just the two of us.

He walked over to the bed and gently laid me down with far more care than I would have thought him capable of.

He quietly watched me for a few seconds before speaking.

— Did you eat anything tonight?

I blinked.

The question was so unexpected that it took my brain a few seconds to process it.

— Huh?

— Did you eat?

— A little...

— Then no.

Despite everything that had just happened...

He still found a way to lecture me.

I slowly took off my heels.

My feet hurt.

I felt like I had been walking for hours.

Meanwhile, Tony took off his jacket and placed it on an armchair.

— Go get changed.

— What about you?

— I'm going to ask someone to bring you something to eat.

— I'm not hungry.

His eyes immediately met mine.

— That wasn't a question.

I sighed.

Honestly, I was far too exhausted to argue with him.

— Okay.

— Good.

He didn't say anything else and left the room.

I stayed sitting on the bed without moving.

I felt as though every bit of energy had left my body.

This evening had completely drained me.

Physically.

Mentally.

Emotionally.

I needed a shower.

Maybe the water would wash away part of this evening with it.

I got up and took a long, hot shower.

I stayed under the water for several minutes, trying not to think about anything.

When I finally came out, I put on my pajamas a comfortable pair of pants and a loose top.

Back in the bedroom, I slipped beneath the covers and waited.

I didn't even know why.

Ever since I arrived here, I'd been sleeping alone, so nothing guaranteed that he would come back.

And yet...my eyes kept drifting toward the door.

The seconds and minutes passed slowly, and finally the doorknob turned.He walked into the room.

My heart calmed instantly, as if his mere presence was enough.

He had changed too he had traded his jacket, shirt, and tie for black sweatpants and a simple gray T-shirt his hair was slightly damp he had probably taken a shower too i found him even more handsome like this.

My God.

Since when did I start noticing things like that?

He was holding a well-filled plate in his hands.

— Eat.

I looked at the plate.

Then at him.

— I'm not hungry.

— Eat anyway.

— But I said I'm not hungry.

— And I said eat. That wasn't a request.

I sighed but picked up the fork anyway i ate a few bites icouldn't swallow any more my stomach was completely tied in knots.

He didn't say anything he simply waited when I finally set the fork down, he looked at the plate.

— That's all?

— I can't eat anymore.

He watched me for a few seconds.

Then he nodded.

— Okay.

He picked up the plate and headed toward the door.

And without thinking...

— Tony.

He stopped and turned to look at me.

— Yes?

I lowered my eyes to my hands, suddenly feeling embarrassed.

— Don't go.

He didn't say anything, so I continued.

— I...

I nervously played with the edge of the blanket.

— I don't want to stay alone.

My voice was barely above a whisper.

Tony looked at me for a long moment.

Then he simply replied:

— I had no intention of leaving.

His voice was lower, more concerned.

And without thinking... without even asking myself if it was a good idea... I threw myself into his arms.

My fingers clung to his jacket, my shoulders shook with sobs. I buried my face against his chest, unable to speak, unable to explain. I just wanted everything to stop. Just for a few minutes. Just for a moment.

And unexpectedly...

Everything came out at once—the pressure, the fear, the shock, the uneasiness, and this never-ending evening.

— What happened? he murmured against my hair.

I shook my head.

I didn't have the strength to speak. Not now. Not after what Malik had just done. Not after what his father had just said.

My silence seemed to make him even more attentive.

His hand slowly slid across my back, as if trying to calm me.

— Look at me.

I couldn't.

I stayed against him, clinging to him as if the whole world would collapse on me the moment I let go.

— Esther.

He repeated my name, more gently this time, and it made me break down even more. I could feel my heart beating too fast, my hands trembling, my breathing uneven.

— I... I can't, I whispered.

— You can't what?

I took a shaky breath, but no words came out properly because everything in my head was a mess.

Tony didn't move.

He waited.

And that hurt even more because I felt like I was hiding something from him.

I slowly lifted my head, just enough to meet his gaze.

His eyes were fixed on me, and at that exact moment... I realized I didn't want him to see me like this, so lost and so guilty.

— I'm sorry... I whispered.

His expression hardened slightly.

— For what?

I swallowed hard.

I couldn't tell him.

— Nothing... I'm just tired, I said, shaking my head.

A long silence settled between us, and very slowly, he rested his forehead against mine.

— You're trembling.

— It'll pass.

His fingers tightened slightly on my back.

— Who did this to you, Esther?

— I... I just want to leave. I'm tired.

He looked at me for a few seconds as if searching for something in my eyes.

Then, without warning, he slipped one hand beneath my knees and the other behind my back, lifting me effortlessly.

A small gasp of surprise escaped me.

— Tony!

— Stay still.

His voice was calm.

I wanted to protest, to tell him I could walk on my own, but I didn't have the strength anymore.

As if I weighed absolutely nothing, he carried me against him, and instinctively, my arms wrapped around his neck.

I didn't even think about it.

My body had done it on its own, as if it already knew where to find its balance.

He began walking slowly toward the hall, and because I didn't want to see anyone, I buried my face in the crook of his neck.

I closed my eyes.

His scent immediately surrounded me.

That familiar woody fragrance I was beginning to recognize... and, despite myself, to love.

Strangely...

It soothed me.

I took a breath without even realizing it, and at that moment I felt his body tense slightly.

Or maybe I had imagined it.

I was so exhausted that I could no longer tell reality from everything else.

We walked silently through the hall.

I kept my eyes closed because I didn't want to see anyone.

Not the guests.

Not the journalists.

Not even my family.

Several people turned their heads as we passed.

I knew it.

I could feel their stares, but no one came closer.

No one dared stop us.

Tony kept walking without slowing down, without looking around, with that natural confidence that made it seem as though the entire world had to move out of his way.

As if he were silently saying:

Don't disturb us.

When we reached our room, he opened the door and walked inside.

Silence welcomed us immediately.

Finally.

No more music.

No more noise.

No more stares.

Just the two of us.

He walked over to the bed and gently laid me down with far more care than I would have thought him capable of.

He quietly watched me for a few seconds before speaking.

— Did you eat anything tonight?

I blinked.

The question was so unexpected that it took my brain a few seconds to process it.

— Huh?

— Did you eat?

— A little...

— Then no.

Despite everything that had just happened...

He still found a way to lecture me.

I slowly took off my heels.

My feet hurt.

I felt like I had been walking for hours.

Meanwhile, Tony took off his jacket and placed it on an armchair.

— Go get changed.

— What about you?

— I'm going to ask someone to bring you something to eat.

— I'm not hungry.

His eyes immediately met mine.

— That wasn't a question.

I sighed.

Honestly, I was far too exhausted to argue with him.

— Okay.

— Good.

He didn't say anything else and left the room.

I stayed sitting on the bed without moving.

I felt as though every bit of energy had left my body.

This evening had completely drained me.

Physically.

Mentally.

Emotionally.

I needed a shower.

Maybe the water would wash away part of this evening with it.

I got up and took a long, hot shower.

I stayed under the water for several minutes, trying not to think about anything.

When I finally came out, I put on my pajamas—a comfortable pair of pants and a loose top.

Back in the bedroom, I slipped beneath the covers and waited.

I didn't even know why.

Ever since I arrived here, I'd been sleeping alone, so nothing guaranteed that he would come back.

And yet...

My eyes kept drifting toward the door.

The seconds and minutes passed slowly, and finally the doorknob turned.

He walked into the room.

My heart calmed instantly, as if his mere presence was enough.

He had changed too.

He had traded his jacket, shirt, and tie for black sweatpants and a simple gray T-shirt.

His hair was slightly damp.

He had probably taken a shower too.

I found him even more handsome like this.

My God.

Since when did I start noticing things like that?

He was holding a well-filled plate in his hands.

— Eat.

I looked at the plate.

Then at him.

— I'm not hungry.

— Eat anyway.

— But I said I'm not hungry.

— And I said eat. That wasn't a request.

I sighed but picked up the fork anyway.

I ate a few bites.

I couldn't swallow any more.

My stomach was completely tied in knots.

He didn't say anything.

He simply waited.

When I finally set the fork down, he looked at the plate.

— That's all?

— I can't eat anymore.

He watched me for a few seconds.

Then he nodded.

— Okay.

He picked up the plate and headed toward the door.

And without thinking...

— Tony.

He stopped and turned to look at me.

— Yes?

I lowered my eyes to my hands, suddenly feeling embarrassed.

— Don't go.

He didn't say anything, so I continued.

— I...

I nervously played with the edge of the blanket.

— I don't want to stay alone.

My voice was barely above a whisper.

Tony looked at me for a long moment.

Then he simply replied:

— I had no intention of leaving.

I immediately looked up.

— Really?

— Yes.

A strange warmth immediately spread through my chest, like a wave of relief.

He set the plate down on the coffee table and came back to the bed.

— Move over.

— Why?

— Make some room for me, Esther.

I quickly moved aside.

He lifted the blanket and settled behind me, his back resting against the headboard, his long legs stretched out in front of him.

For a few seconds, I stayed perfectly still.

I didn't really know what to do.

Then naturally... as if my body were deciding for me... I moved a little closer and leaned back against him.

I immediately felt the warmth of his chest through his T-shirt.

I could feel his eyes on me, but he didn't say anything.

Neither did I.

So, very slowly, I rested my head against his chest.

Right there.

Above his heart.

Thump.

Thump.

Thump.

It was strange how much that sound soothed me.

I loved this feeling.

This reassuring sense that he was here.

That he wasn't going anywhere.

And without even realizing it, my hand came to rest against his chest.

I could feel his heart beating beneath my palm.

I felt his hand gently stroking my hair.

My breathing gradually became calmer, steadier.

It felt so comforting.

So peaceful.

And yet...

Something still weighed heavily on me.

Something refused to leave me alone.

I nervously played with the fabric of my pajamas.

— Tony?

— Hmm?

— Do you remember Malik Belrose?

I immediately felt his body tense ever so slightly beneath me.

Just enough for me to notice.

— Yes.

I didn't even know why I was so nervous.

But I kept going.

— He was my ex.

Silence fell.

I didn't even dare look up at him.

I simply stared at my fingers.

— I know.

Of course he knew.

Everyone knew.

Well... almost everyone.

I took a deep breath.

— At first, I really thought he loved me.

I thought he was sincere.

I thought he was different.

But it was all a lie.

My fingers tightened around my pajamas, and I let out a bitter little laugh.

My voice trembled despite myself.

— He got close to me because his father told him to.

His goal was to seduce me so he could get to my father.

And I... like an idiot... I never saw it.

I trusted him.

I closed my eyes to keep my tears from falling.

— I told him things about my family.

About myself.

About my father.

About our life.

I paused for a few seconds and gently shook my head.

— I gave everything to someone who only wanted to destroy us.

Just saying it out loud made it hurt even more.

I hate this story.

I hate the memories it left me with.

— And today...

I saw him again.

I immediately felt Tony's full attention focus on me.

— In the garden.

Then afterward...

I met his father.

Christopher Belrose.

And he talked to me.

I felt Tony's body go completely rigid.

— What did he want?

His voice was colder.

— At first, I didn't know.

— Then?

I closed my eyes for a few seconds.

— He told me he had used his son to destroy my father.

Even after hearing it from his own mouth...

It still sounded just as horrible.

— Then he offered me a deal.

— What kind of deal?

— He wanted me to run away with Malik.

I immediately felt the muscles in his chest tighten beneath my cheek, but he didn't say anything.

— He also wanted me to write a letter.

A letter saying that I never wanted this marriage.

That you were abusive.

That your family mistreated me.

And that I should give that letter to the press.

I shrugged slightly.

— I told him no.

Anyway...

I just wanted you to know.

For several long seconds, Tony didn't say a single word.

And somehow, that was even more unsettling.

Slowly, I lifted my head to look at him.

And then...

I froze.

Because he was looking at me exactly the way he had before.

With that same intensity.

That same unwavering attention.

As if nothing else in the room existed except me.

My heart skipped a beat.

His eyes stayed locked on mine for several long seconds.

Then his hand left my hair.

I thought he was going to pull away.

But instead...

It came to rest gently against my cheek.

— Esther.

His voice was low and calm.

But there was something in it.

Something I had never heard before.

— You never should have carried all of that by yourself.

You never should have faced all of that with no one by your side.

I felt my eyes begin to sting.

— It's over now.

— What?

He didn't look away.

— You're not alone anymore.

No matter what they try to do.

No matter what they say.

No matter who they are.

No one will ever touch you again.

No one will ever hurt you again.

As long as I'm here.

I looked at him without being able to say a word.

Because something inside me cracked.

The part of me that had always kept everything to herself.

That had always carried her fears alone.

That had always pretended to be strong.

And for the first time...

I wanted to believe him.

His hand left my cheek and slowly slid down to my waist before coming to rest on my stomach.

As if he simply wanted to keep me close.

As if he wanted to make sure I stayed there.

His other hand remained in my hair, his fingers slowly running through my strands.

— Go to sleep now.

I looked at him for a few more seconds.

Then I gave a small nod.

I moved a little closer to him and rested my head against his chest again, right above his heart.

His hand was still in my hair.

The other was still resting on my stomach.

I closed my eyes.

My eyelids grew heavy.

Sleep slowly began to carry me away.

I was almost asleep when I heard his voice, so low it was almost a whisper.

— No one will ever hurt you again, mi luz

And before I could even process what had just happened...

Sleep completely claimed me.