LOVE IN PARIS: Married To My Brother-in-law-Chapter 39: Dinner Party
The ballroom was alive with laughter and music, the soft glow of crystal chandeliers and candelabra shimmering the reflection off the golden decor and polished walls, casting a golden hue over the lavish scene.
Gowns of every color swirled in the lights, and tuxedos gleamed as the crowd moved in rhythm to the elegant tunes. The party was already in full swing, opulent and glamorous, the kind of event where every detail screamed luxury.
The grand entrance doors swung open, and a collective hush fell over a section of the room as she entered.
Yvette, stunningly beautiful in a midnight-blue gown that shimmered with every step, made her way into the party.
The dress was perfectly tailored, hugging her silhouette in all the right places before flowing out into soft waves of fabric that trailed behind her.
Her long, sandy blonde hair cascaded down her back in loose waves, framing her delicate features.
Behind her was the sharp-eyed Leila decked in a yellow ball gown, her hand lightly touched her elbow as she scanned the room with practiced eye, picking out the faces of guests, influencers, and industry giants.
But then something else caught her attention.
"Wait... paparazzi?" She whispered quietly in a low voice meant for Yvette only, gesturing subtly towards the corner of the room where men with camera lurked conspicuously in the shadows.
"I can’t believe they let them in. This is supposed to be a private event as it’s been done for years."
Yvette smiled, though her eyes briefly flickered towards the paparazzi as she nodded. "Hmm".
"The more we can’t let our guard down, this dinner party isn’t as simple as it seems". Leila added carefully.
""Is there anything we can’t or haven’t handled in the past years?". Yvette sighed and Leila nodded.
"It doesn’t hurt to be careful either, I know everything is still within our expectations but we still have to be careful while dealing with a malicious and unpredictable lady like her. Who knows what stunts she’ll pull off?".
"So you’re not allowed to eat or drink anything, also have you taken the medicine I gave you?. It’ll . ."
"Aiyoo. When did you also inherit this naggy habit, my ears are about to slack off from Zeke’s nagging and here you are also". Yvette pouted.
"That’s because we care about you". Leila replied.
"I know okay. I know what to do and what not to do, besides I’m not that naive girl in the past. I won’t allow myself to be fooled". Yvette’s smile deepened, filled with a mix of confidence and calmness.
But as they stepped deeper into the party hands in hands, the music swelling around them Yvette eyes remained alert to the weight of the eyes trailing her.
The flickers of camera flashes in the shadows confirmed Leila’s observation. The sharks were circling.
Soon after their arrival, the MC took the stage again, microphone in hand.
He was all charisma, his booming voice drawing everyone’s attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to a night of elegance and entertainment!" His grin widened as he looked around the room.
"And to add a bit of spice to the night, we’ve prepared a little game. All our lovely guests from the company will be participating in a dance lottery!"
He grinned mischievously. "Each of you will pick a number, and you’ll be paired with a dance partner for one song. No excuses!. Tonight is for partying and we should all let loose".
The room buzzed with excitement and whispers of anticipation. Yvette exchanged a glance with Leila whose brow furrowed slightly and she shrugged. It was a party, after all.
"The rules are simple". The MC continued. "You pick a number, and you’ll be paired up with the corresponding person for a dance. Who’s ready to find their lucky partner?. Everyone, quick".
Everyone gathered near the podium as a large bowl filled with slips of paper was brought out and the two ladies reluctantly joined them.
One by one, names were called, and people paired off. When it was Yvette’s turn, she hesitated for only a moment before reaching into the bowl.
The small piece of paper felt heavier than it should as she unfolded it.
"Number 12!" The MC announced. His grin widened as he scanned the list. "And her partner... is no other than Mr Lorenzo our company’s very own CEO!"
A ripple of murmurs spread through the room. People whispered excitedly, their eyes glancing between Yvette and the tall, impeccably dressed man standing across the ballroom in a white tuxedo.
The man who once held her heart, now reduced to a source of disgust. She could feel his gaze on her, predatory and leering and she felt her stomach churned as he approached.
"She’s so lucky to get paired with the CEO . . ." Someone whispered behind her and she scoffed.
Luck was the last thing she felt.
"More like cursed". Yvette thought to herself, of all people in the room she had to be matched with him.
She forced a neutral smile as Manuel approached her.
"Shall we?" His voice was smooth, but it grated against her nerves.
Without a word, she allowed him to lead her to the dance floor.
Manuel reached her and held out his hand, all smiles and charm, but Yvette saw right through it.
His eyes, however betrayed his true intentions. They held a hunger, a possessiveness that made her skin crawl.
The music began, soft and melodic, but to Yvette, it felt like a countdown to something she wanted no part of.
She felt his hand slid around her waist and she stiffened keeping as much distance as possible between them, though it was clear he was trying to close the gap.
His cologne was cloying and suffocating just like his presence and she resisted the urge to storm off right on the dance floor.
She kept her movements elegant, her expression unreadable, but inside her mind screamed for the dance to be over.
Manuel leaned in, his voice low almost a purr as he complimented. "You look beautiful tonight, Yvette. Just like old times."
Her stomach twisted, but she kept her eyes focused just over his shoulder. "Thank you". She said, her voice distant.
He chuckled, clearly enjoying her discomfort. "Maybe after this, we could catch up. I’ve missed you."
She didn’t bother hiding the coldness in her reply this time or answering so she cut him off curtly. "No, thank you.
His smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered, trying to draw her closer as they moved.
The dance dragged on. Every step with him felt like a chore, the minutes stretching into what felt like hours.
She kept a firm distance between them, subtly maneuvering so his hand couldn’t press against her lower back any further.
And his attempts at small talk only deepened her disgust, but she kept her responses brief and curt, giving him nothing.
Finally, the music drew to a close, and Yvette stepped back from him as soon as the last note faded. Relief washed over her, but it was short-lived.
The MC’s voice rang out again, this time with exaggerated enthusiasm. "And the award for best dancing pair goes to... Miss Yvette and Mr Lorenzo!"
The applause was immediate, but Yvette barely heard it.
"You shouldn’t do this to give me face". Manuel laughed.
"Of course not". The MC laughed. "The crowds can testify, you and Miss Yvette are the best pair today. So matching and in sync".
The crowds laughed and murmured and behind her she could hear someone complimenting how beautiful she and Manuel looked, like a loving couple and she almost vomited.
"Then we’ll take the compliments ". Manuel smiled as he grabbed Yvette’s hand pulling her in for a photograph.
"Miss Yvette, please".
Her eyes narrowed as he pulled her in for a photograph, his arm wrapping around her waist again.
Cameras flashed, and she plastered on the kind of smile that never reached her eyes. Manuel’s grip lingered longer than necessary, and it took all of her composure not to recoil.
As the photographers moved on, Yvette finally stepped away, her eyes scanning the room for Leila.
In the corner of the room stood Nadia with Mary by her side, she was donning a scarlet ball gown and was all smiles.
But the moment she returned to her seat, her eyes flared with uncontrolled rage.
"Yvette, you just have to push your luck don’t you." She said with gritted teeths as she clamped her hands tightly around the champagne glass.
"Miss, you’re so thoughtful. Aren’t they indeed awesome?". Mary gushed at the two figure posing for the camera.
"Awesome, you say". Nadia dropped the wine glass on the table with much more force than she intended.
"Hmm". Mary nodded. "You invited Miss Yvette over this time and you even paired her up with the CEO for a dance."
"It’s better if you think that way". Nadia replied, keeping her anger in check then after she sent Mary away she stomped her foot on the floor. "Manuel is mine and mine only and i won’t allow him to have a second glance at someone else. If I can’t have him, no one else will".
