Chapter 4: Anger, jealousy, and possessiveness

Reina made her way to the living room an hour later, the soft glow from the chandelier casting a warm light across her features. Her slightly tousled curly hair framed her face as she surveyed the room, her eyes glinting with curiosity. She was dressed in a stunning champagne mermaid gown with a silver diamond-embroidered lace design artfully appliquéd with sequin accents. The dress hugged her curves with a flattering basque waistline that accentuated her silhouette. Its deep v-neckline, held delicately by fine spaghetti straps, added a touch of elegance, while the sheer bustier bodice infused the ensemble with a hint of sensuality. The light fabric shimmered softly, catching the light with every movement, transforming her into a vision of grace and allure. She was wearing a diamond necklace and earrings that accentuated her beautiful long neck and a silver mirror stiletto, accessorized with diamonds. The faint sound of her heel against the tiled floor drew the attention of everyone in the living room. 

 

~~~

 

A few minutes earlier, Bianca, who was seated in front of the vanity set up in the living room by the makeup artist Lucas had called to help with Reina’s look, was turning and looking at herself in the makeup mirror, with an unpleasant look on her face. Bianca rolled her eyes and said in an unruly manner, “I think you will have to redo the makeup. I thought you were a top artist, but what's this? I think those in the shanty could do better,” Bianca said, and that did it. The makeup artist, who had been patient with Bianca since she arrived an hour ago, lost it and said, 

“Excuse me, but if I may ask, who are you? I came here to attend to the lady of the house, not someone who can’t tell the difference between high-end makeup and cheap products.” Bianca, furious with the artist, shot back, “I’m the lady of the house; you hear me, bitch?!”

The makeup artist gasped at Bianca’s rude language. If she was right, Reina Black was supposed to be the lady of the house; she had even seen her on TV that morning, so who was this woman making false claims and speaking so uncultured and improperly? 

“Whoever you are, you don’t know me,” the artist replied, her tone steady. “I’m here to do my job; you have no right to insult me. And if I’m correct, you’re not Reina Black.”

Bianca's eyes widened when she realized she had nearly blown their covers; she opened her mouth to speak, but the faint sounds of heels against the tiled floor caught their attention. Everyone turned to the sound and was captivated by Reina's beauty; even without makeup and the bruises on her face and neck, she was stylish and sophisticated. 

Reina, who had heard Bianca's words as she made her way into the living room, smirked inwardly, a hint of mischief flashing her eyes. ‘Game on Bianca.’ One thing she knew about Bianca was that she was completely unfamiliar with elite society. There were times when Bianca embarrassed her by using words that were considered unmannered within that circle. Yet, she always came to Bianca's defense, never allowing her to feel left out. However, she was no longer the naive Reina of the past. Twisting her face into a pained expression, Reina asked, “Yes, Bianca, I'm curious—since when did you become the madam of my house?”

All eyes went back to Bianca, who was looking at Reina with a deadly glare. The makeup artist raised an eyebrow at Bianca's open disrespect towards Reina. Bianca, on the other hand, understood what Reina wanted to achieve; disgrace her. But no, she wasn't going to let that happen. If Reina thinks she is going to let her win because of the presence of the makeup artist and her assistance, she is wrong.

“Yes, Reina, I'm the new lady of the house since your husband loves...”

“Mi amor, you look absolutely stunning,” Lucas exclaimed as he reentered the living room, his voice cutting through the ongoing conversation like a warm knife through butter, successfully distracting everyone except Reina. He had stepped out just moments ago to answer an urgent call, only to return to Bianca's words. 'What was she thinking? Was she going to reveal everything if he hadn't arrived?'

Bianca’s face lit up with a radiant smile at Lucas' words. She hurriedly rose from her seat, her heart fluttering as she moved toward him, but color drained from her face when instead of coming to her, Lucas brushed past her, his gaze fixed on Reina. He approached Reina with effortless confidence, his hand sliding around her waist, a gesture that sent a chill down Bianca’s spine. 

However, as Lucas leaned in to kiss Reina, the moment felt suspended in time. Reina, seemingly aware of the unfolding drama, deliberately dropped the purse she had been clutching tightly. “Oh,” she exclaimed softly, feigning surprise, as she bent down to retrieve it, pulling away from Lucas just as the tension thickened in the air.

Lucas, understanding Reina's actions, nodded with a smile on his face and rubbed his thumb over his lips. ‘Playing hard to get, uh?’ he thought. And when Reina stood up, he took her hand, not giving her the chance to pull away from him, and said, “Come, my love, let's get you ready.” Reina nodded and allowed Lucas to lead her.

Bianca stomps her feet angrily and walks out of the house.

 

~~~

 

At the bustling airport, a private jet glided to a halt on the tarmac. Moments later, the entrance door swung open, revealing a man dressed in a midnight black three-piece suit that exuded sophistication. His polished shoes glinted under the bright overhead lights as he stepped onto the pavement with a commanding presence. 

Following closely behind him was a demure-looking woman, her elegant silhouette accentuated by a champagne-colored dress that resembled Reina's, shimmered in the light. Her flawlessly styled blonde hair cascaded around her shoulders, framing her delicate features.

As Yolanda reached the bottom of the stairs, she quickly walked to Xavier's side and wrapped her hand around his arm as they approached the waiting car. When they arrived at the car, Xavier placed a hand behind Yolanda to help her into the seat. After she was settled, he got in beside her, and the car drove off to the venue.

 

~~~

 

Reina looked at her reflection in the mirror and smiled. She felt heavy with all the makeup on her face, neck, and shoulders, but she was someone who appreciated hard work, and the makeup artist was great at her job. “Thank you, you made me look beautiful,” Reina said to the artist, who blushed as she made a ‘you're not serious' gesture with her hand and said, “Are you kidding me? I literally did nothing; I just hid the bruises, which I'm interested to know how they came about, but apart from that, you, Madam Black, are pretty even without makeup; it was an honor to work for you.”

Reina smiled and said, “Thank you.”

Lucas approached Reina holding a black mask, which helped fasten on Reina's face, tying the straps behind her.

“Shall we?” he said, a charming smile playing on his lips as he curved his arm invitingly for Reina to take. With a forced smile, Reina reached for her purse, her fingers wrapping around the familiar handle before sliding her hand into Lucas' arm, and they made their way out of the house.

However, Reina frowned when she saw Bianca was already inside the car. She stopped and said, “I won't want to interrupt you two, so I'll ride with the guards,” Reina said, turning to leave. Bianca smiled, happy for her quick thinking. However, Lucas held Reina's hand, stopping her, and said, “We can all ride in the same car.”

Reina looked up at the man she stupidly still loved as her eyes filled with tears.

“I actually didn't want to be in the same space with you, not to mention with a bonus mistress. Either she rides in a different car or I do, so which is it going to be?” Reina said, her heart beating wildly. 'What was she thinking, setting her terms when she already knew what Lucas' answer would be?'

“My love, I'm sorry, but even though it's a masquerade event, I can't arrive with you; there is a vast difference between you and Reina; everyone will notice; please ride in Victor's car.”

“Lucas, you can't do this to me; you can't let this bitch win; she's purposely doing that!" Bianca said angrily but changed her tone and said in a wooing, gentle voice. “Lucas, the baby wants to be close to you, please.” Lucas sighed and replied. “I'm sorry, amor; I will make it up to you, I promise.” 

Reina looked up, as the tears in her eyes threatened to fall; she didn't want to ruin her makeup and was glad the mask was doing a good job hiding her emotions.

 

~~~

 

After a thirty-minute drive, they arrived at the event. Hand in hand, appearing loving and affectionate, they walked into the reception, and all eyes turned to them. However, two pairs of eyes from upstairs were exceptionally fixated. 

The moment Reina and Lucas entered the hall, Xavier, who was standing on the second floor, intense gaze was instantly locked onto the woman next to the man. Yolanda was also drawn to the couple, her eyes glued to the woman wearing a dress almost identical to hers, the only difference being that the woman looked more stunning in the dress. It was as if the designer had designed it specifically for her, making her develop a sudden, intense hatred for the woman, whoever she was. 

Bianca, who was trailing behind Reina and Lucas, scanned the hall filled with elegantly dressed and socializing members of the elite society and felt both small and angry. All of this attention should have been hers; it was supposed to be her receiving the admiration that Reina was garnering. Without delay, she turned and made her way through the crowd, stopping to ask a waitress for directions to the break room.

Lucas, who was looking after Bianca's retreating figure, nodded at Victor, who was standing behind him. Victor acknowledged the gesture and followed Bianca into the crowd.

~~~

The party went on, and items to be auctioned were almost out. Reina shifted in her seat uncomfortably, an unsettling sensation creeping over her as if an intense gaze had been tracking her since their arrival. She clutched her purse tightly against her thighs, as she would constantly look around. 

However, this time when she turned to glance back, she found herself caught in the mesmerizing depths of a pair of forest green eyes staring directly at her from a man wearing a golden mask. The intensity of his stare was almost magnetic, and she felt an inexplicable pull that made it difficult to look away. A wave of familiarity washed over her, stirring a curious but comforting feeling deep within as she continued to gaze at the mysterious man. Time seemed to pause, and for a brief moment, the bustling world around them faded into nothingness.

“And now, the last item—the crown jewel to be auctioned tonight—is a rare teal sapphire necklace, showcasing a stunning blend of enchanting blues and mesmerizing greens. The starting bid is set at one million.”

“1.5 million,” Lucas said, lifting his bid paddle. He wanted to buy the necklace for Bianca and make it up to her. Reina turned to look at Lucas at his voice, her mind racing. ‘Was he buying it for Bianca?’ she wondered, studying his face.

“Two million,” someone said. However, hearing Lucas bid on the necklace, Xavier, who wasn't interested in any of the items being auctioned, was suddenly interested.

“Five million,” Xavier's baritone voice cut through the murmurs of the crowd, causing gasps to ripple across the room. Heads spun towards him, including Lucas and Reina, whose eyes widened in surprise. However, Reina felt a chill run down her spine when she turned, and her gaze was once again met with the piercing green eyes that seemed to bore into her very soul, still fixed on her. An unsettling feeling settled over her, and in a sudden rush of anxiety, she stood abruptly, intent on escaping to the washroom. But before she could take a step, Lucas' firm grip closed around her wrist, halting her movement.

Xavier's jaw tightened into a rigid line, a surge of protectiveness washing over him when he noticed the way Lucas’ fingers dug painfully into Reina's wrist. Anger, jealousy, and possessiveness surged within him, and he instinctively shifted about to rise from his seat, but before he could act, his assistant, Alfonso, gently placed a hand on his shoulder, urging him to remain still.

Yolanda, who was beaming with excitement at the thought that Xavier was buying her the necklace she had been eyeing, expression shifted from delight to confusion as she caught sight of the tension etched on Xavier’s face and Alfonso's restraining gesture. “Boss, please calm down; you don’t want to act rashly,” Alfonso murmured, his voice low and measured. He slowly withdrew his hand, allowing Xavier a moment to grapple with his simmering frustration without further provocation.

“Where are you going?” Lucas inquired, his brow furrowed in agitation; the mask concealing part of his face failed to hide his anger. He was angry because of three things. ‘Firstly, Bianca and Victor hadn't returned, and secondly, some bastard just challenged him, and lastly, he didn't trust Reina. What if she tried something stupid?’

Reina glanced around, her gaze briefly catching Xavier’s before returning to Lucas. She leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper. “I just need to use the washroom quickly. Please don’t worry; I promise I won’t do anything foolish. Just let me go; you’re embarrassing me.”

Lucas’s eyes narrowed. “If you mess with me, Reina, don't blame me if..." He trailed off when Reina flashed him a fake smile and stood up, her confidence radiating as she walked away.

“Five million! Do I have another bidder?” The auctioneer’s voice echoed through the elegant room, filled with anticipation.

“Six million,” Lucas called out confidently, a sly smirk spreading across his face as he turned to glance at Xavier. The atmosphere shifted as Xavier, with an air of nonchalance, raised his bid paddle high, his green eyes gleaming with mischief, and declared,

“Fifty million!”