After that it was commotion. The crowd went wild trying to defend Racheal. Some attempted to grab at the old woman after the guards handed her over to the cops who pulled her through the crowd.Racheal was partially blind from the sting of the chicken blood in her eye. Her dress was completely ruined and her hair and face felt sticky. Steffan guided her into the car, and she could feel his anger even without seeing him. They drove hard and fast back home. She heard Steffan rummaging through the fridge in the car. Then he leaned in close and she felt something cold on her face. “Don’t move.” He commanded and Racheal stayed still. She felt him gently wiping her eyelids and her brows. “I cannot do much.” She heard him say in frustration. She said nothing. With the brief wipe he did, she was able to open her eyes a few inches. But soon, the mess from her hair began streaming down her face again. She quickly shut her eyes close. As soon as their cars pulled in through the presid

“What has come over you?” Racheal heard the first lady ask in a puzzled voice. “We are your family.”“And she is my wife. I have a responsibility to her.” Steffan's deep voice boomed and Racheal could not help shiver.But she smiled a little. She had barely known this man for a few days but he was so protective of her.“A wife we chose for you.” His mother shouted, slamming something that sounded like a table. “Oh, wait. Are you beginning to fall for the girl?”Racheal held her breath. “Oh, Don't be ridiculous. What makes you think that is ever possible?” Steffan responded quickly. Too quickly. Racheal felt her throat contract and her chest beginning to beat faster. She turned away from the door.“I simply want you to…” Steffan continued but she tuned out his voice, and began running back towards the main hallway. She had heard enough. She should not have listened. Maybe it was better to, because why was she feeling hurt if she had not begun to harbour hope in her heart. Hope th

Racheal blushed. “Skylar.” She said wide eyed at the young woman's audacity. “Is it so strange to imagine? You both are married and he has been falling over himself for you.” Skylar said.Racheal made a face. Really? Falling over himself?It was true that he was exceptionally kind and attentive to her needs. But she would not allow herself to think anything special of it, because she had heard those words from him earlier today.She smiled at Skylar. “Yes. Your brother is so kind.”Skylar was looking at her with surprise. “You don't know? Steffan likes you.”Racheal shifted uncomfortably on the bed. “He doesn't.”“What?”Racheal went ahead to tell her about the conversation she had overheard and then had to eavesdrop on earlier that day.Skylar was stunned and sat silently for a while. “That's strange, Because he has always…” She was saying when Steffan walked into the bedroom.Whatever happened to knocking?“Your maids said you were both in here.” Steffan said.“Oh.” Racheal relax

“Madame Dalloz.” Steffan greeted cheerfully, gently moving Racheal along so the old woman did not have to hobble all the way to them.Racheal slowly exhaled with relief. Steffan knew her, and if he greeted her so warmly, it meant she would be safe around this old woman. “Yes ma'am.” Racheal finally replied to her question from earlier, when they stood in front of the woman. “Hmmm.” The woman responded with a pleased nod.“Maman.” They all heard someone call out. The group turned to see a muscled tall man covering the floor in long strides.“Racheal, have you met my grandson Delbert?” Madame Dalloz asked, smiling into her grandson’s eyes.Delbert Dalloz returned the smile and turned to Racheal. “The famous Racheal from Xen.” He said, and taking her hands, courteously kissed her fingers. “I hope your husband has mentioned me. We are friends and business partners.”“It's nice to meet you, Mr Dalloz.” Racheal said with a polite smile. Steffan had never mentioned him or anyone else in

The MC climbed back on the stage and led the other activities. Accolades were given to several businesses, new industry innovations were discussed and demonstrated. Racheal felt alive as she learned new things seated in the middle of very intelligent people. Thalia returned from the restroom to the hall much later.Racheal looked at her face searchingly, and she suspected Thalia had been crying although she had done a good job of repairing her makeup. She felt a little prick of guilt. Had she gone too far? Did she say too much during their confrontation?Soon after,She saw two tall blond women in short dresses walk towards their table and stop beside Steffan. None of them even acknowledged her with as much as a glance. Steffan smiled up brightly at them and one of the women bent low to whisper to him. He nodded and both women left after the second one kissed his face and caressed his chest in the full glare of everyone.Racheal felt tears burn her eyes. A few people from the crow