Bound To The Shadow

Chapter 23 (The party).

“Are you saying everyone’s buzzing about me?” I probed, skeptical.

“Absolutely! Duh!” she rolled her eyes dramatically.

“Why is that?” I asked, genuinely intrigued.

“Maybe it’s because you’re cute or something,” she teased.

“Come on, let’s not go there…”

At that moment, a woman shot us a fierce glare, as if she could tear us apart with her eyes.

At that moment, a waiter inadvertently drenched her dress with a tray of champagne. Lily and I shared amused glances and stifled our laughter as the woman berated the waiter before swiftly making her way to the restroom.

I caught Vincent's gaze; he had been watching me but was now engrossed in a chat with someone who claimed to be a relative.

Just then, I noticed a familiar face burst into the room—it was Sharly!

She looked stunning, which wasn't quite the surprise given her usual appearance.

She settled into the chair across from me.

"Hey, Sharly!!" I called out to her.

"Bloom! You look great!" she complimented.

"You too," I responded.

"Let me guess, you're Vincent's partner?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Yeah," I murmured, turning my gaze slightly.

"I knew there was something going on between you two!" she whispered, giggling quietly to avoid Vincent's notice.

I offered a nervous smile in reply.

"Your commercial was the best I’ve ever done! Many customers have been reaching out, and other modeling agencies are eager to set up appointments with you," she exclaimed with enthusiasm.

"Wow, I honestly didn't see that coming," I replied.

"How about I take the initiative to assist you?" She extended her hand as a gesture of confirmation.

"I don't think that can happen without his consent," I said, subtly indicating Vincent, who was completely unaware.

"Oh, don't stress; I'll have a word with him about it," she smiled, withdrawing her hand.

"Thanks," I nodded appreciatively.

Suddenly, someone approached the small stage.

“Let’s give a warm welcome to Mr. and Mrs. Marino as they make their entrance,” he announced.

The lights dimmed, casting a bright spotlight on them as they elegantly walked in, arm in arm, to their beautifully adorned oversized chairs at our table.

*They certainly know how to make an unforgettable entrance.*

*
Reginald’s intense stare zeroed in on Vincent, projecting an aura of intimidation that surpassed Vincent’s own. A pronounced scar stretched from the outer edge of his left brow to his mouth, creating a fierce, battle-worn look. This scar was rumored to be a legacy from a brutal confrontation with a rival family long ago, embodying the fearsome reputation Reginald had cultivated over the years.

His dark hair showcased strands of gray, enhancing his commanding and distinguished presence. He moved with an unnerving, calculated precision that suggested both confidence and menace. While his demeanor was definitely intimidating, Reginald favored cunning over brute force, positioning him as an even more formidable adversary.