Chapter 205
Evangeline had been lost in thought and hadn’t been listening–she had no idea what Soren had just said, nor what was happening up on stage.
But she quickly realized everyone around her was clapping, their eyes fixed on her.
Unsure of the reason, she managed a polite smile and joined in the applause, her hands coming together in a gesture she hoped would pass for engagement.
Up on the stage, Soren caught the effortless, indifferent look on her face, and a vein pulsed at his temple.
Moments before, as he was speaking, Poppy had suddenly kissed him on the cheek, prompting the crowd to break into applause and cheers. Now even Evangeline was clapping, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
This kind of easy disregard–almost as if she didn’t care at all–irritated him even more than if she’d made a scene, lost her temper, and stormed up to argue with him in front of everyone.
Evangeline, for her part, had no idea what he was thinking. But she did notice the cold, warning glare he shot her from the stage.
She couldn’t tell what she’d done to offend him.
In the past, she would have second–guessed herself, would have replayed the moment in her mind, searching for what she’d done wrong.
But these days, she hardly cared.
As soon as Soren and Poppy had finished their opening remarks, the evening moved on to the next stage: dancing.
As host, Soren took Poppy’s hand for the first dance, leading her out onto the floor. The other guests paired up with their own partners, or else mingled, seeking out someone to join them.
Evangeline took the opportunity to slip away, pressing the business card in her palm as she disappeared into the crowd.
Dim, golden light filtered down from the grand crystal chandeliers, casting a warm, intimate glow over the room.
On the dance floor, Soren guided Poppy with practiced ease through a waltz he’d mastered as a boy.
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Chapter 205
Poppy’s arm rested lightly on his shoulder, her other hand nestled in his. She moved with airy grace, her smile bright and effortless, flitting across the floor like a butterfly Even the most complicated steps seemed simple for her.
Not like Evangeline, who could manage only the basics.
Soren’s mind drifted back to the first time he’d brought Evangeline to a gala like this. She’d learned enough of the steps to keep up in any setting, but back then, irritated by their impending marriage, he’d deliberately led her into more difficult moves.
He often watched her fumble, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and nerves. Once, in her panic, she’d managed to step on her own foot and tumbled to the floor.
All eyes had turned her way, but she simply composed herself, straightened her dress, and took his hand, determined to keep dancing.
It wasn’t until they got home, after the party was over, that he heard her sobbing quietly in the bathroom.
After that night, Evangeline never accompanied him to another event.
He’d asked a few more times, but when she refused, he grew annoyed and started bringing other women instead.
Almost every time they returned from an event, he’d catch a glimpse of jealousy and hurt in Evangeline’s eyes.
Remembering this, Soren turned his head, scanning the crowd.
Whether by chance or fate, his gaze landed on Evangeline almost instantly.
She was wearing the dress he’d chosen for her–nothing daring this time, but something elegant and reserved. Yet somehow, on her, it looked nothing like he’d expected. There was a fresh, understated allure to her tonight.
At that moment, she was just turning away from a man, glancing back over her shoulder with a teasing smile as she slipped a card into his breast pocket.
The way she moved–subtle, but undeniably provocative–caught Soren off guard.
The man smiled back, unable to take his eyes off her.
Soren froze, a wave of irritation tightening in his chest.
He didn’t recognize the man–not Glenn, not anyone he knew.
Was she really that comfortable with a complete stranger? Had she finally lost her
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Chapter 205
mind, or was she just trying to provoke him?
His brow furrowed, lips pressed into a hard line.
“Ah-” Lost in thought, he suddenly stepped on Poppy’s foot.
Her sharp intake of breath snapped him back to reality.
“Sorry,” he said, pausing and stepping back.
“That really hurt,” Poppy pouted, her voice playfully reproachful, “You think a simple ‘sorry‘ is enough to make the pain go away?”
Before he could answer, she rose onto her toes, looping her arms around his neck and pressing her lips to his.
She’d noticed Soren’s distracted gaze earlier, had followed his line of sight right to Evangeline, and so she’d deliberately made a misstep, knowing he’d tread on her
foot.
This kind of ploy always worked on Soren.
He started to gently push her away, but then, catching sight of Evangeline glancing in their direction, he hesitated.
Instead of letting go, he wrapped an arm around Poppy’s waist, pulling her closer.
The people nearby noticed, and a ripple of excitement spread through the crowd.
Soren thought, surely this time Evangeline would react–make a scene, maybe even
storm out.
But she only paused for a moment, then, as if nothing had happened, looked away and turned back into the crowd, as calm as ever.
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