Chapter 88
It was the same woman from that night’s ball, the one who had danced with Nick-his childhood friend, Michelle.
Tonight, Michelle had dressed to impress.
A pale blue, strappy gown clung to her figure, clearly a custom, handcrafted piece. The fabric caught the light in delicate sparkles, and a soft white silk shawl draped over her shoulders, amplifying her natural elegance.
Yet her cheeks were flushed, her gaze unfocused, and Khloe could tell she’d been drinking.
“Michelle… what are you doing here?” Nick’s voice darkened as soon as he saw her.
“How could I not come to congratulate you now that you’re engaged?” Michelle raised her glass toward him, but her eyes immediately flicked to Khloe. She let her gaze linger, assessing her, before a faint, strained smile appeared.
“Miss Roswell, you’re truly beautiful… no wonder Nick chose you as his fiancée. You two really do look perfect together.”
The jealousy in Michelle’s tone made Khloe’s mouth go sour. It was clear Michelle had feelings for Nick far beyond friendship.
But today was Khloe’s engagement-her moment. Whether praise from others was genuine or not, she could take it graciously. “Thank you, Michelle. You look lovely as well.”
Michelle was striking-her features sharp, her aura icy. But her next words carried a bitter undertone.
“Lovely, but what good is it if fate isn’t kind? Always meeting the wrong person at the right time… or the right person at the wrong time.”
Her voice softened, her gaze again landing on Nick, suddenly shimmering with unshed tears.
Khloe didn’t fully understand her meaning. Around the table, Khloe’s friends looked as if they’d just witnessed some dramatic revelation, their expressions tense and wary.
Everyone’s attention instinctively snapped to Nick.
“You’ve had enough, Michelle.” His tone was flat now, stripped of all expression. He turned slightly to Lenny.” Take Michelle home.”
“Yes…”
Lenny nodded immediately, moving to support her. But Michelle dodged him, swaying toward Nick instead.
“We’re old friends. You wouldn’t deny me even one drink, right? I’ll finish this, then I’ll go on my own–no need to trouble anyone else.”
Nick didn’t respond. He simply lifted his glass and drank it down, eyes never leaving straight ahead. Michelle’s tears spilled over her cheeks.
“Fine, Nick… you’ve made your point. I won’t trouble you again.”
She drained her glass and set it down, but her body went suddenly slack, tipping directly toward him. In an instant, Nick sidestepped, not a thread of her dress brushing against him.
Lenny, having caught Nick’s silent signal, stepped in immediately, steadying Michelle with a respectful tone. ” Ms. Keller, you’ve had too much. I’ll take you home.”
1/2
Chapter 88
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