Ruined By My Brother's Best Friend (by Silverwriter) novel Chapter 47

I could do nothing but stare at him, my mind a confused haze as I tried to make sense of his words.

Before I could recover from the shock he’d left me in, he turned around and walked out of the kitchen, leaving me flabbergasted.

I don’t know how long I sat there, unmoving, but it was long enough for Francesca to walk into the kitchen and snap her fingers in front of my face.

“I can see you’re back to daydreaming again,” she snapped, her lips tilting into a bitter smirk.’

I glared at her. “What are you doing here?”

“In case you have amnesia, kindly look around.” She gestured to the kitchen. “I’m in my fiancé’s house. So I have the right to be anywhere I want, at any time.”

I peeled my gaze away from hers and shoved my spoon into my now-melted ice cream, ignoring her.

“I should be the one asking what you’re doing here,” she pressed, folding her arms.

“If you look around as well, I’m in my brother’s house,” I gritted out, swallowing another spoonful.

Silence settled between us after that, one I relished as I focused on the delicious melted ice cream in front of me. But my moment of peace was short-lived when Francesca decided to drop the act and show just how devious she really was.

“I thought I made myself clear the last time,” she said, breaking the silence, her tone dangerously low.

I looked up. “What are you talking about?”

“You know what I’m fucking talking about,” she said, leaning over the counter. “What were you doing here alone with Alvise?”

My mouth suddenly felt dry, the ice cream now tasting like dust. I dropped my gaze to the floor. “Nothing.”

Francesca laughed bitterly, causing me to grit my teeth and snap my head up to glare at her.

“Don’t play these juvenile games with me, Arabella,” she said. “I don’t want to remind you what happens when you do.”

My teeth clenched. “I told you. It was nothing.”

“But you see, I don’t believe you.” She shrugged. “I know you’ve been trying to claw your way back into his life.”

I dropped the spoon onto the counter and straightened on the stool. I was furious. She had no right.

“Whatever I do now is none of your business, Francesca. It’s been four years,” I said, my nails biting into my palms. “I already did what you wanted. Leave me alone.”

Her fake smile fell, her eyes narrowing and her jaw locking. This was the real her, the evil, two-faced bitch who’d ruined my life.

“I was going to leave you alone,” she said with a sadistic smile, tilting her head to the side, “but that was until you thought you could go behind my back and see him.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” I snapped, my irritation geuing the best of me. “I don’t have to ask you before I do anything.”

“That’s what you think!” she shot back, her voice rising. Then she lowered it and pointed a finger at me. “Now tell me, what the fuck were you doing with him at that restaurant?”

y heart lurched, my muscles freezing as I stared at her, shocked and bewildered. She sounded confident, certain of what she was saying. But that couldn’t be possible.

“What… what are you talking about?” I asked, feigning indifference.

“Don’t bullshit me.” She sneered impatiently. “You were at his restaurant a week ago with him. Alone.” She twirled a strand of her hair, nearly twisting it out. “Why?”

He chuckled softly and ruffled my hair. “Let’s go. I’ll drop you off.”

I shook my head and kissed his forehead, ignoring Francesca’s piercing gaze as she sat beside him.

“My ride is already here,” I lied. “Stay with your guests. You’re the host.”

He hesitated, his eyes filled with worry, but Francesca snaked an arm around his.

“Don’t worry, baby,” she cooed. “She’s not a child. She’ll be fine.” She glanced at me, a wide grin spreading across her face. “Right?”

I ignored her and waved at Archie. “Bye!”

I didn’t wait for his reply before scurrying off, giving a quick wave to some of Archie’s friends as I passed. I was almost at the front door when I heard approaching footsteps behind me.

I turned around, my eyes clashing with the familiar blue ones that instantly made my palms damp.

“You’re leaving?” Alvise asked, searching my face.

“Yes,” I said, turning back around and unlocking the door.

I felt him move closer. “Let me drop you off,” he said flatly in his usual cold tone.

Despite that, my pulse quickened, my stomach fluttering with anticipation. But memories of my conversation with Francesca resurfaced, wiping away the warmth before it could settle.

Without turning to look at him, I walked out and answered, “No.”