Unloved Unwanted Unstoppable (Seraphina and Dominic) novel Chapter 229

Seraphina gradually stepped back, giving the other guests space.

Just then, a commotion rippled near the entrance.

Dominic had arrived.

Dressed in a sharp, dark gray suit, he looked tall, imposing, and completely unbothered.

Cynthia had her arm looped intimately through his as they walked in together.

Lily trailed right behind them.

They looked exactly like a picture-perfect family of three.

Whispers erupted across the hall as the guests turned to stare.

Rooted to the spot, Seraphina watched the scene unfold, a sharp pain shooting through her chest.

Winifred hurried over with a beaming smile, grabbing Cynthia's hand affectionately.

"Oh, Cynthia, you made it! You look more stunning every day. I heard your career is really taking off. Whoever marries you will be the luckiest man in the world."

Cynthia lowered her head modestly, offering a sweet smile. "You're too kind, Winifred."

Dominic stood silently beside them, his face an unreadable mask, but he made no effort to correct his mother.

Looking up at Winifred and then at Cynthia, Lily mirrored the woman's sweetly innocent smile.

Cynthia tilted her head, locking eyes with Seraphina. Her lips curled into a blatant, mocking smirk.

Seraphina broke eye contact and looked away.

Sitting in the seat of honor, the matriarch's smile vanished.

She glared at Winifred, then shot a furious look at Dominic, her brow furrowing deeply.

She wanted to scold him right then and there.

It was bad enough that he paraded that Ross girl around in public, but bringing her to a family event was a direct insult to both the Lockwood name and Seraphina's dignity.

And Winifred was acting completely out of line. Praising a woman so openly entangled with her married son in front of Northport's elite was an absolute disgrace.

The more the old woman thought about it, the angrier she got. She gripped the armrests of her chair, ready to stand up.

She had learned how to tolerate the dull ache in her chest.

After exchanging a few more words with the matriarch, she decided it was time to leave.

The old woman wanted her to stay, but knew that forcing her to endure the spectacle would only cause her pain.

"Be careful on your way home," the matriarch said with a sigh.

Seraphina smiled warmly, reminding her to stay cheerful and enjoy her special day.

Saying her goodbyes, Seraphina turned and slipped out through a side door.

The main entrance was far too crowded, and she had no desire to push through the throng of socialites.

The side corridors were much quieter, and she hugged the wall as she made her way toward the exit.

As she rounded a corner, she suddenly stopped in her tracks.

Just ahead, two figures were huddled behind a large stone pillar, speaking in hushed tones.

One of them was Winifred.