Divorced Heiress
Chapter 102

case.

I couldn't stop tapping the ground with my heel, nerves attacking every part of my body. I didn't know if it was because my brand launch was about to begin in just a few minutes or because I was waiting for my lawyers to contact me with good news about Rachel's My soul was hanging by a thread, and I couldn't fully concentrate on this important event where influential guests from the fashion industry were invited. I wanted it to be a success, an unforgettable night, but I wasn't sure if I could achieve it with everything weighing on me today.

-You look radiant, Zafiro has outdone themselves with your dress.- Abby entered my dressing room where stylists were finishing my hair and makeup. Now that my friend mentioned it, I focused on my image and smiled satisfied with the result. They were actually doing a good job, but I couldn't wait for them to finish so I could make sure everything was in order with the models and designs that were going to be presented to the public. Even though my partners were taking care of it, I wanted to check for myself that everything was going as expected.

I looked at Abby's reflection in the mirror and smiled at how beautiful she looked. The blue dress highlighted her slim and slender figure perfectly, and her hair was tied up in a high ponytail, looking elegant and delicate. She could easily capture everyone's attention.

-You look gorgeous. I almost didn't recognize you.- I joked a little, and she gestured with her hand as she were embarrassed and flattered at the same time.

-Humbly, we did what we could. I have to live up to it, and outside is crowded, I see many familiar faces. I can't believe so many well-known figures accepted the invitation without even knowing the name behind L&J. This is so exciting.-

Abby seemed ecstatic about tonight, and I should be the same if it weren't for the uncertainty that weighed me down and didn't let me breathe normally.

I remained silent as the stylists finished applying the red lipstick that matched my burgundy dress. They finished their work with me, and I stood up from the chair to take one last look. The makeup and hairstyle were so well done that I was afraid of ruining them. -Thank you.- I gratefully thanked the stylists, who began to put away their tools. I turned around to face Abby.

-Credit goes to our public relations officer. The rest is up to us, so there shouldn't be a single mistake. I'm going to check on the preparations. Are you coming with me?- I asked Abby while adjusting my dress.

-Wow! You really look fantastic. I can't take my eyes off you. You're a goddess. Move aside, everyone, the goddess Doinel is on her way.-

I playfully shook my head as Abby complimented me, then grabbed my phone, hoping to receive news before the event started. I strutted in my heels towards the exit.

-I'll believe it if you say it again.- I said as I passed by Abby. Before taking a step out of my dressing room, Abby stopped me by holding my hand. I looked at her with curiosity, finding a nervous smile.

I knew that expression very well, and honestly, I was afraid of whatever she was about to tell me.

-Sari, my goddess, before we go to the models' dressing room, I want you to know that I have a surprise that will make your day, well, night, even better.-

I let go of her grip when she said that and raised an eyebrow while crossing my arms.

Of course, I had reasons to fear. Abby's surprises could leave you breathless; you could expect anything from her. That was why I didn't know what to think at the moment. The last thing I wanted was a surprise from my friend; I would end up having three heart attacks. -Abby...-

-No, no, no, you're going to love this surprise.- She interrupted me, realizing that I wasn't in the mood for her craziness, before pulling my hand to make me follow her. I made my best effort to trust her blindly, mentally preparing myself not to lose my mind over her surprise.

-Now we're complete.- She said before I could fully understand what she meant, seconds before opening the door to the models' dressing room.

Most of the models were ready and rehearsing for their presentation, some were finishing their makeup with the stylists. I smiled satisfactorily as I saw that everything was going wonderfully under the supervision of Hugo, Vincent, and my star designer, Zafiro. Honestly, I still didn't know what surprise Abby was talking about, but soon, she guided me with gentle pushes to one of the vanities where a model was being made up and surrounded by a group of three models who were speaking animatedly with Vincent and Hugo.

I looked at the reflection in the mirror of the blonde girl with her back turned to me, and my eyes widened as I recognized that face I hadn't seen for years. -Britney?-

The blonde observed me through the mirror, a smile appearing on her face before she turned her chair, leaving her makeup half finished. I couldn't believe she was here, I had lost contact with her over three years ago when she had to leave for London for her modeling job.

-You're here!-

Of all the surprises Abby had given me, this was the best, it even made me forget for a moment the worries that had been bothering me.

-Sarah!- She jumped up from her chair and ran to hug me, ignoring the stylists who warned her that she would ruin their work. I didn't hesitate and received her in my arms, jumping with excitement. -Surprise!- She said playfully when we let go, and I couldn't stop looking at her. She was wearing the dress and the jewelry that were prepared for the closing of the runway, then everything made sense. -Don't tell me, don't tell me.- My smile widened, and Abby confirmed what I deduced just by looking at the honey-eyed blonde.

-What's better than closing the launch with the best model?-

I couldn't contain the excitement in my chest. Britney was as recognized and influential as all the guests at the launch, her image would be very favorable for L&J.

-I can't believe it!-I covered my mouth to avoid letting out a scream of excitement in front of everyone.

-Believe it, and if it hadn't been for Abby, I wouldn't have found out about this and... everything.-

She paused, and her expression changed to one of sadness, and my smile disappeared immediately.

It had to be Abby.

-Sari, I'm sorry about your parents. I'm sure they'll be back soon, and all of this will be like a bad moment, in the meantime, you have to give it your all with your new company and give that idiot Paul a good blow. He's despicable. I never imagined he would be capable of doing something like this, I swore he was in love with you.-

-Even I, being his sister, believed him, but it was all a hoax. Now I have to endure seeing his face every day at home, just to maintain the lie of the lawsuit against Sarah. God, this is exhausting.-Abby spoke with grief, because after the fight at Doinel and reading the letter that my parents made sure she received, I asked her to stay a few days at the Dubois mansion to avoid raising suspicions, trusting that Rachel's trial would have positive results, as well as hoping my parents wouldn't take long with their plans. Britney looked at us with amusement on her face before speaking.

-I would have paid to see that fight, too bad no one recorded it. Terrible service.-

Abby and I laughed at the disappointment in her voice, and the stylists asked Bri to come back to finish working on her appearance since we were running out of time.

-Come on, we'll have time to catch up. But first, a group hug.- Abby said excitedly, and the three of us hugged each other.

-We're finally complete, and I hope this time lasts longer than last time.-

-Oh, there you are, my girlfriend, I've been looking for you.- Bastian's voice made us separate, and Britney looked at Abby questioningly after hearing how my cousin had called her before staring at her, mouth agape, from head to toe. It seemed like she was speechless seeing her fake girlfriend.

-We need a lot of time to catch up.- Britney said before returning to her chair.

-Abby, you're... you're, are you Abby? Are you my girlfriend?-

Bastian didn't even know what to say, and I heard a throat clearing behind me, followed by a giggle.

I turned to see Bastian's brothers, who pretended to be talking about something important, although Hugo couldn't conceal his laughter well, which threatened to escape again, and Vincent's flushed face gave him away as he tried to loosen his tie, which seemed to be suffocating him. Jealousy, jealousy, and more jealousy.

I took the opportunity to approach Vincent and enjoy a front-row seat to his fit of jealousy.

-You're such an idiot, really, can't you see it's me?- Bastian glanced Abby up and down again, and Abby took the opportunity to twirl, causing the train of her dress to open and revealing her left leg.

-You look beautiful, very beautiful.-

I heard the man next to me clear his throat, unable to hide his discomfort at Bastian's words. Bastian approached Abby, took her by the waist, and whispered something in her ear that only my friend could hear.

-Is she here? Is she coming?- Abby asked as she looked at the door as if it were about to open at any moment, and I knew they were talking about Bastian's ex-girlfriend. -Well, let's get to work.-

-Brother, I have only one thing to tell you. The shrimp that falls asleep gets replaced by the fake boyfriend.- Hugo spoke in a mocking tone, and I couldn't help but laugh. -They make a lovely couple.- I played along with Bastian, adding fuel to the fire.

And the truth was, I didn't agree with what Vincent was doing, he was in a constant push and pull, if he didn't decide to express his feelings soon, he would lose the only woman he had truly cared about.

I didn't know what he was waiting for to make a move.

I looked at Vincent, who helped himself to a glass of whiskey on the table behind us, which was exclusive to the L&J team after the launch, but he didn't care and drank it all in one gulp, never taking his eyes off the couple who were closer than ever, as their first performance as a couple was about to begin.

-This is just pretending, she doesn't like Bastian.- Vincent spoke quietly, as if he was speaking to himself, but of course, Hugo and I heard him.

-She may not, but Bastian is starting to like Abby.-

I looked at Hugo in surprise at what he had just said, and Vincent was also looking at him, with a mix of evident concern and anger.

-You're in trouble, brother. You know how Bastian is when he starts feeling something for a woman, just look at what he's doing for his ex-girlfriend. If I were you, I would consider this battle lost.-

Vincent swallowed hard, making his Adam's apple move up and down, and poured himself another glass of whiskey, which he downed in one go.

-I may lose a battle, but not the war.- Vincent whispered to himself, but I managed to hear him, and I couldn't help but get excited because things were getting better and better.

The door opened, and Sofia, my public relations manager, entered with a couple, and I immediately recognized the woman, the blond with hazel eyes, she was the presenter who would cover the event, she was Bastian's ex-girlfriend, and due to the closeness she had with the impeccably dressed man accompanying her, he was probably her fiancé.

Sofia called me to greet Jane, as I needed to meet the person who would be introduced as the General Manager of L&J at the end of the fashion show. After exchanging a few words, I returned to my cousins, not wanting to miss my friend and cousin's performance, nor Vincent's reaction.

This was going to be good.

-I should be making sure everything is in order outside, but I can't miss this for anything in the world.- I said as I crossed my arms, watching the fake couple who were startled by the presence of Jane and her fiancé, and Bastian pulled Abby closer to his chest with one hand on her waist and the other affectionately caressing the exposed skin of her neck.

They were so connected to each other that anyone would believe they are a real couple.

-Bastian?- The woman recognized Bastian, even though he had his back to her and turned around without letting go of Abby's waist when he heard her voice.

-We need some popcorn to better enjoy the show.- Hugo joked next to Vincent, who began rubbing his hand on his face with discomfort and frustration. -Jane. What a surprise to see you here.- Bastian pretended to be surprised by his ex-girlfriend's presence.

I couldn't deny that Abby made a great couple in every way, both had a wild side and were serious when necessary, they spoke their minds without filtering and when it came to acting, both could win an award, they did it so naturally, as if it ran in their blood. -This is ridiculous.- Vincent turned towards the table, as if he didn't want to see what was happening a few meters away.

-This stupidity would only happen at Jane's engagement party. You two are immature.- He kept complaining while Bastian and Jane exchanged words, and a few seconds later, Abby shook hands with the blonde with a smile on her face.

-I didn't know you already had a girlfriend, how cute.- Jane spoke with a smile that could be seen from miles away that it was fake, and looked at Abby as if she wanted to devour her, but my friend looked so radiant and confident, while tenderly caressing Bastian's shoulder.

-Thank you, Jane, how sweet.- Abby spoke as if she liked the woman, although I could see from here that she couldn't stand her.

-The truth is that we fell in love when we were teenagers, but due to circumstances of fate, we separated without having the chance to be more than friends, and now that we have reunited, I won't let him slip away.-

Abby hugged Bastian by the neck to look at him with eyes full of love, as if she was truly in love with him, and he looked at her the same way, with a perfect smile that revealed his small dimple.

-It is often said that all roads lead to Rome.- Bastian's sweet words made Vincent let out an unfunny laugh, which only showed his bad mood, and I stood frozen in place, gaping with my eyes wide open at what I saw next.

I must be hallucinating.