Divorced Heiress
Chapter 103

Bastian gently caressed Abby's face with his fingers and took her by surprise as he pressed his lips against hers. My friend was stunned, but she disguised it well with her arms still around her fake boyfriend's neck.

-He's kissing her.- I heard Hugo's voice say, confirming that it wasn't a hallucination. And when Vincent heard that, he turned around to look at the scene with a furrowed brow, heavy breathing, and cheeks more flushed than usual. Obviously, he was very angry, jealous, irritated, and frustrated because he knew he couldn't do anything. He couldn't confront either of them for such an act, because he had brought it upon himself. If he had taken a risk and expressed his feelings like an adult, things would be very different right now. He would be the one kissing Abby, not his younger brother.

-This has to be a damn joke.- Vincent growled beside me as he took another sip of whiskey, looking at Abby and Bastian with disgust as she kissed him back, under the watchful gaze of Jane and her fiancé.

-Excuse me, I have things to do.-

He barely finished speaking before he left the dressing room, loosening his tie as he passed by the couple who had finished their kissing session.

-I said it and I stand by it. This is going to end very badly.- Hugo agreed. Abby was playing with fire and could get burned.

-I have things to do too. Are you coming with me?- I asked Hugo so he wouldn't be alone in such a tense moment.

-I'm going with you. I don't want to see the world burn.- He replied.

Outside, the place was filled with socialites and important businessmen, some of whom I knew personally and others I had seen in news about influential entrepreneurs. I couldn't believe that Sofía had managed to get so many recognizable people to attend the launch. Julian and Alexis were welcoming each one of them at their respective tables.

After making sure everything was in order with Hugo, he left with Vincent who was still drinking recklessly at the event's bar. I chose not to intervene in a conversation between men, so I sat at the table reserved for L&J executives and their guests, waiting for the last few minutes to pass before the fashion show began.

My phone rang in my hand and my brow furrowed as I saw an unknown number on the screen. If it were under different circumstances, I would have hesitated to answer the call, but I was waiting for my lawyers to contact me with news, so it could be them. -Hello?- I spoke aloud as the melodies of the piano echoed throughout the venue. I waited for someone to speak on the other end of the line, but there was nothing but heavy breathing.

-People with nothing better to do.- I muttered. When I was about to hang up the call, a voice on the other end froze me in place, unable to utter a word.

-Sarah, it's me, it's Joelle.- The voice said.

My heart stopped and then beat so strongly that I could hear it despite the music. My breathing quickened and tears threatened to escape my eyes. Soon, I realized that I was surrounded by many people and had to act normal, not mentioning the names of my parents.

-Mrs. Petit, you have no idea how glad I am to hear from you again.- I spoke, disguising that I was talking to someone else, but the emotion in my chest was indescribable. It changed my mood just by hearing her voice.

-My girl, I miss you too and you can't imagine how much. I understand that you can't talk at the moment. Congratulations on the launch of your new brand, I'm so proud of you. She said.

Those words caused my tears to slide down my cheeks, but I quickly wiped them away and cleared my throat in an attempt to alleviate the knot that had formed in my throat.

My parents weren't by my side at this moment, but they had never been more present and aware of all my projects, all my movements, than now. They were watching over me like guardian angels.

-I would like for you to be here.- My voice broke and I didn't feel capable of continuing speaking or I would end up crying without being able to stop just minutes before starting the presentation.

-We are with you wherever you go, we are in your heart.-

I remained silent with my eyes closed, holding back the urge to cry, and my mother continued. -Daughter, I have some instructions for you. In the place where you left your father's gift, we left a folder that we have been preparing. Review it when you get home, you will know what decision to make. I love you very much, we will be together again soon.-

Curiosity arose in my chest upon hearing my mother's instructions and when I wanted to ask what it was about, the call ended, leaving me with more than one question in my mouth.

-Darling, we almost didn't make it. You want to give me a heart attack, you look beautiful, more than that, are you real?-

I startled in my place when I heard Alexander's voice next to me and he looked at me amused for a few seconds with Tristan in his arms, his expression changing to one of concern when he saw me trembling with nerves. -Are you okay? Did something happen?-

I immediately shook my head, while trying to calm my nerves before it became more evident, and smiled as I saw Tristan's cute suit, dressed just like Alexander.

-There's nothing to worry about, I'll tell you later. Look how beautiful my baby boy is.- I took Tristan in my arms to give him many kisses on his face, unleashing his boisterous laughter. -You look like a little doll, so cute.-

-Just like his father.- Said Alexander, pretending to be an irreparable narcissist, and I laughed at his expression.

-He only has your eyes, actually he looks like me.-

That was the biggest lie, as he was a miniature version of Alexander and it seemed unfair when I was the one who had carried Tristan in my belly for nine months and had to endure all the pain.

The most beautiful pain.

-I don't like to contradict you, my dear, but this time you are wrong. But we can solve it by having a daughter with your beautiful green eyes, your beautiful eyelashes, your light brown hair. Tristan, would you like a sister?- Alexander's question almost made me choke on my own saliva and I shook my head. Tristan didn't even know what his father was talking about, yet his head nodded emphatically with a positive response. -Alexander, no.- I warned him with a look to drop the subject there, and he raised his hands as if he was innocent.

-Okay, okay, give me a kiss and I'll shut up.-

I gave a playful glance to Tristan, as he would worry whenever he saw us kissing. Seeing that he was focused on the stage decoration, I quickly approached Alexander and gave him a fleeting kiss on his lips that made him smile. -I enjoy doing business with you, beautiful fairy.-

The lights went out for a few seconds, at the same time that the place fell into silence long enough to play the next piano melody, and Alexander took the opportunity to steal a kiss from me, leaving me bewildered.

-Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, I invite you to take your seats and enjoy the great show about to begin. Thank you all for joining us on this wonderful night, the night in which you will all get to know the promising new brand L&J and the person who has made all this a reality, the person who has brought out all the good from the most difficult and tough moments in their life, turning them into great projects. Applause, please.-

Jane's voice sounded over the music and most of the guests took their respective seats while applauding. That sound filled my heart with happiness because, although problems still loomed over me, I had many reasons to be happy, starting with the fact that I heard my mother's voice after so long, even if it was for a short time.

The seats at our table were occupied by Abby, Bastian, Julian, Alexis, and Hugo, who applauded me, although the other people had no idea that I was the founder of the brand.

-Bravo, goddess!- Abby shouted ecstatically, and I couldn't help but remember that she was kissing Bastian just minutes ago.

-The L&J brand will not only launch high-fashion designs by renowned designer Zafiro Martin. L&J starts big by including collaborations with great jewelry designers, footwear designers, handbags, and other amazing surprises that you will soon discover. I don't want to bore you, so let's begin the launch of L&J.-

I couldn't deny that Jane did a good job. With her small but pleasant speech, she managed to get everyone excited and expectant for what they were about to see.

The stage lights dimmed, and Jane disappeared from the stage before the blue background lights and white floor lights turned on, perfectly illuminating the path of the models.

The piano melodies stopped playing, making way for the music prepared for the fashion show. Then, the models appeared, showcasing each tailor-made design, as well as the shoes, jewelry, and handbags. A smile appeared on my face as I watched the models one by one and took the opportunity to observe the guests' reactions. While some looked expressionless, I could see a hint of acceptance in their slightest gestures.

My phone started ringing on the table, and I quickly picked it up to see my lawyer's name on the screen, but I couldn't answer immediately due to the high volume of the music.

-Alexander, I need to take this call. I'll leave Tristan with you, I'll be right back.- I said as I left Tristan sitting on my chair while Alexander nodded in response.

I walked away to the bar where Vincent was still drinking while looking at the table where I had been sitting seconds ago, to be more specific, he was staring at Abby, who was enjoying the fashion show with Bastian by her side.

I wanted to approach, but the call couldn't wait.

-Hi, what news do you have for me?- I asked, covering my free ear to only hear my lawyer's voice.

-Ms. Doinel, I have very good news. Rachel's statement and the evidence you managed to get have yielded positive results for the case. We will prepare the lawsuit against Paul Dubois, and Rachel will have her probation under the witness protection program. Congratulations.- He said. My mouth opened as if it had a life of its own, and I had to cover it with my hand.

I couldn't believe it, all this was too good to be true. So much good news in one day only made me scared because every time a spark of hope ignited, it immediately went out.

-Are you serious? Thank you very, very much. When can we proceed with the lawsuit?- I asked hastily, reflecting the excitement I felt in the wide smile that appeared on my face.

-Very serious, the case has been a complete success. We can proceed when you order.-

A sigh of relief escaped my lips, and I didn't hesitate to give him an answer.

-As soon as possible, I want to see that rat behind bars already.- I said confidently and looked at the models' fashion show which was going smoothly. Everything was turning out so perfect that it seemed unreal.

-In that case, we will be at your house tomorrow to finalize the details, and the authorities will take action promptly.-

I bit my lips as I internally thanked for this wonderful news.

-Tomorrow, tomorrow I would give Paul what he deserved, and I couldn't be happier about it.-

-Then I'll be waiting for you tomorrow at the Villa. Thank you very much, you have done a great job.-

The lawyer said goodbye, congratulating me again, and I ended the call without wiping the smile off my face.

Nothing and no one could ruin my good mood, this was an excellent day to celebrate.

My eyes traveled to the man who was a few meters away from me with a glass of whisky in his hand and his gaze focused on the same place I saw him a while ago. I put my phone in my clutch and approached Vincent, who didn't look very well. -A glass of 1982 Lafite wine, please.- I asked the bartender in charge of serving alcoholic drinks and sat next to Vincent, who apparently hadn't noticed my presence.

-Drinking that way won't solve anything.- I said over the music to capture Vincent's attention. He rubbed his chin with his fingers without any delicacy.

-She's driving me crazy, Sarah. I swore not to feel anything for a woman thanks to unrequited love and Abby...-

By the tone Vincent was using and the way he slurred his words, I could tell he was a little drunk, and it was no surprise considering how much he was drinking. If I were in his place, I would already be unconscious from so much alcohol in my system. -God, Abby thawed my heart, made me feel again, I feel complete when I'm around her and it terrifies me. I don't know how to act, I don't know what to do or say to her, I want to be with her, but fear overwhelms me and it sickens me to see her like that with Bastian, if he wasn't my brother I would put him in his place, he kissed her right in front of me! But I don't have the right to do that either, I have behaved like a complete idiot with her. I don't know, Sarah, I'm not her owner, but I feel like she's mine, and without having her, I'm losing her.-

For the first time, Vincent was confessing his feelings for Abby, he was opening up completely to me, all thanks to the whiskey glasses that loosened his tongue.

The bartender handed me my glass of wine and I smelled it before tasting its exquisite flavor. I looked towards where he was looking, at Abby, and for a few seconds, I put myself in my cousin's shoes.

It wasn't easy being a robot, a fridge for so many years, staying out of everything related to love and then, when you least expect it, having a person installed in your heart. And on top of not knowing how to express feelings because of fear of the unknown, someone else seemed interested in that person, and what was worse, that someone was your brother.

-I was really screwed.-

-Take a risk, don't be selfish with yourself, allow yourself to feel, to live new experiences. Get tired of being with women with contracts involved, Abby is worth more than a few clauses, and luckily, your feelings are reciprocated. What can you lose? You lose more because of fear than by trying. Bastian is a sham, yes, but you're throwing her into his arms, and your brother seems to be getting interested in her, and unlike you, he will be willing to do anything to win her over.-

My counseling side came out with just one sip of wine and I hoped he would take my words into account.

-Although Abby and Bastian were very similar and could seem like the perfect couple, she had more compatibility with Vincent, they complemented each other perfectly.-

-You're right. I should dive in headfirst, take a risk, that's what she would do, and she did it in New York when she kissed me. After all, life is only one, right?-

I nodded satisfied with his response and took another sip of my wine, but I almost choked when Vincent got up staggering, with the clear intention of going to his table.

-No, what are you doing? This is not the right time, wait until we get back to the villa.- I said, grabbing his arm to stop his movements and before he said a single word, I heard a very familiar female voice that gave me chills and accomplished what I thought was impossible, putting me in a bad mood.

-The great Sarah Petit with another man, no surprise there. Oops, I forgot, the poor girl turned out to be a rich girl.-

I turned my face, moving the glass in my hand, to observe the pair of vipers that shouldn't be setting foot in this place.