Chapter 9:Fractures In The Spotlight
1054 Words
“Did you see Nathan’s face? He couldn’t keep with Justin’s bid!”
“No wonder Kate didn’t look impressed with him all night. She must be realizing who the real man is,” A female guest added, sipping her drink, a sympathetic gaze in her eyes as she glanced over at her.
A man nodded at her words, his attire revealed that he was a journalist covering the events as he took down notes. “Justin Vince spent a hundred million like it was pocket change. That’s true power. The Blackwoods can’t compete with the Vinces.”
“Poor Kate… or maybe lucky Kate. She might have just caught Justin’s eye,” His counterpart said. “Did you see the way Justin looked at her? That wasn’t about the necklace. That was personal.”
“Yes, indeed. Justin has eyes on her! If Nathan can’t win in public, how can he even protect his wife in private, tsk!”
Chloe, sitting beside Kate noticed everything and couldn’t help but worry. “Kate, don’t you think you didn’t do well with this situation? I mean of course I am mad that Nathan would ask you for money which is very stupid of him to think of that but receiving gifts from the very man you hated for several years now, I feel like I don’t know you anymore.”
Kate smiled, holding her hands in a comforting manner. “Calm down Chloe, I know what I’m doing okay? And don’t worry, after this I have something to tell you.”
Chloe nodded slowly and sighed. Kate pursed her lips wondering maybe it was time to let Chloe know what had happened to her in the past.
Across the room, a blond lady in a bright red dress sat across from their table watching them with eagle-like eyes, observing and listening in to the guests’ conversations.
A lady passed by her table, stared at her and mumbled to her partner before gasping. “Vera Monroe, is this really you?!” The lady giggled. “I’m a die hard fan of yours.”
Vera smiled, stretching out her hand for a handshake. “Nice to meet you and you are?”
“Grace… Grace Bellingham,” She squealed, taking her hand. “ Oh my gosh! This is so random and I must say you look even more beautiful than you do in your movies and the runway.”
“Thank you,” Vera replied softly.
The lady took a photo with Vera and went her way excitedly. The smile on Vera’s face disappeared instantly and the bodyguard handed her a napkin which she used to wipe her hand.
“God, she almost ruined my makeup,” Vera crushed underneath her breath as she stared at the mirror applying her lipstick.
Her eyes swept over Kate, her jaw clenched in jealousy and frustration. She had witnessed the whole scene between Justin, Nathan and Kate.
How did such a boring woman pull two men?!
But then, if Justin took interest in Kate it could ruin her and Nathan’s plans. She would never let that happen! She must keep Kate under her heel!
The gala was soon brought to a close, the host gave a vote of thanks and they dispersed. Back in the car, Nathan had a sour look, he kept stealing glances at Kate who was unbothered and was texting Chloe. His hands gripped the steering wheel harder, his knuckles going white.
“Kate!” He snapped angrily at her. “Do you realize that you actually embarrassed me in there! How could you do that to me?!”
Kate tilted her head towards him, her brows knitted in confusion. “Embarrassed you?” She said coolly. “All I did was reply to your statement. You asked me for money to get me a gift, Nathan and that’s not something to be proud of!”
Nathan slammed his palm against the wheel, the sound made Kate flinch. “You twisted my words! You made me a laughing stock in front of everyone and you are still trying to act like you were right?! You made it look like I couldn’t provide for my fiancée! I was being labeled a beggar, Kate!”
Her lips curved into a faint smile, the kind that carried more venom than warmth. “I didn’t make you look like anything, Nathan. You did that all by yourself. You promised to get me that necklace. You couldn’t keep that promise. Justin did.”
Nathan whipped his head toward her, his eyes blazing with fury. “Don’t you dare compare me to him!” His voice shook with barely contained rage. “Justin only wants to humiliate me, to make me look small in front of the city. And you… you let him use you as his tool!”
Kate finally turned her gaze back to him, her eyes steady, unflinching. “Or maybe, Nathan… he just did what a real man does. He kept his word. Something you seem to have trouble with.”
The car swerved slightly as Nathan’s grip on the wheel faltered. For a long moment, he was silent, his face red with humiliation.
Kate leaned back against the seat, her voice soft but cutting. “You should be grateful, Nathan. If you can’t provide, at least someone else is willing to step in. Next time, don’t make promises you can’t keep.”
The rest of the ride passed away with silence. Nathan’s pride was bruised while Kate remained composed as ever.
Nathan dropped her off at room and Kate went inside the house, he stared at her, different thoughts running through his mind. Kate had never been sharp witted nor did she ever talk back to him.
She was slowly slipping away from his grip. With a single thought in his head, he drove off.
Meanwhile, inside her room, Kate places the Midnight flame necklace into her jewelry box, staring at it with mixed emotions.
Perhaps, Justin only did that because of the deal they had but she felt that it was a little bit too much. However, remembering the look on Nathan’s face, she smiled.
“This is only the beginning Nathan.”
Outside her window, a black SUV lingers in the shadows. She was being watched.
- Writer
