chapter 7
1280 Words
Tracy stood her ground, her brows furrowed in frustration. "Mom, you're starting to make this sound like a threat."
"It is a threat. You have to come with me right now and meet him," Mrs. James snapped, her voice sharp as her own eyes narrowed in determination.
The tension between the two was palpable, the argument intensifying by the second. Just then, a voice cut through the heated exchange.
"Tracy! There you are!" Natalie’s voice rang out, cheerful and completely oblivious to the atmosphere. She approached with a bright, almost carefree expression as if nothing could disturb her mood.
Mrs. James immediately turned to Natalie, her lips curling into a tight smile. "I think you should talk some sense into your friend. She’s refusing Dustin’s advances and wants to be with this... shithole." Her face twisted in disdain as she glanced at Bryan.
Natalie’s face scrunched up in disgust as she looked Bryan up and down, clearly unimpressed. She scoffed, her nose wrinkling. “Oh, Tracy… you’ve really fallen. This isn’t the Tracy I know. How could you even think of being with this... trashbag retard?”
Tracy’s eyes flashed with anger, and she stepped forward, fists clenched. “Don’t you dare call my husband that!”
Mrs. James chuckled coldly. “Husband? Don’t make me laugh! He was like a child to you just days ago, and now, he’s leeching off you. He’s nothing more than a parasite, not a husband. Let’s just go meet Dustin.”
Bryan, who had remained silent until now, took a step forward, his expression calm but firm. “Why are you forcing her when she’s clearly said she’s not going?”
Natalie threw her head back in laughter, her eyes glinting with malice. “Wow, so your little retard husband can talk? He should’ve stayed quiet because he’s not worth making any sentences, especially when speaking to us.”
Tracy growled, her face flushed with fury. “Natalie, that’s enough! I’m not putting up with this any longer!”
Natalie sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes. “Tracy, do you even know why I’m here? I overheard that Dustin’s throwing a banquet for you at VelvetOpus.” She smirked, clearly enjoying the moment.
VelvetOpus was known to be a high-end, exclusive venue, a place where only the elite dined.
“You know, Tracy, that place is beyond exclusive. Definitely not for the likes of…” She gave Bryan a condescending look, her lips twisting in a smirk. “…well, you know.”
Bryan remained silent, though a flicker of amusement crossed his face. He chuckled under his breath, his eyes gleaming with something unreadable.
Natalie continued with a smug grin, “You’ve really hit the jackpot with Dustin, huh? I mean, how could Bryan, this nobody, ever compare?”
Mrs. James nodded approvingly, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. “Exactly, Bryan could never be so fortunate. Dustin’s already ahead!”
Tracy clenched her jaw, eyes burning with rage, but before she could speak, Mrs. James grabbed her by the wrist. Natalie moved to assist, pulling Tracy away as they both dragged her toward the car.
“Mom, stop!” Tracy protested, her voice desperate. She glanced back at Bryan. “I won’t be long, just wait for me!”
Her mother shoved her into the car, and with a huff, they drove away.
Bryan smirked as he watched them leave, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Dustin? We’ll see about that.”
Just then, his phone rang. He frowned, wondering who it could be, before answering. “Hello?”
“Hello, your lordship,” came the voice of Mr. Vincenzo, the boss of the casino thugs from earlier. His tone was full of remorse. “I’m deeply sorry for today’s incident. Please forgive my men’s foolish behavior.”
Bryan remained calm, his voice cold. “It’s fine.”
“I’m currently at VelvetOpus, and I’ve prepared a small dinner at the most expensive spot to make up for what happened. I would be honored if you could join me, sir,” Mr. Vincenzo said, his tone filled with respect.
Bryan had no intention of going, but upon hearing that it was the same place Tracy was heading, he changed his mind. “Alright, I’ll be there.”
“Thank you, sir. I’m truly grateful,” Mr. Vincenzo replied before Bryan hung up.
At the lavishly decorated VelvetOpus, Dustin and Tracy sat at a secluded table draped in white linen, surrounded by the soft glow of chandeliers and the murmur of high-society chatter. The elegant atmosphere would’ve been a dream for most, but Tracy sat stiffly in her seat, her lips pressed into a thin line. Dustin, however, lounged back in his chair, a confident smirk plastered on his face as he looked her over, clearly enjoying himself.
“So, Tracy,” Dustin leaned in, his voice dropping into what he probably thought was a seductive tone, “it’s been way too long since we’ve had a proper evening together, don’t you think?” He winked, his fingers brushing her arm ever so slightly. Tracy recoiled.
Across the table, Mrs. James watched the interaction like a hawk, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. She leaned forward, her smile wide “Oh, Dustin, dear, it’s such a joy to see you and Tracy spending time together again. You two always did make such a handsome pair.”
Tracy resisted the urge to roll her eyes, her irritation bubbling just beneath the surface. She could feel Dustin’s gaze lingering on her, and it made her skin crawl. He reached for his glass of wine, swirling the liquid as he spoke again.
“You know, Tracy,” he said, , “we could make this a regular thing. I mean, why waste your time with some certain people when you could be with someone who can give you everything?” He flashed a grin.
Tracy’s jaw clenched. “Dustin, I didn’t come here for this, and don't talk any s****l to me, I have a husband” she muttered, glancing away.
“Oh, don’t be so cold,” he teased, his hand lightly brushing her wrist now. “You used to be much more fun. Come on, lighten up. We’ve got the whole night ahead of us. Your husband?, He would never know about this, untill I marry you legally and we push him away”
Mrs. James beamed, “Tracy, dear, listen to Dustin. He’s been nothing but wonderful to you. Imagine the life you could have with him—wealth, status, security. Isn’t that what every woman wants?”
Tracy’s frustration boiled over. She snapped her head toward her mother. “Mom, please stop. I’ve told you, I don’t want this. I’m okay with Bryan”
Mrs. James pursed her lips, clearly displeased. “You don’t know what’s good for you. A man like Bryan? He’ll never be able to provide you half of what Dustin can. You’re just being stubborn, dear.”
Dustin, growled, now being impatient, “Why are you like this Babe, you know I can kill that your husband in a snap of a finger!”. He said and slid his hand around her waist.
Tracy pulled her hand away from him, her patience wearing thin. “Dustin, I’m married.”
“Married? Pfft,” Dustin scoffed, “with the way you are talking about him, I would really like to meet the lowlife, and teach him some lessons!”.
“What was that supposed to mean”, she frowned.
“Means, if I can't have you, nobody can”, He smirked.
Meanwhile, outside the velvetopus, Bryan arrived!!!.
- Writer
