Chapter 16 A Public Wound
1040 Words
The following week brought something new into Lorenzo’s already complicated life.
A corporate charity gala.
Events like these were common for De Luca Enterprises. Wealthy investors, media reporters, influential personalities — everyone gathered in one place for networking disguised as charity.
Normally, Isabella loved attending events with Lorenzo.
Not because she enjoyed the attention.
But because she loved standing beside him.
Proud.
Happy.
Like they truly belonged together.
But this time…
Something felt different even before the night began.
That evening, Isabella stood in front of the bedroom mirror, adjusting the soft emerald-green gown she had chosen.
The dress flowed elegantly around her, simple but graceful.
She wasn’t someone who wore extravagant jewelry or flashy designer pieces.
Her beauty had always been quiet.
Natural.
And Lorenzo had once told her that was his favorite thing about her.
For a moment, Isabella remembered that memory and smiled faintly.
Behind her, Lorenzo adjusted his cufflinks.
“You ready?” he asked.
“Almost.”
She turned toward him.
“How do I look?”
Lorenzo glanced at her.
For a moment, his expression softened.
“You look beautiful.”
The simple compliment warmed her heart slightly.
“Thank you.”
She walked toward him, slipping her hand into his arm.
“Let’s go.”
The ballroom of the luxury hotel glittered with lights, crystal chandeliers, and elegant decorations.
People filled the room — CEOs, socialites, journalists, and investors.
The moment Lorenzo and Isabella entered, several eyes turned toward them.
Lorenzo De Luca always attracted attention.
And tonight was no different.
Isabella stayed close beside him as they greeted several business partners.
For a while, everything felt normal.
Almost comfortable.
Until Isabella heard a familiar voice behind her.
“Well… what a surprise.”
Her heart dropped instantly.
She slowly turned around.
Victoria Hayes stood a few feet away, wearing a stunning red evening gown.
Her smile was perfectly polished.
“Victoria,” Lorenzo said calmly.
“You’re here too?” she asked lightly.
“Yes.”
Victoria’s eyes shifted toward Isabella.
“You look lovely tonight.”
“Thank you,” Isabella replied politely.
“I didn’t know you would be attending,” Victoria continued.
Lorenzo answered,
“She’s my wife. Of course she’s attending.”
Victoria gave a soft laugh.
“Right.”
The tone carried something subtle.
Almost mocking.
Isabella noticed it.
But she chose not to react.
As the evening continued, the event grew busier.
Lorenzo was pulled into conversations with investors and reporters.
Isabella stayed close for a while, smiling politely whenever someone greeted her.
But eventually Lorenzo was dragged into a longer business discussion.
“You don’t have to stand here,” he told her.
“I’m fine.”
“This might take a while.”
She nodded.
“Okay.”
Isabella stepped away to give him space.
She walked toward the refreshment table and picked up a glass of water.
“Feeling lonely already?”
The voice beside her made her stiffen.
Victoria.
Isabella forced a polite smile.
“No.”
“You sure?”
“Yes.”
Victoria studied her carefully.
“You know… events like this can be overwhelming if you’re not used to them.”
“I’m doing fine.”
“I’m sure you are.”
Victoria sipped her drink casually.
“But Lorenzo used to bring me to these kinds of events all the time.”
Isabella remained silent.
Victoria continued calmly.
“We knew almost everyone in rooms like this.”
She glanced around the ballroom.
“Those were interesting times.”
Isabella finally spoke.
“I’m glad you have good memories.”
Victoria smiled faintly.
“Oh, I do.”
Before Isabella could respond, someone called Lorenzo from across the room.
“Mr. De Luca!”
He turned briefly.
And without thinking too much, he made a quick decision.
“Victoria,” he said, “can you help Isabella? I need to handle this meeting.”
The words came out naturally.
But the moment they left his mouth, Isabella’s heart dropped.
He had just asked Victoria to keep her company.
Victoria looked delighted.
“Of course.”
Lorenzo nodded and walked away with the investors.
Isabella stood frozen for a moment.
Victoria turned toward her slowly.
“Well,” she said with a soft smile,
“looks like it’s just us now.”
Isabella forced a polite expression.
“I’ll be fine.”
“Oh, I’m sure you will.”
Victoria leaned slightly closer.
“But I have to admit something.”
“What?”
“You look a little out of place here.”
The comment was quiet.
But it felt sharp.
Isabella looked at her calmly.
“Why would you say that?”
Victoria shrugged lightly.
“This world can be complicated.”
“I’m learning.”
“Yes,” Victoria said softly.
“But Lorenzo and I already knew this world very well.”
The implication hung heavily in the air.
For the first time, Isabella felt something inside her chest twist painfully.
Not jealousy.
Not anger.
Humiliation.
Because in that moment, she realized something important.
When Lorenzo had walked away…
He had unknowingly left her alone with the one person who enjoyed making her feel small.
And that hurt more than he would ever realize.
Later that night, when they returned home, the silence between Lorenzo and Isabella was heavier than ever.
He loosened his tie as he walked into the living room.
“Long night,” he said.
Isabella nodded.
“Yes.”
“You seemed quiet.”
“I was just tired.”
“You didn’t talk much tonight.”
She looked at him slowly.
“You asked Victoria to stay with me.”
“It was just for a few minutes.”
“It didn’t feel like a few minutes.”
Lorenzo frowned slightly.
“What happened?”
“Nothing.”
“Then why do you sound upset?”
Isabella hesitated.
Then she shook her head.
“It doesn’t matter.”
She turned and walked toward the bedroom.
Lorenzo stood there, confused.
Because from his perspective…
He had done nothing wrong.
But from Isabella’s perspective…
Something inside her heart had been hurt again.
And the distance between them was slowly growing wider.
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