Vow of Convenience

Ch.7

ZESA RUSSO

It was time to leave for the event. Dressed in a sleek black gown, the fabric clung perfectly to my frame, the silver earrings swaying softly with every movement. My necklace, matching in its silver shimmer, lay cold against my collarbone, a perfect match to the bracelet on my wrist. The black purse in hand and heels completing the ensemble made me feel ready, though I could hardly shake the anger bubbling beneath my surface. My hair fell in soft curls—thankfully styled at a salon, because if I’d attempted it myself, I’d have likely ruined it in frustration.

I double-checked my phone, card, and lipstick. Everything was in place. Levi wasn’t home, which meant he must have finally decided against coming with me as my plus one. Fine. I could handle attending the event alone. But as I stepped outside to where Edwardo had the limousine waiting, I saw movement—Levi, dressed in a sharp black tuxedo, approaching with a determined look. What the hell?

He gestured for me to make room in the car, but I didn’t move. “What are you doing?”

“What does it look like?” he replied, pushing in beside me. “I’m going to the party with you.”

I clenched my jaw as Edwardo shut the door and we drove off. Levi’s sudden appearance in a tuxedo was a surprise I hadn’t prepared for. He wasn’t supposed to be here. He wasn’t supposed to pretend to care. Did he expect me to fall at his feet in gratitude? Did he want to play the doting husband now?

“I’m not thankful,” I said, my voice cold. “Don’t expect me to say thank you because I’m not grateful.”

He looked at me, his expression unreadable. “I know.”

That was strange. Too strange. His indifference to my attitude threw me off. Was this some new game? Or had he hit his head? I caught myself glancing at him again, wondering if this newfound calm was because he was hiding something, like a terminal illness. The thought unsettled me more than I cared to admit. Levi infuriated me, but I didn’t wish death on him.

The ride remained silent, heavy with tension. Finally, we arrived at the Blue Moon Hotel. Reporters were already gathered, cameras flashing like fireworks. As always, Levi extended his hand for me, and I took it, though resentment simmered just beneath my skin. His arm slipped around my waist, pulling me closer than necessary. The smell of cinnamon and saffron surrounded him, sharp and intoxicating. I hated that he smelled so good.

Together, we navigated the press, me smiling like the perfect socialite I was expected to be. Inside, we were greeted by two men at the door who checked the guest list.

“Zesa Russo,” I said, watching as one of them scanned the list. Once verified, we stepped inside the grand ballroom, where classical music drifted through the air, soothing the nerves I hadn’t even realized were tight. The room was filled with the elite, draped in fine fabrics, wine glasses in hand, whispers and laughter mingling with the soft music. I told Levi he could let go now, and he did, though he remained close enough to appear like the attentive husband he never really was.

“I’ll get us a drink,” he said, disappearing into the crowd.

I was left standing there, taking in the scene. The urge to drown myself in alcohol was overwhelming, but this wasn’t the place for that. The last thing I needed was to lose control in front of people who thrived on watching others fail.

“Miss Russo?”

I turned to see Alejandro Ortega smiling as he approached. Tall, with perfectly styled black hair and striking gray eyes, he had that effortless charm that drew people in. The kind of man who commanded attention, even without trying.

“Alejandro,” I greeted him with a smile, offering my hand.

He took it, his grip firm. “You look stunning tonight. I almost didn’t recognize you.”

A compliment. One I hadn’t heard from my own husband in ages. How ironic. “Thank you. You clean up nicely yourself.”

He chuckled, releasing my hand. “I try. Did you come alone? I thought I saw Levi with you.”

“He’s getting drinks.”

“I’m surprised you made it, honestly. After the protest in front of Techya, I thought you might skip out.”

I shrugged. “It’s under control.”

He leaned in, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. “If you ever need help, you know where to find me.”

Before I could respond, a woman appeared at Alejandro’s side. Sophia Reyes, his girlfriend, with her sharp eyes locked on me. We had never been friends—far from it. She acted like she didn’t know me, but we both knew better. “Zesa Russo,” she said, her tone dripping with venom. “Didn’t expect to see you here. Where’s your husband?”

Levi’s timing was impeccable as he returned, handing me a glass of champagne. “I’m here,” he said, extending his hand to Alejandro. “Thanks for the invite. It’s a lovely party.”

Alejandro nodded, though he seemed distracted. “Actually, Levi, there’s something I wanted to discuss with you. Do you have a moment?”

Levi glanced at me, then followed Alejandro, leaving me alone with his sour-faced girlfriend. Sophia’s arms crossed over her chest, her glare intensifying without Alejandro to witness it.

I took a slow sip of my champagne. “Your eyes are going to fall out at this rate.”

“Why do you insist on provoking me?”

“Me? Provoke you?” I laughed softly. “You’re not that important.”

She stepped closer, lowering her voice. “I’ll give you a piece of advice, Zesa. Stay away from Alejandro. He’s my boyfriend. And you’re a married woman.”

I raised an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t play dumb. You know exactly what I mean.”

I met her glare with calm confusion. What the hell was she talking about? Alejandro and I hadn’t done anything except discuss business. But her insinuation made my stomach churn.

Before I could respond, another voice broke the tension. “Miss Russo?”

I turned to see Heather Jefferson, the wife of a prominent businessman. She smiled at me warmly, completely ignoring Sophia as if she didn’t exist. “I’m so glad to see you here. I wanted to thank you for your help with our company. Things have been running smoothly, thanks to you.”

The tension in the air shifted immediately, and Sophia’s face darkened. I smiled back at Heather. “I’m glad to hear it.”

“Oh, and I got something for you last week. Kelly’s limited-edition shoes—there are only two pairs in the world, and one of them is yours.”

I couldn’t hide my delight. “Really?”

“Yes! I’ll have them sent to you. And if you’re free sometime, I’d love to have lunch.”

“I’d love that.”

Heather excused herself, leaving me with a smug satisfaction that Sophia couldn’t miss. She stormed off, her frustration palpable. I didn’t care.

Levi returned, sitting beside me with a strange expression. “What took you so long?” I asked, eyeing him as he downed the rest of my champagne.

“Just business,” he said, his gaze lingering on me.

When he reached out and brushed something off my face, I froze, expecting more. But all he did was swipe at some invisible dust. My heart raced for no reason, foolishly waiting for a kiss that never came.

I cleared my throat, pushing away the embarrassment. “Thanks. Just tell me next time.”

He smirked, leaning back. “Sure.”