Ravenna

TWO

The silence that followed my announcement was almost satisfying.

Hundreds of eyes were fixed on me, but I paid attention to only three people.

Nathaniel, Zara, and my mother.

Their expressions were priceless.

Nathaniel looked as though someone had just informed him that the world was ending. Zara's lips trembled, while my mother seemed unable to decide whether to approach me or pretend she hadn't recognized me.

I smiled. What a beautiful reunion.

"Ravenna."

Nathaniel's voice finally broke through the silence.

I turned my attention to him. "Yes?"

He stared at me, his eyes searching my face as though he expected me to disappear if he blinked. "You're alive."

I raised an eyebrow. "Clearly."

"Where have you been?"

"Somewhere peaceful."

His jaw tightened. "Don't play games with me. Where have you been for three years?"

I tilted my head. "Is that really the first question you want to ask me?"

He looked confused.

I glanced at Zara, whose hand was still resting on his arm. "Perhaps you should introduce your fiancée first. I wouldn't want to interrupt such a beautiful celebration."

Zara immediately released his arm. "Ravenna, please..."

I turned toward her."Please what?"

She swallowed. "I know you're upset, but this isn't the right place to discuss our family matters."

I almost laughed.

Family matters?

It was interesting how people suddenly remembered family whenever their secrets threatened to become public.

"You're right, Zara. This isn't the right place."

Her shoulders relaxed slightly.

"However, since everyone here is celebrating your engagement, I think they deserve to know something." I paused, allowing my eyes to settle on Nathaniel. "Your fiancé is still married."

A loud gasp came from somewhere behind me. Zara's face drained of colour.

Nathaniel closed his eyes briefly. "Ravenna, stop."

I looked at him."Why? Is the truth uncomfortable?"

"Not here."

"Then where? In your bedroom? Or perhaps in the house we used to share?"

His expression darkened.

"Enough."

I smiled. "Three years ago, you had no problem listening to accusations against me in front of everyone. Why should I protect your reputation now?"

My mother finally stepped forward."Ravenna, what are you doing? You should be grateful that you're alive. Why are you embarrassing your husband?"

I slowly turned toward her.

My mother.The woman I had spent my entire childhood trying to impress. Even after three years, she still knew exactly how to make me feel unwanted.

But not anymore. "Good evening, Mother."

She frowned. "Don't use that tone with me."

"What tone would you prefer? The one I used when I begged you to believe me?"

Her lips parted.

I continued before she could respond. "Or perhaps the one I used when I called you for help and you refused to answer?"

"Ravenna, we don't need to discuss the past here."

"Of course. You never wanted to discuss it when I was the one suffering."

My father approached us. "That's enough. Whatever happened between you and your husband should be settled privately."

I looked at him. "Then perhaps you should have advised your favourite daughter to stay away from another woman's husband."

Zara's eyes filled with tears."That's not fair! You don't know what happened between Nathaniel and me!"

I gave her a cold smile. "Oh, I know enough."

"Ravenna!" Nathaniel snapped.

I turned to him."What?"

He stepped closer, lowering his voice."Can we talk somewhere private?"

I glanced at the crowd."Why? Are you worried about what people will hear?"

"I'm asking you nicely."

"And I'm declining."

His nostrils flared.

For a moment, I saw the man I had once been terrified of disappointing. But that woman no longer existed.

A man approached us, clearing his throat politely. "Mr. Reid, excuse me."

Nathaniel turned."What is it?"

The man glanced at me before speaking."Sir, the new shareholder's documents require your attention. The board members are also expecting her."

Nathaniel's expression changed.

He looked at the document folder in my hand. "How did you acquire those shares?"

I smiled.

"Through a legal transaction."

"Who sold them to you?"

"That's business information."

"Ravenna, I'm not playing."

"Neither am I."

I handed the folder to the man who had approached us. "Please inform the board that I'll be available for the meeting tomorrow morning."

"Certainly, ma'am." He bowed slightly before leaving.

Nathaniel watched him go. "You're the majority shareholder?"

"Among other things."

"How?"

I gave him a small smile."Three years is a long time, Nathaniel. People change. Circumstances change. And sometimes, the people you underestimate become the very people you cannot afford to ignore."

He stared at me.

Zara suddenly grabbed his arm.

"Nathaniel, we should leave."

I looked at her hand.

Then at her face.

"What's the hurry, Zara? The party isn't over."

She ignored me and turned to Nathaniel.

"Please, let's go."

For the first time that evening, I noticed something interesting.

Nathaniel wasn't looking at Zara.

He was looking at me.

And I could tell that my return had ruined more than just his engagement party.

A few minutes later, Nathaniel caught up with me near the ballroom entrance.

"Ravenna, wait."

I stopped but didn't turn around immediately.

"What now?"

"We need to talk about our marriage."

I slowly faced him. "Our marriage?"

"Yes."

I looked at him for a few seconds before laughing softly. "How convenient that you suddenly remember you're married."

His expression hardened.

"I never divorced you."

"Neither did I."

"Then why are you behaving like a stranger?"

I stepped closer.

"Because that's exactly what you made me."

He fell silent.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

Then he asked, "Do you intend to come back home?"

I stared at him.

Home.

That word used to mean everything to me.

Now, it meant nothing.

"Don't flatter yourself, Nathaniel."

His brows drew together.

"I didn't come back for my husband."

I adjusted my purse and walked past him.

"I came back for what belongs to me."

And this time, Nathaniel Reid would learn what it meant to lose something he could never replace.