Astonished Ex-husband
1791 Words
As Sebastian stood amidst the bustling crowd of guests, a tempest of conflicting emotions churned within him. Sensing his inner turmoil, Marie gently squeezed his hand, silently encouraging him to press forward. Attempting to regain his composure, Sebastian politely excused himself and Marie from the presence of the man he recognized.
“Are you letting her get to you?” Marie's hushed inquiry reached Sebastian's ears as they navigated through the throng of guests.
Sebastian shook his head, his features contorted in disdain. “No, not at all,” he muttered, his steps quickening as he moved ahead, his mind consumed with thoughts.
However, his stride faltered as he collided with another guest, drawing a disdainful sneer from the man whose path he had crossed. Straightening his suit jacket with an air of superiority, the man admonished Sebastian with a derisive tone.
“Watch where you're going,” Sebastian retorted sharply, his patience wearing thin.
The man's smirk widened as he taunted Sebastian further. “It's your fault, you dummy,” he jeered, goading Sebastian with his insolence.
Sebastian's jaw clenched, his anger simmering beneath the surface as he prepared to confront the man. “What did you say?” he growled, his fists tightening at his sides.
The man chuckled, provoking Sebastian with his condescension. “Aren't you dumb?” he sneered, his arrogance fueling Sebastian's rage.
Before Sebastian could react, Marie intervened, her touch restraining him from escalating the confrontation any further.
“Tell your man to keep his temper in check,” The man admonished Marie, his voice laced with authority.
With a smug smirk, the man sauntered away, disappearing into the sea of guests, leaving Sebastian seething with frustration.
“He seems familiar,” Marie murmured, her brows furrowed in thought as she glanced at Sebastian. “What's gotten into you? This isn't like you.”
Sebastian's lips thinned, his irritation evident as he struggled to contain his emotions. “Let's not dwell on it,” he muttered tersely, his gaze fixed ahead as they continued through the crowd.
Meanwhile, on the stage, Amelia took hold of the microphone, her poised demeanor captivating the audience's attention as she prepared to deliver her speech. Despite her composed facade, she couldn't help but notice Sebastian's stiff expression as she glanced in his direction. Still, she pretended not to have seen him.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Amelia began, her voice resonant with gratitude as she addressed the gathering. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to each one of you for gracing this momentous occasion with your presence. While I may not have been directly involved in the preparations for this event, I am immensely grateful to my dedicated team for their hard work in ensuring its success.”
Pausing momentarily, Amelia's gaze sought out her grandfather, Sir Tower, who offered her a reassuring thumbs up from his seat in the audience. Emboldened by his silent encouragement, she continued.
“In the past few years, I have had the privilege of achieving milestones that once seemed unattainable,” Amelia declared, her voice brimming with conviction. “And none of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of someone whom I hold dear. With deep reverence, I invite him to join me on this stage. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the Chairman of the Kristeen Group, my beloved grandfather, Sir Tower.”
The room erupted into applause as Sir Tower ascended the stage, Amelia embracing him warmly before handing him the microphone, standing proudly by his side.
“Welcome, everyone, to this momentous occasion,” Sir Tower began, his voice resonating with pride. “I have always held great admiration for my granddaughter, knowing her to be nothing short of exceptional. She has built a formidable company in record time, and I couldn't be prouder. Using this medium, I confidently want to say something important.”
As Sir Tower hinted at a forthcoming announcement, tension rippled through the crowd, Louisa's posture stiffening beside her daughter, Gianna, who looked to her for reassurance.
“What do you think he's going to say, Mother?” Gianna whispered anxiously, her nerves palpable.
Louisa, masking her own unease, replied with a forced calmness, “Let's wait and see, dear. Don't jump to conclusions.”
With a flourish, Sir Tower revealed the news that would shake the family dynamic.
“It's with great honor that I make this announcement. Amelia is going to be the heiress of Kristeen Group and she will commence handling pivotal affairs in our family business.”
The hall erupted in applause, but Gianna's reaction was anything but celebratory. Turning to her mother in disbelief, she demanded answers, her anger simmering beneath the surface.
“Mother, what is this? Is Amelia going to take over the company? Without any warning? What about me?” Gianna's voice trembled with frustration.
“Gianna, please, let's not cause a scene,” Louisa urged, casting a warning glance at her daughter. She motioned at Dutch who wasn't paying more attention to them, reminding Gianna of his presence.
“This is madness,” Gianna seethed, her emotions boiling over as she stormed away.
Meanwhile, Dutch found himself caught in the crossfire, Louisa's frustration directed at him for his apparent lack of knowledge regarding Amelia's achievements.
“Dutch, why were we kept in the dark about all of this? We could have celebrated her success together,” Louisa chided, her smile strained.
“I had no idea Amelia owned a company,” Dutch admitted, his confusion evident. “I assumed you would know, given your closeness to her.”
Louisa's facade slipped momentarily, her true feelings bubbling to the surface as she muttered under her breath. “Your daughter is quite a cunny.”
“My daughter is what? I didn't hear you clearly.”
“Uh, I mean, our daughter is great. I now understand why your father loves her more than Gianna. He considers her outstanding since she's his true flesh and blood and Gianna is like an outcast.”
Dutch shook his head in disagreement. “Don't say that. My father treats Amelia and Gianna the same way. Even you.”
Louisa chuckled and nodded, not wanting to say more. But deep down, she was feeling so bitter and trying to mask her anger.
As Sebastian mingled with guests, Marie's gaze remained fixed on Amelia, her mind racing with questions and observations.
‘How could she have undergone such a transformation?’ Marie wondered, her resolve strengthening as she approached Amelia, determined to confront her.
“Look who's here,” Marie remarked, her tone tinged with defiance.
Amelia regarded her with cool detachment. “And who might you be?” she inquired casually, taking a sip of her champagne.
Marie's demeanor remained unruffled as she introduced herself. “Marie Logan. Perhaps you've heard of me?”
“No. I've not.”
Amelia's indifference only fueled Marie's determination. “I'm the renowned model and soon-to-be wife of Sebastian Leander,” she declared boldly.
Amelia's response was dismissive. “Interesting. But it's not nice meeting you. Nevertheless, enjoy the party, Marie.” With a smirk, Amelia returned to her seat, leaving Marie to ponder the enigma before her.
Marie, undeterred by the bouncers' attempts to block her, strode determinedly towards Amelia, her expression impassive. “Cut the act, you conniving woman. You may be basking in your newfound fame, but I see right through you.”
Amelia, unfazed by Marie's directness, rose gracefully from her seat, a serene smile gracing her features. “Oh, is that what you think?”
“You're nothing but a manipulative b***h who's clawed her way to the top, likely by cozying up to wealthy men in Britain. And don't think I haven't noticed your absence from the country for years.”
Amelia's smile remained enigmatic as she regarded Marie. “My, my, someone's been keeping quite the watchful eye on me. Sebastian too, perhaps?”
“He doesn't give you a second thought. You're dead to him,” Marie spat, her words laced with bitterness.
Amelia's laughter tinkled melodically, her amusement evident. “It seems you're trying to convince yourself more than me, Marie.”
Undeterred, Marie pressed on, her accusations flying like arrows. “You didn't build Elegance Couture Vogue from scratch. You likely used the hefty alimony payments from Sebastian to fund your little empire. No wonder his business has been struggling.”
Amelia's eyes gleamed with intrigue. “Fascinating theory. So?”
“Back off!” Marie's voice rang out, her frustration palpable as she stepped closer, her gaze unwavering.
Amelia regarded Marie with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. “Oh? And what are you going to do about it?”
"You would do well not to underestimate my words, Amelia. Because..." Marie's gaze fell to her glass, which she then tilted towards Amelia. "I can be cruel and..."
"Shut up." Amelia flung her drink at Marie and smirked as she yelled. Then, Sebastian appeared.
"How does it feel to be on the receiving end, Marie?"
"You bitch...!" Marie raised her hand to strike Amelia but Sebastian intervened, pulling her aside. "Sebastian, leave me be."
"Compose yourself."
"How dare you." She glared at him and stormed off.
Sebastian glanced over his shoulder at Amelia, catching her satisfied expression as Marie disappeared. He turned and made his way towards her, flashing a charming smile.
"Hello, Amelia."
"Shouldn't you be with her instead of exchanging pleasantries with me?"
Sebastian chuckled, their eyes locked in a silent battle. He found himself inexplicably drawn to her and lost himself in her gaze until he snapped out of it a minute later.
"I would rather talk to you." He attempted to touch her but was stopped by bouncers.
"Have some self-respect, Sebastian. All eyes are on you."
"I can't help it when you're alone."
"Alone? Do you think that's so?"
Sebastian furrowed his brow and scanned the room. "Then who is your companion?"
Amelia chuckled, looking away.
"Come on, Amelia. Don't tell me you haven't moved on," he teased.
"You're joking, right? Well, it's not funny, because..." She paused and shifted her gaze to someone behind him. "Hello, babe?" She began walking towards him.
Sebastian's smile disappeared as she walked past him. He quickly turned to see her standing before a man.
"I've missed you." She held his face and glanced back at Sebastian, then kissed him.
Sebastian cracked his knuckles as a way of controlling himself as his anger took over his form. Noticing Sebastian was still around, Amelia slipped a hand around the man's neck and deepened the kiss.
Observing her, Sebastian's eyes widened and he felt a strong urge to pull her away from him.
- Writer
