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Chapter 4: We meet again

Rafael's POV

Tristan and Meredith gazed at me with blank expressions as I mentioned our plan to attend a party tonight. This event is an opportunity to socialize with famous people, politicians, celebrities, and business persons.

Ashley mentioned that she's with her friends, so I convinced both of my friends to come along with me. I didn't want to follow her around like a dog. "Are you sure you want to attend this party? You look like you're going to a funeral, Rafael," Meredith remarked, catching me off guard.

Suddenly, a pain from two years ago resurfaced. Tristan nudged our female best friend. "Just skim through it, silly. Let's go and leave after an hour. I'm not really into parties anyway. I need to review your next business plan," Tristan suggested.

I sighed and agreed. They noticed as I grabbed the handle of my car, and they did the same. The party is taking place at my hotel, and every time I visit, it reminds me of her. This hotel is a tribute to her, and everything she left behind was used to build it.

It opened for business two months ago, and people are drawn to the services offered here. The public also knew that this hotel was built by Japanese company. Inside the elevator, I start to feel nervous. This is strange… I've attended too many parties but why I feel this way? Meredith coughs to catch my attention.

From a distance, we could hear the buzz coming from the open door. The south wing of the hotel was designed for hosting parties, with amenities such as a garden, pool, and mini bar. On the other hand, the north wing functions as a helipad. After Tristan opened the door, we got a glimpse of the bustling party inside.

"Phew... too many people to talk to," Meredith muttered.

I chuckled and said, "Well, it's good to socialize once in a while. You always talk about being sick, so why not try dating someone?"

Tristan coughed and winked, indicating that we both understood what he meant. As he left, Meredith and I found a table for three.

"Good evening Mr. Midnight! We honestly didn't think you would show up tonight," Mr. Danes remarked. Meredith gestured towards the vacant table, and I nodded. As she was about to leave, Mr. Danes cleared his throat.

"Who is this lovely lady with you, Mr. Midnight?" he inquired.

Meredith forced a smile, realizing that she was the focus of attention. I simply laughed and said, "She's my girl best friend, Dr. Meredith Swan. Meredith, this is Mr. Gio Danes, a politician and businessman," I remark. He grabs her hand and I notice how uncomfortable she is. I cough and he lets go of her hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir. May I excuse myself for a moment? I really need to sit down. These heels are killing me," she says smoothly. He laughs and nods. My friend leaves immediately. I chat with this Casanova for a few minutes until he excuses himself.

I head back to our table and help myself to the brandy from a passing server. "Look at Tristan, he claims he's not into parties but seems to be enjoying himself more than us. Please, I'd like to leave in an hour.

By the way, I noticed your girl talking to a man in a dark blue suit. I couldn't see his face, but they seemed close," Meredith remarks. I just scoff bitterly and take a sip.

"Let her do as she pleases. I don't care," I coldly respond. I know they both were relieved that I never asked Ashley to marry me.

"Are you going to mourn her death forever? Tristan and I didn't expect this from you. You clearly used and abused her for seven months. It's too late now, you know?"

I understand her intention. "I understand. That's why I have to endure this until the end of my days," I responded.

Meredith lets out a sigh and suggests a toast. Our glasses clink as we finish the last of the alcohol. We remain seated as some people engage us in conversation for a few minutes. We keep them entertained for a while.

"You bitch!" a woman shouts.

Both Meredith and I turn to see one of Ashley's friends arguing with a guest. We stand up to figure out what's going on. As a server passes by, the girl grabs a drink and pours it, but someone blocks the tray from hitting the other woman's face. Ashley arrives to defend her friend.

"What's happening here?! What did you do to Cindy?!" Meredith sighs.

"Here comes your troublemaking girlfriend, Rafael. She can't even hide her true colors. My goodness," my friend whispers. I ignore the sarcasm in her voice, which Meredith notices.

I gaze nervously at the woman holding the tray, feeling anxious without knowing why. My heart is beating wildly. "Hey! Answer me, you!" Ashley shouts. She's about to approach the woman, but I manage to push through the crowd and grab her wrist.

"What are you doing, Ashley?!" I shout. Ignoring her warning glances, I confront her. The woman sets down the tray.

"Are you okay, Secretary Xu?" the woman asks with a worried tone.

My eyes widen. Meredith grabs my arms, and I notice that Ashley is also surprised. "Meredith, Rafael, what is the—oh my!"

It’s Ella in FLESH! What the fuck! Is this some kind of joke?! "Look who's here in the flesh! Is this some kind of joke?" Ashley roars, clearly upset. Ignoring her, Ella appears to be angry.

"Honey!" a man calls out as he pushes through the crowd and takes Ms. Xu's hand. Ella looks at him with a stunned expression.

"You shouldn't leave your wife alone, boss Zheng. She's being targeted by... mean girls," Ella says.

He removes his coat and drapes it around his wife. The couple, who appear to be Chinese, bow their heads in gratitude towards Ella. "Thank you for looking after my wife, Ms. Winters."

We were all puzzled when he mentioned her last name, Winters. My wife is named Ella Myers, so it didn't make sense. However, when she softly lowered her head and turned around, our eyes met, and I just knew. This was also my reaction at that moment.

"Looks like this gentleman here has interrupted her date. Boss Zheng, you should thank him too," she remarked, looking at me and smiling.

"Ellasandra, your phone is ringing!" a woman called out.

As the woman turned and walked away, I was about to follow her, but Ashley stopped me. Meanwhile, Meredith had already pulled me away, with Tristan following. We caught a glimpse of her and the woman she was with as they exited through the door.

"Ella, I know it's her! But she's... so elegant and looks so incredibly wealthy!" Meredith exclaimed.

We watched as they entered the elevator. Tristan ran and stopped the doors as they were closing, surprising them. "I love you. Bye," she whispered as she ended her call.

When I heard her say that, it felt like the sky had fallen on me. The door swings open and they step out onto the floor designated for presidential suites. I follow suit, accompanied by my friends. Suddenly, they come to a halt.

"Excuse me, are you following us?" Ella inquires. We exchange glances, sensing their irritation towards us.

"Would you care to join us for a drink?" Tristan offers.

They both sigh and walk away. However, a few steps later, she opens a room and gestures for us to come closer. Her companion enters first. "Come on in. Don't worry, we mean no harm," she assures us.

Without hesitation, I enter the room, followed by my two friends. She locks the door, but I trust that she has no intention of harming us.

"So, why were you following us? It's uncomfortable for me and my secretary. We don't even know you," Ella expresses. We take our seats at the mini bar. "Ella, what's going on? I thought you're dead!"

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