Chapter 7: Unofficially yours…?
Ellasandra's POV
After he hung up the call, I couldn't help but smile. I was pleased that I had the ability to form connections. I was prepared to take back what rightfully belonged to me, regardless of his opinion.
"Don't smile too much, Lady Ella. You're revealing your dark side. It's creeping the hell out me," Melody remarked. I laugh softly.
I turned around and saw her standing there. I simply shrugged my shoulders and didn't bother hiding the joy in my heart. I knew she had overheard my conversation with him.
"Are you certain this is what you truly want, Ellasandra? Please don't let your personal desires overshadow your responsibilities as a mother. Your actions should be driven by genuine emotions. If you want him back then be honest," she advised. I understood her point. I sipped my tea.
"Don't fret, Melody. I always make decisions based on what is right. Besides, we need him. Rafael should belong to us, not that other woman," I responded. My secretary let out a sigh and raised her glass for a toast. We both took a sip, the clinking of our glasses signaling the anticipation for the upcoming event. My revenge.
When Rafael knocked on the door at night, I wasn't surprised to see that he was only carrying a paper bag. "I have to go home because I have a party to attend tomorrow. Here, take this, please. It's for our son. I mean your son," he stated, quickly correcting himself. Despite the change in his statement, Rafael sounded confident. I simply smiled and acted as if I hadn't heard him.
He held my hand and passed the paper bag before stepping back and kissing my palm. "Good night, my Ella. See you more... soon," Rafael said, smiling sweetly as he walked away without waiting for my response.
I watched him until the elevator door closed, and then went inside to check the paper bag. It contained clothes and two animal plushies, which made me, smile softly.
"Thank you, Rafael," I mumbled. I went to my room and saw my son sleeping soundly. I placed the plushies beside him and took a picture, intending to save it and show it to Rafael later.
The following day, I receive an invitation from Mr. Zheng for a party hosted by his family who are currently in the US. He mentioned that he and his wife will be attending before their flight back to China the next day. I request my trusted personal designer to provide me with her finest dress for the evening's event.
I am back and fully prepared for my strategic plan. "I believe this navy blue dress will make you look regal, especially with your striking green eyes. It's perfect," she remarked. I examine the dress and smile, as I share the same sentiment. I want to ensure that Rafael sees me in this outfit. I desire someone to share my photo online.
"Thank you. I'll go with this one," I respond.
After enjoying some snacks together, she takes her leave. She has been my reliable designer for over a decade, and her mother was also my mother's designer. Two hours before the party, I begin getting ready. The venue is just a half-hour drive away, and there is no traffic on the road.
I chose to arrive a little late because I needed to feed my son before putting her to bed. "Please take good care of him. Let me know if anything happens to my adorable baby," I said. Vivian nodded and smiled.
"I will, ma'am Ellasandra. Just enjoy the party, I will look after him properly," Vivian replied.
I nodded and kissed my son's forehead before leaving the hotel. Tomorrow afternoon, we will check-out and return to the mansion, as the renovation was completed today. I arrived at around 7:15 in the evening.
His brother's house is probably worth millions of dollars, as he is a renowned chef and owns several restaurants worldwide. The guard acknowledged me and lowered his head, indicating they were aware of the invited guests.
"Finally! You're here!" Mr. Zheng exclaimed. His wife released his arm and took mine instead. Her husband chuckled at her action, and I joined in.
"I'll take care of ma'am Ellasandra. Let's go, I want you to meet my wonderful brother-in-law's wife. Come on," she whispers.
"I'll catch you later, Mr. Zheng. I'll borrow your date for a quick moment," I said with a playful tone.
Mr. Zheng chuckled and nodded in response. As we walked away, she began introducing me to her family members, who I soon realized were wealthy Chinese elites. I felt gratified for helping her at the party. "Thank you for coming to Xiao Tong's aid, Ms. Winters," her aunt expressed her gratitude.
I simply smiled, bowed my head respectfully, and replied, "It's nothing, Mrs. Xu. I can't stand by and watch women being mistreated. Tolerating such behavior is is not my cup of tea," I replied wearing my sincerest smile.
I genuinely enjoyed conversing with them; they weren't as unpleasant as I had initially thought. They even shared information about their businesses and expressed their interest in connecting with me, to which I reciprocated positively.
"Oh, my husband's guest has arrived," Xiao Tong announced suddenly.
As I turned to look, my eyes widened as they met the gaze of a man being brought over by Yu Xuan. What could this mean? Yu Xuan cleared his throat and looked at me with a meaningful expression. I glared at him.
"By the way, everyone, he is also one of the people who stopped those girls from humiliating and bullying my wife. His name is Rafael Midnight. Rafael, this is my family. We’re quite a big one," Yu Xuan says. He smiled and bowed at them, and they did the same. They introduced themselves and even toasted afterwards.
Xiao Tong suddenly pushed me to his side, and Rafael immediately wrapped his arm around my waist. I suddenly remembered the warmth of that night when Rafael came into my room and claimed what I should have given on our wedding night. My heart raced, making my head feel fuzzy.
"We are grateful that the two of you saved our Xiao Tong. She’s a wonderful lady who has completely changed Yu Xuan. We really value her in this family," Yu Xuan’s aunt says. Rafael and I softly smiled.
"Come to think of it, the two of you look good together. You should date each other," Xiao Tong’s aunt says. I blushed.
Rafael chuckled softly and caught my eye. "I think so too. But I need to figure out how to pursue such an incredible woman. I was really impressed by what she did when Mrs. Zheng was being mistreated by my supposed girlfriend. I need to address that," Rafael declared.
They both looked at him, eagerly anticipating his next words. I was also waiting for his next statement, hoping it would make me feel special. But Yu Xuan's brother coughs.
"Is she your girlfriend, Mr. Midnight?" Yu Xuan's older brother's unexpected question caught me off guard.
Rafael smiled and turned to him. "Yes, that's who she is for me, Mr. Yu," he replied to Yu Xuan's brother, his tone was earnest and meaningful. The brother patted his shoulder, showing his support for Rafael.
"Then this lady is the one for you. I can see that," Yu Xuan affirmed. His brother nodded in agreement and even gave Rafael a thumbs-up.
"How do you feel about the girl who bullied my sister-in-law? I think it might be better to distance yourself from her or communicate your true feelings. It's important to prioritize your own well-being rather than feeling obligated to meet her expectations. Ms. Winters is a better person, don't you think?"
Yu Xuan's brother suggested. Rafael smiled and took a sip of his wine. "I understand what you mean, Mr. Yu. Ashley is not my girlfriend. She thinks of me as her savior and clings to me." They smiled and seemed to understand Rafael's thoughts.
"Here's to your future with Ms. Winters, Rafael Midnight," Yu Xuan says as they raise their glass and we all make a toast.
I remain silent, fully intent on seizing this opportunity. After mingling with numerous wealthy elites, Rafael leads me to the garden of the house. He gestures for me to sit on the bench and places his coat around my shoulders.
"What are your plans?"
Rafael gazes at me intently, his eyes lingering on my white legs. I clear my throat and our eyes lock. "That's right. Look into my eyes, Mr. Midnight. Keep your focus on me, okay?" I declare.
He leans in, resting his hand on the back of the bench. My neck tenses, but I hold my ground. I need to entice him, don't I? I must be bold and take his actions seriously. He grins and kisses me. I let out a moan and part my lips for him. He seizes the opportunity and leaves me breathless with his kiss.
He pulls me closer, stealing the air from my lungs with his warm touch on my back. What can I do? Despite my dislike for him, I still love him. The two conflicting emotions weigh equally on me, driving me insane.
We both gasp after that prolonged kiss. "Ella... I've missed you so much," he murmurs between breaths.