Chapter 84: Do you still have feelings for your ex?

Words : 1060 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

Chapter 84: Do you still have feelings for your ex? "Denis, wait," Tania called out, wincing as her high heels dug painfully into her feet. She reached out, desperate to grab his hand. Denis exhaled sharply and turned toward her, his frustration still simmering beneath the surface. His expression remained tense, his breathing uneven. "My dress is ruined," Tania whined, gesturing to the deep red stain marring her silver gown. "Anne has completely lost control. She slapped me twice." Her voice trembled with fury. "But you..." The words caught in her throat as the memory of Denis, holding Anne close, about to kiss her. The image burned like acid in her mind. Her lower lip trembled, her eyes welling up with unshed tears. "I thought you were going to put her in her place, but... You were kissing her. Why, Denis?" She wanted to scream, to shake him, to force the truth out of him. The humiliation, the jealousy, and the bitterness twisted inside her like a knife. Denis clenched his fists, regretting his momentary loss of control. He knew if he didn’t handle this carefully, she might spiral into one of her destructive fits again. And that was the last thing he needed right now. He pulled her into his arms, holding her close in an attempt to soothe her. "Back there, I lost my composure," he murmured. "What I did—it wasn’t because I still have feelings for her. It was to punish her." But Tania wasn’t convinced. She could feel the lie in his words, sense the hesitation in his posture. She had seen the way he was about to kiss Anne. Denis still wanted her back, and that realization made Tania’s blood boil. He pulled back slightly, though his hands remained firmly on Tania’s shoulders. This time, his expression softened into a small, reassuring smile, an attempt to lighten her mood. "Now, stop thinking about it," he coaxed. "The auction is about to start. I’ll buy you the most expensive item there—the antique heart-shaped necklace." Tania’s eyes sparkled with excitement, the earlier resentment fading like a passing storm. Her lips curled into a delighted smile. "Are you serious?" she asked with curiosity and anticipation. "I heard it’s incredibly expensive, and so many people are after it." Denis chuckled lightly, confidence flashing in his demeanor. "I’ll buy it for you, no matter what." Tania giggled, practically glowing at the thought of possessing the coveted necklace. The mere idea of it settling around her neck, drawing envious gazes, sent a rush of thrill through her. Just like that, all her earlier disappointment with Denis evaporated. "You’re the best, Denis," she whispered, wrapping her arms around him and resting her head against his chest. "I love you." Denis held her close, his fingers stroking through her hair. His lips curved into a sly smirk. He had known all along—Tania’s anger, her jealousy, her demands could all be soothed with the right gift, the right indulgence. An expensive gift, and she would forget everything else. But Anne was not like her. She was different. No amount of luxury had ever been enough to win her over. She didn’t want the lavish gifts or extravagant displays of wealth—she wanted him, his undivided attention, his heart. ’No worries, Anne,’ Denis thought darkly, still holding Tania in his arms. ’I’ll give you what you want... once I’m done dealing with Tania.’ As Augustine finally wrapped up his meeting with the mayor, he returned to the grand hall, his sharp eyes scanning the sea of elite guests. The atmosphere buzzed with hushed conversations and clinking glasses, but he was searching for only two familiar faces. His gaze landed on them in the far corner—Anne and Gustave, engaged in a quiet exchange. The corner of his lips twitched slightly as he took a step toward them. "Madam, won’t you eat?" Gustave asked, extending the plate of pastries toward Anne. There was a trace of concern in his eyes. Anne barely spared the plate a glance. She shook her head, her shoulders sagging. "I lost my appetite. Just take it away." Crossing her arms over her chest, she shifted her gaze toward the distance, as if lost in thought. After a brief pause, she added, "And don’t tell Augustine anything about what happened here." Gustave hesitated, his brows furrowing as he studied her with skepticism. "Do you still have feelings for your ex?" At that very moment, Augustine approached from behind, catching the tail end of their conversation. His steps faltered, and his entire posture tensed. His sharp eyes flicked toward Anne, waiting—dreading—her response. Unaware of his presence behind them, Anne remained still. She let out a quiet sigh and said, "No... But I don’t want the incident to ruin Augustine’s mood. This party is important for him. If he finds out what happened here, he might go after Denis and start a fight. I don’t want that." Gustave nodded in understanding. "Understood. I won’t breathe as word. You can rely on me." Augustine observed them closely. Relief flickered across his face as he saw them conversing normally—proof that Anne had already forgiven Gustave and any lingering tension between them had been resolved. But from their exchange, he also realized that Denis had upset Anne enough to take away her appetite. "What’s going on?" Augustine’s deep voice cut through the moment, drawing their attention instantly. "Why aren’t you eating anything?" Anne and Gustave turned sharply, startled to find him standing right behind them. Anne’s stomach clenched as anxiety coiled inside her. How long had he been standing there? Had he heard everything? "When did you come?" she blurted out before she could stop herself. She barely held herself back from asking the question she truly feared—’ Did you hear anything?’ Augustine’s expression remained calm, a small smile playing on his lips. "Just now," he answered casually. His relaxed demeanor eased Anne’s nerves, and she exhaled softly, convinced he hadn’t overheard their conversation. But then his gaze shifted to the plate of pastries in Gustave’s hand. "Is this for Anne?" he asked, smoothly taking the plate. "Mm... looks delicious. Why aren’t you eating?" Anne’s expression froze. Her doubts resurfaced in an instant. Had he really just arrived? Or had he heard everything and was he only pretending not to? Top of Form Bottom of Form

Chapter 84: Do you still have feelings for your ex?

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