TRINA POV

I got out of the taxi in front of the Carmelo Hotel at seven o'clock in the evening.

I inhaled deeply as I observed people moving elegantly into and out of the grand hall.

I entered with my gift in hand.

The party planner did an outstanding job; the entire space was stunning.

When I saw Uncle Winston on the other side of the room, I grinned.

"Trina," he exclaimed with joy.

"Happy birthday, Uncle Winston! I whispered as I quickly embraced him.

He said kindly, "I'm so happy you could come."

After we parted ways, I gave him the present I had brought.

"Oh, my dear, you are so considerate."

I grinned once more and went to greet Mom, my sister, and Elvira, Uncle Winston's wife.

I decided it was time to go since Dad hadn't shown up yet.

I was always uneasy around Dad and Elvira. They brought back memories of the past that I desperately wanted to forget.

"I should leave, Mom. I said as I slowly got to my feet, "I have some things to catch up on."

"Oh no, lady! Elvira pushed me back into my seat in jest and remarked, "You hardly even touched your food."

"But—"

"Come on. You just arrived, and a significant visitor will be here shortly.

"Who is that? I enquired with curiosity.

He is Winston's friend's son. I've also heard that he's your new boss. Again, what was his name? Yes, Darius.

"What? Everyone at the table was startled when I gasped.

Once more, it was Darius.

Why did he seem to be with me everywhere?

Was I the only one who slept with him for just one night?

Why was his presence causing me such torment?

Oh no.

Uncle Winston was wealthy, to be sure, but he was not nearly as rich as Darius.

How come they knew someone like him at all?

He came into the hall with my dad's family before I could devise a plan.

No.

I should go.

I should.

They followed a waiter to my seat.

"Why can't they sit somewhere else?" I tensed, whispering to Elvira. "

She reminded me, "Bella, this is the VIP table."

As they all took their seats, I made an effort to conceal my uneasiness.

I looked at the woman who had ruined my parents' marriage, Clarissa Mendoza.

Annabelle Mendoza, her daughter, was by her side.

Everything about her was perfect, and she looked like a goddess. Naturally, I had heard that Annabelle Mendoza had undergone a lot of plastic surgery.

She seemed so phoney to me.

As usual, her face was heavily made up.

I questioned whether anyone was truly aware of her actual appearance beneath all of that.

Then I turned to face Darius. He was calm, almost bored.

Dad didn't even acknowledge me.

I therefore concentrated on the food that was in front of me.

I heard their conversation begin as I was eating.

This is Darius Hernandez, Annabelle. He is the son of one of my closest friends. He was recently promoted to CEO, and I do not doubt that we will do a fantastic deal of business together in the future. "You ought to get to know him," Dad yelled.

He owns a small security firm.

"It's wonderful to meet you. My name is Annabelle Mendoza. She said sweetly, "I hope we get to know each other better."

"Likewise," he said courteously.

Is it necessary for us to maintain a formal tone with each other? She enquired.

I rolled my eyes.

She was attracted to him.

When I looked up again, Darius had begun eating, ignoring her.

"How about I get your number, Darius? Later, we might have to talk about some business," Annabelle insisted.

Darius yelled, "If you want to talk to me about anything, you can get in touch with my secretary."

She persisted in bugging him despite this.

It was amusing to watch.

"Trina, will you just sit there and pretend that I’m not here? Clarissa glared at me and said, "You're so rude."

I sneered.

Impolite?

All I wanted was to get through this terrible night.

She had to make fun of me, but why?

"All right? She pushed.

"All right? You're not polite, young lady.

I scoffed. "Look who's speaking."

Are you sitting there, Renato, listening to your daughter belittle me? Dad's eyes blazed as he snapped.

"Apologise to her now, Trina! Dad gave the order.

I couldn't contain my laughter.

Say Sorry? Episode

I would never say I'm sorry for sticking to my principles.

But would items get worse tonight?

Was that a boundary I could not cross without ruining everything?

And above all—

How much longer can I maintain the appearance that this isn't affecting me deeply?