“Baby.” I heard that tiny voice from behind and even through the noise inside the extravagant gala, I could still recognise the voice.

Freda, my betrothal.

“Baby, you have been scanning the room, are you expecting someone I don't know of?” She questioned, her voice laced with curiosity and I slowly lifted her hands away from my waist.

“Freda, this isn't a couple's reunion or something. I have warned you. Stay clear away from being touchy. Don't let me get you to be the center of attention.” I warned, my eyes assessing her black revealing corset gown. Freda is a very pretty woman, beautiful long legs that fit her body so well. She can be identified as the ‘perfection’, her hair always braided in a bridal style, her lips glossy at every time and her hazel eyes always assessing and yawning for love but honestly, I do not want all of that.

I wanted a life free from women and she was blocking that. I think she deserves better. Yes, she does.

She sighed and nodded her head, although I could feel tears in her eyes and how she was struggling to hold it in but I still didn't say anything.

“Ethan is around.” She said through a trembling voice before walking away.

My eyes swept the crowd and towards the exit door until I saw her.

Was she the epitome of beauty? Was I just admiring a woman's beauty after just condemning one?

Well, you cannot blame me. I am a man that would always come out clean.

It was Gabriella Ward.

I watched as her olive-eyes scanned the nosy gala until it met mine and she only waved, a smile forming at the corner of her lips.

Something that didn't seem to reach her heart. She adjusted the exquisite gown. A midi dress with her auburn hair flowing down and matching with the dress.

When she got closer, she brought out her hand forward for a handshake and I cleared my throat.

“Creative partner.”

“Creative partner?” she repeated, arching a brow. “That’s what you’re calling me now?”

“It sounds better than ‘the woman making me look like I know what taste is' or 'the woman who made me wait all week long just to see her,’” I replied with a scoff.

She laughed….barely. The sound was tight and guarded. She was trying not to feel anything lately. I could see it in her eyes, the way she carried herself like glass pretending to be cold.

Now, she stood at my side in her dress with a neckline that dared the world to underestimate her. The moment we entered, conversations started.

“Your dress looks beautiful.”

She raised her hand as the cameras flicked toward us and a surprised look appeared on her face like she wasn't expecting that at all.

“Smile, just a little,” I murmured, leaning in. “You look like you’re about to murder someone.”

“I might,” she muttered.

We moved through the ballroom in unison. I made sure our names were whispered together. “Aidan Voss and his designer.” That was the line they’d start with. But soon, it’d be, “Voss’s vision ... .thanks to Ward.”

She needed the fire. I needed the shield.

Until I saw him.

Ethan Reilly.

And a woman in his arms.

Ethan turned in his tailored tux. And the strange woman was draped over his arm and he looked directly towards Gabriella when he saw me.

My eyes didn't miss the surprised look plastered across his face like he had seen some ghost. I turned down and saw Gabriella fidgeting, her hands trembling slightly and she was cursing under her breath.

It was then I knew something wasn't right. Yes, something didn't look right at all.

Her body was stiffened.

“Are you okay, Gabriella?” I asked with concern etched in my voice and across my face. “Are you anxious?”

She gulped so hard that for some reason I could feel her heart beating faster.

The reporters came in almost immediately like sharks that wanted some food with microphones hanging at every corner. “Miss Ward….do you have a comment about….” “Is it true Ethan Reilly…”

I stepped in front of her, a firm hand on her lower back. “She’s here as my guest,” I told them, in a sharp tone. “And I don’t allow personal harassment. Back off.”

I turned to her. Her lips were pressed into a line so sharp it could’ve cut diamonds.

“Dance with me,” I said.

“What?”

“Dance,” I repeated. “Or I’ll start smashing cameras.”

That earned the ghost of a smirk.

We moved to the floor. The waltz playing was slow and simple, but her body was rigid in my hands at first. Like she was forcing herself not to bolt.

“Breathe,” I murmured, guiding her into the turn. “You’re not in their world anymore.”

“I am sorry I have to be like this. It should only mean business. I didn’t expect to see him here.”

“You mean Ethan? You think I invited you by accident?”

Her eyes snapped to mine.

“I don’t do accidents, Gabriella,” I said. “I knew he’d be here. I wanted you to be seen with me. He should know that he has missed a business partner.”

“And that’s supposed to make me feel better?” she hissed.

“No. It’s supposed to remind them what they lost.”

She was too beautiful for this place. Too honest, too raw, too damn real. And Ethan knew it. I could feel his eyes on her. Watching her dance with the man he couldn’t touch.

Good.

Let the bastard choke.

The song ended. I led her off the floor just as a waiter passed with a tray of champagne.

She snatched a glass. Drain it in one breath.

“You don’t drink,” I said quietly.

“I do now.”

I wanted to invite her to a corner until a light punch landed on my cheeks, suddenly and unexpectedly.

I raised my face up with a smug smile as I stared down at Ethan.

“Oh Really? You beat me now?”

He rolled his eyes and I didn't miss the shocked expression laced on Gabriella. She raised her eyes toward Ethan with nothing but disgust.

“Are you crazy! How dare you!” She screamed out and the next thing I heard got me wide eyed with a flabbergasted expression.

“ We ain't divorced yet, Gabriella and you are already cheating. Is this why you wanted a divorce? Cutting me off from your business? Just to bring in someone and you didn't even do that alone but my uncle? Doing shit with my uncle?”

My eyes widened more and more until I understood what was happening.

This wasn't about work. It was a marriage. I had been mistaken for both.

Gabriella's eyes widened as well and it felt as though she didn't have any cue I was his uncle as well. She turned her face towards me, tears gathering her face.

“Really? Is this why you wanted to work with me? To steal all my designs and give to your nephew to do better? You knew all of these? And still y….

I raised my hand and I tried to speak but she interrupted. “You are my soon to be ex-husband, Ethan, Uncle?.”