Temporary bride for the demon overlord-Chapter 28: Ruse
Seraphina had been roused from her spa time, she was angry and demanded explanation.
Ethan’s explanation had been vague at best, and he insisted she dress and dolled up. She’d been partially excited, a part of her thinking they’re going out on a date.
Until he’d pulled up later, with a guest. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮
"Hi," she’d greeted him, polite as much as curious.
She kissed Ethan on the cheek and flicked a glance at the man in the car. Shock rippled through her at the otherworldly sight of the man.
He was handsome in a way that made the word itself irrelevant to qualify his beauty.
His blond hair was styled back exposing his forehead. His jaw was sculpted and he sported a prominent nose.
His rosebud lips was pursed, and his eyes were green with golden specks in them.
She swallowed the rapidly forming drool.
He look positively delicious. And he surveyed Seraphina with the same frank appraisal. A small smile curled his lips upward.
Edward, bless him, was positively unaware of his surrounding as always, self obsessed as he was.
Outrightly asking the question on her mind, she turned to Ethan.
"Who is he?"
Ethan looked a tad uncomfortable, but there was also a scheming look on his face. She knew that look.
It was similar to the one she usually have on her face when plotting.
She smiled eagerly, wanting to be let into the secret.
"My name is Benjamin Moore. Nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you," he shook her hand, his touch lingering longer than necessary.
"Such a unique necklace you have on." His eyes light up feverishly, his fingers curling into a fist as he peered down into her exposed cleavage.
Seraphina preened from the attention and arched her back subtly. She smiled softly at him, battling her eyelashes.
"It’s a family heirloom." She trailed her hands over the glinting ruby.
Ethan grunted looking from Seraphina to Benjamin. He was a bit irritated that no one was listening to him anymore.
"This is our new investor. He’s been really generous. He procured invitation for us to the most coveted event in town. You won’t believe it!" Ethan grinned.
Seraphina nodded and smiled automatically, but she found herself getting miffed at Ethan’s excitement.
"Alphonse is...a very dear friend of mine." He drawled.
"You know Mr Li?" Seraphina was intrigued. Benjamin smiled in a mysterious way that made Seraphina vibrate with giddiness.
"Shall we?" Ethan said.
"Why yes, we shall." Benjamin said, though the words were framed in such a way that made her think he meant a different thing entirely.
Ethan linked their fingers together and hum to himself as he drove. Seraphina’s mind whirled, plans were forming.
She noticed Benjamin’s leer but pretended otherwise. Her ego was stoked and she grinned into her hand.
"Miss Seraphina, tell me about yourself. I heard Alphonse’s wife is a relation of yours?" He prodded.
Seraphina’s good mood dampened. So much for his admiration.
"Yes. Our family black’s sheep." She said spitefully. Seeing Benjamin’s eyebrow raised, she amended bitter tone.
It wouldn’t do for him to assume she was jealous of Karma.
"At least everyone thinks so. Not me though," she added hurriedly.
"She’s smart and really beautiful." The words were ripped ungracefully from her tongue.
She admitted grudgingly to herself. Karma was pretty, just not in the way Seraphina was. Her beauty was calm and serene. Whereas Seraphina’s beauty was the kind that graced the magazine and young ladies were jealous of.
This thought made her smile.
"Did she get a family heirloom too?" Benjamin asked casually.
Seraphina bristled feeling insulted. Did he think the family heirloom is given to just anyone? She was special. Loved Hy everyone and that was why she was deserving of this beautiful ruby.
"Like I said, she’s not well liked in the family. Too consume with thoughts of work to give anyone proper attention. You could say she’s guileless."
Ethan chuckled, "She’s bloody brilliant. Pliable too." His tone was amused.
Benjamin listened with rapt attention, his blond hair bobbed when he nodded.
Finally, they reached their destination. It was the biggest event hall in City B. And was of course owned by Li corporation.
Seraphina hooked her arm with Ethan’s and stopped when Benjamin did not get out from the car.
"You’re not getting out?" Ethan asked, his brow raised in confusion.
Benjamin just smiled, "I like to be fashionably late. Something of surprise you could say."
"Well, I guess we’ll go in first." Seraphina waved.
The buffy securities eyed them, deemed them wealthy enough to be allowed entry.
"Your invitation ma’am and sir?"
Seraphina rolled her eyes in annoyance and removed the envelopes from her bag.
Did they think her so jobless she’d be here without getting invited?
They entered the ballroom. Seraphina smiled. This was her domain.
Soft smile, manipulative subtle push, and promises. She excelled at the part.
A few exchanged pleasantries and she saw her stepsister. Karma was dressed in some sort of dress that exude elegance and riches.
The blue satin shone under the bright chandeliers, the chiffon giving the impression of a glittering waterfall.
Standing beside Alphonse, whose presence was itself a command. His brooding stare and midnight blue suit contrasted so good with Karma.
They look so perfect together.
It made her stomach roll with bile.
She had never seen anytime like that, she thought angrily.
Drawing Ethan towards her step sister with such a bright smile pasted on her lips.
The slight tightening of Karma’s brow made Seraphina grinned inwardly.
But a sharp gasp rented the air. The sound of feet shuffled stilled and everyone turned their neck to crane at the man on the staircase.
He was tall and strongly built, his skin was tan and weathered but he has a very beautiful
eyes. And he was followed by Benjamin, who was grinning like a cat with a saucer of milk.
Who was this man? Seraphina’s thought was probably what everyone in the hall was thinking.
