Chapter 57: Chapter 57

Chapter 57

RAVEL

PRESENT TIME

The unfolding of events that night took an unexpected turn, catching me off guard. Little did I foresee that I would be a witness to Hazel’s decisive breakup with David, an intriguing twist considering their undefined status. I couldn’t help but find amusement in Hazel’s remark that her split from David shouldn’t be misconstrued as an open invitation for me to pursue her.

ཆ་བོན་ ◌ ེ To be honest, even if Hazel were entangled in a romantic involvement with him, that wouldn’t deter my determination to win her over. It’s a simple matter of fact – I had never entertained the notion of relinquishing my affections for her.

With a resigned exhale, I massaged my forehead and embarked on a quest to locate June. Eventually, I spotted her in the company of a cluster of influencers, presumably engrossed in plotting yet another vacation escapade. “Pardon the interruption, ladies,” I ventured, inserting myself into their exchange.

“May I steal her away for a brief moment?”

June’s smile stretched wide, her lashes fluttering as she gazed at me. “Ravel adores me so immensely that he finds it impossible to stay apart from me for extended periods.”

The other women erupted into giggles, and to facilitate the forthcoming request I had in mind, I granted her this moment. I even took the step of planting a quick peck on her cheek, which prompted a collective swoon from the onlooking ladies. My smile remained affectionate. “If you’ll pardon us for a moment.”

Seizing June’s hand, I guided her towards the balcony, paying no mind to the arriving guests. The event was on the cusp of commencing, and I needed to address this matter swiftly. Once the balcony door was closed, effectively shielding us from the throng, she withdrew her hand from mine and her smile faded. “What’s happening, Ravel? Your recent sweetness surely has an underlying reason.”

With my hands now tucked into my pockets, I fixed my gaze on her, maintaining a composed demeanor. “It appears you’re in the midst of orchestrating yet another vacation.”

She responded by rolling her eyes. “Why should that concern you?”

A soft chuckle escaped my lips as I took a deliberate step closer to her. “I wonder, have you informed them about your financial situation?” June didn’t have a propensity for saving; she seemed to expend the money I provided as rapidly as it arrived. “Do your friends possess the knowledge that your bank account lacks the resources for yet another holiday?”

Her jaw visibly clenched in anger. “Is this the reason you brought me out here? To subject me to insults?”

“That wasn’t intended as an insult, June, merely an observation,” I stated matter-of-factly. “I’m more than willing to finance any extravagant excursion you have in mind, provided you adhere to my conditions for tonight.”

She regarded me with suspicion. “And what might those conditions be, Ravel?” Her arms folded across her chest. “Let me guess, you’re going to ask me to leave.”

My actual intentions were quite different. I needed her to remain here so that ba stard could see her.

“Actually, I’m asking you to keep your distance from me throughout the evening. Her glare intensified.

“Engage with others tonight, June, and make genuine friendships-ones that can enrich your life once all of this is over.”

“Are

you genuinely bringing up our breakup in this moment?” Her words dripped with anger. “Is this some kind of sick joke? What am I to you? A mere toy?”

I suspected she was well aware of the answer to her question. After all, I had never stick my di ck into her, so her perception of being a plaything seemed rather misplaced. She wasn’t even an object. “Will you accept the proposition, or do I need to send you back to the hotel without any funds for your vacation?”

She let out a scornful sound. “Why does it feel like I’m left with no choice but to agree to your preposterous demand?”

“Using your intellect, you might come to the realization that you’re left without much choice, given your penchant for

Chapter 57

spending my money,” I replied, a touch of wryness in my tone.

A sly smirk crept onto her lips as she advanced a step. To any observers, our appearance suggested a content couple on the brink of a kiss. Yet, they remained oblivious to the undercurrents, unaware that we were perhaps contemplating something less romantic-such as potentially pushing each other off this very balcony. “Is that a complaint, Ravel?” Her words dripped with insinuation. “Could it be that your financial state is gradually dwindling?”

Engaging in a discussion about my business matters with her seemed utterly pointless. “So, are you accepting the offer or

not?”

“In addition to the vacation, I have another condition. If you agree, I promise to stay out of your way until I return to New York, she countered, attempting to negotiate.

Playing the role of a shrewd businesswoman wasn’t exactly her strong suit. Humoring her attempt at bargaining, I blinked at her. “What exactly are you asking for?”

Her response almost elicited a chuckle from me. “I aspire to establish my own fashion line, and I’m proposing that you sponsor it,” she stated matter-of-factly. “Not only do I require your financial backing, but I also recognize the need for your network connections to facilitate my networking.”

It was utterly amusing. Letting out a chuckle, I pressed my lips together. “You want to venture into the world of fashion?” I inquired, seeking clarification, and she affirmed it with a nod. “You believe you possess what it takes to successfully run a fashion line?”

She raised an eyebrow in response. “Well, if Hazel could effectively manage an art gallery, why shouldn’t I be capable of overseeing a fashion line?”

Rubbing my stubbled chin, I pretended to contemplate her statement. “Hmm, I suppose one reason might be that Hazel actually attended an art school for a year and gained a deep understanding of the art world.”

“F*** you, Ravel!”

A chuckle escaped my lips. “You know what, let’s forget I even asked. I’ll have Matthew escort you back.” I began to turn away, but she swiftly caught my hand. “What is it?” I retorted.

”

“I accept your offer,” she muttered. “Just ensure that you fulfill your end of the deal and sponsor the trip.”

“I don’t make promises lightly,” I affirmed.

“Yet you still divorced your wife,” she taunted. “Didn’t you vow to love her until death parted you?”

My glare was sharp. “Who said I broke that promise?” I shot back, and her jaw visibly dropped. “Just keep in mind that you need to keep your distance from me tonight.” With that, I turned and strode into the hallway, arriving just in time for the

event to commence.

Scanning the crowd, my eyes locked onto Hazel, seated in her designated spot. Making my way towards her, I claimed the seat beside her, instructing Rose to guide the original occupant of the seat to my place.

She regarded me with surprise. “What brings you here?” Her question hung in the air, but I only responded with a grin. “Aren’t you supposed to be seated with June?”

“I’d prefer to spend my evening with you,” I replied with a smile. “And what about David?”

A slight frown tugged at her features. “He’s already gone.”

“Lucky me,” I muttered, prompting a glare from her. A hearty chuckle escaped me. “What’s the matter?”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re aware I heard you, right?”

Frankly, I didn’t care. His departure only offered me a better chance to be around her. With Rose and the team attending to the models, I watched as the lights dimmed, signaling the start of the event.

Chapter 57

Elenor gracefully glided down the runway, adorned with my exquisite creation around her neck, ears, and wrist. Hazel’s captivated gaze followed her every move, while I found myself equally captivated by Hazel.

How could one person exude such beauty and perfection? It’s hard to fathom that I once allowed her to slip away.

“This is stunning, Ravel,” she praised, a genuine smile on her lips.

“Yes,” I murmured softly, “truly stunning.”

My breathy tone caught her attention, causing her to turn and meet my gaze. A shy smile played on her lips. “I was actually referring to the jewelry, Ravel.”

“And I’m speaking about you,” I whispered, my gaze locked onto her. “I’ve actually crafted a piece of jewelry for you.”

She arched an eyebrow. “Really? Which model is wearing it?”

Returning my attention to the models, I replied, “I would never allow anyone else to wear a piece that was created exclusively for you.” Sensing her eyes on me, I turned to meet her gaze. “You’ll receive it on your birthday next week.”

A smile graced her features, crinkling the corners of her eyes. “I’m looking forward to seeing it, Ravel.”

Encouraged by her happiness, I decided to take a chance. “I’ll be leaving Seattle next week. How about dinner tomorrow?”

She held my gaze for a moment, then nodded, a genuine smile on her lips. “I’d love that.”