Chapter 64: Chapter 57

Emilio leaned against the balcony railing in the dimly lit upstairs room, letting the muffled bass of the party fade into the background. For just a moment, he could breathe. But his peace was short-lived. The door creaked open behind him, and he turned, expecting Valentina. Instead, Britney stood there, her lips curled into a sly smile.

“What do you want?” he asked, already irritated.

She stepped closer, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. “You’ve been avoiding me all night.”

“That’s because I don’t have time for your games,” Emilio said, his tone flat. “Go back downstairs.”

But Britney wasn’t one to take no for an answer. She closed the distance between them, placing a manicured hand on his chest. Emilio’s body stiffened immediately.

“You don’t have to act so cold,” she purred. “We’re all alone up here…”

“Britney, stop,” Emilio said, his voice sharper now. He grabbed her wrist and pulled it away from him, but she leaned in before he could back away, pressing her lips to his.

His reflexes were immediate. He shoved her away with more force than necessary, making her stumble. “What the hell is wrong with you? Get out!”

The door swung open at that exact moment. Emilio turned, his heart sinking when he saw Valentina standing in the doorway. Her wide, tear-filled eyes locked onto him, then shifted to Britney, who was conveniently adjusting her dress to look disheveled.

“Tina—” Emilio began, but she didn’t wait to hear his explanation.

Her expression crumpled as she turned and ran, her heels clicking against the marble floors. The sound cut through Emilio like a dagger.

“Damn it,” he muttered under his breath, casting a glare at Britney before running after Valentina.

By the time Emilio caught up to her at the grand staircase, she was halfway down, her hand gripping the railing as though it were the only thing holding her together.

“Tina! Wait!” he called, his voice carrying over the hum of the party below.

She froze for a moment, then turned to face him, her tears streaking her face. “What could you possibly say to me right now, Emilio?”

“It’s not what you think,” he said, his voice desperate. “She came onto me. I didn’t—”

“I saw you!” Valentina interrupted, her voice cracking. “Her lips were on yours! Don’t you dare try to twist this around.”

“I pushed her away!” Emilio said, his frustration mounting. “You know me, Val. You know I wouldn’t do this to you.”

“I thought I did,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “But maybe I was wrong.”

Her words hit him like a punch to the gut. He reached for her, but she stepped back, shaking her head. “Don’t. Just… don’t.”

Before he could say another word, she turned and disappeared into the crowd. Emilio stood there, frozen, his fists clenching at his sides. He wanted to scream, tear apart the entire mansion, and go on a killing spree, but none of it would fix what had just happened.

----

Valentina found Everly near the entrance, smiling whilst talking to Luciano. But her best friend’s smile faded the moment she saw her tear-streaked face. She walked towards her and hugged her. She pulled away and wiped her tears from her face, but that did nothing since they continued to fall down.

“Val? What happened?” Everly asked, concern lacing her voice.

“I need to leave,” Valentina said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I'm leaving," Eve said to Luciano, who was also wondering why Emilio's girl was crying.

Everly didn’t push for details. She simply grabbed Valentina’s hand, leading her out of the house and into the cool night air. The drive to Valentina’s home was silent, the tension thick between them. Everly stole worried glances at her friend but decided to wait until Valentina was ready to talk.

When they pulled into the driveway, Valentina unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to Everly. “I’ll see you on Monday.”

“Are you sure?” Everly asked, her hesitation clear. “I can stay if you want.”

Valentina forced a small, weak smile. “I just need to be alone. Thanks, Eve.”

Reluctantly, Everly nodded and drove off, though her heart ached for her friend. Meanwhile, Valentina walked into her house, ignoring Marco’s concerned looks as she headed straight for her room. Once inside, she collapsed onto her bed and let the dam break. Sobs wracked her body as she clutched her pillow, the pain in her chest unbearable. The image of Emilio and Britney replayed in her mind like a cruel loop, each repetition cutting deeper than the last.

She tried to tell herself that she shouldn't get sad that Em kissed a girl since they weren't even dating and were just best friends. But it was hard because she had already fallen for him hard, more especially after that kiss they shared.

-----

Back at the party, Emilio’s rage simmered just beneath the surface. He marched upstairs, his expression unreadable. Britney was still there, preening herself in front of a mirror like nothing had happened.

“Britney,” he said, his voice calm and chillingly devoid of emotion.

She froze, her eyes meeting his in the mirror. The look on his face made her stomach drop. It wasn’t the fiery anger she expected; it was something much worse. Dangerous. Calculated.

“I—I didn’t mean to upset her,” she stammered, taking a step back as Emilio advanced toward her.

“Don’t lie to me,” he said, his voice low but laced with menace. “You orchestrated this. Why?”

“I… I didn’t—”

“Britney,” he interrupted, his tone sharp enough to make her flinch. “Tell me the truth before I make you regret it.”

Her bravado crumbled under his piercing gaze. “It wasn’t my idea,” she admitted, her voice shaking. “Aiden… he told me to do it. He said it was just a harmless way to… make you relax.”

Emilio’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching. “Get out,” he said, his voice deadly quiet.

Britney didn’t need to be told twice. She bolted out of the room, her heels clicking loudly against the floor as she fled.

He walked to the table where glasses and bottles of alcohol were. He took a bottle of whisky and drank it before throwing it against the wall angrily.

"You're going to pay for this prince boy" he calmly and dangerous said.

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Hey guys😊

I know it's been about more than a month since I updated this book, but I'm back now, so I will update more often.😇

I didn't update because I wanted to finish my other book first🫠

Hope you enjoyed the chapter😊