Chapter 358

Aria “Because I need you more than I need her.”

I almost squealed, thinking about Vince’s reassuring words. That’s right-I had way more to offer than Serena ever could.

She was a useless stay-at-home mom while I was a hustler-a go-getter, the heir of my family who would actually be of value to him.

Helping daddy run our products had always been a fun activity, and I bet I could help Vince and his family the same way. They needed me I smirked, posing in front of the mirror as I stared at my gold and white birthday gown. It was not the one 1 had initially wished for, but that didn’t matter. All that mattered was that it would only be a matter of time before Vince and I would announce our engagement.

Forget my birthday or the party-I already had tons of those. The only highlight of the day would be the look on everyone’s faces after learning of my engagement.

My boring day was filled with a special breakfast, lunch, and endless gifts, but now the sun had finally set. Now was when the real party would start, and I couldn’t wait for everyone to get here.

“Maybe I should’ve skipped breakfast and lunch. I held my belly. With a half-smile, I shrugged.

“Meh, I still look hot. Hotter than Serena Just one more look I turned, admiring myself, and took a satisfied breath.

Let’s get it over with.

As I made my way to the ballroom, I noticed how all the maids were still busy with the preparations.

Mom and dad were perfectionists and had never settled for anything less.

“Why would we hold back if we have enough money to spend Mom would often tell me, and she was right. What was the point of living a humble life if we didn’t have to?

At the end of the stairs stood mom, who was still busy giving instructions.

“Mommy!”

“Arial” She looked up. Everyone stopped what they were doing and focused on my dress.

“Look at my princess!” Mom opened her arms, ready to catch me as I ran down the stairs.

“Do you like it?” I grabbed her hands, hoping for another compliment. Looking good was nothing new to me, but the thing I desired the most were compliments.

“Yes, you look absolutely gorgeous.” Mom pushed me back to take a better look at me. The golden cocktail dress around her body, hugging her perfect curves, almost gave me a run for my money.

Mom clapped her hands. “You’re even starting to look like me!”

Like mother like daughter, this woman would never miss out on a free opportunity to compliment herself, and rightfully so.

“Where’s daddy?” I scanned the room. He had spent a lot of money to satisfy mom’s wishes, so I’m sure he would love to see the outcome.

“Ah, he was with Vince and his family.”

“Vince?” I widened my eyes. “Is he here already?”

“Yes, of course!”

Even though all the guests would arrive in ten minutes, Vince’s presence made me nervous. This time he was in my comfortable space, my home-and I wanted to leave a good impression.

I brushed my dress, fixed my hair, faked a smile-just pretty much anything to look acceptable. Vince could walk through that door any minute, and I could not lose to that woman, I could not lose to Serena.

From a distance, I could already hear daddy’s voice as the halls were filled with his fake laughter. I had enough time to take one more breath and hold my tummy before the doors opened, revealing dad and Vince.

“And there is my beautiful muffin, Arial”

Dad rushed over and forced me into a bone-cracking hug. “Hi, daddy.” I patted his back, hoping for some space.

All I could truly see was Vince. His medium-long hair, which usually covered his ears, was slicked back to perfection, revealing his handsome looks.

The white suit with the slight golden accent showed that he was a good listener and obeyed my wishes.

Next to Vince stood his uncle, who I hadn’t formally met, and Luis.

Not knowing what to do, I waved awkwardly, and just as I was about to step forward-Vince’s uncle blocked my sight by pushing himself in front of me.

“Bruno Garcia, Vince’s uncle,” Dad spoke.

Bruno nodded. “Miss Aria, I’ve heard a lot about you!” He gasped. “I know my cousin, Vince-still has a lot to learn, but I’m very grateful you’ve decided to give him a chance!“

Whether he had really accepted me or felt threatened by Oscar Morales? I didn’t know, and I didn’t care.

“Oh, no problem…uncle,” I spoke politely before moving my gaze to my second target.

Luis was still young and immature. He had a lot to learn, but that was what I was here for.

“Hey, Luis!”

“Good evening and happy birthday, Aria.” Luis lowered his head as I was unfortunately not interesting enough to gain his full attention.

“I must say, you look prettier than all these flowers in this room.

Flattered, I pouted my lips.

“Such a smart kid!” Dad laughed out loud while Bruno joined him.

The uncle brushed his hand over Luis’ head like an owner would do to his dog. I could tell that his words weren’t sincere, but it was the thought that counted.

Vince smiled, clearing his throat as he revealed his perfect dimples.

“Oh, sure,” Dad spoke. “Bruno, how about I show you and Luis to your seats so that we can leave these two lovebirds alone?” He walked off with Bruno and Luis, leaving me alone with Vince.

Vince shot me a polite smile. “Happy birthday, Aria.”

“Thank you.” I blushed. “You have a nice uncle.” I grinned, thinking about our future. He was a suck-

up, but it was perfectly fine by me. At least he was friendly.

“I don’t think he has an option, princess.” Vince snorted, stepping closer.

There it was again, that nickname. Princess.

He stepped closer and closer as I held in a breath. Closer, closer. So close, I could feel his soft breath on my face.

Calm down, Aria.

“I don’t think any of us have a choice. Vince rested his large hand on my waist. I smiled, leaning into his touch, and stood on my tippy-toes so that I could push my forehead against his.

Taken back by my actions. Vince stepped back as quickly as he had stepped forward and created some space.

Was he not attracted to me? Impossible.

“Have I done something to upset you?” I frowned nervously.

I bit my lip, worried for his rejection-but Vince shook his head. “No, of course not.” He recovered himself with a polite smile on his lips. “I just don’t know if I would be able to control myself with you standing so close to me.” He said. “I mean, you look like a goddess.

I did, didn’t I?

“Oh, really?” I breathed, shocked by his compliment. There was definitely some sexual attraction between us, so it was not really a surprise that he wouldn’t be able to control himself.

“So that’s it? You took a step back because you’re afraid of what might happen?” I spoke. “Because if that’s it, you don’t have to worry about it. We can skip the party, go to my room, and—”

“No, that won’t be necessary!” Vince shook his head. “I-I mean, we wouldn’t want to disrespect your father…on your birthday.”

“Right.”

I guess that made sense.

Vince grabbed my hand. “Come with me.”

Without saying another word, he led me to the balcony I smirked. “You’re not going to push me off, are you?” Lasked playfully.

Vince released a laugh. “What?” He frowned. “Why would I possibly get rid of you while you have yet to do anything to restore my family’s honor?”

His words which were supposed to sound like a joke sounded pretty cold in my ears. Had I not known any better. I would’ve thought he saw me as his enemy. Luckily that wasn’t the case because he liked me just enough to marry me.

Vince grabbed my hand and pulled out a box from his pockets with the other.

My cheeks flushed as I started to get an idea of what was about to happen. He was going to propose to me.

The thought of a ring hadn’t even occurred to me, but it was totally necessary. It was a standard for an engagement.

“I’ve never done this before, so bear with me.” Vince looked down at the box in his hands. I giggled, hiding my blushing checks as he went down on one knee.

Without a second thought, I squeezed his hand for dear life and waited for his words.

“Aria “Yes?”

Here we go.

It’s a good thing I got my nails done.

“Aria-

His sentence was cut short by the sound of a familiar high-pitched laugh. There was only one person with that contagious laughter that made me want to punch the wall, which was….

“Serena!” Vince used my hand to raise himself from the ground. He turned to look through the windows while I followed his gaze and stared at Serena.

What was happening?

Vince blinked for a second, trying to free himself out of my grip, but I didn’t let him. I wouldn’t let that woman ruin my day.

“S-so, where were we?” I asked. “I think you were about to propose to me?”

Vince yanked away his hand. With his eyes still glued to Serena, he quickly forced the ring around my finger and pushed the box in my hands. “Yes, here you go.”“

Was he serious?

Did he just stop mid-proposal to spy on a woman he couldn’t get Unable to believe my eyes, I squeezed the box in my hand. “What is this?” I whispered, still surprised.

“An engagement ring, of course.” Vince turned his back to walk back inside. Like a madwoman, I glued myself to his arms, refusing to let go of him.

“No!” I leaned my head against his back. How could I sit back and watch my fiance run back to another woman?

“Don’t you like the ring?” Vince asked in a hurry.

He really didn’t have a clue.

“N-no, I do.” I stuttered, holding onto him. “It’s just-

“Then, if you’re satisfied, I’ll go back inside first,”

I felt broken.

Those words ruined me.

Not having the energy to fight any longer, I dropped my arms and could only open my mouth as Vince stormed back inside to run after Serena.

So that was it? Aria Morales just got defeated by a married woman who couldn’t bring anything to the table except for being a former stripper who got knocked up by her boss?

It didn’t matter how much class she bought, I knew, and everyone knew. It was a well-known fact that she used to strip for the Lambertis at their private club.

Oh god, was Fince one of her former clients?

Would he have seen every part of her? Was she so unforgettable that he was not ready to move on?

Maybe that was the reason why he would never look at me the way he looked at her.

But that didn’t matter.

Vince was mine, and it didn’t matter how many times he would follow around a married woman-he would still be