"Rauf Salvador, I’m your legally married wife."
Rauf tightened his fist. His tongue felt parched as he swallowed, staring at his mother like she was a stranger or a demon sent to destroy him.
For a moment, he was speechless.
If they suddenly decided to show the certificate to the world, everyone would only see the name on it and assume he was married to Amie. No one would believe June had been the woman at the altar.
She was the woman he had said ’I do’ with.
And most importantly, she was the woman he had spent five beautiful years of his life with.
His gaze moved to her momentarily. She wore a look of indifference, like she couldn’t care less that they were fighting over her.
Like she couldn’t be bothered to explain what had exactly happened to the world.
Like she wasn’t part of whatever had happened.
Rauf turned to his mother. "Where’s the certificate?"
Mrs Salvador Snr looked at Samir, and he nodded. The little exchange was noticed by Serena behind her glasses.
She tapped a device beside her ear and whispered, "Find out what Samir has on Mrs Salvador Snr."
Mrs Salvador Snr turned towards Rauf. "You don’t expect me to bring a certificate to a party, right?"
Rauf stared at her.
Then faced Samir and Amie. "I wouldn’t believe a thing until I see the certificate and a picture of Amie signing it beside me."
The look of triumph slipped from their faces.
Without Rauf accepting the fact that he was Amie’s husband, there was no way they could claim the properties listed by Serena.
Angry, Amie dragged her feet back to Serena. She looked downcast and had tears in her eyes as she turned to Serena.
"Mother, I don’t know what happened, but ever since Chris abandoned June, she seems to have latched onto my husband."
Serena raised a brow. "Is that so?" Her voice never betrayed what she knew.
"Yes, Mother. It seems she fed him with some lies."
Now that the argument was over, people were back to discussing things that had nothing to do with the marriage.
They knew better than to talk badly about Serena’s daughter at her party.
Yet, everyone was careful of Rauf, too.
He was bold enough to deny Serena’s daughter. He had to be someone they couldn’t afford to offend.
Determined to get the properties, Amie continued. "Mother, now that you know I am married, it doesn’t matter that Rauf denied me. I’m still getting the properties, right?"
Serena stared at her.
Why had she never noticed the same traits Samir had in her?
She forced a smile at Amie. "I’m sorry, darling. But we need to wait until Rauf acknowledges you. Don’t worry, Mummy will help you out."
Amie wiped the tears from her eyes. "Really? You’ll help me with him?"
Serena nodded. "Of course. Why would I let anyone snatch my daughter’s husband?"
Assured that things might end up going her way, Amie gave Serena a hug. "Let me mingle with the guests."
Serena nodded, clutching her cane tighter.
Once Amie was gone, Chris came over from where he had been watching everything unfold, with Ellie right beside him. His hand was lightly clasped around hers.
"Mother, this is Ellie. My date for the night."
Serena narrowed her gaze as she studied the beautiful girl who had her son’s attention. "Welcome, Ellie. I’m Serena Vassari."
Ellie froze.
It was understandable that she had gotten used to Chris because of the way June spoke about him, but this was Serena.
The Serena Vassari.
How could she not be intimidated?
Serena turned to Chris. "Is she okay?"
Chris chuckled. "She’s perfectly fine. She’s just not used to being in the spotlight."
"Oh!" Serena noted. "Unlike that one over there." Her eyes moved towards Amie.
She had gone from one person to another, effortlessly introducing herself.
Serena’s gaze moved to one of the men she had identified as a member of the Monterrio clan, and her eyes narrowed.
He was watching Amie.
Her gaze moved to June.
Rauf was still glued beside her like her personal bodyguard. After all the arguments that had surfaced, Serena thought June would have stormed away from him, but it seemed their relationship had improved.
She smiled.
"Ellie, it’s nice to meet you. I wish I could introduce you to one of the most stunning young women here, but circumstances won’t allow it. I hope Chris will do the honour."
Ellie was still red in the face from standing in her presence for too long.
Chris cleared his throat. "Mother, she is actually June’s best friend." His voice dropped to a whisper. "The one she was living with before coming to stay at the mansion."
Serena’s eyes widened. Without asking, she pulled Ellie into a tight hug. Ellie froze in her arms.
"Thank you, sweet girl. Thank you. I appreciate all you’ve done for June. If there’s anything you want, don’t hesitate to let me know."
Until Ellie left her presence, she didn’t utter a single word.
It wasn’t until she had put some distance between them that she finally spoke.
"Your mother is intimidating."
Chris chuckled. "And here I was thinking she put on her best friendly act for you."
Ellie shook her head. "Now I know where June got the attitude from. Speaking of June..." Her gaze darted around.
She couldn’t wait to see her best friend.
The party was more crowded than she expected. It seemed Amie had gone around inviting everyone she could to announce this new Chapter in her life.
But still, Ellie couldn’t help but notice the absence of Amie’s poor mother.
Maybe she hadn’t been let in on the arrangement.
Finally, her eyes spotted June drinking and watching the party.
Before Chris could stop her, she strode forward, pushing through the people in her way.
"June." She attacked her with a light hug, careful not to press against her bulging stomach. "Look at you. You seem to be getting more beautiful every day."
June chuckled. "I missed you."
Just then, Chris caught up to them, and Ellie’s gaze landed on Rauf beside June.
As she was about to speak, the door burst open.
A very familiar woman walked in.
Ellie picked up a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.
"This is about to get interesting."