Chapter 4 Unexpected feelings

Dimitri, impeccable in his black suit, with a glass of whiskey in his hand and the other in his pocket, was laughing openly while chatting in a circle of friends when he saw Patrick arriving accompanied by Juliana, who was wearing a black dress with sparkles and sequins, with a long neckline that emphasized every detail of her statuesque body.

Her brown hair fell in wide curls down her lap, contrasting with her pale skin. The dark eye makeup highlighted the penetrating look of the girl, who smiled... forcing Dimitri to loosen his tie at what he saw.

Asking excuse from his colleagues, who didn't fail to notice the tension, Dimitri went towards Juliana.

"What a surprise to see you here, Juliana. I don't believe you were invited."

"I came at Patrick's invitation, Dimitri. Don't worry."

"I really thought it was a waste for such a beautiful woman to stay home alone while her family is having a party like this, don't you think Dimitri?"

"Juliana, you are completely unqualified to be here, you only have to look around to notice how you stand out from the women at the party."

"Dimitri, what the fuck is this? Chasing the girl like that, man... it's too much for me. First you abandon her alone on a deserted road, and now this? Holy shit! Of course I wouldn't leave her home knowing what a fucking asshole you are, you little fucking playboy."

The words were barely out of Patrick's mouth the instant he felt a punch in his face. Dimitri felt anger run through his body as Patrick stared at him, his eyes filled with hate.

The mother of the two, realizing the disagreement between her two sons, ran to where they were standing, feeling her face burning, completely embarrassed in front of the guests.

"I can't believe this! All this because of a little woman with a terrible reputation in showbusiness... Good heavens! How can you people be so stupid? This is nothing but an opportunistic little actress who just wants to get ahead in life at the expense of some rich schmuck." She looked Juliana up and down, as if she were looking at a disgusting insect before her eyes, and went back to talking to her children. "Now do me a favor and keep your composure in front of the guests... Filippa, darling!"

As soon as she saw Filippa, Dimitri and Patrick's mother completely changed the expression on her face and excitedly addressed the girl. Juliana, who was watching the whole scene, felt her stomach turn with such falseness.

Every word said by Dimitri's mother was like a slap in Juliana's face. But nothing compared to the way the woman had looked at her, with disgust, disgust and contempt. Juliana felt the urge to cry rising in her chest, but knew that this would only make things worse. She needed to hold on. She had to go all the way.

"Patrick." Dimitri called out to his brother, who discreetly wiped the corner of his mouth with a handkerchief. - Take Juliana away from here.

Without saying another word, Dimitri went to Filippa, with a broad smile on his lips, and as he approached her he greeted her with a warm kiss on the hand, without looking away from her eyes.

"Filippa... you look stunning. How nice to see you again!"

"Thank you, but I won't stay long. How is your grandfather?"

"He preferred to stay in the office. You know how systematic he is."

"It's a shame. I'd really like to see him in person."

"If you like, I can accompany you."

"I'd love to."

The two then left the party together and went to where Dimitri's grandfather, Grigorie, was.

Juliana noticed the movement of her husband and Filippa, and didn't think twice before going after them. Discreetly, she sneaked among the guests who were looking at her and whispering.

Attentive, she noticed that Dimitri and Filippa entered one of the rooms, which put Juliana in a state of alert. She tried to get closer, tried to hear what was going on behind the closed door in front of her, and for safety, decided to stay away.

***

"Grandpa?"

"Come in, Dimitri. And close the door."

"There's someone who really wants to see you, Grandpa."

The brown leather swivel chair had its back to the office door, and slowly turned to face them.

"Who is this girl, Dimitri?"

"Filippa, Grandpa..."

"I don't remember."

"Filippa and I, we..."

"I don't know her, Dimitri. Then please get this little woman out of here. And I really hope you don't intend to marry this girl, Dimitri. I always told you that Juliana is the right woman to be your wife. No one but Juliana!"

- Dimitri...

Philippa felt her face burning with the humiliation she had just suffered. It was more than she could bear, before Dimitri could say anything, Filippa stormed out of the office.

Dimitri left right behind, but bumped into Juliana. He took all his discontent out on the girl.

"What are you up to, Juliana? Huh?"

"Me, Dimitri? Me, Dimitri?"

"What do you think you're doing? Coming here, at a family party... you weren't even invited! What do you want, girl?"

"It was you who broke your oath, Dimitri! Not me!"

"What oath?"

"You promised to cooperate for thirty days, and after three days... that?"

"I didn't promise you anything! I just agreed to wait thirty days until you give me back the signed document! Nothing more! And you don't even have the right to question me, Juliana! After all, this marriage should never have happened! Now, if you'll excuse me, go to hell, Juliana! Go live your life and leave me alone!"

"And are you going after Philippa?"

"That is none of your business!"

Juliana stood there, completely paralyzed, incredulous at everything she had witnessed and heard. She felt a knot close in her throat as she saw Dimitri running in the same direction as Filippa had gone a few moments before.