Chapter 3 The Birthday Party

Mandy's POV

Finally, the day for Nathan's Grandpa's birthday party arrived as I made my way to their estate which looked ahead. It was a sprawling mansion bathed in golden light as the driveway was packed with sleek cars, each one more expensive than the last. And I clutched my small clutch bag the minute I got there as, the cold metal of its clasp biting into my palm. My dress was a simple black number I'd bought on sale, suddenly felt too plain, too cheap for a place like this.

But I wasn't here to impress anyone.

So, I took a deep breath and stepped out of the cab, my heels clicking against the stone driveway. The sound seemed to echo, drawing a few curious glances from the guests milling near the entrance. Then, I straightened my shoulders and walked past them, ignoring the whispers that followed me.

Getting inside, the party was in full swing as crystal chandeliers casted a warm glow over the room with their light reflecting off the polished floors and glittering jewelry. Waiters in crisp uniforms weaved through the crowd, carrying trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

I felt out of place, like an uninvited guest crashing someone else's celebration. But I kept my head high, refusing to let it show.

Then I saw them.

Nathan and Mia.

They were standing near the grand staircase, surrounded by a small group of guests. Mia was laughing, her hand resting possessively on Nathan's arm. And she was wearing a dress that probably cost more than my monthly rent with her hair styled in perfect waves.

Then, Nathan spotted me first. His eyes flicked over me, and for a brief second, I thought I saw something like regret. But then his smirk returned, and he leaned closer to Mia, whispering something that made her giggle.

At that point, I wanted to turn around and leave.

But I didn't.

Instead, I grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and forced myself to mingle. Or at least pretend to. With that, the whispers started almost immediately.

"That's her, isn't it? The one Nathan left?"

"Poor thing. She looks so... pitiful."

"Why is she even here? I'd be too embarrassed to show my face."

Hearing these gossips, I clenched my jaw as the champagne glass trembled slightly in my hand. Their words stung, each one hitting like a dart aimed at my already fragile confidence.

So, I moved toward the balcony, desperate for some air, when a voice stopped me.

"Well, well. Look who decided to show up."

Mia.

She was standing in front of me, her smile as sweet as it was venomous and Nathan was right behind her, his smirk firmly in place.

"What do you want, Mia?" I asked, my voice steady despite the tightness in my chest.

"Oh, nothing," she said, tilting her head. "I just couldn't help but admire your courage. It must be hard, showing up here after everything."

Nathan chuckled softly, and the sound made my skin crawl.

"You know," Mia continued, her tone dripping with fake sympathy, "it's kind of sad, isn't it? Losing your fiancé and your family in one go. But don't worry, I'll take good care of him. And them."

My throat burned, but I refused to let her see me cry. "You can have them," I said, my voice cold. "I don't need people who don't value me."

Her smile faltered for a moment, but Nathan stepped in, his smirk widening. "Careful, Mia. She might start throwing a tantrum."

Instantly, I felt the tears threatened to spill, the humiliation bubbling up inside me. But as I was about to turn and leave a deep, commanding voice cut through the tension.

"That's enough."

The room seemed to go silent.

As I turned to see a man standing a few feet away, his presence was magnetic and undeniable. He was tall, with broad shoulders and an air of authority that made everyone around him seem insignificant. His sharp suit fit him perfectly, exuding wealth and power without a hint of effort.

It was Damian-Nathan's uncle.

I'd heard about him in passing, whispers of the enigmatic billionaire who rarely attended family events. But seeing him in person was... something else entirely.

Damian's dark eyes flicked to Nathan, his expression hard. "Is this how you treat people now? No wonder your reputation is in the gutter."

Nathan's smirk vanished. "Uncle Damian, I-"

"Save it," Damian said, his tone cutting. "I don't have time for excuses."

Mia opened her mouth to say something, but Damian's gaze shifted to her, silencing her instantly.

Then his eyes landed on me.

For a moment, I forgot how to breathe. There was something in his gaze-an intensity that made my heart race. He extended his arm toward me, his voice softening just slightly.

"Come with me."

I hesitated, glancing at Nathan and Mia, as Nathan's face was a mix of anger and embarrassment, while Mia looked like she wanted to disappear.

And without a word, I placed my hand on Damian's arm. His grip was firm yet reassuring as he led me away from the crowd, his presence was a shield against their stares and whispers as we walked.

And at that moment, I felt a strange sense of relief for the first time in what felt like forever that I wasn't alone.