Chapter 5

Night had fallen on the 33rd floor of the Royal Orchid Resort, where a lavish banquet was in full swing. Elizabeth leaned against the bar, swirling her wine and surveying the room. The men present eyed her with avarice, eager to approach but hesitant to make a move. Her phone buzzed. She glanced down.

Declan: [Did you go to the banquet?]

Elizabeth sighed and typed back, [Yeah, I’m here.]

Last night, Declan had driven her home. While slightly intoxicated, he'd persuaded her to attend tonight's banquet and even arranged a date with a stranger. The worst part? She'd agreed.

“Elizabeth?”

She turned to see a handsome man. His eyes lit up with surprise and delight. “Is it really you?”

Elizabeth was equally shocked. “John Morris? What are you doing here?”

John’s assistant interjected, “Mr. Morris, do you know Ms. Percy?”

Elizabeth smiled. Five years earlier, while traveling abroad, John had been in an accident, and she had saved him.

His assistant continued, “Mr. Morris is tonight's VIP. Ms. Percy, he’s now a prominent financial investor overseas.”

Elizabeth was stunned, struggling to comprehend John's remarkable success. “So, what brings you to the States?” she asked, striving for a casual tone.

John was about to reply when he grinned, pointing to a man entering the room. “I’m here to partner with Mr. Tudor.”

Elizabeth's heart leaped at the name. She looked up and saw the last person she wanted to see—Alexander.

The moment he entered, all eyes turned to him. To Elizabeth, Alexander was perfect, except for his lack of love for her. Beside him stood Esme, the Russell Group heiress, in a white dress.

The Russell family was one of the four largest in Lisbun, and Esme was their cherished princess, adored by her three older brothers. Elizabeth and Esme had been close friends for years, but they had both fallen for the same man. Losing Alexander meant losing Esme as well, leaving Elizabeth feeling like a complete failure.

“Elizabeth, this is Mr. Tudor. He’s quite famous. Let me introduce you,” John said, taking her hand and guiding her toward Alexander.

Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh. Did she really need an introduction to Alexander? She'd loved him for seven years and knew him intimately.

“Hey, Alexander!” John called out.

Alexander glanced at John, then met Elizabeth's gaze. Startled, she tried to leave, but John held her hand firmly, pulling her forward. Alexander's expression remained impassive as he watched John's grip on Elizabeth's wrist.

She'd recently filed for divorce, and now she seemed to have a new companion daily. Elizabeth certainly knew how to attract attention.

“Elizabeth’s here too,” Esme said, surprised.

“Who’s this?” John asked, looking at Esme. “I heard Mr. Tudor’s married. Is she your wife?”

Elizabeth's heart sank. Three years of marriage, and she was utterly invisible. Even someone like John didn't know she was Alexander's wife.

Esme clung to Alexander's arm, nervously awaiting his confirmation of her status.

Alexander glanced at Elizabeth and said coldly, “Yes.”

“You two are a perfect match,” John said, smiling at Elizabeth. “Right, Elizabeth?”

Elizabeth clutched her wine glass tightly. He'd never publicly acknowledged her as his wife, yet now Esme possessed everything she once desired. Esme blushed slightly at Alexander's confirmation. It was the first time he'd called her his wife in public, and Elizabeth was present.

Elizabeth managed a smile. “They do look good together.”

Alexander's brow furrowed, and his hand clenched in his pocket. He recalled Elizabeth's first confession, her eyes bright with conviction: “No one else is good enough for you. Only me!” Now, she was smiling and declaring he and Esme a perfect pair. What was her game? Why was he playing along?

“Alexander, meet my friend, Elizabeth,” John introduced.

Elizabeth concealed her hurt, extending her hand and smiling at Alexander. “Hi, Mr. Tudor, I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Alexander stared at her, his face devoid of emotion. She smiled sweetly, but her eyes were sharp. He didn't shake her hand. Elizabeth didn't care; it wasn't the first time he'd disregarded her. She'd never been worthy of his respect.

John, oblivious to the tension, continued to praise Elizabeth. “Elizabeth is the kindest, most amazing woman I know. I admire her greatly.”

When John looked at Elizabeth, the love in his eyes was unmistakable. Alexander noticed this and glanced at Elizabeth, a smirk playing on his lips.

Elizabeth had set up Esme countless times. She knew Esme was terrified of water and still pushed her into the pool. And this woman is supposed to be kind? Elizabeth thought.

Seeing the mockery in Alexander's eyes, Elizabeth's smile vanished. “John, Mr. Tudor doesn’t seem to care for me. You two continue chatting. I’ll leave you to it.”

She turned to leave.

John retorted, “Who in their right mind wouldn’t like Elizabeth? They’d have to be blind.”

Alexander remained silent.

Esme watched Alexander closely. She'd noticed that since Elizabeth's divorce request, he hadn't seemed particularly enthusiastic about their relationship. Was Alexander developing feelings for Elizabeth?

Suddenly, a shout echoed through the room, “Something’s wrong! Mr. Stewart’s had a heart attack and collapsed!”