“And you’re lucky I’m charming,” he replied with a wink.
Colette shot him a look. “Keep telling yourself that, birthday boy.”
The party was in full swing, a spectacle of glittering lights, jungle–themed decor, and a noise level that could rival a rock concert. Matt stood by the mocktail bar, chatting with a few of his closest friends, most of whom had kids of their own. They laughed and swapped stories about parenting disasters, diaper
blowouts, and sleepless nights.
“Trust me, Matt,” one of his friends teased, “this is just the beginning. Wait until Harper starts walking. That’s when the real chans begins.”
Another friend chimed in, smirking. “Or better yet, start thinking about baby number two. Two kids are double the fun. Or so I’ve heard.*
Matt chuckled nervously, raising his glass of fruity mocktail. “Let me survive tonight first, then we’ll talk about doubling the chaos.”
As the men laughed, Colette stormed across the ballroom like a thundercloud, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floor. Her face was a mixture of fury and exasperation, and Matt immediately knew something was wrong. She grabbed his arm and yanked him into a quieter corner, away from prying
eyes.
“Fine,” Matt said preemptively, seeing the fire in her eyes. “There might be slightly more than five hundred guests.”
“Slightly?” Colette hissed. “How did you even fit this many people in here? Did you go counting them? Or did you hire a whole village to fill the seats?”
Matt offered a sheepish grin. “Come on, sweetheart, everyone’s having fun. It’s a celebration!”
Colette’s eyes narrowed. “Oh, I’m not here about the guest list. I’m here to ask why you invited Luca DeSantis to this party.”
Matt’s expression shifted to confusion. “DeSantis?” He thought for a moment. “Well, he’s kind of a big deal in our circle, you know? And we’ve been trying to finalize that deal with his shipping company. I guess the planner must’ve sent him an invite.”
Colette’s gaze shot daggers across the room, where Luca stood, effortlessly suave in his tailored dark suit. His fiancée, the impossibly glamorous Carlotta Forentino, clung to his arm, dazzling everyone with her designer smile.
“I don’t care if he’s the Pope,” Colette snapped. “I don’t want to see his face here. Tell him to leave.”
Matt looked horrified. “Itty, I can’t just ask him to leave. He’s our guest. That would be incredibly rude! Besides, you can’t seriously still be upset about what happened all those years ago, can you?”
Colette’s fiery glare said it all.
Matt sighed. “Okay, yes, he’s done some questionable things, but people move on. Divorce happens.”
Colette’s voice dropped to a venomous whisper. “He didn’t just get divorced, Matt. He practically threw Amber out, weeks after she had his baby, and went straight to partying with that blonde barracuda.” She jabbed a finger in Carlotta’s direction.
Matt raised a calming hand. “Technically, Amber was the one who left him, and-”
“Don’t you dare defend him!” Colette snapped. “You’re either on my side or his, Matt.”
1/2
1:22 pm G PPP
Chapter 66
Matt wisely chose silence, but before Colette could continue, fate intervened.
“Mr. and Mrs. Angelis,” Luca DeSantis’s smooth, baritone voice cut through the air. He approached them with Carlotta on his arm, his expression one of coal amusement. “Lovely party. The decorations are exquisite. And the rose garden outside–it’s impeccable.”
Carlotta chimed in, flashing a sugary smile. “Truly stunning. Did you do the arrangements yourself, Mrs. Angelis?”
Colette’s smile was ice–cold, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, I do what little I can. But you know who was truly brilliant with home decor? Amber.” The paused just long enough to see Luca’s jaw tighten. “That girl could make the dullest place feel warm and inviting. Back when she was here, I’d always consult her for advice. Such a shame she’s not around anymore.”
Carlotta stiffened, her grip on Luca’s arm tightening. Luca’s expression darkened, though he maintained a veneer of calm.
“Yes,” he said, his voice dangerously low. “my ex–wife had many talents. Speaking of which, how’s Iris Lawson doing, Matt? Wasn’t she your personal secretary? I heard you had to… part ways.”
Matt’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t rise to the bait. Colette, however, wasn’t about to let it slide.
“Why?” she shot back, her voice cutting like a blade. “Looking for her number? I’m sure I can dig it up for you if you’re in need of her ‘multitude of
talents.“”
Luca smirked, but there was a flicker of annoyance in his eyes. “No need. But thank you.”
Colette didn’t let him off that easily. “And how’s your son, Nico? Started school yet?”
It was a direct hit. Luca’s expression tightened, the mask of confidence cracking ever so slightly. For a brief moment, he seemed at a loss for words.
Finally, he straightened, his tone curt. “Thank you for the invitation, Matthew, Mrs. Angelis. I think it’s time for us to leave.”
Neither Colette nor Matt objected as Luca and Carlotta turned and walked away, their departure as dramatic as their arrival.
As soon as they were out of earshot, Colette let out a sharp breath. “Snake in a suit,” she muttered. “I hope someone wipes that smug, know–it–all grin off
his face.”
Little did she know, her wish was already in motion. Amber DeSantis, the so called ex–wife was on her way back to Rome, along with her toddler son and the storm she was bringing with her would shake the DeSantis clan to its core.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
