IMDD CHAPTER 40 [NOVEL] (Patreon)

“Gage, I think it’s about time we head in, don’t you think? We have already hung around outside here and are fifteen minutes late according to the stated time. Our tardiness might end up becoming a blow to your reputation… and I don’t want that happening.” Eva was getting a little anxious. Though she knew he was doing this for her, it still was not right if it affected him negatively.

She was not used to being late. In fact, she took punctuality very seriously and had always arrived before the stated time for each and every meeting she attended in the past. To her, it was her way of showing respect to the other party by not making them wait unnecessarily. She had never bothered with the idea of being fashionably late. Being late is just late – there was nothing fashionable about it at all.

“Relax, Eva darling. Breathe… yes, that’s it.” He still looked so annoyingly carefree. “I’m guessing you must be that girl in class who never was late. Ever.” A smirk followed that comment. But Eva could only purse her lips as there was nothing she could say about it, as he was right.

“You are right. I don’t do late. And that’s because I don’t like unpunctual people.”

“You must have had boring school days, then.”

“Huh? Why would you assume that my school life is boring just because I am always punctual?” Eva took a slight offence to that and frowned at him, as she had never thought her school life was ever boring. Learning was exciting to her most especially reading.

“Hmm… I shall show you the fun of being late, Eva. Just wait for it.” He then flashed that devilish smile and Eva was speechless for a moment.

She eventually shook her head, clearing herself from the daze that was brought on by that magnetic smile of his. Also, because she was quite certain that his idea of fun, would be something that she would definitely not see as fun!

Several minutes later, he finally stepped out of the car, much to her vexation, knowing that they were now at least twenty minutes late, if not more!

However, the two of them walked slowly and gracefully towards the luxuriously decorated entrance. Eva wanted to quicken her pace, but she could only walk on at Gage’s pace. The man had a firm hold on her and knew that she would have run off if he did not grab onto her. Thus, there was no way she could hurry up and was forced to maintain their sedate and elegant stroll.

“Relax and just go with the flow, okay?” he whispered into her ears. Eva thought to herself that since they were already late, she would just let it go for once and allow him to take the lead on this and just watch how he directed the show. She admitted to herself that she too, would like to watch what troubles this devil would cause for her dear ex-fiancé and sister. Thus, one corner of her lips curled up and she agreed.

Once Eva nodded, they finally entered, her hand curled around his arm, looking as though it naturally belonged there.

Gage had stopped a waitress that was coming out of hall and took two glasses of champagne from her. A small frown flashed across Eva’s face for a while before smoothing her expression and accepted the glass Gage was offering. But she held her tongue and did not ask any questions and just held onto his arm again.

The moment they finally stepped into the ballroom hall, Eva was greeted with a whole new level of extravagance – at least for her, as she knew that Gage would be quite familiar with events such as this. She guessed that there were approximately fifty thousand or more LED lights that were used to decorate this entire hall. The dancefloor was also dazzling and just... over the top.

The birthday celebrant who was already on the stage caught sight of them immediately.

It seemed that the welcoming speech were already over! And seeing that everyone was already holding onto their glasses, it meant that they were about to do the welcome toast. Oh goodness! They were super late!

But contrary to what she was expecting, the old billionaire, Mr. DiMarco, only smiled welcomingly at them and lifted a hand in greeting.

“I am very glad you have made it in time, Mr. Acheron.” The birthday man greeted on the mic, causing everyone to turn their heads to the back to see who was the respected guest that even the birthday boy had to give face to.

All eyes were on them now. And Eva did her very best to stay composed. She was really embarrassed at all the unexpected attention. It was almost like they were the ones that were celebrating the birthday and stealing the show! This was definitely NOT okay, Gage!

Mr. DiMarco then lifted his glass, and everyone, including Gage and Eva, lifted theirs too for the toast.

After that, once everyone was seated, Gage then smoothly led her to the table arranged for them at the front most row where the VVIPs were seated.

They walked in front of everyone. Eva could feel the multiple gazes – she sensed many curious, but some were even hostile – boring onto their backs.

And then they passed in front of Julian and Jessa, her ex-fiancé and sister.

Eva did not know if it was intentional on Gage’s part, but they slowed down as they walked so elegantly before them. She could feel Julian’s heavy gaze on her and she did not know why it had her heart skipping a beat. Oh damn… he could not have recognized her, could he? But… Julian had known her for so long. It should not be impossible for him not to recognize her.

Gage suddenly leaned closer to her and whispered, “Anything bothering you, darling?”

“I’m good. I was just wondering what I should do if Julian suddenly decides to approach us. I think he has definitely recognized me, Gage.” Eva replied in a very low and nervous voice.