Page 43 of The Devil's Fire

The garden was filled with round tables, each adorned with colorful flowers and large candles that cast a gentle glow. The small torches on the ground created a mesmerizing pattern as their orange and yellow flames danced in the air. Servers walked around, smiling and offering chilled champagne to the arriving guests.

I grabbed a glass of champagne, giving a small smile to the guests, and went to find a secluded area in the back. I wanted to be a quiet presence and be there as moral support for Cara.

I felt an emptiness in my chest, along with a lingering sense of hurt. I wished Michael were here. I missed that goofy blue-eyed man terribly. He could always put me in a better mood.

“You’re looking a little sour tonight, aren’t you?”

I looked up and met a man with short, light brown hair and deep brown eyes. His jawline was sharply defined with a little stubble.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't even hear the approaching footsteps. Surprisingly, he was rather cute.

“I’m not looking sour. I just suffer from resting bitch face syndrome.”

He threw his head back and laughed at my answer.

“I see. I’m Raffaele.” He extended his hand for a handshake. “But you, beautiful, can call me Daddy if you like.” He said with a smug grin.

“Ew.” I rolled my eyes at him but cracked a small smile.

“Your response pierces me.” He brought his hand to his chest and feigned a pained expression before laughing. “And what is your name, beautiful?”

“Althaia.” I smiled.

“So, you’re the infamous Althaia.” He raised his brows in realization.

“What do you mean?”

“Ah, word spread around like wildfire. Dead, but not dead.” He said casually.

“Something like that…” I muttered. I guess I wasn’t going to hear the end of that anytime soon.

The loud chatter of the party abruptly stopped as the people around us glanced up at the stairs. I followed their gaze and saw Cara and Lorenzo making their way downstairs. Lorenzo wore a sleek, all-black suit, while Cara was in a gorgeous, flowy light blue dress. She looked like a princess with the way the sequins on her dress caught the light and made her dress sparkle.

They were truly a sight to die for as they descended the stairs like a royal couple.

I made the mistake and looked to the other staircase, and my heart clenched at the sight. Damiano was walking down the step with a woman at his side, clinging to his arm. She was breathtaking, her caramel-hued hair flowing elegantly around her face, framing features that radiated pure beauty.

I shifted my eyes, not wanting to witness what I saw. Hell, even I would leave me for her. I quickly gulped down the last of my champagne, the bubbles tickling my throat before I made my way towards the bar.

I needed something stronger.

“Two shots of vodka, please.” I requested the bartender. Maybe if I got drunk, I could turn in early and not have to see Damiano with someone else.

“Same for me!” Raffaele said cheerfully as he stood next to me.

I snatched a shot and quickly downed it. I looked over at Raffaele, and we both had a similar expression of revulsion on our faces.

“The first one is always the toughest.” I laughed.

“Woo! It sure is.” He shuddered in disgust.

“Ready?” I grabbed the next one. We grinned, clinking our shot glasses before we downed all the alcohol in one gulp.

“Now it’s a party! What’s next?” He rubbed his hands together.

“Maybe some water for now.” I laughed at his excitement. It was still a bit too early for me to get shitfaced drunk.

“We’ll do whatever you want, beautiful.” He grinned, making me laugh at his flirtations.

---