Page 57 of Hateful Games

“Without you?” Disbelief laces his tone.

Both of us remembering the morning’s shenanigans. Nova had looked seconds away from punching him in the face. Over me. A girl he treats like a pesky little bug.

Even saying it in my head sounds insane.

“Apparently, I was taking too long to get ready.”

Regarding me closely, he observes me for any lies. I give him no reaction. Meanwhile, I can’t get a read on his face. Like I said, the man is a damn brick wall. Finally, he nods and strides toward the front door.

“Hurry.”

I glance behind me once, thinking of my trapped fiancé, and can’t help but grin evilly. Of course, I’m going to the ceremony. The best place to hide is the one they’ll never think to search. In this scenario, it’s his campus.

Too bad, he probably won’t even make it.

Chapter Sixteen

Rosalie

The auditorium is filled with countless students and their families milling about, buzzing with hushed conversations and enthusiastic energy. Malcolm left me alone as soon as we arrived while he went to socialize with his batchmates.

I was surprised that his family weren’t here until I saw a sharply dressed older version of him arrive, surrounded by multiple bodyguards, who didn’t bother blending in. Everybody watched them in awe while also giving them a wide berth. The guards’ menacing expressions keeping them at bay.

I didn’t understand the attraction except he was someone highly important until someone whispered the words prince, royalty or something.

Does this mean I was living with a possible heir to a throne or related to someone in royalty? I could understand why Malcolm wants to keep it hush-hush. However, I was too distracted to go into depth. Besides, I can simply ask Miya later.

Meanwhile, Nova is still a no-show.

In the crowd, I see a familiar face.

Miya’s friendly eyes connects with mine when she feels me staring across the room. A wide smile splits across her lips and she runs toward me. However, the couple that turns with her makes my heart rate drop.

Mr. and Mrs. D’Cruz.

Nova’s parents are here. Shit. Of course, they are. It’s their son’s graduation, who at the moment is locked away in his bedroom. Probably hoarse from screaming for help. Although, I can’t imagine him doing that. The handcuff’s key sits heavy in my purse as I contemplate whether or not to run back and free him.

Then I recall the hellish past week I’ve endured due to him.

The shocking news that he had a bodyguard stalking me for two goddamn years, like I’m his prisoner. Worse, like his property he wanted to keep an eye on.

Let him remain trapped.

The man is definitely due for some alone time to rehash his life choices.

“Rosalie! You look gorgeous,” compliments Miya as she wraps me in a hug. I awkwardly pat her back until she lets go and steps back.

“Thank you, Miya. So do you.”

She absolutely does in an elegant light blue maxi dress, gaining attention from left and right with her effervescent personality.

“Rosalie, how good to see you,” says an angelic soft voice. “You look lovely.”

I raise my gaze to meet Nova’s mom, Teresa D’Cruz, taking my breath away with her stunning beauty. The pictures don’t do her justice. Dressed in a traditional Indian sari, made of the finest silk with intricate handcrafted patterns and her flawless makeup, she steals the focus in the large auditorium. Even more because of the intimidating man standing beside her.

Multiple eyes skirt toward our little group, making me painfully aware that they know one of the richest men in India is standing among them.

“Thank you, Mrs. D’Cruz,” I reply, unsure of what to call her since it’s the first time we’re meeting. Neither aunty nor mom seems appropriate or will even sound genuine. How strange that it’s taken me two long years to talk to her. I assumed she hated me and my family like the rest of hers. However, no bad energy or disdain comes from her. So, I compliment, “You look beautiful.”

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