Page 193 of My Ruthless Husband

“Right.” I smile, feeling a rush of excitement. I’m about to see my best friend in what feels like forever, to let loose a bit—and with Damian by my side, no less.

As Hal drives, Vicky sits in the passenger seat, focused ahead. Damian’s earlier comment about them crosses my mind, and curiosity gets the better of me. I lean forward. “Vicky, you’re going to love meeting Summer and her friends. She’s a big deal in the modelling world, you know? And her friends coming tonight are all tall, ridiculously good-looking models. I bet you’ll hit it off with a few of them.”

The reaction is immediate. Hal’s gaze cuts to Vicky, sharp and intense, as if daring her to respond, and I watch in shock as she glances over at him, cheeks going pink. Vicky, blushing because of Hal? My jaw literally drops.

Before I can process the new dynamic unfolding right in front of me, Damian’s hand slides around the nape of my neck, pulling me back toward him. His eyes narrow, but there’s a spark of amusement hidden in their depths. “You’re trouble, you know that?” His voice is low, a hint of a growl, clearly recognizing that I’ve just kicked up a storm between our two bodyguards.

“But…”

Damian doesn’t let me finish the thought. He dips his head and brushes a swift, chaste kiss over my lips, cutting me off in that familiar possessive way of his. “Leave it alone, angel. Let them figure it out,” he says in my ear.

I press my lips together, still trying to wrap my head around the idea. Opposites really do attract, don’t they? First Summer and Archer—who hated each other somehow ended up gettingengaged, and now this? Vicky and Hal… I shake my head, smiling. Maybe they’re not so impossible, after all.

The grand entrance of the banquet hall is alive with elegant lighting and colorful décor that perfectly suits Summer’s vibrant style.

I practically bounce with excitement, clutching an enormous bouquet of blush pink roses in my hands. The sheer size of it is probably a little much, but if there’s ever a time to go overboard, it’s for Summer’s engagement.

Behind me, Damian and Hal each carry a huge, gift-laden basket, the lavish ribbons and glittering wrap spilling over the sides. Damian levels me a sidelong glance, clearly not thrilled about his temporary role as a gift-bearer. But he doesn’t say a word as he follows behind me, his frame looking as commanding as ever despite the armful of presents.

To my side, Vicky carries a smaller bouquet, something she picked out herself. She lifts it with a small smile, giving me a quick nod as we grin at each other.

Inside, the hall glows beneath a soft chandelier light, and I feel a giddy warmth bubbling up in me as I scan the crowd.

As soon as I spot Summer across the room, a warm rush of happiness fills me. She looks absolutely stunning, glowing in a floor-length gown of shimmering silver. Her dark long hair falls over her shoulders in soft, loose waves. I can’t wait to rush over to her.

I quickly turn to Damian and Hal. “Could you two put the gifts on the table with the others?” I ask, motioning toward the ornate gift table set up along one side of the hall.

Damian gives me a small sigh but doesn’t object. “Fine. You go on,” he says as he heads off with Hal.

Vicky and I exchange a grin before making our way to Summer. As soon as she sees us, her face lights up, and she letsout a delighted squeal, rushing forward to hug me. Her arms wrap around me tightly, and I return the hug just as fiercely.

“River!” she chirps, pulling back with that beaming smile of hers.

“You look stunning, Summer! Truly,” I gush, handing her the bouquet.

She laughs, eyes sparkling. “Oh, stop! You’re making me blush,” she says, then glances at Vicky with genuine warmth. “And this must be Vicky!” Summer pulls her into a quick hug too, surprising Vicky, who looks almost flustered for a second before she smiles, touched by Summer’s friendly greeting.

Setting the bouquets on a nearby table, she turns toward the tall man standing beside her, looking like he’d walked straight off the cover of a magazine.

Archer, her fiancé, is handsome in that captivating way—strong jawline, and a charming smile that seems custom-made to melt hearts. His dark hair is swept to the side in an effortless style, and he’s dressed in a fitted black suit that looks great on him.

“River, Vicky, meet Archer,” Summer introduces, her eyes shining with pride and love.

Archer smiles, offering his hand to both of us with a warm, easygoing charm. “I’ve heard so much about you. Thank you for coming.”

“Congratulations!” I beam at them.

“Thank you,” he says, glancing at Summer as if he can’t believe his luck. The two of them look so perfect together, and I can’t help but feel a flutter of happiness for her.

We chat for a few minutes, then Summer calls the photographer over to take our pictures. We laugh and pose and enjoy ourselves.

That’s when I catch Damian walking up beside me. Finally! I loop my arm around his and turn toward the happy couple,grinning. “Summer, you never got to properly meet my husband. This is—”

“Damian?” she whispers, barely audible, her voice carrying an emotion so profound it garners attention from people surrounding us.

Confusion stirs within me, and I smile at her questioningly. “Yes… Damian. How do you know his name?”

Tears begin to gather in her eyes, and her entire frame shudders as though the ground beneath her feet has just been ripped away.

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