Page 45 of Breaking the Annulment

Ajax hesitated as he moved toward the door, his hand resting on the handle. “One more thing,” he said, glancing back at Michalis. “There’s chatter. A shipment Khomenko’s crew was expecting has gone missing. He’s blaming you.”

Michalis’s smirk returned, this time sharp and dangerous. “Let him. That’s the least of his problems right now.”

Ajax inclined his head, opening the door and stepping out. As the door clicked shut behind him, Michalis turned back to the window, his mind already calculating the next steps. The party wasn’t just a social event anymore—it was a battlefield. One he intended to win.

19

The sun streamed into the sitting room where Aurelia and the party planner, Marisol, had set up shop. Swatches of fabric, elegant stationery, and mood boards covered the table between them, a controlled chaos that reflected the scale of the event they were planning. Marisol, a vibrant woman with a warm smile and a sharp eye for detail, gestured animatedly as she spoke.

“A black-and-gold theme could be stunning,” Marisol suggested, holding up a sample of shimmering fabric. “It’s classic, elegant, and versatile.”

Aurelia nodded, excitement bubbling beneath her nerves. “I love that,” she said. “But I’ve never planned something on this scale before. I don’t even know where to start.”

“That’s why I’m here,” Marisol said with an encouraging smile. “We’ll make it seamless. Think of it as curating an experience. What kind of mood do you want to create? What do you want your guests to feel when they walk in?”

Aurelia tilted her head thoughtfully. “I want it to feel…glamorous. Sophisticated. Like a celebration but not too over-the-top.”

“Perfect,” Marisol said, jotting down notes. “We can do towering floral arrangements, mood lighting, and a live quartet for the cocktail hour.”

The two women continued brainstorming, their laughter and easy camaraderie filling the room. By the time they reached the guest list, Aurelia was feeling more confident.

“We have a basic list we use for these events,” Aurelia said, pulling out a neatly typed document Michalis had left for her. “But he said I can add anyone I want, as long as they pass the security background check.”

Marisol raised an eyebrow. “That’s…intense.”

Aurelia gave her a wry smile. “It’s Michalis.”

Marisol laughed, shaking her head. “Well, if you think of anyone, just let me know. I’ll make sure they’re added.”

After Marisol left, Aurelia lingered by the table, her gaze drifting to the guest list. Her earlier excitement began to fade as she stared at the page, her thoughts turning inward. The memory of her discussion with Michalis replayed in her mind—You can add anyone you want, agápe mou, provided they pass the background check.

The overwhelming urge to contact David hit her like a freight train, sending her reeling and gasping for air. As she held her new phone, his number displayed on the screen like a daunting challenge, it seemed as though a thousand phantom hands were grasping at her, crushing her chest with suffocating pressure, threatening to consume her whole. Was she about to open a door that led to a dark and irreversible path?

Her fingers hesitated over her phone.We never actually broke up. Inviting him to the party now is the best way to do it, the polite way. We can have closure’ and if he doesn’t want to come, he can always say no, and Michalis said I could invite whoever I want, so grow a pair and call already.

She finally pressed call, her heart racing as the line rang.

“Aurelia?” David’s voice was sharp, a mix of surprise and something else she couldn’t place.

“Hi, David,” she said softly. “I wanted to reach out. I’m helping plan a party, and I thought…well, I thought you might like to come.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line. “A party,” he said flatly. “At his house?”

“It’s…it’s just a party,” she said, a note of defensiveness creeping into her tone. “I thought it would be a good way to?—”

“To what?” David interrupted, his voice harder now. “Show me how happy you are playing the perfect little mafia wife? What happened to a quick annulment? What about us?”

Aurelia flinched, the words hitting her like a slap. “I’m not a mafia wife. Where would you even get an idea like that?” she asked, her voice trembling. “I––you don’t understand?—”

“You’re right,” he said, his voice cooling slightly. “I don’t understand. Because the Aurelia I knew wanted to be with me; she wouldn’t have gotten herself into this mess in the first place. How can you be with him?”

Her throat tightened, hurt and anger warring within her. “I’m sorry, David. I didn’t ‘get myself’ into anything,” she snapped. “And you have no right to judge me.”

David exhaled sharply. “You’re right, again,” he soothed after a moment. “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. I just…Aurelia, you don’t have to stay there. I can get you out. I can help?—”

“I don’t need help,” she said quickly, though the doubt in her voice made her cringe. “I’m fine. And if you don’t want to come to the party, I’ll understand.”

David was silent for a long moment. “No,” he murmured, his tone guarded. “Send me the details. I’ll be there.”

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