Page 52 of Breaking the Annulment

Her heart skipped when she finally spotted David near the entrance. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his sandy blond hair neatly combed back. He wore a tailored navy suit that accentuated his lean frame, his boyish smile lighting up his face. But it wasn’t David that drew Aurelia’s attention—it was the striking woman on his arm. The woman was tall and willowy, her sleek black gown plunging low in the back and glittering with a thousand tiny sequins. Her blonde hair was swept into a high bun, revealing elegant cheekbones and a pair of diamond earrings that sparkled like stars.

David’s gaze swept the room, landing on Aurelia with unmistakable intent. He excused himself from a small group of guests and crossed the room with the blonde trailing behind him.

“Aurelia,” David said warmly, pulling her into a brief hug. “You look incredible.”

“David,” she replied, forcing a smile. “I’m glad you could make it.”

“I wouldn’t miss it.” He stepped back, his eyes flicking briefly to Michalis, then the woman next to him, before landing on her again. “This is my cousin, Tanya Morrow. When she heard I’d been invited by Mrs. Giannopoulos herself, she insisted on coming as my plus-one. I hope you don’t mind, Auri?”

“Of course not. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Morrow.”

Looking at Michalis, Tanya smiled coyly, “Well, I must say, the pleasure is all mine.” Her gaze shifted to Aurelia. “I know David was hoping to catch up with you, but don’t worry, I’ll take good care of your husband while you’re with him.”

Aurelia smiled stiffly. “Everyone wants time with my husband. I’m afraid you may find yourself standing in a long line.”

“Enjoy the party.” Michalis’s expression remained unreadable, though the tension in his body was palpable. He didn’t miss the way David’s gaze lingered on Aurelia, nor the faint smirk that tugged at his lips when he spoke. Michalis’s hand slid from Aurelia’s back to her waist, his grip firm as he steered her toward another group of guests without another word.

The next hour passed in a blur of polite conversations and veiled glances. Aurelia struggled to focus, her mind racing with plans and possibilities. Michalis was ever-present at her side, his presence a steady anchor amid the chaos of her thoughts. When a waiter offered her a champagne flute, Michalis intercepted it smoothly, his voice cutting through the exchange.

“She’ll have juice,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

The waiter nodded, disappearing into the crowd.

Aurelia’s cheeks flushed as she looked up at him. “That wasn’t necessary. I can speak for myself.”

“Don’t start arguing,” he said simply, his voice softening. “I’m not letting you drink.”

Before she could respond, the blonde at David’s side, Tanya, materialized beside them, her lips curving into a practiced smile. “How thoughtful,” she purred, her voice dripping with charm. “But don’t you think you’re being a bit overprotective?” Turning her attention to Aurelia, her smile as false as a three dollar bill, she smirked, “You’re not a child. Are you?”

Aurelia stiffened, heat rising to her cheeks as the woman blatantly insulted her. Her fingers curled instinctively around his arm, her grip tightening.

Michalis arched a brow, his expression cool, but said nothing.

The woman’s smile faltered, but she quickly recovered, leaning in slightly, her hand on Michalis’s forearm, as if to sharea secret. “It’s rare to see a man so devoted.” She cast a sidelong glance at Aurelia that was anything but complimentary.

Aurelia’s pulse quickened, a mix of anger and jealousy surging through her. She stepped forward, placing herself firmly between the woman and Michalis. “Yes, I am exceptionally lucky,” she said, her voice steady despite the fire burning in her chest. “Michalis is a wonderful husband.” She reached back, pulling his hands around her to rest on her stomach. “And a wonderful father-to-be.”

The woman’s eyes widened briefly before narrowing in irritation. “I see,” she said, her smile now brittle. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you,” Aurelia said sweetly, tilting her head. “It was lovely meeting you, but if you’ll excuse us, I’d like to spend a little more time with my husband before the night gets away from us.”

She pulled Michalis behind her to the dance floor.

Michalis chuckled softly, the sound vibrating against her back. He leaned down, wrapping his arms around her, his lips brushing her ear as they swayed to the music. “If I’d known getting you pregnant would make you so possessive, I would’ve tried harder to make it happen sooner.”

Aurelia’s cheeks burned, but she didn’t pull away, instead looking directly at the woman with a smirk of her own. “I don’t see how you could have; you’ve beenveryattentive, Mr. Giannopoulos.” She turned her attention back to Michalis, and for the rest of the dance, lay her head on his chest and closed her eyes, focused on making memories.

After two more songs, she pulled back ever so slightly, her heart breaking. “I’m tired. I think I’d like to go upstairs.”

He looked down at her, concern flickering across his features. “Of course,” he said, brushing a hand over her cheek. “I’ll come with you.”

“No. You should stay. I can make it up a few stairs on my own. You should keep an eye on our guests.”

“I don’t care about them. I care about my wife.”

She placed her hand on his cheek, barely holding her tears in check. “I know, and I love you for it, but I’ll be fine. I promise.”

He froze. “You love me?”

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