Page 93 of The Billionaire's Betrayal
When we left the courthouse, an immense relief washed over me.Finally, this dark chapter of our lives was closing, allowing us to definitively turn the page.
55.Return to the stage
TRISTAN
I had carefully chosen the date of my return to the professional scene.Tonight was one of Paris's largest networking galas, bringing together the most influential partners and investors on the international stage.This wasn't just a social event, but an opportunity to show that I was back, ready to take the reins again.This evening, in a private art gallery, represented the ideal occasion.
Eva and I were getting ready side by side in our bedroom.As I buttoned my white shirt, Eva, dressed only in her fine lingerie, was drying her hair, radiant and incredibly beautiful.More than five months pregnant, her belly was rounding day by day, and I marveled at seeing this life growing inside her.As she searched through the closet to choose a dress, I gently interrupted her, a smile on my lips, and handed her a large garment bag.
"What's this?"she asked, intrigued.
Clara had helped me choose this gift, and I sincerely hoped Eva would appreciate it.When she opened the bag, her eyes widened in surprise at discovering a silk chiffon dress, from one of the most prestigious boutiques in Paris.The dress, in subtle shades of purple, was adorned with delicate embroidery around the bodice.
"It's gorgeous," Eva whispered, visibly moved, before placing a kiss on my lips."Help me put it on."
The dress slid over her skin with perfect fluidity, and the result was breathtaking.The fabric elegantly highlighted her silhouette, while the chiffon danced around her legs.
"You look radiant, Eva."
She smiled at me, happy.
"You look very handsome too," she whispered, nestling against me."Thank you for this beautiful gift."
I savored the sweetness of this moment, then she helped me adjust my tie, which matched her dress.After styling her hair in a delicate chignon and applying light makeup, she took out the pendant I had given her for Christmas so I could fasten it.I took the opportunity to place kisses on her neck and behind her ear.
"You are absolutely stunning," I whispered.
She paused, surprised by the intensity of my gaze, before smiling shyly, her cheeks slightly flushed.
"Let's go then, Mr.de La Tour," she said with a tender smile as she slipped her hand into mine.
I gently squeezed her fingers, a wave of happiness washing over me.Tonight, all eyes would be on me, but I wasn't afraid.I was ready to face the world.And especially with the most incredible woman by my side.
We arrived at the art gallery, an elegant venue bathed in soft light.Contemporary works adorned the walls, and the guests, gathered in small groups, turned at our entrance.A murmur spread through the room, a moment of silence settled before conversations resumed.
I glanced at Eva.She stood straight, a serene smile on her lips.She was radiant.Still holding her hand, I guided her through the room, greeting investors and strategic partners who watched us with renewed attention.This gesture, I knew, meant a lot: I was making our relationship official in everyone's eyes.It was my way of saying that Eva wasn't just my professional partner, but also the woman of my life.
During the evening, many acquaintances came to greet us, and I couldn't help but notice the envious looks some gave Eva.The way she had taken the reins in my absence and successfully completed the fundraising had become known, and everyone finally realized that she was a force to be reckoned with.Even Lazarus Rousseau understood this.When his gaze met Eva's, he inclined his head slightly in a sign of respect.The message was clear: Eva had beaten him, and he acknowledged her achievement.
We stopped near Claire Lacombe and Steve, who welcomed us with warm smiles.
"Eva!"Claire exclaimed."You look beautiful tonight.I believe congratulations are in order," she added, glancing at our joined hands and Eva's rounded belly.
I looked at Eva, and in her eyes, I saw pride and joy shining.Claire was right, congratulations were in order.My heart was overflowing with happiness.Tonight, nothing else mattered but this perfect moment, with Eva by my side.
We hadn't simply returned to our starting point.We had changed.We weren't the same as before.What we had today was much stronger, much deeper than before.Our relationship had transformed, taking root in something more solid, more true.
I realized then that all these trials, though painful, had been necessary.It was like a violent storm that had ravaged everything, leaving behind only the foundations of what we were.And on these foundations, we were rebuilding something new.Something stronger.
I remembered the Tristan from a few months ago, the one who doubted, the one who sought answers outside rather than confronting his own fears.The one who had almost lost everything because he hadn't understood the value of what he already possessed.
I had naively believed that our love was something acquired, definitive.I had believed that I could be negligent without risking destroying everything.But I had been wrong.It was in risking losing Eva that I had understood the truth.Because, in that moment of despair, I had been forced to face my own flaws, to confront my insecurities, my doubts.
And now, I knew.True love didn't just survive storms.It emerged greater, transformed.
Feeling my gaze on her, Eva turned to me, and our eyes met.In her eyes, I saw a reflection of this new depth.We were no longer the same.She too had changed, grown.And the love I saw in her eyes overwhelmed me.
"What is it?"she asked softly, a smile in her voice, observing me with curiosity.
