Nine months too late: After divorce

When Sylvie reached home, she found Evie smoking on the staircase.

Her brows knitted together in confusion. She was aware that Evie smoked, but she always did it in a private corner. Obviously, when their grandfather wasn't home, Evie didn't care about keeping anything private.

As always, Sylvie climbed the stairs and tried to ignore her. It wasn't just her, Evie hardly spoke to anyone in the house. Sylvie had never seen her cracking a joke with even her own sister-June. "Yesterday was entertaining," To her outmost surprise, Evie spoke up.

Sylvie stopped walking, three steps ahead of her. Although, the smoke inconvenienced her, she was more intrigued by the fact that the quiet, short-tempered sister was speaking to her for the first time on her own accord. "And impressive," Evie added, tapping the end of her cigar on the step below her. "Never knew you had it in you."

Turning slightly, she leaned her back against the wall so she could look at Sylvie. "I was wondering when you'd finally get it up and stop letting those bitches take what is yours. Guess you aren't so dumb afterall."

There was a certain shadow in her eyes. If Evie hadn't been born into a rich family, she'd have probably been one of those girls who enjoyed living on the streets. Most times, Evie acted like she had no interest in the family and company and wished she were somewhere else.

Not knowing what reaction to give, Sylvie smiled. "Thanks... I guess?"

Evie scoffed, turning away and returning to her cigarette. Shaking her head, Sylvie proceeded to her room.

**********

"I think this shade is perfect!"

"Come on, Sylvie, don't add any more of it."

""Yes. Let's do this."

"No! Of course, I'm sure. I was a pro at makeup, remember?"

Ruby went on, giving Sylvie directions on what to wear and apply through the video call. They've been at it for the past one hour, and while Sylvie had been protesting most of the time, it turned out to be really good. She was putting on a long, flowing gown of deep gold, the lavish material swirling around her like a golden wave.

Although ur wasn't made by her, it was extremely fine.

Her makeup was dark-Ruby's suggestions-and her hair was brushed backwards with a center parting in front. In the end, a part of her was glad she'd listened to Ruby because she turned out looking really pretty. Ruby

had been extra happy over the past three days after learning of the whole she and Astrid drama. She was glad that Sylvie's work had been acknowledged and helped them get the timeless Tale deal.

"By the way, tell me you'll be at the En Vogue Affair weekend." Ruby said while Sylvie fixed her earrings.

"Come on, Ruby, are we still on this?" Sylvie pouted.

And there it went-Ruby spending the next couple of minutes stating her points while Sylvie wore her jewelries.

She didn't have any bold necklace on. Her dress was covered to the top and a necklace on it wasn't necessary. But beneath

the dress was her favorite piece of jewelery, even if it was useless now.

66% +5

The En Vogue Affair I was one of the biggest shows that held annually in the country. A lot of people were going to be in attendance, with high fashion brands displaying their works. At the end of the nights, the finest dresses were bidded on..

It was actually a show no business person wanted to miss as they be guests from all over the world. The talk has been on for months, and Ruby has been trying to convince Sylvie to give it a try, but Sylvie weren't so confident in her works, and maybe herself. She heard that June and Astrid would be presenting a dress under the Astréa Label name, but how could Sylvie even present any dress when the family was yet to announce her to the public

In the eyes of people, she was the daughter that didn't exist.

Fully dressed and ready to go, she bid Ruby bye, promising to call enr after the party and tell her how it all went.

Sylvie and the rest of the family were attending a popular man's birthday party. She'd been surprised when the previous day, her grandfather asked if she'd love to go with them.

Sylvie had been hesitant at first, not sure she wanted to give parties another try considering what happened the last time, but after getting to know that 'she' would be there, she changed her mind. Sylvie wanted to see her.

As she grabbed her black stoned purse, her eyes fell on the polythene bags on the floor. A smile touched her lips, knowing the two tablets were safe in it.

She'd gotten them earlier that day and planned on the visiting the school again. Sylvie didn't know what was wrong with her, but when she drove past a gadget shop earlier that morning, she couldn't resist pulling over and getting the expensive tablets.

She imagined the excitement on Asher's face when he sees his new tablet. At least, he wouldn't have to run off with Bridget's

own anymore.

She chuckled to herself, checked herself one last time in the mirror and exited the room.

******

The birthday party was nothing short of luxury. Although, Sylvie had arrived with her family, it didn't guarantee that she was one of them. The people could easily think she was just an assistant or a family friend.

Her sisters easily mingled, being acquainted with most of the guests, but Sylvie had a more difficult time and had to keep herself busy at a random table.

But she could feel a lot of people eyes on her. It's been that way since she arrived, and she had noticed Astrid being angry as always.

But Sylvie was glad she didn't feel so nervous like before. Although, there was still a part of her skin that crawled and a tiny voice telling her to run away from the crowd. But Sylvie stood her grounds, forcing herself to 'enjoy' the party, even though she knew that wasn't possible.

How could she when the she-devil was right there, across the room? Laughing with guests while having her hand wrapped around 'his.'

Sylvie's anger boiled over. That should've been her. She might have still been with Kage had the she-devil not destroyed

them.

Even now, she was still dressed like her-wearing an imitation of one of Sylvie's favorite dresses. Her hair was even styled in Sylvie's favorite style. How imitating could she be?

Sylvie hated her. And for the first time, she wanted to really hurt someone. She wanted Cindy to feel pain and experience

Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

half of what she'd been forced to endure for four years.

"Hey," A warm, familiar voice greeted Sylvie before he showed up beside her, dragging her attention from the witch.

Goosebumps instantly filled her skin as she stared at Machai, his familiar oud perfume reaching her nose.

She stiffened. Why was he with her? Will Kage not get mad if he found one of his friends speaking to her? She really didn't want another glass of wine being broken at her feet.

"Hi," She muttered, nervously lifting her glass to her lips and taking a sip.

"You look..." he swept his gaze over her. "... gorgeous," he finished with a smile.

"Thanks."

He let out a low chuckle as he stood before her, staring at the expanse of guests before them.

Sylvie felt hot, and it only started after he joined her. She didn't like being around any man anymore. She's grown to hate physical touch, plus there was something about this particular man beside her that always made her unsettled.

It was like a hint at someone dangerous. And thinking of it, it was the same way she felt when she was with Kage at Oasis. "Does it feel weird being in the same room with him, watching him while he touches another woman?" Machai suddenly asked, his tone calm and simply inquisitive. Sylvie's feet wobbled. From where they stood, they could both stare at Kage and Cindy from the throng of guests. "Well..." She shrugged, not knowing how to finish the statement

Kage wasn't exactly touching her. Instead, it looked more like it was Cindy wanting to touch him. But it didn't change the fact that they were together

"I was here at the last party, you know? Where he spilled drink on you." He tilted his head to look at her. "He was wrong that."

Sylvie's throat tightened. Offering no response, she reached for her glass of wine again, taking another sip.

"But I wouldn't really blame him either, considering all he's been through," he added, surprising Sylvie.

When she looked at him, he'd returned his gaze to the guests.

"You're a nice lady, you know? You're pretty and gorgeous. I'm damn sure you'll meet a good enough man soon enough." Yeah, but there wasn't a chance in hell that was ever going to happen. Sylvie was tired of giving love any more tries. She'd been deceived, manipulated, and broken, all in love. Never again was she allowing herself feel such a dangerous emotion. Despite herself, her eyes were dragged to the man across the room. She wasn't sure she could love anyone

anymore.

aside him

for

He wasn't her first, but he was going to be her last. Kage had loved her in a way she wasn't sure she could be loved by anyone else. He was also the one that had 'ruined' her. She remembered when he always 'chose' her even when she wasn't confident in herself.

'You're my partner. Everyone knows that already. If I have to go to the party with anyone other than you, I might end up strangling her!

Even now, his words made her smile.

Machai spent a little more time with her, bringing up little unimportant topics. He finally left when a guest came up and took him away. Sylvie kept her eyes trained on Cindy.

After what felt like an eternity later, she found Cindy walking out of the hall.

Sylvie wasted no time, going after her.

Her heart continued thundering in her chest as she kept a tail on Cindy who went far away from the noise of the party to answer a phone call. Standing in a safe distance, she watched as Cindy spoke into the phone in front of the pool, laughing with whoever she was speaking to.

Sylvie's heart tightened with rage. How could she be so happy after ruining her life? After making sure that Sylvie didn't have a reason to smile anymore?

She tried to stop herself, convince herself that it was a bad idea. This' could escalate. Then, her grandfather would be mad and Kage would probably want to get back at her for confronting his woman.

But the pain in her heart was more than her sense of reasoning. She damned the consequences and stepped forward.