Husband With Benefits
Chapter 95: The Birthday Girl

Chapter 95: The Birthday Girl

Arabelle stood before the grand entrance of the opulent ballroom, her heart fluttering like a caged bird. It was her 26th birthday, a day she had been eagerly awaiting, but the anxiety had her in its grip. Tonight was the night all her dreams were going to come true. She’d been battling with uncertainty for so long, but Great Uncle had promised to announce her engagement tonight as the future Mrs. Frost. However, she could not help but feel something was off. Uncle Elijah had sounded so distracted when he’d told her that she had to maintain a happy facade no matter what happened. Why would he say something so cryptic?

She took a deep breath to calm her racing thoughts. She must be overthinking things. Maybe he just wanted to remind her to keep her poise and not be too forward. She looked down at the soft green dress that she had chosen for the occasion. It would be a perfect match for the diamond necklace that Demetri had chosen for her. It was for this reason that she had even kept her neck bare, she wanted him to put that necklace on her. Summoning her resolve, she raised her chin and entered the ballroom.

With every eye on her as she entered the ballroom, Arabelle felt her confidence soar. As she looked at the sea of people with their admiring gazes, she knew that she was the most enchanting of all and no one would be able to steal the spotlight from her tonight. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, and her delicate smile radiated the joy that danced in her heart.

As she moved through the crowd, she graciously accepted the birthday wishes from the eager guests. However, as she wove her way towards Great Uncle, she could not help but worry. Uncle Elijah was there along with Ian, Gabe, Seb and Lucien... but no sign of Demetri. Where was he? She watched as the Frost men soon dispersed in the crowd, with Gabe making his way towards her. There was something in his eyes that warned her, sending alarm bells ringing through her. She did not want to talk to him, she realized. She did not wish to see the way he looked at her, as if he could see into her soul. It made her feel uncomfortable.

Hurriedly, she looked around before moving to seek refuge near a glistening fountain on the grand terrace, where she took a moment to grab some water from a passing waiter and collect herself.

However, in the next moment, she wished she had not done so. Nearby, two guests conversed in hushed voices, unaware of her proximity. "It’s a shame that Arabelle is going to marry into the Frost family. Old man Frost is really smart, keeping the gem close to him."

As she preened, she heard another person talk in hushed tones," I don’t think so. I’ve heard a most intriguing rumours. They say Demon Frost is already married."

Arabelle’s heart skipped a beat, and she strained to eavesdrop on the conversation, her pulse quickening with dread.

Just then another guest chimed in, her words dripping with spite. "And he’s awfully protective of his wife, you know. He’s even imposed a gag order on his staff to shield her from prying eyes."

"I heard she’s nearly fourteen years younger than him," another gossiper mused, her tone tinged with disdain. "Practically a trophy wife or sugar baby, they say."

"Of course that serves Arabelle right. She does think that she is above the rest of us."

The conversation turned lewd from there as the women discussed about a dangerous man like Demon Frost protecting a young lamb... and then to pity the poor Miss Arabelle for waiting for a man who had no interest in her.

However, these guests had no idea that their malicious words had almost unravelled Arabelle’s world. She needed to talk to Uncle Elijah. Only then she would be reassured. However, she had barely stepped out from behind the fountain when the entrance door opened once again, inciting a ripple of murmurs.

Demetri stepped into the ballroom, the very embodiment of charisma and allure. His arm was wrapped around the waist of a young woman, enchanting and resplendent in a rose gold-coloured gown. Her neck shimmered with pale pink diamonds that caught the light, radiating a soft, ethereal glow. Their arrival was like a scene from a fairy tale, but it felt like a dagger through Arabelle’s heart. Tears glistened on her lashes as she stared at the scene. Those diamonds were supposed to be for her!

Her cheeks flushed with anger and her fingers clenched tightly, leaving moon-like indents in her palms as rage and humiliation threatened to consume her. How dare he ruin her birthday like this! How could he bring his mistress to her party, parading her right under her nose when today was the day their engagement was going to be announced?

However, she had barely taken a few steps when a hand on her arm forcefully stopped her. She turned her head sharply and glared at the man. "How dare you touch me? Let go of my hand!"

"Don’t," Gabe said firmly, his voice devoid of sympathy. "I know what you’re thinking, but this won’t end well. You need to step away, for your own sake."

"I know what is good for me and what isn’t, Gabe. I don’t need you to lecture me." She tried to step away from him forcefully, but the man was immovable like a wall.

"Listen to me," he implored, his voice carrying the weight of urgency. "You confronting them won’t change anything. It’ll only tarnish your own image and cause you more pain."

"I don’t care! I will make that bi*ch pay and teach her a lesson for trying to snatch Demetri from me!"

Gabe looked around and breathed a sigh of relief when he noticed that everyone’s attention was centered on the entrance and made Arabelle look at him forcefully," Do you want to make Demetri your enemy? Because if you dare to do anything to Nora, he will not spare you. And then no one not even our grandfather will be able to save you."

Arabelle’s rage collided with Gabe’s unyielding strength at this moment, leaving an anxious atmosphere between them

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