Husband With Benefits
Chapter 98: Engaged

Chapter 98: Engaged

"It brings me great pleasure to introduce Arabelle, not only as my Goddaughter but also as the future daughter-in-law of our family, and the future of our hearts and home—the Frosts!"

A collective buzz of excitement rippled through the room as the significance of the announcement sunk in. The crowd exchanged glances, speculation running wild.

Someone commented incredulously, "What is this? Demon Frost has been parading his woman all evening and suddenly he is going to turn around and get engaged to Arabelle?"

"Oh please, this is the world of the mighty Frosts. Do you think he is marrying Arabelle for love? The woman he dotes on is the one he has been showing off while marrying Arabelle is more of a business venture. Consider this an announcement of a partnership between these two large groups of companies."

"Where is that mistress? I need to see her face? She must be so shocked. She’d been trying to steal the spotlight from Arabelle on her birthday, now that vicious girl will not be able to do anything."

"This is some soap opera material right here."

"Well, it is. Because I have heard that Demon Frost is actually married to the girl. I have a friend who works in the Civil Affairs Bureau, and he told me he’d seen Demon Frost bring someone in a few months ago..."

"I always thought these fancy high society parties were dull. But this is like a reality show in designer attire."

Amidst the guests, Nora moved to stand next to Demetri, her expression a mix of confusion and curiosity but nothing that would give the jealous people satisfaction. She raised her brows at him, and whispered," Is your grandfather trying to make you commit bigamy?"

Demetri grimaced and sent a glance her way and then turned back towards the stage," I’ll go take a look."

However, before Demetri could even step forward to question his grandfather, the old man continued," I, now invite my grandson to come forward and join his bride-to-be on the stage."

At this moment, Demetri froze. His eyes met his grandfather’s across the room and both men stared each other down, neither willing to bend or back off. There was no way in hell that he was going to walk towards that stage now, Demetri seemed to say. Nora, well aware that every eye was trained on them, simply wound her arm through his and looked at him coquettishly, teasing him," Uh oh. Are we playing the dance and freeze game?"

Arabelle looked through the crowd at Demetri and hardened her heart to see him standing there motionless with his arm still entwined with that woman. This man did not give her any dignity at all. Since he was willing to stoop so low, she was going to see just how low he would go. With a smile, she looked at Elijah Frost and shook her head," Great uncle, I’ll go to him."

Just then, before Arabelle could take a step, another figure emerged from the crowd. Gabe stepped forward walking towards the stage slowly, holding a small bouquet of flowers as the spotlight shone on him. The room collectively gasped as it became apparent that the announcement was not about Demetri and Arabelle but rather about Arabelle and Gabe.

Amidst applause and cheers of congratulations, Gabe stepped forward and slowly caught Arabelle’s hand, bringing it to his lips to place a small kiss there.

"What a plot twist. The only thing needed is some popcorn..." Nora murmured with amusement.

However, as she turned to look at her husband and caught a glimpse of his grim face, she could not help but speculate," You are not happy that you did not have to get engaged to Miss Arabelle? Don’t tell me you’ve just realized that you are in love with her."

The lights dimmed and Gabe escorted the beaming Arabelle down from the stage towards the dance floor as the band started to play soft music.

Demetri exhaled softly and murmured," She is not worthy of Gabe. She’ll break his heart."

"How are you so sure?"

Demetri sighed," There are things I know. Come, let’s dance."

In an unexpected move, Demetri asked Nora to dance as other couples joined the dance floor. This was yet another surprising move on Demetri’s part and the guests could only stare in wonder as the man took the beautiful woman in his arms, instantly becoming the centre of attention.

Nora blinked as she realized this new change in plan and quickly placed her hand on his shoulder. However, she soon realized that this was going to be a problem for her.

All through the evening, Demetri’s hand seemed to have been glued to her waist, his finger even occasionally slipping through the slit to slide under her dress, caressing the curve of her waist. This had kept her hyper-aware of his closeness throughout. She’d even tried to inconspiciouly distance herself from him but it had been of no use.

They were standing too close. She could smell the faint scent of his body and she was immediately reminded of when she had placed her head on his chest and breathed in this scent. She glanced up at him from under her eyelashes, but it was still too much, he was too dashing.

Suddenly, Demetri’s voice sounded close to her ear and she could practically hear his rare smile in it," Why are you nervous? Your pulse is racing. Mrs. Frost, are you having a heart attack?"

Nora narrowed her eyes. This man! She was now coming to understand him really well. He was too petty. Just because she had teased him, he was teasing her back now.

She forced a smile and looked at him in the eye as she spoke through clenched teeth," Of course not Mr. Frost. There is no need for me to be nervous."

Demetri raised an eyebrow as if she had laid down a challenge and he had accepted. Before she could refute this, his hand pulled her closer as his fingers tightened over her waist, pinching her lightly.

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