The Sweetest Temptation
Chapter 252: Captivated

Chapter 252: Captivated

"You seem so tense, especially when you avert your gaze in that direction." He added, pointing with his thumb and replacing it back in hers.

At impulse, she averted her gaze to the floor, taking her hands to her chest. "I don’t know either."

"But, I do," came an unexpected voice, injecting a cheerful note into the charged atmosphere. It was a voice that she knew all too well, and it brought a surge of elation to her being.

"Mr. Gerald!" She exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over. She instinctively lifted the elegant fabrics of her gown, intending to make her way toward him. However, the constricting nature of the dress hindered her movements, and the decorum of the occasion weighed on her mind.

Public displays of personal relations were frowned upon in such esteemed circles, seen as an ostentatious show of influence.

Suppressing her eagerness, she composed herself and patiently awaited Gerald’s attention, allowing him to conclude his conversation with the man whose name, she later discovered, was Jim.

"Thank you so much, Jim. I’ll take it from here," Gerald stated with an air of authority. Jim released her hand with a hint of hesitation, revealing his unspoken desire to linger. Perhaps he was naturally reserved, venturing in the realm of social gatherings out of duty rather than inclination. Nonetheless, he had played his role as a host and now retreated, leaving her to the company of Gerald.

When he was gone, Gerald took a step backward, executing a chivalrous bow with his hand gracefully extended. The gesture gave off an old-world charm that was both endearing and captivating.

"Ms. Stella," Gerald addressed her formally, his tone laced with admiration, "would you do me the honor of giving me this dance?"

"I would love to!"

She placed her hand in Gerald’s firm grip, allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor once again. In that moment, her mind was freed from the nagging thoughts of another man being captivated by women who were not her. She refused to let any hint of sorrow taint her joy, confident that Gerald would ensure her happiness remained intact.

But as they swayed to the music, Stella couldn’t help but voice her frustrations. "Where have you been? I’ve been left alone in this unfamiliar room, feeling like a complete stranger," She whined, her tone revealing a hint of vulnerability.

Gerald’s expression softened and he reached out to caress her cheek. "I’m truly sorry, Stella. Please, forgive me. We were occupied with the details of organizing this party. When I approached you earlier, I was finalizing the staff hiring procedure for the hotel."

Curiosity piqued, Stella inquired, "Who owns this place? It seems you and Jim are overseeing everything."

A smug smile graced his face as he revealed the truth. "That would be me," he stated with a hint of satisfaction, as though owning such an establishment was merely another triumph in his remarkable journey, hardly causing him any trouble.

Stella’s eyes widened in disbelief as her mind raced to comprehend the revelation. How could this unassuming man who held her in his arms, gracefully gliding across the dance floor, be the owner of the grand establishment hosting the extravagant party?

"So, you’re saying you own all of this? Everything?" she asked, her voice tinged with astonishment.

Gerald’s enthusiasm shone through as he confirmed, "Yes, indeed. In fact, I have plans to acquire an island for an exotic destination project. That’s why I reached out to Matteo. He has a stellar reputation across the continent, and his industrious nature makes him the perfect partner for such an endeavour."

At the mention of Mateo’s name, Stella couldn’t help but feel a pang of longing mixed with pain. She fought against the urge to cast her gaze toward the spot where he had stood earlier with the woman from earlier. Revealing her vulnerability to his actions was not an option. She would endure the emotional trouble until she could numb herself to the memories.

Gerald, sensing her distraction, interrupted her chain of hurtful thoughts. "What’s on your mind?" He inquired, his voice laced with genuine concern.

Stella attempted to mask her hurt with a sheepish smile. "Oh, haha, did it show? I was just lost in thoughts, nothing important," She replied, attempting to suppress the ache in her words.

Gerald’s brow furrowed slightly as he caught the underlying hurt in her tone. "If it’s truly nothing, why did you ask if I noticed?" he pressed gently, his concern growing.

Stella’s gaze locked with Gerald’s, and in that moment, a silent understanding passed between them. His lively eyes held a spark of trust, suggesting that he was someone she could confide in. However, she hesitated to discuss her inner turmoil with another man, especially one who had been showering her with attention, just like she yearned for from Matteo.

Letting out a heavy sigh, she leaned closer to Gerald, seeking solace in his presence. Sensing her need to unburden herself, he gently broached the subject. "Is it your boss?" He asked.

Stella’s head shot up, surprise and panic was evident in her voice as she replied. "How did you know?!" she exclaimed, desperately searching his gaze for any signs of disappointment. Yet, to her relief, she found only genuine amusement reflected in his eyes.

Men are masters of concealing their thoughts. She mused within her.

"I noticed you stealing glances at him, especially when he was with that woman earlier," He explained, confirming her suspicions.

Earlier?

She turned her head to scan the area, and true to Gerald’s words, Matteo was no longer in sight. Where had he disappeared to? Probably seeking pleasure in the company of other women, she thought bitterly, her gaze returning to Gerald with a resigned smugness.

"What’s with the face?" She questioned.

"Come here," Gerald replied, pulling her closer, urging her to rest her head against his chest. Stella complied, seeking comfort in his embrace.

"Is this okay? I don’t want to have to deal with an offended spouse," He joked, causing both of them to chuckle.

"You’re right. We’ll need to handle this situation with care to avoid any misunderstandings. But Jim is a very understanding person. If we explain everything to him, I’m sure he won’t have a problem," Gerald assured her, his grip tightening around her.

"Jim?" Stella detached herself slightly, wanting to study his face, trying to determine if he was serious about his words.

"Oh, I should have mentioned it earlier. You didn’t know?" Jim is my husband."

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