Chapter 20 The Belle of the Ball
Hugh found himself equally stunned, but for different reasons. The beautiful figure had completely captivated him, and for a moment, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. When she turned to show her profile, Hugh realized it was Anne, and he was dumbfounded.
He couldn’t understand why he hadn’t known she would be attending the gala.
Her unique evening gown showcased her perfect proportions, while the lighting illuminated her flawless, smooth skin. Hugh furrowed his brow in confusion–how had he never noticed Anne’s delicate beauty before? With just a touch of makeup, she looked like a completely different person.
As Hugh found himself involuntarily comparing Anne to Alicia, he suddenly realized there was no comparison to be made. The two women were in entirely different leagues.
Anne’s entrance had undeniably made her the center of attention, drawing every eye in the room.
“Who is she?” The question buzzed through the crowd as everyone’s attention focused on the mysterious woman.
Several bold gentlemen seized the opportunity, approaching Anne with wine glasses in hand and attempting to strike up conversations.
Chapter 20 The Belle of the Ball
Anne handled their advances with graceful ease, smoothly deflecting their attention by introducing the female friend accompanying her. After exchanging brief pleasantries, she politely excused herself from the situation.
2/6
Hugh observed the entire scene with growing irritation. That last man’s eyes had lingered far too long on Anne, and his intentions were painfully obvious. Hugh felt his frustration mounting–why was Anne even here? She usually avoided these public social events like the plague.
So why was she here tonight? And why did she have to look so damn stunning?
Hugh had to admit that even he had found himself momentarily transfixed when he first caught sight of her.
Anne was laughing at something Grace had said when she happened to glance in Hugh’s direction. The moment their eyes met, her warm smile instantly froze into an icy expression.
Hugh’s body tensed under her gaze. He straightened his posture and tried to compose himself, planning to approach her. But Anne was already making her way toward him with purposeful
strides.
She moved across the room with elegant precision, coming to a stop directly in front of Hugh. Her cool gaze briefly swept over Alicia and Tina, who stood nearby.
Anne’s eyebrow raised slightly as she noted that Alicia was
Chapter 20 The Belle of the Ball
3/6
indeed wearing the dress from that day. Finally, she turned her attention back to Hugh, her face a mask of calm as she asked, “Am I interrupting something?”
Anne turned away and said casually to Grace beside her, “Grace, let’s go somewhere else.”
“Sure,” Grace agreed smoothly, linking her arm with Anne’s as they prepared to leave.
“Anne!”
Hugh strode forward to block Anne’s path. He gazed at her for a moment before breaking into a smile. “Anne, how can you say that? I never expected to see you here. You… you look absolutely stunning today.” His eyes swept appreciatively over her appearance. “Anne, you’re beautiful today.”
Anne met Hugh’s gaze with cool indifference. “Mr. Carter, your compliments make me feel rather guilty. Aren’t you worried about making your date jealous?” As she spoke, she cast a pointed glance at Alicia and Tina.
Alicia caught Anne’s look, and her eyes blazed with unmistakable anger.
Hugh hesitated for a moment before quickly explaining, “What are you saying, Anne? As the head of the Carter Group, I’m here for this charity gala. I just arrived a little while ago and ran into Alicia and her friend. We were in the middle of a conversation
when I spotted you. Really, Anne, seeing you here is such a wonderful surprise.”
Chapter 20 The Belle of the Ball
Hugh was trying to curry favor with Anne while Alicia was barely containing her rage. Anne could easily imagine that if circumstances were different, Alicia would have already lunged at her in a fight.
“Why are you so surprised? This is a charity gala. All the elite families of Celestine were invited. If you two can be here, why can’t I?” Anne raised an eyebrow delicately. “Or perhaps you’re not happy
to see me?”
“Anne, how could you say that?” Hugh quickly jumped to his own defense. “You’re the woman I love most in this world. I’ve always dreamed of having you by my side at events like this. But you never seemed to enjoy these gatherings, and I didn’t want to pressure you into attending just for my sake.”
Hugh’s words were full of emotion, but they made Anne sound like she had been difficult or high–maintenance.
Anne’s eyes flickered briefly between Hugh’s tie and Alicia’s dress, noting their matching colors. She clicked her tongue softly. “You know, you’ve made me realize how wrong I was before.”
Hugh furrowed his brow in confusion, unsure of what Anne meant.
“You’re right. I used to avoid these events,” Anne continued, her smile fading. “I was blind to reality, living in my own little bubble. But now? I want to experience the world for what it truly is.”
Chapter 20 The Belle of the Ball
5/6
The strange undertone in Anne’s words made Hugh uncomfortable, though he couldn’t quite put his finger on why.
“Anne, I’m so glad you came to the gala tonight,” Hugh said, stepping toward her. “There are many distinguished guests here. Would you like me to show you around?” He reached for her hand as he spoke.
Anne gracefully stepped aside, causing Hugh to grasp at empty
air.
“Hugh, do you still love me?” Anne asked, looking directly into his eyes with an intense gaze.
Hugh interpreted her question as a sign that his sweet talk had worked. Without hesitation, he responded earnestly, “Anne, I just told you. You’re the only one I love. I will love you and only you for the rest of my life.”
“Really?” Anne gazed at Hugh with what appeared to be genuine emotion as if his words had touched her heart.
“Anne, haven’t you forgotten what I’ve always told you? You’re the woman I love most in this world. My love for you will never change.” Hugh raised his right hand in front of everyone nearby and continued, “I swear that every word I’ve said to Anne is-”
“That’s enough. This is a gala, not a church. There’s a time and place for making oaths,” Anne cut him off with mock seriousness, her tone neutral.
Chapter 20 The Belle of the Ball
Hugh mistook her interruption for concern. He immediately moved closer, standing right next to her. “You always
6/6
understand me so well, Anne. I’m so happy you came tonight.”
Anne glanced at Hugh standing beside her with disgust. His behavior had completely changed the moment he got close to her–his desperate need to stick by her side made her stomach
turn.
She noticed how many men in the room were watching her, all clearly interested in approaching her. Hugh’s possessive behavior was obviously meant to send a message to everyone else that she was already his property.
Anne didn’t reject Hugh’s gesture, but her attention remained fixed on Alicia.
When Alicia met Anne’s gaze, a chill ran down her spine. That single look made her feel completely exposed as if Anne could see right through her.
B
Write your comment
