For Better, For Worse: The Serpent's Contract Wife

Chapter 126: Twin Chauffeur

In the end, I was crowded in a way. Shortly after Luca and Dante’s appearance, Mrs. Valmont came to congratulate me.

I had to step out and take a picture with the cast mates and production team.

I got more flowers, but the amount of them didn’t rival the calla lilies covering every inch of my dressing room.

I had an odd feeling that Zade purposely sent them because he knew I’d get flowers and probably wanted his to be plenty.

It was a silly thought anyway. But there was this nagging feeling that was his intention.

Luca told me Zade had come to my performance and stayed until the end before he left for an urgent business meeting away from the city.

I still don’t know how I feel about that because the whole time tonight, I was kinda hoping I would see a tall figure in dark clothing. Or perhaps when I got back to my dressing room, he would be there.

I eyed the mirror. I had changed out of costume into comfortable clothes, but I had left my hair and makeup, a part of me still embodying the role because I didn’t wanna feel like myself. At least not for the moment.

I was a disaster, both physically and mentally. I got these questions that I needed answers to, but there was one thing that bordered all that.

I licked my lips and lowered my gaze as I pulled out the drawer to take out the card.

I was intertwined in a net with Shane, the kind I can’t crawl out from after what Clara said. It didn’t occur to me then because I was so angry and felt... betrayed.

I should never have gotten involved with Shane.

Setting aside my anger and pain had helped me realize that error. He used Clara to get to me, and took advantage of the hate I had toward Zade.

Proving my loyalty. Whatever that means can’t be good.

Swallowing back the nerves breaking inside me, I opened the card and saw a date, written in calligraphy.

This coming Saturday. Three days from now.

I squeezed the card and hurled it in the crash can, rubbing my temples as I rested my elbows on the table.

Was Shane and Clara toying with me or something?

And here I thought I was gonna find out something about this mess I have gotten myself into.

They clearly don’t trust me. Well, I don’t trust them either.

But I knew one thing: I had to attend this function; there was no backing out now, and I knew simply telling them ’No’ wasn’t gonna cut it.

I clutched my bag and stepped out of my dressing room.

Through the backstage, I emerged into the theater where I heard loud laughter echoing, and it was oddly familiar.

I caught sight of Dante and Luca. They are still here.

I made my way down the stairs and trekked to them.

"What are you two still doing here? Everyone left ages ago."

"Well, we were waiting for you, sis," Luca replied, still caught up in his amusement.

I didn’t even wanna begin asking what had him laughing his ass off.

"We’re here to take you home."

Home.

I shifted the sentiment away and looked toward Dante.

"And you? Shouldn’t you be away with your big brother as his secretary?"

"Temporary secretary," he corrected.

"All the more reason you should be there."

"Elliot is..." He rose to his feet, adjusting the collar of his coat. "So I don’t need to be."

"Charming."

He pinned me down with a look. Always looking like he wanna strangle me.

"Okay!" Luca shot up to his feet and hooked his arm on Dante’s shoulder. "We get it that you two don’t get along."

"Ya think?" Dante shot back at him.

"Obviously, it’s the past experience that still lingers. But hey! The big bros are out of town, so let’s get to bonding."

"Bonding?" I questioned.

"How about we make a stop for dinner? I know a place."

"I’ll pass..." Dante and I said in unison.

I glared at him, and he did right back, so I rolled my eyes and walked down the aisle to the entrance.

"Wait!" Luca called as he hurried after me.

I need to be alone. Is that too much to ask? I get that whenever I was alone, I couldn’t silence the thoughts in my head, but I would really prefer to be near Jade than the twins.

I searched my bag for my car key. I was sure I put it in here somewhere.

"Looking for this?"

I whipped my head to Dante, holding up my key fob.

"How did you..." I trailed, and when I caught his smirk. "You went through my bag?!"

He ignored me as he got in, while I heaved in rage like I was about to melt the glass and get him out of there.

The Salvero brothers all had one thing in common, and it was not having boundaries! Ugh!

"After you, sis," Luca said, opening the door for me like a gentleman.

I huffed getting in, and Luca followed. The car started and drove out smoothly.

It didn’t take long before we reached heavy traffic. Having had my fill of the cars and lights, I darted my eyes to the rearview mirror just when Dante looked toward it.

He squinted his eyes at me, and I stuck out my tongue. He returned it with a grimace.

Luca played some music, humming to it. Thankfully, the traffic didn’t take too long, and the car made a turn toward a familiar street.

"I think we should vote for dinner since you two are wearing the wrong underwear. You know it will be fun. Come on, pleaseeeee. Seafood would be nice," Luca pleaded.

"No dinner. And we’re not getting a fucking vote," Dante resorted. "It’s already decided."

"I still think I can get a sis vote. The majority rules after all, right sis?"

Leave me outta this.