Nine months too late: After divorce

The En Vogue Affair was as glamorous as every other year.

There were guests from all over the world', people of high status and so many fashion brands and icons.

Sylvie felt happy that she was able to make it to the event. Although she had gone alone, not joining the rest of the family since they didn't ask.

As soon as she arrived the large hall, she was greeted by an uncountable pairs of eyes who couldn't stop staring. Well, she wasn't surprised considering the effort she'd put into her dress and makeup. Tonight was going to be special. Hence,she had to look good for it.

Her steps were unhurried as she made her way in, and they faltered when she spotted the couple she wished she could stop seeing together.

Kage and Cindy.

They were far off in the company of some guests, with Cindy's hand wrapped around his while smiling sheep whatever they said. The perfect girlfriend, huh?

Suddenly, Cindy turned and their eyes clashed into each other's, making Sylvie feel sick in the gut instantly.

The witch.

Cindy glared at her, but it only lasted a moment before she smiled and tightened her arm around Kage's.

Seriously? Sylvie was stunned. Was the pathetic witch trying to make her jealous?

She ignored the pounding in her chest and tried walking away, but a familiarly dreaded voice reached her ears.

"Hey, gorgeous."

She turned with a little start to find Machai who was now standing before her.

He held out his hand, and after a slight hesitation, Sylvie put her hand in his. She watched as he lifted it to his lips, giving it a soft kiss.

"My, you look stunning," he complimented, sweeping his gaze over her.

"Thank you."

"If you don't mind, can I be your plus one for the night?"

She shrugged, smiling nervously.

She wished she could understand why she always so unsettled around this man. Like, her instinct was always screaming at her to run away from him whenever he was near.

Holding her hand, he started leading her into the crowd. Sylvie looked across the hall and caught sight of Cindy and Kage staring at them.

While Cindy appeared angry, Kage's expression was just... blank.

"Will you be presenting any designs under your family's name? Machai asked during the slow walk.

"Not really. June and Astrid would be taking care of that."

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Machai had gotten to know she was a member of the Chengs when he drove her home that night after her fight with Cindy. Actually, he already knew before then because he didn't ask Sylvie for directions before driving her home, and when she'd asked how he knew where she lived, he smiled and told her it was a small world.

They grabbed drinks from passing trays and Machai surprisingly took Sylvie around, introducing her to some of the guests.

It was an act that Sylvie found surprising, even though he introduced her as just a friend.

Apparently, Machai knew a lot of people.

It got worse when he started leading her towards a particular table that contained some of his friends and their partners. Problem was, Kage and Cindy were there as well.

"Wh-What're you doing?" She asked in a whisper, unable to hide the nervousness in her voice.

"Just meeting with some of my friends," Machai shrugged, holding her hand tighter.

Sylvie didn't have enough time to contemplate freeing her hand from his and running away before th

ched the table.

As expected, everybody turned to them in surprise.

"Woah! Machai! You came with a date?" One of them asked.

Sylvie's legs wobbled instantly. She forced herself to look at everyone but Kage. No, she couldn't possibly handle looking at him.

But what was. Machai doing? Some of the people at the table were old friends of Kage and knew she had a history with him.

She didn't even know how she found herself being 'this' close to Machai. He effortlessly entered her life in ways that didn't seem offensive enough for her to push him away.

"I wish she was," Machai chuckled. "But she's just my friend tonight."

"Your friend?" Someone else repeated, passing a surprised stare between both of them. "Well, that's... surprising."

"Sorry to ask," a third one started. "But weren't you

and Kage-"

"That's a thing of the past. Let it go," The man beside him nudged him.

Kage's expression had gotten worse. Sylvie wouldn't be surprised if he walked away any minute.

But before that happens, maybe she could make use of the opportunity a little bit.

"I'm looking forward to your designs, Cindy," she said with a feigned smile.

Yes, she might have been a little nervous about coming here, but since she finally was, she might as well, make use of the opportunity.

Cindy appeared surprised. "What designs are you talking about?

"The one under Chic Mirage, of course."

Sylvie delighted in the surprise she found in Cindy's face. The witch must be shocked that she figured it out.

"I wonder, though, why you've been keeping such knowledge from the public. I mean, you're the granddaughter of the owners of Chic Mirage, one of the most popular fashion brands, Why have you been hiding the fact that the company's currently under your care? It's a good thing, right?" Few of the people at the table also expressed their surprise at the knowledge that Cindy had taken over Chic Mirage.

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"Well," Cindy smiled to dispel the awkwardness in the air. "I dont think it's as secret as you're painting it to be. I've been fully active in the company and family, attending meetings and tending to the clients' needs myself. Let's just say I'm not really a social media person." "Hm," Sylvie nodded.

"But I guess we can't really say the same for you," Cindy said with mock pity. "If I'm correct, more than half of the people on this table don't even know the family you come from, which is because your family hasn't been exactly proud in showing you off." Whispers rose in an instant. Sylvie's eyes glinted and her hands fisted beside her.

She didn't know if she was imagining things, or of Kage slowly dropped his hand from around Cindy's. Cindy, however, kept her mask on, not looking bothered.

"I wouldn't be so certain if I were you, Cindy," Sylvie said with a small smile at last. "Something extraordinary might just happen tonight."

She turned to leave with Machai and paused, like she remembered something.

"And oh, half of the people at this table may not know my current family, but I'm sure none of them will assume I've ever betrayed my bestfriend just so I could have her man."Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

Mouths fell open. The ladies at the table covered their lips with their hands to laugh quietly. The men turned away to hide the grin in their faces. And for Cindy, she looked like she'd been struck by a ghost.

For the first time since the night started, Sylvie felt relieved.

She smiled as she turned and walked away with Machai, but not without sparing Kage a glance.

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