Page 142 of Redeeming the Villain

Pulling away, I rest my forehead against his chest and take a few deep breaths.

“Are you ready to go?” he asks, kissing the top of my head.

Sunny jumps off of my bed and waddles over to him happily. Malik bends down and gives her his undivided attention, and somehow, my heart warms even more.

Glancing up at my aunts, I see such a deep fondness and adoration on their faces while they watch Sunny and Malik together. Clearly, he has grown on them. I know they’re still cautious, and I don’t blame them. I’m just glad they’re giving him a chance.

Grabbing my phone, I realize we only have fifteen minutes before I need to be at the Triton Harbor Event Center.

Hooking my purse over my shoulder, I tuck a water bottle inside, followed by my phone. “We should probably get going.”

Tearing himself away from Sunny, he stands to his full height and walks back over to me, offering me his hand, which I happily take.

“We’ll be there shortly,” Fauna says warmly, pulling me in for a quick hug, followed by Flora and Freya doing the same.

“I love you guys,” I swoon, struggling to keep the overwhelming nerves at bay.

“We love you too, darling,” Freya says, heading to the door with Sunny’s leash in her hand.

They are going to keep Sunny with them tonight at the event. I love her and would rather have her with me, but in case anything goes south, I want her safe with them.

Malik and I head downstairs, hand in hand. Walking into the chilly evening air, I suck in a sharp breath.

Phillip honks the horn of his Rolls Royce, and we head his way. Malik slides into the back seat, and I sit up front with Phillip.

“You guys sure do look great together,” Phillip coos with a smile on his lips.

“I know,” Malik mumbles possessively, and I roll my eyes.

Turning, I find a smirk on his lips and chuckle at his ridiculousness.

Phillip drives us across town to the event center where the charity gala is being held.

Tonight’s charity doesn’t deserve to be tarnished by anything my father might have done. Which is why I plan on pulling him away when I get there to talk to him one-on-one.

My mind drifts away during the drive, replaying old memories of my dad and me. The version of him that I knew when I was little and when my mom was still around. When he was charismatic, funny, carefree, genuine, and ethical. He was the best dad when my mom was alive. So loving and attentive.

Her death changed him. It might not have happened drastically but more gradually over the years. As if he locked himself in a tower, and his obsession with building his empire drove him mad.

We pull around the giant marble fountain with a mermaid-shaped spout and come to a stop outside of the center. Three valet workers approach and open our doors for us, helping us out of the car.

Phillip tips them generously, handing his keys over to the one seemingly in charge, who slips into his car and pulls away, quickly replaced by the next car that rounds the fountain.

Malik slides his hand into mine and squeezes firmly, letting me know that even if it feels like it, I’m not here alone.

With Malik on my right and Phillip on my left, I stroll toward the door, my heels clicking on the pavement with each step.

The doors open for us, and we are immediately greeted by security. I present my ID, and Malik and I are allowed entry, quickly followed by Phillip once he checks in. Malik, of course, isn’t on the list, but it doesn’t matter because he’s my plus-one.

Sauntering down the wide hallway, we turn into the grand ballroom, and my eyes widen. They sure wentallout. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, drapery hanging throughout the entire room. The round tables are decorated with gorgeous flower arrangements and candles.

I know this gala is for a good cause, but I bet if they’d donated half of the money they spent on decor, they still would have been able to put on a wonderful event.

The room is bustling with conversations, women in flowing gowns and men in crisp suits filling the large space.

Teetering on the edge of entering the room and turning and running, I take a few shaky, deep breaths. Everything that comes next will be unpredictable. I have no idea how my father is going to react when he sees that the plus-one I brought is Malik.

I have no idea when our confrontation will occur, but I will need to get him alone at some point to talk to him.

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