Page 72 of Just Desserts

"Go on ahead, we'll bring your shawl and phone down, see you in a bit hussy." Sarah quipped before the elevator doors closed, sending me on my way.

The party started about half an hour ago, Sarah demanded we take our time and show up fashionably late. Now as the elevator arrived on the main floor I regretted agreeing to that, desperate to find Myles in the sea of guests who had already arrived.

I burst into the ballroom then came to a stop, willing my heartbeat to slow as I scanned the crowd for Myles. Finally, I caught sight of his profile and made a beeline for his direction. As if sensing my presence, Myles turned away from the man he was speaking to and caught sight of me.

It felt like things were in slow motion as he headed in my direction closing the distance that much quicker. As soon as he was in front of me I was in his arms. I kissed him as hard as I could, willing him to understand how much love I felt for him. He broke away and we were both out of breath.

"Jesus, Isla. You look fucking stunning. I don't even have words, my god."

"I love you. And I love the earrings, thank you so much. That's not why I love you, I love you because of a lot of things. I just think they're perfect. You're perfect." I rambled, getting even more distracted as his smile grew, making his dimples shine.

"I love you too, my perfect Isla." He pressed a soft kiss to mymouth before lacing his fingers with mine.

"As much as I would love to continue this conversation in closer quarters, we have guests to greet. Where's Grams? If she doesn't get down here soon a fight is gonna break out between her suitors." Myles pointed to where Oliver stood next to an equally disgruntled Frederick.

"Alright Mr. Bennett, let's go make the rounds." I said, giving his hand a squeeze.

"After you, my love."

Chapter 51

Jonathan

This Gala at The Bennett House was the absolute last place I wanted to be, but I had no good reason to decline the invitation to the charity event. I wasn't in a position to push my luck with Martin, especially since he had no idea why this location would be so triggering for me. All of my wrongs were being shoved in my face. This hotel of all places was the lynchpin in the downfall of my marriage. It was the precise location where I broke my marital vows.

This was the place where Alyssa and I first slept together, and the ultimate location for our tawdry trysts. Adding insult to injury, Alyssa managed to weasel an invite to the event. So far I had been able to avoid the firm's table where she sat, her eyes watching me like a hawk. To make matters worse Mrs. Longfellow was also here.

Her surgical enhanced chest was barely contained in the low cut gown she wore. Her makeup was overdone and her face seemed both frozen and gelatinous. If I look at her face too closely I was transported to that scene from the movie Brazil. I don't think there were any more nips or tucks possible for this woman but I'm sure that wouldn't stop her from trying.

Her perfume was as stifling as her overly friendly mannerisms, but she was near the bar and away from Alyssa. So I stayed where I was, standing with the lesser of two evils. My stomach dropped when I caught sight of a tall figure in an impeccable tuxedo striding across the ballroom. My angerchurned as I watched the crowd split to let him pass, the deference and regard everyone clearly had for him.

As obsessed as I was with the man who had replaced me, when it came down to it I was nothing but a coward. I never followed up on finding out more about him, somehow putting a name to the face would make him even more real. What was he doing here? Why was my luck always so terrible? I nodded absentmindedly at whatever Charlotte was prattling on about until she pointed to the man whose existenceundermined my very essence

"What about him?" I asked, unable to hide the fury in my tone. Charlotte looked slightly startled by my sudden contribution to the conversation but jumped on the opportunity to gossip.

"Well that's Myles Bennett he owns the hotel. Rumor has it he threw this event to impress his new girlfriend. I don't know much about her. Myles has always kept his love life under wraps but my personal trainer is dating one of the masseuses and she told him that this new girlfriend and her family are the ones behind the event. Bennett apparently is completely smitten and is giving his new lady love whatever she wants. She's got him wrapped around her little finger, lucky wench."

My blood ran cold as my palms started to sweat. I had to adjust the glass in my hand, unsure whether I was about to drop it or chuck it as the news raced through me. Isla was here, with that man, hosting this event. The implications of what this meant regarding my reputation were waylaid by the absolute devastation I felt at knowing just how much I had lost her, how much further out of my grasp she was.

Grief was quickly swept away by an uncontrollable rage. When did they meet? Is that how she found out about Alyssa and I? Did he plan this? Expose me so he could swoop in and play hero to Isla? I had to speak to him, had to know what part he playedin all of this. Without him, I could have had a chance of fixing my marriage. He was the reason Isla and I couldn't work things out.

She never gave me a chance and he all too eagerly gave her a reason not to. I murmured a dismissal to Charlotte and started to make my way towards Bennett. I was so focused on him I missed the woman Martin and his wife were speaking too until they stopped me as I passed. With horror I realized they were speaking with Isla's Grandmother, who looked positively gleeful at my shocked expression.

"Jonathan, I didn't expect to see you here tonight. I'm glad you were able to put aside any personal emotions from the divorce to support the charity. I know Myles and Isla so appreciate your firm's contribution." Dorothy said as Martin and Rachel eyed me with blatant curiosity.

"Divorce? I'm so sorry Jonathan I had no idea, Martin how could you..." Rachel trailed off once she registered Martin's equally confused expression. Clearing my throat I grappled for a response.

"Yes uh, for the sake of professionalism I didn't want to drag my personal affairs into the office, however Isla and I have officially separated, amicably." I added, daring Dorothy to push me further. Sensing my discomfort Martin and his wife excused themselves before returning to the table. I could only imagine the gossip that would be making the rounds by the time I returned.

"Best thing you could have done for her was cheating, she's better off without you. Always knew she could do better, and now she finally has." Grams said now that we were alone.

Before I could think of a response I saw Isla from the corner of my eye. My heart jumped into my throat and all I could see washer. She was in a tight fitting dress that hugged her figure and took my breath away. Then she turned around revealing her bare back framed by flimsy straps.It was almost indecent and I had to stop myself from marching over there to cover her up.

Instead, I watched her glide over to Bennett who swept her into his arms placing a heated kiss on her in front of the entire party. I swung my head around, unable to look at the happy couple only to be faced with Alyssa's outrage and the curious expressions of my coworkers surrounding her. Not bothering to say anything further to Dorothy I went straight to the bar and got a refill of my drink. I gulped it down quickly before getting another refill in preparation for the interrogation that awaited me. The bartender eyed me dubiously but I slammed some bills down and told him to give me a double.

My blood was on fire from alcohol and rage but I took a fortifying breath before heading back to the table. I slid into my seat beside Alyssa blatantly ignoring the questioning looks from those around me. I saw Rachel whispering to the woman beside her and could feel Alyssa staring daggers at Isla and Myles. My mind was starting to get a little fuzzy and it took me longer than I cared to admit to notice that both Isla and Myles were staring right at us.

They started moving and as the distance between us shortened, I realized with dread that they were coming over to our table. I turned around in my chair grabbing the nearest waiter. I barked out a request for a drink while simultaneously downing what was left of the double I had walked over with. I looked up with horror to see Isla, the giant at her back mere steps from the table. She looked even more beautiful now that I had a clear view of her. A small sigh escaped me as I drank in the sight of her only to freeze once I caught her expression.

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