Chapter 53: Chapter 53

NELINA

I saw Marie dancing with Leo on the far left side, and there was Rico, Santi, and Andi, who had a girl; only God knows where they found them. Probably just in their circle of friends, it was an invitation-only party.

"Baby, why did you choose classical music?" I can't help myself but ask Royce. This is not the typical choice of men at his age. My face was an inch close to his. My hands clasped on his nape, his hands on my waist as we swayed to the melody.

"The music is one way of remembering my grannies; they like classical music," he said, shrugging his shoulders.

"Well, at their age, it's understandable, right? And to be honest, I was learning to like it as well," he said as he showed an awkward grin. He must have been a little shy to admit his appreciation for the music.

"There's nothing to be ashamed of."

"I'm sorry I had to do this; I know you don't like this kind of music."

"Don't say that," I was quick to react. "It's beautiful," I said as I rested my head on his shoulder.

We dance to the live performance of instrumental music. There was a grand piano, violin, and other instruments unfamiliar to me. Royce didn't attempt to ask again; instead, he softly leaned his head on mine.

I used to hate having romantic music in my background, so I praised Royce for excluding it on our first yacht date. It was probably because of the lack of romance on my side. But some lovers' belief was true, that when you're in love, everything appears to have a special meaning. It's incredible how a piece of music without lyrics could stir up emotions I hid.

"I'm in love," I said in a whisper; it barely came out of my mouth. Royce couldn't hear it; the music was playing loud near us. My heart was racing in my chest, brought by the ecstasy of the music and having Royce with me.

I remember the last slow dance I had with my brother during my 18th birthday; he wore a black tuxedo. As my friends say, Mark was the most handsome man that night; he was more attractive than my dad. Although I know there was an uncanny resemblance, they almost look the same.

I admire and love my brother for being who he was to me. Sweet and protective, he always got my back. It must be the reason why things turned opposite when he left. There was no one to protect me, and I had to learn to defend myself. Remembering those tough times, Dennis's face was at the forefront of my mind. I hate him in every fiber of my being.

I was cut off from my daydream when Royce was in my ear.

"Baby, Roxie is here," he said loud enough to hear.

I quickly pulled a little bit, meeting Royce's eyes to confirm if I heard him right. I followed where his eyes darted.

Roxie's evil smirk caught my eyes; she raised an eyebrow as if to annoy me. She failed; I showed her a blank face as our eyes met. I wouldn't give her the satisfaction to ruin my night.

Roxie is wearing a fiery red long gown; she loosened her hands from her dance partner. Her deep V neck exposed her abundant breasts and her two high slits, which exhibit her legs. This woman loves to be the center of attention.

However, I don't find myself envious; I love how I look and how Royce made me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. But my heart tightened to what was exposed next; Roxie's dance partner. My nails raked on Royce's shoulder as his eyes were locked on the two intruders.

"Dennis," Royce's voice barely reached my ears.

Roxie and Dennis came nearer to where we were dancing and held each other again. "How about we change partners?" Roxie dared to ask.

My hands shivered upon grasping Roxie's intention. She did it on purpose. Royce gathered my hand and entwined it to his. It was such a reassuring gesture for me, just what I needed. Dennis's appearance scared the hell out of me. I didn't even wanna make deep eye contact with him.

"Nelina," Dennis uttered my name like he was teasing me. He knew that his mere presence would hit me.

"Shut up," Royce thundered. Thanks to the loud music, the guests were not disturbed by the sudden commotion.

"You are not in the possession to utter her name," Royce worded what he said.

Dennis laughed at Royce. He looked like a demon, eyeing him in my peripheral vision, still unable to look him eye to eye. I can't even stand having him near me.

"Do you really think you give the order here?" Dennis said as he unwrapped his hands around Roxie's waist, stepping a few inches closer.

"I do, and if I say you get lost. You do as I say before I throw you out myself."

"Try me," Dennis said. He is a few inches close to me.

"I know where exactly to hit you. Your father, Henry, I know him so well. You don't want him to throw you out of this country, do you?"

Dennis tightened his jaw, sternly looking at Royce, like he was ready to throw a punch but restraining himself. How did Royce know that Dennis was afraid of his father?

I squeezed my hands into a fist and hid behind Royce. I gripped my hands to his suit, feeling like a terrified child. Having Royce as my shield was enough to make me feel protected.

"Nelina, you're still the same, a terrified child."

Dennis's eyes were like fireballs ready to consume me. I rested my head at Royce's back, avoiding Dennis's gaze.

"Back off, Dennis, I meant what I said."

Evil Roxie came close, slowly clapping her hands like a movie antagonist.

"Oooh, how sweet, this could be a romantic movie scene. The Male leading man is protecting the female lead. Wow, what a good gift. Happy birthday, Royce."

"Roxie, Dennis, get out, or I will call the security. You two are not welcome here."

"That's disheartening, Royce. Are you not interested in my present?"

"NO, you two, out," Royce said in command, pointing at the two of them.

I sneaked a look at them. The disdain in Roxie's face was visible, her cheeks flushed in anger as she pursed her lips flat. She looked like she was trying hard to hold venting her anger.

"I know your weakness, Roxie, don't try me," Royce added.

"Nelly, you'll regret climbing on Royce's lap. You will wish you never met Royce," she said as she smugged.

"Mark my word bitch," she added, raising a middle finger.

Her words came as a threat to me like she had a weapon against me. I squeezed my hands into a fist as they were clammy.

"Roxie," Marie chimed in; her voice was rough enough to get Roxie's attention. Roxie turned back with a terror in her eyes, facing Marica.

"I don't wanna see you again ever, not with me and Nelly," Marie said, her voice stern. "You know what I am capable of, don't mess up with me," Marica added.

Roxie could not speak; she hastily left the dance floor as guests became curious about the commotion. The security guards escorted Dennis and Roxie to make their way out of the venue. We made the guests comfortable on the dance floor before Royce took me to breathe some air.

"Baby, sit here; I have to talk to the security," Royce said when he pulled me to a chair. I sat and nodded in response as he did a little pat on my back.

I waited at the table with Marica as she came to join me. "Besty, you good?"

"Yeah, very well. Don't worry about me."

"Well, I know Royce got your back. And I'm still here too."

"I'm aware; I always got you. I know that."

Royce was gone for a few minutes, but I wasn't bored waiting because my best friend was there to lighten things up. Even Leo and the other boys came to join us. When Royce finally came back, the other guys asked Royce's permission to leave and called it a night. The other guests did the same one by one. Marica and Leo were the last to leave us.

"Baby, I'm sorry if this has to happen."

"No, don't be. I think I ruined your birthday; Roxie and Dennis were here for me."

"For us," he corrected. "They want to ruin us, but they cannot, ever," he said with conviction. "You're not ruining this night; your presence is the only thing I needed to make this night perfect, nothing else."

Royce wrapped his arms around me, which made me feel more secure again, yet the voice in my head kept recalling Roxie's threat. Nelly, you'll regret climbing on Royce's lap. You will wish you never met Royce.