The MC cheered, oblivious to the tension
"And now,our couples will share a hug!"
Kelvin and I exchanged an awkward glance before I got down from the stage as Antonio's eyes flashed with possessiveness.
I was scared,knew Antonio would be super mad,I ran to catch up with him as he was already leaving in shame and disappointment.
"Antonio,wait!"I raised my voice in Avery loud tone but he wasn't listening,he kept walking so fast.
Then I used a good antics that works so well on him"please Antonio,for Amanda's sake"
As soon as he heard the name AMANDA,he stopped-that was his weakness.
"What is it Leila? I don't want to listen to you"I walked up to him"please,it was just a game,I swear there's nothing more"
Antonio's gaze lingered on Kelvin before returning to me"but I saw you two"My face flushed as I put on a pity face.
"No, it's just a game I promise"I was about to cry at this point and then I heard"it's fine,you don't have to cry,I am not mad".
Kelvin on seeing the tension has cooled off, extended his hand"hi,Antonio,I'm Kelvin"
Antonio shook Kelvin's hand firmly"Antonio, Leila's husband"that was sweet,I muttered in silence.
Sophia,a friend from the office, intervened her smile warm."Antonio,so nice to see you,please join the party"
Emily chimed in"yeah, let's get you caught up"
As Antonio's gaze softened,I breathed a sigh of relief and I whispered to Antonio"I'm so glad you came"he smiled and we resumed the party.
Few minutes or hours passed,I was enjoying the party, suddenly, Olivia cornered me near the bar and I hissed before following her.
"Leila,we need to talk"Olivia hissed,her eyes blazing.I sighed inwardly,anticipating a confrontation"what is it this time,Olivia?"
Olivia's voice dropped to a menacing whisper"stay away from Kelvin,he's mine".
I raised an eyebrow,unfazed"Olivia,I'm married to Antonio".
Olivia's face twisted in anger"don't play dumb,Leila.I saw the way you were all over him and that stupid game... you're flirting with danger"
I told firm,meeting Olivia's scary glare"I'm not interested in Kelvin, Olivia,I don't know why you are just acting so paranoid"Olivia's eyes flashed.
"You are just a homewrecker, waiting to pounce.well,let me tell you-kelvin's off-limits."
Antonio soon appeared at my side,his presence commanding attention"is everything ok here?"
Olivia's expression smoothed into a fake smile"nothing actually,just chatting with Leila,Antonio,you know...about fashion"
Antonio's eyes narrowed"Leila?"I smiled reassuringly"everything's fine,Antonio, Olivia was just sharing her.... expertise"
Olivia's eyes spat with venom before she stalked off.Antonio's arm wrapped around me"you okay?"I nodded"just Olivia being Olivia".
I got a glimmer of remembrance"how do you get here though....I thought you were meeting up with Marcus?"I asked
"Uhm..well...our discussion rounded up very fast so I dropped Amanda off at Grandma's because I want to be by your side always"he explained
"Awwwn,thanks love"I smiled warmly.
Rachael swooped in,her bright smile infectious"hey guys, who's up for karaoke?"
The group cheered,and the music shifted to an upbeat karaoke track.
As we sang and danced together,the tension melted away,replaced by laughter and camaraderie.
The night was filled with joy,music,and friendship.
As we-Antonio and I shared a tender moment on the dance floor,we chatted"I hope Olivia didn't do anything to you"He was still worried still.
"Oh, Olivia!No I am used to her antics since high school she is always drama-queening,but I guess I handled it well"
As the enchanted evening drew to a close,the grand ballroom resonated with warm farewells.
Emily enveloped me in a tight hug"Leila, you made my birthday nothing short of magical,thank you!"
I smiledy heart overflowing"Emily,I did nothing,you deserve all the happiness life has to offer."she smiled also.
Antonio's voice echoed in my head,his eyes shinning with affection"ready to sweep you off to our haven,my love?"
I nodded,melting into his embrace.As we bid farewell to everyone,Kelvin and my other friends surprisingly exchanged tender glances,their faces aglow with happiness.
Olivia's smile,though hesitant,hinted at a truce,she smiled weakly"until we meet again"she waved at us.
Under the starry sky,the crisp night air caressed us, refreshing our senses, Antonio's whisper sent shivers down my spine,his breath tickling my ear
"You outshone the stars tonight,my darling"
In the car,our love radiating like a beacon.Our entwined gentle fingers spoke volume of our love,his touch warm and reassuring.
"Tonight was enchantment,pure magical"
I sighed,lost in Antonio's eyes"every moment with you is pure magic"he replied,his voice dripping with emotions.
And I couldn't resist anymore,he was too breathtaking.
In the dim light of the car,he leaned closer,my heart racing and I met him halfway,I crashed my lips on his,as the kiss deepened,the time seemed to stand still.
The car became our little universe,filled with intense passion and love.
We lost ourselves,it was a moment of pure connection,where nothing else mattered but the spark between us.
Gradually,as we kissed,his hands found his way to my neck,gently caressing my skin.I leaned into his touch,feeling the warmth radiate from him.
Our fingers were exploring greatness,creating a sense of closure that made the moment even more intimate.
I pulled even closer, wrapping his arm around my waist,feeling his heartbeat against him.
Each touch was electric, igniting a fire between us that made the world outside the car feel like a distant memory.
We drove home under the star-studded sky, enveloped in love and contentment,with the promise of forever.