Midway through dinner, Dominic's father-in-law stood up to give a speech full of heartfelt tales about his daughter's life growing up.
As he spoke about love and commitment, Eva's thoughts drifted back to her own complicated feelings regarding relationships— her obsessive ex who wouldn't let go and Benjamin Gates' relentless pursuit of her heart weighed heavily on her mind.
"Are you okay?" Èdouard leaned closer to whisper in her ear.
She forced a smile and nodded.
"Just thinking."
"About what?" he inquired.
"Just… love." She admitted reluctantly.
His expression eased as he listened intently.
"It can be complicated sometimes."
"You have no idea." She replied quietly before changing the subject to something lighter. They talked about a shared interest in travel destinations they both dreamed of visiting someday.
After dinner concluded and dessert was served— an exquisite chocolate mousse, she excused herself for some fresh air on the terrace again. The night had grown cooler, but still felt magical under the stars twinkling above Paris.
She leaned against the railing once more when Èdouard stepped outside after her.
"Mind if I join you?"
"Not at all." She replied.
They stood side by side in silence for a moment before he turned to face her fully.
"You seem different from everyone else here."
"How so?" She asked curiously.
"There's a depth in your eyes…like you've seen things that most people haven't." His gaze bore into hers earnestly.
Eva hesitated but felt compelled to share just a piece of herself with him.
"I've had my fair share of ups and downs lately."
Èdouard nodded knowingly but didn't press further, instead, he shared his own struggles— how the world often came with its own burdens and expectations that could feel suffocating at times despite its allure.
Their conversation flowed effortlessly until laughter could be heard from inside as guests began dancing after dessert.
"Shall we?" Èdouard offered his hand playfully.
She hesitated briefly, but then took it without thinking twice. As they entered back into the lively room buzzing with music and joy, they found themselves swept up in dance alongside other guests celebrating love and happiness around them.
Hours passed like minutes as they danced together under twinkling lights hanging across the terrace until finally collapsing onto chairs nearby…breathless from laughter and exhilaration.
"I didn't know I could have this much fun at a wedding." Eva admitted between giggles.
"I think it's because we're both here together." Èdouard replied sincerely before glancing around as if sharing a secret between them amidst all the chaos.
Just then, Mack approached them looking slightly frazzled but excited nonetheless…
"Eva, you won't believe who just arrived!"
Before she could finish speaking, a figure emerged from inside. The unmistakable silhouette of Philian strode confidently toward them like he owned every inch of the place.
Eva's heart sank at seeing him unexpectedly there. Memories flooded back uninvited— their tumultuous past filled with passion but also the pain of betrayal, and suddenly everything felt heavy again as if someone had dropped an anchor into what had been lighthearted just moments ago.
"What is he doing here?" She whispered to Mack while trying not to let panic seep into her voice too much despite feeling completely unprepared for the confrontation that may likely occur that night between them.
Mac shrugged helplessly while exchanging glances between Eva and Philian now making his way toward them. His eyes locked onto hers like magnets drawing them closer despite every instinct telling her otherwise.
"Eva!" Philian called out cheerfully once he reached their table. A grin plastered across his face that only fueled further confusion within her, leaving her torn between wanting him gone and yet simultaneously intrigued by why he had come there that night despite being apart for a while.
"What are you doing here?" She finally managed to ask him through gritted teeth, while trying so hard not to reveal just how agitated seeing him again made her feel.
"I came to support my cousin, Margaux, on such an important day." He gestured toward where his cousin stood laughing among friends nearby.
Great! Now, he's family too? Unbelievable!
"Of course you did. I wonder why I never heard about her at all." She replied dryly before turning away slightly, hoping that if she ignored him long enough, he would just disappear back into whatever corner he had crawled out from originally
But instead Philian leaned closer toward Èdouard instead, his demeanor shifting instantly into something more competitive than friendly
"And who might this be?"
"This is Èdouard." Mack interjected quickly, trying to diffuse any tension building up already between them. "He's been keeping my sister entertained all night." He added.
Philian raised an eyebrow skeptically while sizing Èdouard up like some sort of threat appearing over them now. A silent battle beginning without words exchanged, yet visible tension solidified around them all…
"Well then," Philian smiled smugly, finally breaking the silence again "Nice meeting you…Èdouard."
"Likewise." Èdouard replied coolly, maintaining his composure despite feeling a noticeable agitation coming off Philian, now directed toward him instead.
The moment felt heated between them, until finally breaking when Mack suggested they join everyone else dancing again…hoping that, perhaps, some movement would lighten things up after such an awkward introduction.
But even as they began moving back toward where music played, the thought of what had just transpired lingered like shadows trailing closely behind.
And so began an unexpected evening filled not only with joy but also tension brewing beneath its surface, a night where choices would soon lead down paths neither could foresee ahead…
"You didn't say you were traveling… You just disappeared." Philian began to engage her once more in a conversation.
"How many times do I have to tell you that I am not answerable to you anymore?"
He stopped, grabbing her by the arm, he pulled her to a corner. Èdouard watched on while it all unfolded…
"Can we not do this here, Eva? I miss you. I still care so much about you, don't you see it yet?" He sighed. "I went over to your place, and Sade wouldn't even talk to me." He revealed.
"Now why on earth would you even go back there? Stop pretending you care when clearly you don't!"
"What do I have to do to show you that I'm truly sorry? For you to forgive me, Eva? Haven't I suffered enough?"
"This is just the beginning of the hell you put me through, Philian." She said, "or are you suddenly going to pretend like nothing else happened in our relationship? Because that's a conversation I'd like to have!" She was visibly boiling over like a kettle on fire
"Is everything alright? Are you alright, Eva?" Èdouard stepped in after noticing what he felt was a growing tension between them.
"Yes, I'm alright, Èdouard. Just having a delightful conversation with "Mr. Psycho" here." She jested in disgust.
Diverting his gaze to Philian, he suggested…
"Hey, I think she needs to be alone right now. Maybe talk to her later? Because clearly this isn't the right time." He advised.