As the waiter "accidentally" spilled the drink on Lily's gown, she felt a surge of embarrassment and frustration. The cool liquid seeped into the fabric, leaving an unsightly stain.
Jasmine's eyes sparkled with malice as she excused herself, feigning innocence. "Oh dear, I'm so sorry to see that happen. Let me help you clean up."
Lily's instincts told her that Jasmine was behind the mishap, but she chose to maintain her composure. "It's okay, I'll just... um... take care of it."
Julian's expression darkened as he handed Lily his napkin. "Let me get you something to clean up with, Lily. This is unacceptable."
As Julian stepped away, Lily's gaze met Jasmine's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. The tension between them was palpable.
As Lily changed into the new designer dress, she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. She was grateful to Julian for taking care of the situation, but she also felt a sense of unease. The way Jasmine had orchestrated the incident still lingered in her mind.
When Lily returned, Julian was waiting for her, looking relieved that she was okay. "You look stunning," he said, his eyes scanning her from head to toe.
Lily smiled, feeling a little more at ease. "Thanks to you," she replied, her voice soft.
As they rejoined the party, Lily noticed that the atmosphere had shifted slightly. The guests seemed to be whispering among themselves, and Jasmine was nowhere to be seen.
"Let's get out of here," Julian suggested, his voice low. "I've had enough of this party."
Lily nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. As they made their way out, she couldn't help but wonder what other surprises the night might hold.
As Julian and Lily were about to leave, Jasmine reappeared, her eyes blazing with jealousy. She strode over to them, her heels clicking on the floor.
"You think you can just waltz in here and steal him away from me?" Jasmine spat, her voice venomous. "You think you're worthy of Julian?"
Lily stood tall, refusing to back down. "I'm not trying to steal anyone away," she said calmly. "Julian and I are happy together, and that's all that matters."
Jasmine's laughter was mocking. "Happy together? You don't even know Julian. You're just a pawn in his game, a trophy to boost his ego."
Julian's expression turned cold. "That's enough, Jasmine. Leave us alone."
But Jasmine was beyond reason. She continued to rant, her words cutting and cruel. Lily felt a pang of sadness, realizing that Jasmine was still hurting from their past breakup.
Julian's grip on Jasmine's hand was firm, his expression unyielding. "No one touches what's mine," he said, his voice low and menacing.
Jasmine's eyes flashed with anger and humiliation. "You're defending her? After everything we had?" she spat, trying to wriggle free.
Julian's hold didn't waver. "Lily is my wife, and she deserves respect. You're crossing a line, Jasmine."
The scene was intense, with Jasmine's anger and Julian's protectiveness hanging in the air. Lily felt a mix of emotions - surprise at Julian's defense, gratitude for his actions, and a hint of curiosity about their past.
As the tension between them reached a boiling point, security stepped in, escorting Jasmine out of the party. The room fell silent, with all eyes on the dramatic scene unfolding before them.
As Jasmine was escorted out, her face reddened with shame and anger. The partygoers whispered among themselves, their eyes fixed on her departing figure. The air was thick with tension, and the atmosphere had shifted from glamorous to uncomfortable.
Julian turned to Lily, his expression softening. "I'm sorry you had to witness that," he said, his voice gentle.
Lily's eyes met his, and she saw a flicker of concern there. "It's okay," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Let's just get out of here."
Julian nodded, and together they made their way out of the party, leaving the drama and tension behind. As they stepped into the cool night air, Lily felt a sense of relief wash over her.
The car ride home was quiet, with Julian's arm around Lily's shoulders. She leaned into him, feeling a sense of comfort and protection.
As they sat down at the dining table, Julian's phone buzzed with an incoming call. He glanced at the screen and his expression changed. "Excuse me, Lily. I need to take this."
Lily nodded, wondering who could be calling him at this hour. As Julian stepped away to answer the call, Lily's mind wandered to the events of the evening. She couldn't help but feel a sense of unease about Julian's past with Jasmine and the tension that still lingered between them.
When Julian returned, his expression was unreadable. "I have someone joining us for dinner," he said, his voice neutral.
Lily's heart sank as she realized who the mysterious caller might be. She felt a pang of discomfort, wondering if Julian was about to introduce her to another aspect of his life.
The doorbell rang, and Julian got up to answer it. Lily's suspicions were confirmed when he returned with none other than one of his business associates, accompanied by a woman who seemed to be his guest.
"Meet Alexandra, an old friend," Julian said, his tone casual.
Lily's instincts told her that Alexandra was more than just an old friend to Julian. The way he looked at her, the way she smiled at him... it was clear that there was something between them.
Lily stormed into her room, the sound of her heels clicking on the floor echoing through the hallway. She slammed the door shut behind her, the noise a reflection of her turbulent emotions.
As she paced around the room, her mind replayed the scene with Alexandra. She couldn't believe Julian's audacity, flaunting his mistress right in front of her. The more she thought about it, the angrier she got.
Lily's eyes welled up with tears as she felt a mix of emotions: hurt, betrayal, and jealousy. She didn't know how to process her feelings or what to do next.
As she stood in front of the mirror, she caught a glimpse of herself. Her eyes were red, and her face was flushed. She looked like she was about to explode.