Chapter 10

▫️Christian’s POV...

Hunter Rogers was the first to approach us as we mingled with the crowd. His sly grin already irritated me. He extended his hand toward me like we were old buddies.

“Hey, Christian,” he greeted smoothly, his gaze shifting to Stella before adding, “You’ve got yourself a stunning girlfriend, dude. Makes all those years of being single worth it.” Then, to top off his audacity, he winked at Stella.

I patted his shoulder, keeping my tone casual but firm. “Yeah, I did. And she’s mine—only mine. So, watch yourself.” My eyes locked with his, making sure he understood the warning.

Hunter chuckled nervously. “Got it, bro. Just being friendly.”

Friendly, my ass.

Then came Mary. Ah, Mary—the bitch. She stormed toward us with fire in her eyes, practically vibrating with anger. I like it.

“Who’s she?” Mary demanded, her tone sharp and accusing as she glared at Stella.

“My girlfriend,” I replied coolly.  “Didn’t you hear the introduction? Are you deaf or dumb?”

Mary crossed her arms, her face turning red. “Why her? Why not me? I thought—”

I cut her off, keeping my voice calm but firm. “Because I love her.”

Her jaw dropped, and she stomped off in a huff.

Turning to Stella, I smirked. “That’s Mary. She’s trouble, so be careful. She might try to mess with you.”

Stella, surprisingly composed, nodded. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle her.”

______

After the cake-cutting, I spotted an opportunity to escape the mandatory dance session. I told my mom that Stella is so fragile that she is tired. Any my poor innocent mom, take that excuse in a glance .

I introduced Stella to Great Tycoon, one of our older allies, and excused myself for a meeting inside.

---

▫️Stella’s POV...

With Christian gone, I decided to mingle. Surprisingly, some of the guests were kind and polite despite being part of the mafia world. A few even handed me their contact cards, inviting me to future parties.

That’s when Margaret, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donnell, appeared with a sweet smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

“Come with me, Stella,” she said in a sugary tone. “Let me introduce you to the other girls.”

I followed her, not wanting to seem weak. She led me to a corner where a group of girls sat, their expressions cold and calculating. I had already seen this girly mess in my life. Fucking bitches don't even try to get on my nerves or else I'm shameless when giving something back.

“Hello, girls,” I greeted politely.Oh my double standards.

Some murmured half-hearted hellos, while others just rolled their eyes. And then Mary decided to make her grand entrance.

She glared at me, her voice dripping with venom. “Why the fuck did Chris choose you? You’re nothing compared to me. You snatched what was mine, and you’ll pay for this!”

I leaned back into the sofa, smirking. If she wanted to play games, I could play better.

“Is this what you are , explaining your existence to me. That's why Chris never ever glanced at you.” I said calmly. “But out of blue , he chose me. So shut the fuck up and just fuck off. I don’t care who you are or what you think you can do, but I swear I can make your life a living hell. Watch your mouth.”

The group went silent, their eyes darting between Mary and me. Mary looked like I’d just slapped her.

I glanced at the others. “And for those of you whispering after her—if you have something to say about me, say it to my face. Otherwise, mind your own business. I don't know about you bitches but my boyfriend can burn down your world for me.”

(Oops, my novel writing helped me)

Mary’s face turned red with fury. She grabbed her wine glass, her intention clear. But I wasn’t stupid. I had already written such scenes in my novels , I too picked up my own glass, ready for her cheap move.

As she swung her hand to throw the wine, I caught her wrist mid-air, twisting it just enough to make her drop the glass.

“Fuck you, bitch,” I said coldly before splashing my wine in her face.

Gasps erupted around us as Mary stumbled back, drenched and humiliated. “How dare you?” she stuttered.

I crossed my arms, tilting my head. “I dare a lot. Wanna try again?” I asked with a small, mocking smile before turning on my heel and walking away.

Ohh God that's not my true self. That's the effect of Christian on me. Negativity spreads quickly and I was with the devil himself.

---

▫️Christian’s POV...

When Stella walked into the living room with Liam, I could tell something had happened. She looked amused, like she’d just had the time of her life.

Nick leaned forward, grinning. “So, Stella, what did you do while we were gone?”

Stella recounted the showdown with Mary, her calm confidence shining through.

Ava clapped her hands. “Oh, I wish I’d seen that!”

Nick laughed. “Mary Mary Mary!”

I patted Stella’s shoulder. “You handled it well. Good girl."

Ava burst out laughing. “Good girl? Chris, you sound like the... ”

Stella stared at her and she stop in the mid sentence putting her hands on her mouth. I understood the scene. Those smut scenes . I too read novels.

I rolled my eyes. “Ava, stop reading those ridiculous books.”

Nick chimed in, smirking. “Are you saying Stella’s books are ridiculous too?”

Stella looked at me with mock innocence. “I don’t write smut!”

The room erupted in laughter.

---

Later that night, as we drove home, Stella fell asleep, her head resting against the window. I gently shifted her so her head rested on my shoulder instead.

When we arrived, she was still asleep. Without waking her, I carried her upstairs. Of course, Nick and Liam took pictures, laughing like idiots.

In her room, I placed her on the bed, removed her heels, and tucked her in. Brushing a strand of hair from her face, I couldn’t help but smile. She looked so peaceful, like the chaos of the world didn’t touch her.

I noticed the phone, that's when the thought clicked in my mind. What if someone from mafias tries to hurt her? How will I know? I had already introduced her and now she is my responsibility. I'm not going to waste the effort of sending guards to spy on her.

Then I picked it up, unlocking it with her fingerprint.

I navigated to the emergency contacts, expecting to see... well, something. But no friends no family. The only number there was 911.

Without hesitation, I added my own number to the emergency list and removed 911. If she ever found herself in trouble—especially with any mafia threats—I needed to be the first to know. Not that I expected her to call me willingly, but if something happened, I wasn’t taking any chances.

I called Ava to help her change before heading back to my room.

Nick and Liam were already there, showing me the pictures they’d taken. “Delete them,” I ordered.

They laughed. “Not a chance.”

Shaking my head, I grabbed my phone. Nick had sent one of the pictures to our group—and my parents. It was of me carrying Stella. It's nothing I should delete it . I'll delete it tomorrow it's already late.

Placing my phone aside, I lay down, my thoughts lingering on Stella ... On the day with Stella at my parents house as I drifted off to sleep.