Accidentally Yours, My Super Rich Second Husband-Chapter 199: Beneath the Lights

The arrival of Lydia and Cedric sent a subtle ripple through the room, breaking the flow of soft conversations and gentle music. Delphinia’s eyes caught the her figure gliding through the grand entrance, arm-in-arm with Cedric. Lydia’s presence was like a spark in the night—impossible to ignore. Of course, it would be. She was a renowned model, known for her beauty and elegance, while Cedric played his role perfectly as the cunning businessman with a reputation for breaking both hearts and rivals.

Delphinia tried to keep her expression neutral, forcing her lips into a delicate line. She was the one who asked Evander if they could invite Lydia. There was no reason for her heart to race like this—no reason for that flicker of tension curling deep in her chest the moment their gazes locked.

Not hatred. Not bitterness.

Just... something neither of them could quite name.

A gentle pressure settled against her lower back. Evander’s hand, warm and steady, grounding her without a word. The subtle gesture made Delphinia’s heart skip, though she refused to show it. She glanced sideways, meeting his calm, unreadable gaze. He wasn’t looking at Lydia or Cedric—his attention was solely on her.

"Relax," he murmured, just for her ears. "You’re not the one who needs to feel out of place tonight."

Delphinia swallowed hard, forcing a small nod.

Victor and Elaine, standing nearby, both stiffened at the sight of Lydia. Victor’s jaw clenched, a flicker of irritation passing through his dark eyes before he leaned slightly toward Elaine.

"What is that woman doing here?" His voice was low, but the disdain in his tone was unmistakable—perhaps softened only to spare Ashton from hearing it.

Panic flared in Delphinia’s chest. She turned quickly, her fingers twisting together. "I—I’m the one who invited her. I just thought... I’m sorry if it makes you uncomfortable."

Victor’s sharp eyes shifted to her, surprised by her confession. Elaine blinked once, then twice, before her brows lifted in disbelief.

"You were serious?" Elaine asked. "I thought you were joking when you mentioned it."

Delphinia fidgeted beneath their gazes, her palms damp against the silk of her gown. She had anticipated this reaction—she knew inviting Lydia would stir something in everyone. Still, she couldn’t ignore the small, anxious voice in the back of her mind.

"I was only thinking about Ashton," she said softly, casting a glance at the little boy who stood close to Evander’s side. "He’s been trying to build a relationship with her. I just... I didn’t want him to feel confused if she didn’t come."

Evander’s gaze flicked to Ashton, a thoughtful crease forming between his brows. After a pause, he exhaled slowly.

"Well," he said, his voice laced with dry amusement. "I doubt that would happen."

Elaine snorted, folding her arms. "If she’s smart, she won’t dare come near him with both Victor and me here."

Delphinia bit her lower lip, her heart twisting. Elaine was right—Lydia and Cedric had already veered to the far side of the ballroom, deliberately avoiding their little group. It wasn’t hard to guess they were waiting for Victor and Elaine to be out of sight before making their approach.

Evander’s fingers brushed lightly against Delphinia’s lower back once more, his silent reassurance steadying her frayed nerves.

"Let them play their little games," he said quietly. "You’re not here for them."

Delphinia nodded, taking a deep breath. The night was still young—there were countless guests to greet and conversations to hold. She straightened her posture and began welcoming the guests with polite smiles, her voice warm but measured. Some faces were familiar from TV, others she only recognized from magazines or business reports.

Many of them glanced at her with thinly veiled curiosity—whispers slipping through the cracks of the polite atmosphere.

Kai Robinson’s ex-wife.

Delphinia felt the weight of those murmurs pressing against her back, threatening to drag her down. But she kept her head held high, refusing to let the ghosts of her past haunt her tonight. Every smile, every composed greeting was a small victory—a quiet defiance against the voices trying to diminish her.

Yet Evander noticed. He always noticed.

Without warning, his hand slid down to hers, fingers threading between her own. Delphinia’s breath caught as he lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a slow, deliberate kiss to her knuckles. Gasps rippled through the nearby guests—small, stifled sounds of surprise. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Evander’s gaze never wavered from hers.

"Tonight," he said in a voice that carried just enough weight to cut through the whispers, "I only want to celebrate with the people who truly matter."

The room seemed to hold its breath. For a moment, Delphinia could only stare at him, her heart pounding in her chest.

He could have ignored the gossip. He could have let the rumors swirl unchecked.

But he chose her.

Delphinia’s lips parted slightly, her throat tightening. Heat bloomed beneath her skin, threatening to steal the air from her lungs. She should say something—thank him, tease him, anything—but the words tangled on her tongue.

A few people exchanged surprised glances, their curiosity shifting into something softer. Others tried to cover their astonishment with polite smiles, but Delphinia caught the flickers of admiration in their eyes.

Victor smirked faintly, while Elaine’s lips curved in quiet satisfaction.

Delphinia’s heart skipped a beat, the moment wrapping around her like something fragile and precious. She had no idea what Evander’s true feelings were—whether this gesture was born from affection or merely a way to shield her from rumors.

But right now, she didn’t care.

For the first time in a long time, she felt like she belonged.

Evander’s fingers squeezed hers gently before releasing her hand, guiding her back to his side as if nothing had happened. The conversation around them slowly resumed, though the glances thrown their way carried a different energy now—something warmer, less judgmental.

Delphinia’s pulse still thrummed against her ribs, but she forced herself to breathe.

Someone special.

That was what he called her earlier, wasn’t it?

Delphinia’s eyes flicked to Evander, watching the way he moved effortlessly through the crowd—always composed, always a few steps ahead of everyone else.

She might never fully understand him. But tonight, just for a little while... she allowed herself to believe.

As the music swelled and laughter filled the air, Delphinia whispered silently to herself—praying that the night would continue without a hitch.

Please... let this be a night they would remember for the right reasons.