The Temporary Boyfriend

Chapter 119: The birthday party I

Arthur gripped her hips even tighter, his fingers digging into her skin as he increased the pace. The only sounds in the quiet plane were the engine and the loud slap of his body against hers.

Back in Julian’s penthouse, the mood was far from triumphant.

"The police have already filed the warehouse raid as a botched kidnapping rescue," Ethan told him.

​Julian leaned against the cold marble of his kitchen island. "So Arthur has disappeared once more."

​"I’m afraid so. He and Thorne were gone before our secondary team could even get close. By the time the dust settled, they were in the back of an ambulance and out of our reach."

​"Why did the police come there in the first place?. That warehouse is marked as private property. Did we set off a silent alarm or something?"

Ethan shook his head.

​"I doubt that," Ethan replied quickly. "The security logs are clean. They came with a purpose. It was a surgical strike."

​Julian stared out at the city, his eyes narrowing. "They didn’t just find it, Ethan. They were invited. Someone handed them the keys and an invitation."

​"I will find out exactly what happened. I’m already looking into the precinct’s dispatch records."

Ethan was on the phone with the communication team.

​"Do that," Julian said. "Find out who made that call, and let Lily take it from there. That will be where we can start uncovering whatever is going on."

He dialed Lily’s number.

"Lily, I need you to send two men to keep an eye on Thorne. I have a feeling something big is going on."

"Right away sir."

"And from now on, Lyvana will be seen by another doctor right here at home. I don’t know how much Dr. Jasmine knows. Or if she’s involved at all. But until we do... we assume she is."

He hung up and poured himself some coffee.

He needed to find out what Lyvana knows about Andrew Thorne, and why she asked Marco to investigate him in the first place.

....

Pretending to be Mark’s fiancée was exhausting. It was even harder now that she was pregnant and had just met Julian’s mother.

She was tired of hiding.

It was time to end everything.

Today was Mark’s birthday.

She remembered what happened that day in her past life. That memory gave her an idea. Just telling the truth wouldn’t be enough. She needed proof—something Mark couldn’t deny.

She picked up her phone and called him.

He answered right away.

"Baby, you finally called me back. Where were you yesterday?"

Lyvana rolled her eyes but kept her voice calm.

"I was with Emily," she said. "We were busy with wedding preparations."

"Wedding preparations?" Mark repeated, a smile in his voice. "You’re really taking this seriously, huh?"

Lyvana forced a soft laugh.

"Emily is my best friend, remember."

"I know," Mark said. "I’m just saying... you haven’t really done much for our wedding, and it’s coming up fast."

"My stepmom is already handling that, you know."

There was a short pause. Then his tone softened.

"I’ve missed you," he said. "You’ve been distant lately."

Lyvana’s eyes hardened slightly.

"You keep saying that," she replied quietly, "but you’re the one pushing me away."

Mark sighed.

"I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s gotten into me lately."

Lyvana let that sit for a moment.

"Happy birthday," she said softly.

There was a brief silence.

"...Thank you," Mark replied, his voice gentler now. "Does that mean I get to see you today?"

"Of course. I wouldn’t miss the famous party for anything."

Lyvana’s lips curved slightly.

"Of course," she said. "I wouldn’t miss your birthday party for anything."

"Good. Then I’ll see you tonight. Dress nice. It’s going to be a big night." fгeewebnovёl.com

"I will," Lyvana answered simply.

There was a pause, like he wanted to say more, but he held back.

"I love you," he said instead.

Lyvana froze. Love? Since when?

​"Love you too," she said back.

​The line went dead. Lyvana lowered the phone slowly.

​"That went well," Emily muttered next to her.

​"Yeah," Lyvana said. "I guess."

Later that evening, Lyvana and Emily arrived at the party with Lady Glowen. Damon and Isabel were already there.

​As they walked in, Lyvana felt a sharp pain in her heart. She remembered this night from her past life.

​In that life, Clarisse had accidentally tripped her making Lyvana fall face-first into the giant birthday cake. People didn’t help; they laughed. Someone even recorded it and posted it on social media. While Emily was helping her clean the frosting off her clothes in a dark corner, Clarisse was the star.

She stood center stage, showing the guests a video of Mark’s great achievements. Everyone cheered for them while Lyvana hid in shame.

​Back in the present, Lyvana took a deep breath. She wasn’t that girl anymore. Tonight she was the one with a secret to show.

They walked into the ballroom, leaving their gifts on the table. It was filled with cool music. The waiters moved through the crowd, carrying trays of expensive drinks. The party was in full swing.

​There were many of Mark’s family members and a few close friends. He always celebrated his birthday this way, every year.

In the center of the room, Lyvana saw Mark’s mother, Susan. She looked very elegant in her expensive clothes. Walking right next to her was Clarisse.

​It was easy to see that Susan was doting on Clarisse. She held Clarisse’s hand and smiled at her constantly.

Usually, Susan kept her favorites a secret, but now she was showing her devotion to Clarisse right in front of everyone.

What could have changed, she wondered. It was too soon for her to be pregnant, right?

​Mark saw Lyvana and Lady Glowen from across the room. He walked over with a big smile. He was wearing an expensive suit and holding a glass of champagne.

​"You’re finally here!" Mark said. "Thank you for coming lady Glowen. You look beautiful."

"Thank you Mark. Happy birthday."

"Thank you," Mark replied, giving Lady Glowen a kiss on her cheek.

He looked at Lyvana’s red dress. "You look beautiful honey. Everyone is asking about you."

​He then kissed her deeply on her lips. His lips tasted of champagne. Lyvana felt disgusted because she knew he had probably just kissed Clarisse. But she stayed calm, because her grandmother was right beside her.