The Temporary Boyfriend

Chapter 97: Julian and Mark face off for the first time

​"It is an honor to meet you, Lady Glowen," Julian said. "Lyvana told me so much about this evening. I brought a few friends along. I hope you don’t mind."

"Mind? Young man, you’ve turned this into the event of the season. I am... I am speechless."

Hestia Vane was a beautiful woman with pale blonde hair and blue eyes. She gave her a kind smile.

"This is my daughter, Princess Sophia," the duchess said.

​Princess Sophia offered a graceful, regal nod. "It’s a pleasure, Lady Glowen."

​"The pleasure is entirely mine," Lady Glowen said. "You honor my home. Come in."

As Lady Glowen led the royal guests toward the terrace, the ballroom felt like it had been struck by a bolt of lightning. The hierarchy of the entire room shifted in an instant.

​Everyone wanted to speak to the Grand Duchess and the princess, but few dared to actually approach.

The evening had suddenly become more interesting.

Emily pulled Ethan away, leaving Lyvana standing alone with Julian.

​"How did you get the Duchess to come?" she whispered, her eyes tracking the powerful woman on the terrace. "I didn’t think that was even possible."

​"I have my ways," he whispered back. "Besides, I told her I was coming to see the love of my life. I showed her your photo, and she wanted to see if I was lying."

​Lyvana’s heart skipped a beat. "Wow. Really? You two are... close?"

​"She is my godmother."

​Lyvana blinked. A slow, stunned smile spreading across her face. "You never cease to amaze me."

Elsewhere Mark was standing at the bar taking a sip of drink.

He had recognized Julian as Catalina’s husband from the photos he had seen.

He looked even more good-looking in person. Not that he was intimidated or anything.

And what was he discussing with Lyvana, he thought.

Just then Susan approached.

​"Mark, honey, did you know about this?" his mother, whispered, holding his arm. "You didn’t tell me we were hosting the duchess and the princess!"

"I didn’t know mother," Mark said, almost bored.

"Well, don’t just stand here. Go over there and say something to them. That man standing with Lyvana. Let him introduce you to the duchess."

Mark straightened his jacket​.

"I’ll handle it, Mother," he muttered, handing his champagne flute to a passing waiter.

As he approached Lyvana and Julian, he saw him leaning close whispering something that made her cheeks flush.

"Lyvana," he said a little too loudly. "Why don’t you introduce me to your... friend."

Lyvana turned to him and her smile faded.

"Mark. Um this is Julian Blackwood. He is my business partner."

​"Business partner, huh?" Mark sneered, leaning in closer to Julian, dropping his voice so the surrounding guests wouldn’t hear. "Listen, Blackwood. I don’t know what game you’re playing. But Lyvana is mine. We are engaged and getting married soon. Don’t get too comfortable around her."

Julian didn’t react immediately. He simply looked at Mark slowly, clearly unimpressed.

Then a faint smile touched his lips.

"Are you finished?" he asked calmly.

The question alone felt like a dismissal.

Mark’s jaw tightened. "You think this is a joke?"

"I think," he said quietly, "that a man who has to announce ownership... already knows he doesn’t have it."

Mark’s expression darkened. "Watch your mouth... you scum."

Julian didn’t even blink.

"Or what?" he asked softly.

Silence fell between them.

"Mark what’s the meaning of this nonsense," Lyvana said. "Why are you talking to my guest this way."

​"Guest?" Mark spat the word like it was bitter. "Is that what we’re calling it now?"

​Julian tilted his head, observing him like he was a pest.

"You’re simply crazy," Julian said.

Mark’s face flushed a deep red. He took a step forward, his chest nearly brushing Julian. "You think you’re so clever, don’t you? Coming here, flaunting the Duchess, acting like you’re all high and mighty. Just get it into your head, that Lyvana is still my fiancée."

​"Mark, that is enough!" Lyvana whispered stepping between them. Her eyes flashed with anger as a few people began to notice the exchange. "You are embarrassing yourself, and you are embarrassing me. If you cannot act with a shred of dignity, then perhaps you should leave. Now."

Mark realized he had just let his jealousy get the better of him. He rubbed the back of his neck, looking between Lyvana and Julian.

"You’re right," Mark said quietly. "I’m sorry. Truly. I think... I think it was the alcohol talking. The champagne at these events always hits harder than I expect."

​He turned slightly toward Julian, giving a short, stiff nod of apology.

​"My apologies, Blackwood. I overstepped. Clearly, I haven’t been myself tonight."

Mark shifted awkwardly, then looked at Lyvana. "Why don’t you go get something to sober up then," Lyvana said. freewёbnoνel.com

Mark nodded quickly, his face still a bit red.

"You’re right. I think some water and some air would be good," he said.

He didn’t look at Julian again as he backed away, finally turning to disappear into the crowd toward the buffet.

​Lyvana watched him go for a moment before letting out a long sigh. She turned back to Julian, her expression softening.

​"I’m sorry you had to deal with that," she whispered. "He isn’t usually that... loud."

"Don’t apologize for him, Liv. Shall we?" He led the way towards the duchess and her grandmother.

The night continued peacefully after that. With the duchess inviting them to her home the following weekend.

Lady Glowen was so excited to hear that. She totally adores her, and to be invited to her home was so huge for her.

Julian was her new favorite person and he invited him to her home the following day for dinner.

Lyvana beamed inwardly. Their plan had worked.

Lyvana stayed in the ballroom after everyone had left. freewebnovёl.ƈom

She wondered if Mark’s jealousy meant anything. For him to risk his perfect image and his campaign to fight Julian was a bit out of character. It wasn’t like him to lose control in front of a crowd.