The Billionaire's Irresistible Enemy

Ch. 22

Luna

The butler showed me inside the mansion, and I handed him the cake I baked for the family.

"You're late. It's already time for lunch." Grandpa Kristov said when he saw me, then he checked his watch.

I showed up 45 minutes late, which was pretty bad. Everyone's supposed to show up at 11:30 a.m. — which is half an hour before lunch. Being 15 minutes late is cool, but if you're 30 minutes late, you better have a good reason.

"I got caught in traffic." I lied.

His frown got even worse.

"It's Sunday, and it'll only take you 15 minutes to get here. Where's your fiancé?"

I let out a big sigh. I was late because of Barry. He said he'd come, so I waited for like an hour for him to pick me up. But then at 11:45, he called saying he couldn't come. He had a throbbing head earlier and now has a terrible headache. No doubt, he was suffering from a hangover after getting wasted at our engagement party last night. He was super happy and couldn't resist sharing his emotions with his buddies.

"He's got a headache." I told grandpa the truth. One lie is enough.

"Yeah, that's no surprise. I heard he was partying at the venue until six in the morning, drinking. What's up with your fiancé? He's guzzling drinks like there's no tomorrow. Tell him he needs to control himself."

I had to defend Barry. It's not a regular thing. He was just thrilled about our engagement. But I decided to keep quiet because I disappointed him already.

"Yup, I will, grandpa."

Thank goodness. Grandma Pia joined us in the living room.

"I'm glad you're here, dear. I thought you weren't coming today." She gave me a brief hug. "Where's Barry?"

Grandpa huffed, looking annoyed, and left.

"What's the matter?" Grandma wasn't happy.

"He's pissed that Barry can't make it again." I shrugged. "He's got a terrible headache from last night."

"Aw, you must understand, your grandpa. You know how important this Sunday gathering is for us." She gave me a nice back rub and said, "let's go. It's time for lunch."

"Where's everyone?"

"Gareth, Celine, and the kids are already in the dining room. Your mom's in the kitchen with Sweet, and the others are in Sebastian's study."

The others, meaning Dad and Sebastian.

I heard laughter and then the guys came out of Sebastian's study. I was surprised to see someone else with them. Colton. They really meant it when they said to invite him.

My heart raced when I saw him again. He looked ridiculously good, even in casual clothes. He had on a basic white polo shirt and blue jeans but still looked like a supermodel.

I breathed in deeply to relax my all-over-the-place breathing. I need to pull myself together, especially emotionally.

Sweet and Mom came out of the kitchen as well, and everyone greeted me with hugs and kisses. Except for Colton, of course. As usual, he gave me a nod.

"I thought you wouldn't show up. I'm glad you did," Mom said when she greeted me.

"Where is Barry?" Sweet asked, and my response was the same. Everyone seemed to understand and didn't inquire about him anymore.

All took their seats at the dining table. I was surprised to be seated next to Colton. My heart thumped rapidly. I was so anxious, my hands shook. In an attempt to remain calm, I played with my fork and it slipped from my hand, falling to the floor.