His Lovable Klutz (Completed)

Segment Thirty-seven.

♥ The Stranger ♥

      Coby found herself in front of the lavish buffet, her eyes growing wide as she took in the array of food laid out before her. There were silver platters heaped with roasted duck, creamy mashed potatoes, and herb-crusted lamb chops. A variety of salads, cheeses, and breads were meticulously arranged, along with desserts like tiramisu, crème brûlée, and delicate fruit tarts. Without hesitation, Coby grabbed a plate and began piling it high with anything that caught her eye.

      She made her way toward an unoccupied table near the corner of the room, where a well-dressed woman sat quietly, sipping from a glass of wine. Coby didn't pay much attention to her, more focused on her mound of food. She sat down across from the woman and immediately began to devour her meal, digging in with unrestrained enthusiasm.

      The woman, who had been enjoying a peaceful moment, looked up at Coby with disgust. Her perfectly manicured eyebrow arched as she watched Coby shovel food into her mouth with little regard for decorum.

      Unable to hold back, she sneered, "Good heavens, have you no manners? It's a wonder how you managed to be let into this event."

      Coby paused mid-bite, her eyes narrowing at the woman. She swallowed before replying, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Well, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you're mistaking me for someone who actually cares about your opinion."

      The woman gasped, her face turning a deep shade of red as she clutched her pearls in dramatic offense. Tossing her napkin onto the table, she stood up abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor.

      "How dare you speak to me like that! You are… uncouth!" With that, she huffed and stormed off, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor.

      Coby watched her leave, completely unfazed. Once the woman was out of sight, she let out a satisfied belch, feeling much better after polishing off her food. She reached over, grabbed the woman's discarded napkin, and dabbed at the corners of her mouth before crumpling it back onto the table. Standing up, Coby adjusted her dress, but in her haste, she managed to trip over the hem, nearly falling face-first onto the floor.

      Before she could hit the ground, a strong hand caught her by the arm, steadying her. Coby quickly straightened up, her heart racing from the near fall. When she turned around to thank her savior, her eyes widened in surprise. It was the same man who had helped her earlier when she'd tripped outside.

      "Well, what a pleasant surprise," the man said with a charming smile, his dimples deepening as he looked down at her. "I didn't expect to see you again so soon."

      Coby was equally surprised but also a bit embarrassed. She tried to compose herself, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Yeah, well, I didn't expect to trip twice in one night, but here we are."

      The man chuckled, his green eyes twinkling with amusement. "I suppose I should stay close by then, just in case."

      Coby couldn't help but smile back. "Thanks for the save… again. I'm Coby, by the way."

      "Lucius Pierce," he introduced himself with a slight bow of his head. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Coby."

      They exchanged a few more pleasantries, their conversation flowing easily. He asked her about the party, how she was enjoying it, and whether she was here with someone. Coby found herself relaxing in his presence, appreciating his kind manner and the way he seemed genuinely interested in what she had to say.

      Meanwhile, across the room, Stefan was trying—and failing—to focus on the conversation he was having with Mr. Jabari. He couldn't help but notice Coby and Lucius talking, their interaction looking far too friendly for his liking. He found himself wondering how Coby had met this man, and what they could possibly be discussing that was making Coby smile so much. Stefan's eyes kept drifting toward them, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of what could be going on.