HE NEVER NOTICED ME

Chapter-35

Xavier POV:

The next day, I was in the office, checking new projects and signing them when Lauren knocked on my door. "Come in," I said. She entered the room with some files in her hands.

"Good morning, sir. I need your signature on these," she said.

"Leave them here. I'll review and sign them later," I replied, expecting her to leave. But she didn't. She stood there, looking at me. Already irritated from the events of the party, I snapped. "What are you waiting for? If there's nothing else, you can go." Without another glance, I turned back to my laptop.

She nodded nervously and left the room. As soon as she was gone, I massaged my temples. Who the hell has the audacity to pull something like this? What could their motive be?

As my mind raced with questions, Ariana walked in. "Xavier, there's a charity ball the day after tomorrow."

I nodded, recalling that Mr. Adam had mentioned it when I last met him. Someone had been watching us closely. This wasn't just about reputation; there was something more at play. I could feel it. In this cutthroat world, I have enough enemies, but who would sink this low?

Ariana POV:

As the past two days blurred by, today is the day of the ball. Xavier's private investigator had been digging into who was behind the incident at the previous party, but nothing turned up. All the evidence had been meticulously erased.

The party was in full swing, with everyone dressed in black and white, following the theme. Xavier looked absolutely stunning. His hair was perfectly gelled, and his muscular frame was on full display. He wore a black and white suit with the top two buttons casually undone, effortlessly handsome as he greeted guests, smiling when necessary. I stood in a corner, checking my phone to pass the time. I was bored out of my mind. If Angela were here, she'd be cracking jokes and making this bearable. But this was a charity ball, a good cause for children's welfare, so I tried to push away negative thoughts.

Glancing over at Xavier, I noticed someone familiar across the room, on the other side of a pillar. Could it be Lauren? I squinted, trying to be sure. If it was her, at least I'd have someone to talk to. She hadn't seen me yet, so instead of calling out and looking like an idiot, I decided to approach her casually. I was holding a glass of red wine—not that I drank, my tolerance is embarrassingly low—but I figured it made me look a bit less out of place.

As I got closer, she still hadn't noticed me. She was with someone—a tall, well-built man. I couldn't make out his face in the dim lighting of the hallway. I hesitated, thinking maybe I shouldn't intrude, but just as I was about to turn back, I overheard him.

"What the Fu*k? You can't be here!" He snapped. The man replied angrily, dragging her toward a staircase. "Leave me alone, you bastard!" she hissed as they ascended. "Our last plan flopped; we'll do it my way this time."

Plan? What plan? I couldn't stop myself—I had to find out what they were talking about. How had Lauren even gotten into this party? Only a select few were invited, and apart from Xavier and me, I couldn't think of anyone who'd bring her here. I followed them quietly as they reached a room and slipped inside. The door didn't close completely, so I stayed outside, listening through the crack.

"How are we supposed to go along with your ridiculous plans?" the man asked, calm but stern. I peeked through the small opening. He was seated in a chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest. Lauren stood in front of him, running her hand through her hair, clearly agitated.

"I can't wait any longer!" she snapped. "How many years do I have to wait to make him mine? First his new PA, and now his wife?" Her voice was laced with venom. The man lit a cigar, exhaling smoke slowly before pulling her into his lap. She stumbled into him, and I quickly averted my gaze, not wanting to watch their intimate exchange.

But wait. PA? Wife? Who was she talking about? My heart pounded in confusion.

"Our plan isn't ruined, darling," the man said softly, blowing smoke into her face. "It's just... shifted. What does it matter that Xavier wasn't there? They have no proof, and I've erased all the evidence. You'll keep feeding me everything from inside his company, just like before. That's why you're there, not to fall in love with him or I say obsessed with him."

He kissed her roughly, and I gasped, covering my mouth. Lauren and this man—whoever he was—wanted Xavier's downfall. And Lauren was obsessed with him. This was insane.

When they finally broke apart, Lauren smirked. "I'll do whatever it takes. I'll remove everything in my way—first that little PA, then his wife. I'll kill those bitches."

I froze. She didn't know... she didn't know that the PA and wife she was talking about were the same person. Me.

The man stopped her before she left. "And what if he still doesn't love you? Even after you get rid of them?"

She smirked darkly. "Then I'll kill him too. If I can't have him, no one will."

I couldn't breathe. I turned and ran as quietly as I could, my heart racing, desperate to get away. As I reached the bottom of the stairs, gasping for air, I felt a hand on my shoulder.

I froze, terrified. Slowly, I turned around.

:

:

:

:

:

:

It was Xavier, staring at me with concerned eyes.