Chapter 113
Mila’s breath hitched, her heart hammering wildly against her ribs as an electric, tingling sensation ran straight down her spine from the press of Raphael’s soft lips against her skin.
Raphael pulled back just an inch, his intense gaze lingering on her face. With practiced, deliberate tenderness, he tucked a stray blonde lock behind her ear, his large, warm hand cupping her cheek with gentle authority.
"Even though I’m apparently just a penniless nobody," he drawled smoothly, throwing a dangerous, amused smirk directly in Victoria’s direction, "I can certainly afford to purchase this entire showroom if it serves as compensation for keeping my lady waiting."
"It’s fine, Raphael," Mila murmured hastily, her cheeks burning as she tried to steady her pulse. She forced herself to remember that Raphael was a world-class actor; this was merely a flawless, calculated performance of a devoted partner to manipulate the room.
"No, babe. It is definitely not fine," Raphael frowned, his attention shifting toward the trembling sales associate.
The woman swallowed hard, her face draining of all color as panic seized her. She knew her career was effectively over—she had just insulted the companion of global superstar Raphael Dumas. How could she have guessed that a female in an oversized sweater and plain clothes was bound to the most powerful leading man in the industry?
"You. Step forward," Raphael commanded, his tone dropping into an icy, undeniable frequency.
The sales associate immediately abandoned Victoria and rushed over, her hands shaking. "Sir! I swear on my life, I had no idea this stunning woman was with you! I would never have spoken to her like that... Please, I beg for your forgiveness!" she blurted out, her voice trembling with desperation.
Raphael’s sharp brows furrowed. Though he hadn’t witnessed the initial exchange, his instincts easily read the lingering distress in Mila’s posture. His eyes narrowed, a flash of pure, territorial menace cutting through his expression.
"You should know better than to disrespect any client who walks through these doors," Raphael scolded, his tone sharp enough to draw the attention of every shopper in the vault. "Fetch your regional manager immediately. I will only settle this matter with your superior."
The associate turned deathly pale. "Mr. Dumas, please! I’m begging you!" Seeing that the actor offered no quarter, she turned her tear-filled eyes toward Mila. "Please, ma’am! If I get fired today, I won’t be able to feed my family... Have mercy on me!"
Mila’s heart softened. Knowing the soul-crushing weight of financial desperation all too well, she couldn’t stand by and watch someone lose their livelihood over a moment of arrogance.
"Raphael... it’s alright," Mila whispered, her eyes imploring him softly. "Let it go. Please."
Raphael let out a heavy sigh, his rigid, lethal demeanor melting the moment his gaze met hers. "Only because you are asking me, my love. I can never say no to you." He offered a breathtaking, tender smile, his thumb lightly stroking her cheekbone once more.
The sales associate let out a breathless sigh of relief, bowing repeatedly. "Thank you! Thank you so much, ma’am!"
Raphael turned back to the associate, his voice cold and commanding once more. "Now, bring out your most exclusive diamond collection for my future wife."
"Right away, sir!" the woman squeaked, practically sprinting toward the back vault.
Meanwhile, Victoria stood frozen nearby, her mind spinning in absolute disbelief. Jealousy burned like acid in her chest as she stared at the superstar wrapping his arm around the woman she had spent years looking down on.
How could a plain, quiet creature like Mila pull a male who had the entire world bowing at his feet? Swallowing her bitter pride, Victoria forced a bright, exaggerated smile and stepped forward, dragging her wealthy fiancé by the hand.
"Oh my god, Raphael Dumas!" Victoria squealed, her eyes practically sparkling with adoration. She had worshipped the movie star for years, fantasizing about him endlessly. "You are my absolute favorite actor! I love all your movies! Could I please get a quick photo with you?"
Raphael had caught the tail end of Victoria’s condescending remarks when he first crossed the threshold. Anyone who dared to make his future wife feel small was automatically an enemy to his wolf. Though he was typically charming with his fan base, he displayed no warm public persona today.
"Excuse me, Miss. Do I know you?" he asked, his voice dripping with condescension.
Victoria’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second before she beamed again. "I’m Victoria! Mila’s best friend from college!"
Raphael tilted his head, looking down at Mila for verification.
Mila looked at Victoria’s desperate, bright smile, but she refused to let her former bully use her as a stepping stone ever again. "No. I don’t know her," Mila said softly, suppressing a small smirk as Victoria’s jaw dropped in absolute horror.
"Alright, babe. Let’s rest over there while they bring out the collection," Raphael purred softly, slanting his arm around Mila’s waist and guiding her gently toward a velvet lounge in the private VIP alcove.
Victoria stood stranded in the center of the showroom, her face flushing a deep, furious crimson as the store staff and wealthy patrons muffled their laughter.
Beside her, Timothy’s expression twisted into pure disdain. The young billionaire tore his hand out of her grip, stepping back with a cold scowl.
"Timothy? What’s wrong, darling?" Victoria stammered, panic lacing her voice.
"You are an utterly pathetic embarrassment," Timothy spat, his voice carrying clearly across the quiet room. "We are finished. The engagement is off."
"What?! Timothy, wait!" Victoria gasped, her world crumbling in an instant.
Timothy turned on his heel and strode out of the boutique without looking back. Desperate and utterly humiliated, Victoria took off after him, her high heels clicking frantically against the marble as she stumbled. "Timothy, please! Let me explain! Just give me another chance!"
Snickers echoed through the store as the crowd watched the diva sprint into the street. Mila let out a quiet sigh from her velvet seat, watching her former classmate transform into a complete spectacle.
Moments later, the sales associate returned, carrying a velvet tray adorned with an array of glittering diamond rings, each stone sparkling with breathtaking brilliance under the vault lights.