Mafia Billionaire’s Forlorn Wife
Chapter 37

It has been about fifteen minutes since Arabella went to the ladies’ room and I don’t wait for any longer as I pull out my phone and start calling her.

I furrow my brows when she doesn’t pick up the call and that causes worry to strike up in my heart about her whereabouts.

“Rhys! You came!” Madeline’s voice makes me turn around as I lower the phone from my ear just as she comes in for a friendly hug.

I smile at her, kissing both her cheeks before we step back, “Mads, quite the set up you have created here.” I say gesturing to our surroundings that are flourishing with artwork and people from all of the high society circles of this city are mingling amongst each other, wearing couture dresses and drinking expensive champagne as they take part in the silent auction that Madeline has set up for her foundation. She has even put up some of her personal collection artwork in this auction and that shows just how much she cares about this foundation.

She grins, “awh, you flatter me, Rhys! I have to say, I was almost expecting you to not show up.” She tells me sheepishly.

I chuckle and nod my head, “yes, but my darling wife persuaded me into it. She was really impressed by your foundation.” I tell her, knowing well enough that truthfulness and honesty has always been a core value for our bond.

Somehow, talking about Arabella with affection is not something that feels foreign to me in any manner. In fact, it feels like the most natural thing that I could have done.

Madeline grins, she is dressed in an elegant golden gown that showcases her as the ruling matriarch of the Gustav family and she looks the part proudly.

“That is really nice to hear.” Madeline says before her smile turns secretive, “I did hear about the little fiasco with Christopher downstairs, Rhys. What was that all about?” She asks jokingly.

I sigh, “I’m sorry if that took away a little bit of the coverage for the night. But rest assured, he deserved it. He tried touching my wife.” I tell her straightforwardly and unapologetically.

I am not going to lie about why I punched the bastard. I am still itching to get him down to Tartarus and torture him until his life crawls out of his body in a very slow and excruciating manner.

Every time I think about it, I can still see the way Arabella flinched the moment Christopher’s hand touched her skin. The horror and disgust on her angelic face was enough to make my eyes see red.

First, he dared to touch my wife. Second, he made her feel uncomfortable.

Yeah, I am probably going to kill him before tomorrow morning.

And I will have no regrets about that.

“Well, where is the woman of the hour? I have been dying to meet her.” Madeline asks and before I can open my mouth to respond, Amelia’s voice cuts through our conversation.

“She left.”

I furrow my brows and quickly snap my head towards Amelia who joins the two of us while giving Madeline a bright grin, “hey, Madeline, I hope you’re feeling better than before. Is the fever gone?” She asks pulling the older woman in for a hug and I am left thinking about what Amelia has just said regarding Arabella.

“Yes, I feel a lot better now, Lia. Thank you for asking.” Madeline says sweetly, hugging Amelia back.

Madeline and Amelia are even better friends than Madeline and I are. They are thick as thieves, especially considering the fact that Amelia herself is a huge art enthusiast.

When I introduced them, the two of them just clicked.

Madeline and Amelia talk a little more but then Madeline sees some new guests that require her attention as the hostess and she smiles at us, saying, “Well, now, you two enjoy this party, and I shall see you both later.”

And with that, Madeline walks away and I immediately turn Amelia to face me, “what do you mean that Arabella left?” I question in a hushed whisper, barely managing to control myself.

Amelia shrugs, rolling her eyes, she says, “I don’t know what happened to her but she was in a hurry to get away from this place. She told me that she doesn’t wanna see you.”

My heart pinches in my chest as I realise that perhaps, Arabella truly did mean what she said to me this morning.

“I’ll just call Jordan and tell him to drive her safely.” I say quickly dialling the number. I shudder thinking about my enemies catching Arabella alone during the night. Especially now that she has left without even telling me about anything.

Amelia reaches out to stop my hand, “don’t worry, I saw her downstairs in the lobby and then I saw her getting in your car. I’m sure she’ll reach home safely.”

My heart feels unsettled in my chest as I stare at her for a moment, unable to decide whether or not I should even stay here for longer.

I mean, the only reason why I even came here is because I wanted to give Arabella an evening of something she loves.

I had thought that she would perhaps enjoy everything here.

But maybe I was wrong.

I shake my head, I was a fool to think about putting in any effort into this relationship whatsoever.

Arabella clearly does not care enough and I should also go back to not caring like before.

So what if her feelings get hurt in the process? At least I am not going to give her the opportunity to hurt mine.

And so, shaking my head, I smile gratefully, “thank you for informing me.” I tell her as she squeezes my hand.

“Anything for you, best friend.”

And I chuckle at that, realising that perhaps everything can change in this world but Amelia’s nature towards our friendship is the one thing that will never change.

And I am grateful for that.

At least I have her.