Chapter 4 - The Party Didn't Want to Leave

Perfect! Let's revamp Chapter 4 wi

📘 CHAPTER 4 — Catty's POV

The Party He Didn't Want Me to Leave

I had never imagined myself at a party like this.

The city skyline stretched endlessly behind the floor-to-ceiling windows of Alexandre Knight's penthouse, glittering like a constellation captured in glass. Inside, the chandeliers spilled golden light over impeccably dressed guests. Crystal glasses clinked, laughter floated through the air, and the soft jazz soundtrack made the atmosphere feel elegant and suffocating at once.

I tugged nervously at the hem of my black dress. The fabric hugged me in all the wrong ways, and my heels… I had never worn anything higher than flats. Every step I took felt like walking on a tightrope.

"Relax," a familiar voice whispered in my ear.

I jumped slightly and turned to see Alexandre Knight behind me. His navy suit was flawless, his hair perfectly combed back, and his dark eyes were fixed on me with a piercing intensity that made my stomach flip.

"I… I can't," I stammered, twisting the strap of my dress.

"Why?" His lips curved into that faint, dangerous smirk that made me weak in the knees. "You're here. You're not running. That's all that matters."

I wanted to protest, to tell him I didn't belong here, that this world of billionaires and high-stakes business wasn't mine. But when he brushed his hand lightly against my elbow to guide me through the crowd, my objections melted like snow under sunlight.

Guests noticed him first. Always him. Whispers followed in his wake. Some women smiled too wide, calculated smiles; some men offered polite nods, hiding envy behind forced politeness. And me? I felt invisible. Yet every subtle glance from him made it clear: I belonged here… with him.

I hated that. And yet… I liked it.

We reached a small seating area with plush white couches, and he gestured for me to sit. I did, hands tightly folded in my lap, trying to calm my racing heart.

Alexandre leaned against the back of the couch, arms crossed, eyes scanning the room. He didn't speak, but I could feel the tension radiating from him. I couldn't tell if it was anger, jealousy, or concern—but either way, it made my chest ache.

"Alex… why am I here?" I whispered finally.

He gave me a slow, measured smile. "Because you're my assistant, and tonight, you're going to meet people who matter to my world. And… I wanted you with me."

His gaze softened in a way that made me weak. "And because," he continued, voice dropping low, "I don't want you out of my sight."

My breath hitched.

Of course he couldn't let me leave. Not last night. Not now. Not ever.

I tried to calm myself, telling myself I could handle this. But then I saw her.

Vivian Blake.

The air seemed to shift. She floated into the room like a force designed to command attention. Tall, impossibly glamorous, and oozing confidence, she wore a shimmering black gown that hugged her curves perfectly. Every head in the room turned. Every whisper carried her name before I even knew it.

And then her eyes locked on me.

That soft, calculating smile of hers made my stomach twist. She was studying me, evaluating me, like a predator sizing up prey.

My chest tightened when I noticed Alexandre stiffen beside me. Protective. Possessive. My heart stumbled at the subtle brush of his hand against mine.

"She's… new," he said flatly, voice sharp as he positioned himself slightly between me and Vivian.

Vivian tilted her head, smile widening. "New? Oh… I see. The little assistant." Her eyes flicked to him. "…I suppose the CEO really does have expensive taste."

I felt my cheeks burn.

Alexandre's jaw tightened. His dark eyes flicked to hers with a warning she didn't understand.

Vivian leaned closer, voice smooth and dangerous. "Catty, isn't it? I've heard so much about you." Her words were sweet, but her eyes… they were venomous. "I'm sure you know who I am."

I swallowed hard. I didn't. But I could feel Alexandre tense beside me.

"I—I'm sorry…" I stammered. "I don't—"

She laughed softly. "Oh, don't apologize. You simply need to understand. I'm not just anyone in Alex's world. I'm his ex-fiancée."

My stomach dropped.

Alexandre's hand tightened around mine subtly. I felt the heat from his body, the protective tension radiating toward me.

Vivian's gaze bore into me. "He loved me once. Almost lost himself for me once. And now… you're here, pretending to take my place."

I froze. The words stung like ice. Pretending? Replacing?

Alexandre's voice cut through her like steel: "Vivian. Enough."

Her eyes flashed, but she didn't back down. "Oh, don't be so defensive. I'm just stating facts. Everyone should know where they stand."

I felt myself shrink, my heart racing in a cage of fear and adrenaline.

Alexandre leaned closer to me, not to speak, but to shield me. Every instinct I had screamed danger. Every thought whispered: she's here to hurt you.

And I knew she was.

Vivian smiled sweetly at me again, though it was anything but innocent. "Be careful, little assistant. In this world… the girl who seems harmless often ends up the most destroyed."

I could barely breathe.

Alexandre's jaw tightened. "She won't touch you," he said, low and dangerous. His dark eyes locked on hers. "Do you understand?"

Vivian chuckled, a hint of malice in her voice. "Oh, I understand. But let's see if she does."

She glided away gracefully, leaving a trail of cold energy that seemed to burn through the air. Every guest who had been paying attention whispered, looked, or gasped softly. And I realized: I was standing in the middle of something far bigger than me, in a world I barely understood.

Alexandre exhaled slowly. His hand remained subtly brushing mine, a tether I desperately clung to. "Don't listen to her," he said, voice soft but firm. "She's dangerous. Not because of what she can do… but because of what she wants to remind you of."

"What does she want?" I whispered, heart pounding.

"Control. Attention. Power. And she's used to getting both from me. You… you're just in her way."

I looked at him, chest tight, hands clammy. "And you?"

He tilted his head, dark eyes unreadable, yet filled with something I couldn't name. "…I won't let her touch you."

I wanted to believe him.

And in that moment, I realized that no matter how dangerous this world was, no matter how seductive and intimidating Vivian was… Alexandre Knight had already chosen to fight for me.

And somehow… that terrified me more than Vivian ever could.