Ex husband's Plea for Forgiveness

Melinda took a breath of fresh air. 'Peace and quiet at last.'

She lifted the hem of her dress as she cautiously sat down on a sofa in the patio. This dress was rented, after all, so she had to be careful to return it in pristine condition.

She was alone out here, but still had a good view of the banquet hall and the dance floor. A lot of young couples were twirling around, her sister-in-law included.

Yulia was obviously in her element, lost in the dance and the crowd. People were even starting to notice her, finally.

Melinda wasn’t at all surprised. Yulia had always been a party girl.

Once the song ended, however, her dance partner only thanked her and then walked away. No one else approached her after that.

Yulia was feeling indignant. In her eyes, this was all Melinda’s fault. The men’s mortifying lack of interest in her was all because of her brother’s wife.

She looked around for her nemesis and finally found her sitting alone on the patio, casually watching the other guests. Yulia strode over to the banquet table and grabbed two glasses of wine, and then stomped over to where her sister-in-law was.

As she neared, she became aware just how Melinda’s radiance seemed to occupy the little space. It only pissed her further.

"Melinda," she spat out as soon as she stepped out into the patio. "What are you doing here by yourself?"

Without waiting for an invitation, Yulia sat herself down on a nearby chair, making a point of sitting as far away as the other woman as possible. In truth, Yulia’s feet had been killing her all night.

She had decided to wear stilettos in an attempt to look taller than she actually was, hoping that her added height would gain people’s attention. She was regretting her choice of footwear now, not that she would ever admit it.

"It’s quieter here," Melinda answered. She wasn’t expecting Yulia to find her so soon, much less come and sit with her.

Still holding the glasses of wine, Yulia handed one towards Melinda. The latter took on a wary expression, and did not take the drink.

Melinda was not stupid. In light of recent events, she had grown vigilant of her sister-in-law. There was no way she would ever consume something that had passed through Yulia’s hands.

As if she read her mind, Yulia gave her a reassuring smile. Melinda’s guard only rose even more.

"I wanted to propose a toast to you, for a pulling of a successful social appearance." When Melinda only looked at her, Yulia’s tone grew stern, although the smile was still in place. "Don’t make me lose face, Melinda. A lot of people are watching."

Melinda looked around and found Yulia’s words to be false. There were few people around them, even fewer watching them.

Yulia was a little embarrassed by her movements, but she did not budge. Melinda flashed a regal smile and said, "You know I’m not a drinker." She had already drunk a glass of champagne earlier, and had no plans to take any more alcohol tonight.

Still, Yulia’s outstretched hand did not waver, and Melinda narrowed her eyes at the younger woman. The proper response would have been to not insist on making the other person drink, yet Yulia was still pushing.

of fact, Yulia wanted to get Melinda drunk. She expected the latter to

content." The

the future. Don’t you think you should get used to

point, of course. But she was quite certain she wouldn’t be attending any social engagement in the future. Queena obviously wouldn’t want that, and she

Yulia’s relentless insistence only made the gesture more suspicious. Melinda would never take that drink. They kept staring at each other in a stalemate when a male voice broke in. "Let me drink that in her

navy blue suit, and his hair was mussed in a way

him, and his eyes held an inviting look as his

to pound in her chest, and she could feel an intense blush creeping into her face. That was, until she realized the man was turning on his charm for Melinda, who for her

hope?" His question seemed to pull Melinda back to her senses, and she stammered a vague

watched this development in anger. ‘Why?

about appearances, but acknowledging that

hideous. Since she was neither, and only teetered

her jealousy, Yulia ignored the man, rose from her seat, and thrust the wineglass in front of Melinda’s face. "This is a toast to you, so naturally, you should

Yulia. "Drinking

and I’ve seen her refuse it. Still you insisted, and so I stepped in

you act as if I don’t exist at all, and persist yet again on forcing her to take it against her wishes. Let me ask you, Miss, were your manners learnt from the market stalls in

How dare

the eyes of the truly rich, she would always be a bastard child born from a woman of lowly background. And now some stranger just waltzed up and taunted her, poking fun at where it hurt the most. She was angry and humiliated beyond words. She narrowed her eyes at the man,

her grip, the liquid splashing loudly on the man’s suit. A tense hush fell over

into his jacket, making a dark stain. He

and it

Realizing what the man was doing, she quickly put down the

so sorry, I lost my balance. I didn’t mean for this to happen. Let me

I need any help from you," he said coldly. Melinda finally came to her senses. The development of

now rose from the sofa, and tried to step between the man and Yulia, hoping to settle the matter amicably. "Sir,

Yulia cut her off, glaring at Melinda with unmistakable fury. Melinda could only stare back at her

on the other hand, frowned even deeper, and

be dressed similarly, but while one looked like a regal socialite, the

I was saying, let me help you with

had gathered nearby, and people were watching them shamelessly. Perhaps

who joined them was undeniably attractive. Either way, Yulia knew

for your assistance at all. Since this beautiful lady was so kind to apologize on your behalf, even though

suggest that you, Miss, make an effort to learn social etiquette. It would most certainly be of use to you." Then he smiled at her, but Yulia recognized his sarcasm all too

that she was ungrateful, he also emphasized how she was out