The Lies He Told Me (Grace and Antonio)

The Lies He Told Me 167

On the day of the engagement party, Eloise went all out, decked in designer brands. Her jewelry sparkled, hinting at its hefty price tag.

Greeting guests at the entrance, she kept glancing around as if searching for someone. I had just stepped out of a nearby shop when Eloise spotted me. She approached with a bright smile, grabbing my hand. "Grace, I've been waiting for you."

Then she glanced behind me and, with a puzzled look, said, "Grace, what's up with your taste in men? Found yourself a gross old man?

"Oh, Grace, check out this bracelet. Antonio insisted on buying it for me. I've told him so many times that we should keep things low- key. You know, he just got divorced and now we're getting engaged. But he was determined to give me something even fancier." She had flaunted this bracelet on social media multiple times. I had seen every post but never paid much attention.

But now, with her practically waving it in my face, I had to glance at it. "It's beautiful," I said.

Eloise seemed dissatisfied with my reaction and muttered, "Grace, are you upset because Antonio never gave you such things?"

I ignored it and reminded her that the ceremony

was about to start. After all, this was her party, and many important people, including her mentors, were

here.

She stopped talking to me and went back to chat with her mentors. Just

Antonio arrived, presenting Eloise with

called him, and whispered. "Can you tell from here if that bag is real?" He

be sure, but it looks a bit

moment I signed in, I felt eyes

noticed me, stood up from his seat

grin. "They were just betting

your

his hand, filled with winnings. I smiled at him. "You know me

a seat

saw this and walked

g.nét

feigned concern. “Feeling answered,

better?"

for asking."

suggested. I put on a smile and said, "I prefer to keep my circle drama-free, but thank you for the thought, Mr. Kaufman." My words

people can't be friends in that

"If that's true, she must be hung up on me,

almost burst

muttered some nonsense and walked