Page 41 of Reclaimed By My Ex’s Bratva Brother

I looked at her and finally admitted something more troublesome than desire.

I cared about her.

Chapter Ten

Briony

That day at the summer camp felt like a dream—appearing without warning, then vanishing just as fast. I hadn't seen Varlam for days after.

He'd sent evening gowns and jewelry to my office during that time, but never showed up himself at the company. Until today, when he had me ride with him to this opulent banquet hall.

The moment we stepped into the event, people swarmed Varlam. He wore a classic black suit with a matching tie patterned with subtle prints, his short hair carefully slicked back. Just standing there, he became the center of everything.

I knew damn well I didn't belong in a place like this. So when Varlam indicated I could take a break, I escaped to a quiet corner like I'd been released from prison. Sipping expensive champagne, indulging in food I could rarely afford.

"Briony?" A voice I knew too well cut through the air. "Never thought I'd see you here."

Who else but Chloe could make surprise sound like mockery?

"Nice to see there's still a dress that fits you." She approached, her tone sweet as if she meant it as a compliment. "Makes you look like you belong with the upper class."

"Didn't expect to run into you either." I gave her a once-over. "That clutch is eye-catching. Goes with your whole look today."

She wore a pink gown, carried a feathered purse, and her earrings and necklace were large baroque pearls—clearly expensive. If you ignored her smug expression, it was actually a stunning outfit.

"You're still so sensitive." She laughed, tapping my shoulder. Her long manicured nails dug in painfully. "I'm just curious who brought you in. Please don't tell me it's another rich man?"

"How's that your business?" I shot her a look. "Or are you planning to go after someone else's boyfriend again?"

I couldn't figure out why Chloe fixated on me, couldn't stand to see me doing even slightly well.

Her smile finally dropped. She deliberately pointed toward a balding man staring at me, loudly feigning shock. "Don't tell me he brought you! When did your taste sink this low?"

Several nearby guests turned to look at us.

"Though I guess for a guy like that, your body type's probably exotic." She kept going, as if she'd already decided I was that man's date.

"What's wrong with my body?" I set down my glass before I actually threw champagne in her face.

Right now, I wore an apricot gown that hugged every curve. Even Varlam had told me in the car I was driving him crazy. But Chloe wanted to tear me down, like always.

Memories flooded back. I'd finally worked up the courage to wear a bodycon dress to a party once. Everyone said I looked beautiful—except Chloe, who announced in front of everyone that my waist was all flab. Then she'd pulled me aside, warning me not to believe the compliments.

"That's just politeness. If you actually believe them, they'll laugh at you behind your back." She'd sounded so sincere then, like she cared.

Now I saw it clearly. Everything came from jealousy. She was jealous of me, so she tore me down.

"You really don't see yourself clearly, do you? You think wearing an expensive dress hides how cheap you look?" She snorted. "Briony, dressing up doesn't change the fact that you're dumpy."

"I see myself just fine." I looked right at her. "So I know you're not attacking me because I look bad. You're doing it because I look too good today."

Saying it out loud, that invisible chain around me snapped. I realized that with Varlam's influence, I'd started accepting and loving my body.

The contempt on Chloe's face froze.

"You spent years telling me I was fat and ugly, that everyone complimenting me was lying. But the real liar was you. You couldn't stand anyone thinking I was pretty."

More eyes turned our way. Some guests even started quietly discussing Chloe's manipulations. She hated being embarrassed—that polished exterior cracking under her own cruelty.