Revenge amnesia upgraded to his brother novel Chapter 78

**The Goodbye That Never Reached You and My Life Chasing**
**Chapter 78**

**Norah’s POV**

I found myself leaning against the polished mahogany bar in the dim corner of the extravagant hall, my gaze fixated on Lucien, who was the undeniable center of attention on the dance floor. The atmosphere was electric, charged with an energy that pulsed through the crowd, and the chandeliers above sparkled like a constellation of stars, casting a soft, golden glow that made his black tuxedo shimmer as if it were liquid night itself.

Around him, a throng of women adorned in silk and sequins swirled like a flock of dazzling birds, their laughter mingling with the upbeat rhythm of the music, creating a symphony of sound that seemed to wrap around him. My heart raced as I observed one particular woman, an older figure draped in an emerald gown that clung to her curves, pressing herself against him with an intimacy that felt far too familiar. Her chest brushed against his arm repeatedly, each contact deliberate and possessive, and to my dismay, Lucien didn’t push her away.

Instead, he leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered something that elicited a soft giggle from her. My breath caught in my throat as I watched her plump hand glide over his chest, lingering near his heart, a gesture that felt almost intimate. I could feel my own hand tightening around the delicate stem of my champagne flute, the cool glass a stark contrast to the heat that was building within me.

Deep down, I knew this was all part of the act—a carefully orchestrated performance that we had both agreed upon. But knowing didn’t alleviate the cold knot that twisted in my stomach, growing tighter with each passing moment. These women, with their powdered skin and practiced smiles, were old enough to be his grandmother, yet they gazed at him with eyes that sparkled with desire, and he seemed to play along with their affections effortlessly.

I watched as he accepted a glass of champagne from another admirer, lifting it to his lips with a grace that made my heart ache. He sipped delicately, then bowed low to kiss her hand, the gesture polished and smooth, as if he had rehearsed it a thousand times. It was the same hand that had traced my cheek just hours ago, igniting a warmth that now felt like a distant memory.

I couldn’t bear to watch any longer. With a swift motion, I drained the last of my champagne, the bubbles fizzing against my lips as I set the glass down a little too forcefully on the bar. The sound was swallowed by the pulsating music, a mere whisper in the chaos of the night.

Without a backward glance, I turned and made my way out of the suffocating hall, stepping onto the open deck. The night air greeted me with a refreshing coolness, carrying the salty tang of the sea that filled my lungs and cleared my mind, even if just a little. The stars twinkled overhead, a stark contrast to the turmoil swirling within me, and I took a moment to breathe, to gather my thoughts, and to remind myself that this was just a game we were playing. But deep down, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was losing more than just a moment; I was losing him.