No Escape from Love novel Chapter 68

"Why would Dad bring something as disgusting as you here?" A sharp female voice cut through the stillness, laced with disdain and loathing.

"You're nothing but a waste of space," a man added mockingly. "You don't deserve to be part of the Schneider family. You'll never be worthy. You should've died, just like your mother."

I wasn't planning on getting involved, but I couldn't stand their mean words. I dragged my heavy skirt behind me and approached the source of the noise.

A man and woman dressed in expensive clothing were sneering at a young man in a simple white shirt and a bow tie. They even prodded and shoved the man while they spoke.

"What are you doing?" I demanded, my voice sharp with anger.

"Who are you?" the woman snapped. "His lover?"

"Watch your mouth!" I shot back, glaring at her.

Judging by her outfit and the caliber of people attending this gala, she was clearly the daughter of some wealthy family. Yet her words were as vulgar as an uncouth woman.

"You…" The woman stepped forward, clearly intending to vent her frustration on me, but she stopped abruptly when she got close enough to see me clearly. Her eyes narrowed. "Wait… Why are you wearing that necklace?"

Instinctively, my hand moved to touch the necklace resting on my collarbone.

"Are you Alex's date?" she asked, disbelief flashing across her face.

Her words caught the man's attention, and his hostile demeanor faltered. Both of them suddenly looked uncertain.

I frowned, wondering how she had recognized me as Alex's companion. I didn't recall meeting anyone with the last name Schneider during the earlier introductions.

But this wasn't the time to dwell on it. I nodded and said firmly, "Yes, I'm Alex's date. And who are you?"

"I'm Xena Schneider from Jershore. This is my brother, Henry."

He looked at me, startled, but made no attempt to take it.

"There's dirt on your face and clothes," I said gently, extending the tissue closer. "Clean yourself up."

After a moment of hesitation, Lucas took the tissue. The defiance in his eyes softened, replaced by uncertainty. He looked at me with a vulnerable expression.

"Aren't you afraid of me? I'm just a bastard," he said tentatively.

I chuckled softly. "What's there to be afraid of? No matter your circumstances, you're still human, aren't you?"

He lowered his head and whispered, "You're the first person to say that."

My heart ached for him, and I admired the strength it must've taken to endure such treatment. Quietly, I slipped back into the hotel, found a tray of desserts, and snuck back out to the garden to bring them to him.