Chapter 36

**Sarah**

Philip graciously ushered me into the gathering, where all eyes immediately fixed upon me. Yet, my attention was only in one direction-the buffet!

A passing waiter showcased a plate adorned with buttered lobster, its vibrant hue and alluring scent tantalizing my senses. My mouth watered at the mere thought of savoring it.

"Hmm I want that!" I exclaimed, tugging at Philip's sleeve like an eager child, pointing towards the dish.

He regarded me with a knowing gaze.

"Why?" I inquired.

"I didn't leave you hungry at Serenity Pines, did I? If I had known you were such a lobster enthusiast, I would've brought the head chef from this restaurant to the villa," he remarked.

"Tsk!" For months, I had been shackled to a restrictive diet, convinced that my heart was frail and vulnerable. However, learning this wasn't the case, I felt liberated and eager to indulge in anything I wanted!

Before I could respond, my former mother-in-law appeared, accompanied by Megan.

"What's she doing here, Philip? That woman shows no regard for decency, dressed so inappropriately for this occasion! Do you wish to embarrass your aunt?" Madam Cornell's scolding tone resonated with disapproval.

"Philip..." Megan choked out, her voice trembling with barely contained emotion. Her eyes held a storm of frustration as she turned to me, as if she could tear my hair out with her gaze alone.

"She's not invited!" interjected my ex-mother-in-law sharply.

Philip's father intervened, drawn by the commotion. In the dim lighting, he initially struggled to recognize me. "What's going on? We have guests, and it's not appropriate to have such a scene at the entrance."

Madam Cornell's demeanor softened slightly. "Honey, I'm just reprimanding Sarah for her lack of respect towards Marietta. Not only did she show up without an invitation, but she dressed casually."

"I invited her, Mom!" Philip asserted.

Megan gritted her teeth in jealousy.

"Good evening, Mr. Cornell," I greeted Philip's father as he turned towards me, disregarding the ladies.

"Oh! Is this Sarah? It's been quite some time," he exclaimed, recognition dawning on him.

Since I primarily spent time at Serenity Pines Estate during my marriage to Philip, I rarely interacted with the chairman outside of events like this.

"Yes, I came when I heard Jane would return tonight," I explained.

Philip's mother interjected, her irritation evident, "Your attire is still inappropriate!"

A man approached Philip's father, whispering something in his ear. Mr. Cornell excused himself shortly after. "I need to leave for another meeting."

"Honey... Are you leaving again?" Philip's mother clung to him; her voice tinged with disappointment.

"I just happened to pass by," Mr. Cornell said casually. As he departed, he cast a menacing glance at his wife.

"Philip!" Auntie Marietta approached us.

"Happy birthday, Auntie. I came with-" Philip began.

"It's good that you came!" Auntie Marietta interrupted, seemingly disregarding my presence. Did my appearance offend her delicate sensibilities, branding me as nothing more than a wandering tourist? "Anyway, everyone, please take a seat. I have an announcement to make."

Philip's Auntie Marietta summoned an attendant with a request: Auntie Marietta summoned an attendant with a request, "Please escort Philip to his chair."

Philip... only him... It's as if she didn't even see me.

The attendant led us to one table, my mind drifting to my phone, hoping for a message from Jakob.

We arrived at a VIP table where Philip's cousins, including Rebecca and Megan, were already seated. The air was charged with tension, particularly palpable due to my ex-husband's presence alongside me and Megan.

"Philip, sit beside Megan," Rebecca suggested with a sneer directed at me.

The round table brimmed with Philip's relatives, each seat claimed except for a solitary chair meant for Philip.

Rebecca's smirk didn't escape my notice.

"Where's Sarah's seat?" Philip inquired, furrowing his brow at the attendant.

The man swallowed hard, growing visibly nervous. "S-she's not on the list, sir."

I wasn't particularly bothered; after all, I hadn't been formally invited. I refused to let such matters bother me. However, I wanted to plop down because Philip had worn me out! My joints were screaming for a break, hence the involuntary yawn.

"What now, Sarah? It seems all the tables are full, and I don't think there's a place for you," Rebecca remarked.

I shrugged, multitasking by typing a message to Jakob.

Me: Hey! What's up?

"I'll ask Mom if there's a seat for Sarah," Rebecca offered, her lips curling up as she observed me texting. She probably perceived me as a lost kitten in need of rescue.

Philip, meanwhile, casually placed his order with the attendant. "Okay! Bring a plate of your biggest lobster."

'Yes! My lobster!' I wanted to cheer inwardly at the thought.

Megan and Rebecca exchanged amused chuckles as the attendant departed to fulfill Philip's request.

Philip gestured towards me, tapping his leg. "Sit here," he instructed.

The smiles faded from both women's faces, and I couldn't help but suppress a laugh at their expressions. Feeling mischievous, I decided to tease Megan, so I settled onto Philip's lap.

"Are you tired?" Philip asked lightly.

I responded with an awkward smile, leaning close to Philip's ear. "Let's steer clear of discussing what happened earlier, shall we?"

I pinched his cheek because deep down, I was still irked that he had managed to seduce me so easily!

Philip's smirk widened. "Come on, you missed it. Admit it. You missed me. Especially my-"

"Are you two back together?" Rebecca's pointed question cut through Philip's self-satisfied expression, much to my relief. It put an end to our flirtatious banter, at least momentarily.

Philip's response was curt. "That's not your concern."

Rebecca blushed, clearly embarrassed, while Megan's grip on the table tightened.

"So, how's Mr. Benner? Didn't you go with him last year?" Megan casually inquired, her tone implying more than just curiosity. But I wasn't about to give her the satisfaction if she hinted that Amir was my lover.

"Oh, he's doing well," I answered casually, sensing Philip's hand resting heavier on my waist. "He's-"

Before I could finish, Philip leaned in and suck my ear. "Sarah, if I catch you even thinking about another man, you'll be in for a punishment next time."

I glanced at Philip, raising an eyebrow. "And what kind of punishment would that be?"

His smile turned suggestive. "I'll bite your clit!"

I'm speechless. This brute!

And the audacity of his cock, jerked in his pants.

Because I was sitting on Philip's lap, I felt my throbbing clit, she prayed.

"I won't! Men were the ones thinking about me," I remarked casually, reaching for the glass just set before Philip and taking a sip.

The air crackled with tension as I caught the unmistakable glares of irritation from Megan and Rebecca, their expressions contorted with disdain, while the rest of the cousins at the table blushed under the weight of unspoken judgment. It seemed evident to me that, in their eyes, Philip and I were flirting.

Before my mind could wander elsewhere, Philip's order was placed before us, and I couldn't help but clap in delight. I needed energy, especially since I planned to escape again tonight.

This place wasn't for me; my job was at BM Technologies so that Philip could handle his own life!

"Sarah doesn't have a plate! She doesn't fit at this table!" Rebecca retorted irritably, nudging Megan, who gritted her teeth. I sneered, relishing the irritation my presence caused them, knowing they couldn't do anything about it.

Megan looked like she was on the verge of tears, bowing her head.

As Philip fed me, we watched the program for that party.

"Is it good?" he asked gently, offering another bite.

"Hmm" I nodded appreciatively, savoring the delicious food. It's a whole different vibe when you're at a fancy shindig like this!

"I'll go get dessert from that table," I told Philip.

Philip withdrew his arm around me as I made my way to the buffet table, my gaze darting uncertainly over the spread of tempting dishes. Each item beckoned with its allure.

It felt as though the entire assembly of Philip's family had turned their keen attention toward me, their eyes piercing as I stood by the table.

In the midst of my indecision, an announcement resonated from the stage, drawing my focus momentarily away from the array of food. I filled a dessert cup with Lavender Panna Cotta with a delicate scoop.

"How about we move on to opening up a present? Let's bring Auntie Marietta up here, and she'll kindly reveal three gift boxes from our guests," said the announcer.

Auntie Marietta gracefully ascended the stage, her eyes meeting mine with a sharp intensity as she called out the first guest.

"Let's give a round of applause to Sarah Mitchell, who kindly joined us tonight, even though she wasn't officially on the guest list. Perhaps she's got something special for me, so let's see what thoughtful surprise she's given me to appreciate."

All eyes are on me as I discreetly savor a delectable bite, a delicate spoon's handle peeking from my lips.

'Oh, no! A gift?'

Most guests here were Philip's relatives, and they likely anticipated my embarrassment.