Falling For My Accidental CEO Husband
Chapter 169: A Cold Dish

Chapter 169: A Cold Dish

She swallowed hard, forcing herself to look at him, but her mind was spinning, and words failed her. Everything Serena had said lingered in her head, haunting her every thought.

She looked at Sidney, but his gaze seemed fixed on something behind her. Her stomach clenched, and she grimaced, knowing that the only person standing there had been Serena. She turned her head slightly, ready to face whatever smug look Serena might still be wearing, but to her surprise—and relief—Serena had already slipped away. Maybe Sidney hadn’t even noticed her talking to that woman.

Ava quickly pasted a smile on her face, hoping it looked genuine despite how forced it was. Taking a breath, she leaned up on her toes to kiss him, praying for just a hint of warmth. But at the last moment, he turned his head, letting her lips brush his cheek instead.

She stepped back, hurt tightening in her chest. The rejection stung, especially here, on their engagement night. With a hiss, she snapped, "Sid! This is our engagement party. Do you really have to insist on hurting me, even today?"

Sidney’s expression didn’t change as he replied, "I’m not hurting you, Ava. You know I don’t like public displays of affection."

She scoffed, crossing her arms. "As if you’d let me kiss you in private either," she shot back, her voice filled with bitterness.

Finally, he stopped glancing around the room and turned his full attention on her. "What is wrong with you tonight?" he asked, his tone sharp.

"What’s wrong with me?" She felt a surge of frustration rising, her voice trembling with emotion. "You really have the nerve to ask me that? Sidney, I’ve told you over and over that while this might be a business match for our parents, it’s not that way for me! I want a real relationship, not just a formality. So, yes, I expect—no, I demand—that you at least pretend to care!"

She held his gaze, her voice gaining strength as she continued. "Yesterday, I even chose matching outfits for us, something that would make us look like an actual couple, something to set us apart. But here you are, dressed in black like you’re going to a funeral! And you’re late! How am I supposed to feel, Sid? What am I supposed to think?"

Sidney’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he stayed silent, his expression unreadable. Ava felt her heart sinking, wishing he would say something—anything—that would show he understood. Instead, all she got was that same blank look, as if he didn’t even care.

Sidney gave a nonchalant shrug, his gaze drifting away as he replied, "I already warned you about this, Ava. I told you from the beginning—I’m not capable of giving you love. You knew that when we got into this relationship. So, what’s all this fuss about?"

Ava felt her throat tighten, but she held her ground. "I’m not asking for love, Sid," she said, her voice barely steady. "I’m asking—begging you—for just a little affection. Just a crumb of it. You promised me, you swore you’d try to keep me happy. Do I look happy to you? Ever since Serena returned, it’s like every promise you made has vanished. Am I just a stand-in for her? Is that all I am to you?"

Sidney sighed and shook his head, looking almost annoyed. "You’re overthinking everything," he said, his tone dismissive. "We’re going to get married. Once that happens, affection will come in time. Why are you pushing for so much so soon? Just give it time."

Ava let out a bitter laugh, unable to hold back her frustration. "Sidney Price, you really are something, aren’t you? Even now, you’re looking right at me, lying to my face without a hint of shame. I should have known better than to trust you. I should’ve seen it from the start. A man who says he loves one woman, but then turns around and hurts her even going so far as to let her go and marry another man—what does that say? I must mean nothing to you if you can do this so easily. I should’ve never expected anything."

She took a step back, her eyes cold. "And while we’re on the subject, maybe you can stop with the wandering eyes. I know exactly who you’re looking for. She’s at the back of the room, right behind you. Go on, Sid. Go to Serena and make it clear who really has your attention."

Sidney’s head whipped around as if he’d been caught off guard, his eyes searching the back of the room for Serena. Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Ava standing there, watching his retreating figure. She felt a small, dark satisfaction at how quickly he’d taken the bait, how fast he’d forgotten her as soon as he thought Serena was nearby.

Of course, she knew Serena wasn’t there. She’d already seen her slip out of the house, probably heading to that old greenhouse that she seemed so fond of. It was where she belonged, after all—someplace out of sight, someplace far away from where Ava stood. He could look for her all he wanted.

Just asshe turned to leave, a man from the estate’s staff appeared quietly at her side. He glanced around the room, his expression serious, and leaned in close. "Miss Ava," he whispered. "Would you come with me for a moment? There’s something you need to see."

Ava felt a jolt of unease. She looked around quickly, noting that Sidney was still preoccupied, searching for Serena. Suppressing a bitter smile, she nodded and followed the man. They moved through the crowd and stopped at a quiet spot near the grand staircase.

The man reached into his coat and pulled out a thin, plain file. He held it out to her, his gaze steady. "You should look at this, Miss Ava," he said softly," Before the engagement."

Her fingers closed around the file and she frowned, her voice tense as she asked, "What’s in here? Why are you showing me this?"

"Because it concerns you." And then, leaving the file in her hand, the man walked away.