Darren Raveno's trick

When Stefanny and Christian's wedding has taken place. The party session for the guests started late in the evening. Someone just came to Lana and took her to meet Christian who was waiting for her.

The man in a luxurious black suit glanced at Lana's arrival with the man he had ordered. When Lana was there, the man who delivered her then left them.

"Lana?" asked Christian. The man confirmed that this young and beautiful woman in front of him was the stepdaughter of the woman who was now legally his wife.

"Yes," answered Lana a little awkwardly. She didn't know what to call Christian.

"You're much prettier than in the photo," Christian comments, "it's nice that I got to meet you."

"Thank you," said Lana, "congratulations on your marriage." Lana glanced at Stefanny, who was busy wrapping her arms around Christian's arm, watching her.

"Thank you, Lana. How was the party? Did you enjoy it?" asked Christian.

"Oh, that …."

"Lana doesn't really like parties, Christian," Stefanny said.

"Oh, really?"

"Y-yes."

"Lana. I want you to know that even though Stefanny is just your stepmother, I wish you could think of me as your father. Even though I can't really take your father's place, but I want you to come to me when you need something," Christian said. Suddenly Christian's words surprised the two women who were nearby. "I heard you dropped out of college? Is it true? If you have plans to continue again, I can pay you tuition until you finish. Lana, I hear you're very good academically. It would be a shame if you wasted your intelligence. As for the cost, I can arrange it for you."

"W-what?"

"Choose the campus that you think is suitable and I will take care of it."

"S-suddenly like this?" asked Lana. Stefanny looked as surprised as Lana.

"Christian, why don't you talk to me about it first? Lana just got here a while ago and…"

"It's not sudden, Stefany. She's your daughter. Even though she's not your biological child, you have contributed to taking care of her all this time. So, to take the place of Lana's father who's gone, I wanted to help out a little with Lana's college tuition. How about it, Lana? You can think about it before making a decision."

"Yeah, but you could have talked about it to me first so I could―"

"That's why I'm talking about it right now with you, right?" cut Christian. "So how's it going, Lana?"

"Th-that…." Lana didn't continue when Stefanny gave her a sharp look. Obviously, she doesn't like Christian's generosity to her. "I can't seem to accept your kindness," Lana said later.

"Why? You don't have to feel bad for me, Lana. I'm your father too. And my money will not run out just to pay for your college, "said Christian jokingly.

Christian is a good person. Lana thought to herself.

Christian should be able to meet a better woman than Stefanny.

"Yes. I understand much more about that," said Lana, smiling slightly. "I turned it down because I wanted to focus on my career. I want to work."

"Working?"

"I've decided to start my career here. Finding a job and starting my new life is my current plan."

"Then why don't you come into my company? I would be very happy if a smart woman like you would join my company," said Christian.

"No, thanks for the offer. But I want to find a job on my own. After all, I didn't come here to spoil my stepmother's husband. I have come here to offer my best wishes on your wedding day." Lana smiled slightly.

"You really are an independent woman, Lana."

Lana smirked. "Once again, congratulations on your marriage, and may you always be happy."

***

Lana looked at the glass of wine in her hand, who knows how many glasses she drank? Her body was already hot and a feeling of dizziness began to attack her head. She couldn't drink, but being at a strange party without anyone she knew made her have to drink to forget a little bit of her sadness.

I told you not to come to curry favor with Christian! You better stay aware of your position and don't let you interfere with my life with Christian. Don't let me see you approach Christian with the frills of you as my stepdaughter!

Lana squeezed her wine glass tightly. Stefanny's words made her sick. This problem… this life… everything that happened made Lana want to disappear from this world. If only it was easier for Lana to meet her parents, Lana wouldn't feel as tormented as she is now.

"Hypocritical."

Lana looked back. Her fury immediately exploded when she saw Stella coming at him with a sneer.

"You're really good at flirting, Lana. Acting like an independent woman, even though it's just a trick to make Christian more sympathetic to you. What a sly girl."

"As a woman, you are too short-sighted, Stella. I can't understand how David sees you as an attractive woman."

"How dare you!" Stella snapped, "admit it if you feel insulted that David is more attracted to me. He chose to leave a boring woman like you and come to me." Stella laughed triumphantly. "You must feel your pride has been trampled on, right?"

"Why should I feel like my pride is being trampled on when I throw trash in the right place?"

"You!" when Stella's hand was raised in the air to slap Lana, suddenly another hand appeared and held her firmly. Stella widened her eyes when she saw Darren's figure appearing from behind her. "D-Darren…."

Stella immediately pulled her hand back from Darren's grip and stepped back. Darren moved closer to Lana who was also surprised by Darren's appearance.

"W-what are you doing here?" asked Lana in surprise.

"I just left you for a while and you're in trouble again?" Darren asked in an irritated tone.

"This has nothing to do with―"

"With the same person and it really disgusts me," Darren interrupted Lana's words. He then immediately threw a sharp glare at Stella.

Stella snorted in annoyance. "You're so good at seducing that you'd make a Darren want to defend you, Lana. You cheap girl."

"You …." Lana was about to come forward to comment, but Darren touched her arm to keep her quiet.

The man chuckled with a bored expression. "Should I defend you too?" he asked Stella.

"W-what?"

Darren approached Lana and touched Stella's lips in a stroking motion. "As long as you want to sleep with me and satisfy me in bed ... maybe I can be a little sweet to you," said Darren. He pulled his finger from Stella's lips. "But, unfortunately. I don't like ugly women." He then put his arm around Lana's shoulder.

"You must be crazy!"

"I will give you a second warning. If I ever see you getting into trouble with her again, I'll make sure you lose everything you own including your cheap business," Darren threatened.

"Unlucky!" Stella left while stomping her feet in annoyance.

Lana hastily removed Darren's hand that had been on her shoulder. "I'm very grateful to you for helping me, but… I can take care of my own problems. And you don't have to meddle in my business."

Bringing his face closer, Darren smirked. " Well, how about you pay for my favor by comforting me in bed?"