A bold, elegantly written invitation was tossed onto the table. The thick black lettering gleamed under the soft glow of the chandelier—an exclusive invite from Mr. Song, the renowned diamond merchant.
Elaine picked up the card, running her fingers over the embossed gold details. She had provided security for his firm through her agency, and it seemed he was hosting a grand gala to celebrate a their anniversary.
She exhaled sharply. She had no interest in going.
With Ryan in Dubai for his new hotel's opening preparations, she was left to manage things alone. And right now, her priority was Athena—who needed her mother, not to mention the fact that Elaine herself wasn't feeling her best. A dull headache throbbed behind her temples, and exhaustion weighed heavily on her shoulders.
She closed her eyes, pressing her fingers to her temples.
"I should just decline," she muttered to herself. "I don't have time for this."
Still, a nagging feeling crept in—this wasn't just any party. It was an event where powerful people gathered. Missing it might not be a big deal professionally, but Mr. Song was one of her high-profile clients. Would it seem rude if she refused?
A soft knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.
"Miss Elaine, shall I prepare a response to the invitation?" her assistant inquired, standing at the doorway.
Elaine glanced back at the invitation on the table, her fingers drumming against its surface.
What should she do?
Elaine tapped her fingers against the table, deep in thought. She turned to her assistant, "What do you think? Should I go?"
Her assistant hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Miss Elaine, Mr. Song has always treated you like a daughter. His family adores Athena—they see her as their own granddaughter. If you decline, they might be disheartened."
Elaine exhaled, conflicted. It wasn't that she disliked Mr. Song or his family—in fact, she respected them deeply. But she wasn't in the mood for a grand party filled with powerful people and forced conversations.
The assistant, sensing her hesitation, quickly added, "Besides, Nanny Sophia is returning from her village tomorrow. She can take care of Athena while you attend the event."
That made Elaine pause. If Sophia was back, then at least she wouldn't have to worry about leaving Athena alone.
She nodded slowly. "Alright. I'll go."
Her assistant smiled in approval. "Shall I prepare a dress for you? And a gift for Mr. Song?"
Elaine raised a brow. "A gift?"
"Of course, Miss. It's their anniversary party, after all. It would be best to give them something valuable."
Elaine sighed, rubbing her temples. "It's not like I care about the party, but Mr. Song and his wife, Jenny, are important."
Mr. Song was the first client who believed in her firm, and because of his recommendation, her business had grown exponentially. Thanks to him, not only did they provide security to celebrities, but even government officials sought their services.
She owed him a great deal.
"Fine," she said, standing up. "Prepare everything. I'll attend."
Elaine stood by the door, adjusting her earrings as she glanced outside. Her car was already waiting for her. Taking a deep breath, she turned to Nanny Sophia.
"I'll be back soon. If anything happens, call me immediately."
Sophia smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Miss Elaine. Athena and I will be just fine. Enjoy the evening."
Still feeling a little unsettled, Elaine hesitated for a moment before pulling out her phone. If she was going to this party, she might as well check if Mary was attending too.
Dialing her number, she waited as the phone rang.
"Hey, are you at the Song's anniversary party?" Elaine asked as soon as Mary picked up.
"Nope, wasn't planning to go," Mary replied. "Why?"
Elaine sighed. "Then let's go together. I could use some company."
Mary chuckled. "Are you inviting me or begging me?"
Elaine rolled her eyes. "Shut up and get dressed. I'll pick you up in ten minutes."
"Fine, fine. But you owe me dessert."
Smiling for the first time that evening, Elaine ended the call and turned to Sophia once more. "I'll be back soon. Take care of Athena."
Then, stepping into the car, she gave the driver a new instruction. "First, to Mary's house."
As the car cruised through the city streets, Mary and Elaine sat comfortably, lost in conversation.
"It's funny," Mary mused, tucking a loose curl behind her ear. "I was the one who introduced you to the Songs when you first started your business."
Elaine smiled, nodding at the memory. "Yeah, and look where we are now. Back then, I was just struggling to land my first big client. I never imagined I'd be attending Mr. Song's anniversary as a respected businesswoman."
Mary grinned. "I always knew you'd make it. You just needed the right push."
Elaine chuckled. "More like a shove. I was terrified in those early days."
___
After a few moments of comfortable silence, Elaine turned her head and smirked. "So… how was the honeymoon?"
Mary nearly choked on her breath, looking up with wide eyes. "Huh?"
Elaine crossed her arms, clearly enjoying Mary's flustered reaction. "Come on, don't play dumb. I know you. Spill."
Mary's face turned a shade of pink as she looked away. "It was… nice."
Elaine narrowed her eyes. "Just nice? That's all I get?"
Mary bit her lip before breaking into a giggle. "Okay, okay. Fine. It was amazing. Happy now?"
Elaine tilted her head. "Hmm, not quite. Details, Mary. I want details."
Mary hesitated for a second before leaning in slightly. "Let's just say… we didn't leave a single corner of the hotel unexplored."
Elaine gasped dramatically, covering her mouth. "Mary!"
Mary burst into laughter. "What? It was my honeymoon! I was supposed to enjoy it!"
Elaine shook her head, trying to hold back her laughter. "I cannot believe you."
Mary smirked. "Oh, believe it. And honestly, I never thought I could love someone this much, but Jack… he makes everything feel so easy."
Elaine watched the pure happiness on her friend's face and felt a small ache in her chest. "I'm happy for you, Mary. You deserve this."
Mary leaned back in her seat, twirling a strand of her hair. Then, after a moment of hesitation, she asked, "And what about you and Ryan?"
Elaine blinked. "What about us?"
Mary shrugged. "You two have been married for years. But have you ever… I mean, has there ever been anything between you two?"
Elaine shook her head immediately. "No. We've always been just friends. Ryan and I made a deal, nothing more."
Mary looked unconvinced. "Really? You two act more like a real married couple than some actual married couples I know."
Elaine sighed. "Ryan and I don't love each other that way. If he ever finds someone he truly loves, I'll divorce him happily. We've always been clear about that."
Mary felt a strange ache in her chest at those words. She didn't know why—maybe it was just the idea of Ryan loving someone else. Pushing the thought away, she asked, "And you? Do you think you'll ever find love again?"
Elaine smiled, but it was a sad one. "Love isn't for me, Mary. I made too many mistakes. And the one person who was always there… I hurt him the most. I don't deserve to think about love."
Mary frowned. "You're talking about—"
Elaine cut her off. "Let's not go there."
The conversation ended there, leaving an unspoken heaviness between them.
As the car pulled up to the grand estate, the venue glowed under golden lights. Luxury cars lined the entrance, and elegantly dressed guests walked up the marble steps.
Elaine exhaled deeply. "Here we go."
Mary smirked, linking her arm with Elaine's. "Let's make this night interesting."
Elaine had no idea how right she was.
__
She and Mary stepped into the grand hall, their heels clicking against the polished marble floor. The atmosphere was elegant, filled with the soft hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. Guests were dressed in their finest, mingling under the golden glow of chandeliers, their laughter blending with the distant melody of a live orchestra.
Across the room, Mr. Song and Mrs. Song were engaged in conversation with several prominent businessmen. The moment their eyes landed on Mary and Elaine, their faces lit up with joy.
Excusing themselves politely, they walked toward the two women, their expressions warm with affection.
"Elaine, dear! You made it," Mr. Song said, pulling her into a fatherly embrace. "I was beginning to think you'd ditch us tonight."
Mrs. Song followed, wrapping her arms around her just as warmly. "We were looking forward to seeing you, sweetheart."
Mary, standing beside them with her hands on her hips, pouted dramatically. "And what about me? What am I, invisible?"
Mr. Song chuckled. "Oh, come on, Mary. We see you enough in the headlines. Don't get greedy."
Mrs. Song laughed. "Besides, we know you'll always find a way to steal the spotlight."
Mary huffed, flipping her hair. "As I should."
The group shared a laugh before Mr. Song's gaze softened, scanning the area. "Where is Athena? Jenny and I were looking forward to seeing her."
Elaine sighed. "She's at home. I wasn't feeling too well earlier, and I didn't want to bring her out so late."
Mrs. Song placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You should take care of yourself too, dear. But promise us you'll bring Athena to visit soon."
Elaine smiled. "I promise."
Mary dramatically crossed her arms. "So basically, I'm being ignored again."
Mr. Song laughed heartily. "Oh, Mary, stop sulking. You know we adore you too."
Mary grinned. "That's more like it."
As they laughed and continued their conversation, whispers began to spread through the hall. People glanced curiously in their direction, murmuring among themselves.
"I've never seen Mr. and Mrs. Song this open with anyone before."
"Who are these two women?"
"The black-haired one… isn't she their granddaughter?"
"No, that's Mary, the famous fashion designer. But the brown-haired one… I heard she owns Phoenix Security."
Gasps spread around the room.
"Phoenix Security?! That firm has been dominating the industry for years! I always thought the chairperson was a man."
"You mean a woman runs that powerhouse?"
"Not just any woman—she's close to the Song family. That explains everything."
Elaine heard the whispers but ignored them. She was used to people underestimating her, assuming a man had to be behind her success. It didn't matter to her.
The party continued smoothly, the guests chatting and enjoying the elegant evening. But then, suddenly, a hush fell over the room.
A ripple of gasps and murmurs spread through the crowd.
Elaine furrowed her brows, noticing the sudden change.
Mary leaned in slightly. "Why is it so quiet all of a sudden?"
Elaine glanced around, her gaze following the hushed murmurs. She couldn't quite see what was happening, but something—or someone—had clearly captured the crowd's attention.
Then, she heard it.
"He's here."
"The Blackwood heir?"
"I heard he never attends events like these."
"This is the first time he's been seen in public in months!"
Elaine felt Mary stiffen beside her.
"Wait," Mary whispered. "Are they talking about him?"
Elaine exhaled slowly.
A man from one of the most powerful families in the world—the Blackwoods. A dynasty built on diamonds, their empire older than most could trace. Their influence stretched beyond business, their wealth immeasurable.
And now, the heir himself had just walked into the room.
No one could see him just yet, but the sheer presence of him had already altered the atmosphere.
Elaine could feel it.
An unsettling pull.
She didn't know why, but she suddenly had the urge to turn around.
Elaine turned around, and her breath caught in her throat.
Standing at the entrance, surrounded by an air of authority and power, was none other than Adrian.
For a moment, she felt like the world around her had fallen silent. Everything else—the whispers, the murmurs, the gasps—faded into the background.
The man before her was so different from the Adrian she once knew.
He looked different. Taller. Broader. Stronger. His black suit was perfectly tailored, emphasizing his powerful build. His face had lost the softness of youth, replaced by sharp, chiseled angles. His grey eyes, once warm and full of life, were now cold and unreadable. There was an air of quiet dominance around him, the kind that made people step aside without a word.
And yet, it wasn't just his appearance that made Elaine's stomach twist—it was the woman by his side.
She was stunning. Dark waves of hair cascaded down her back, and her emerald-green dress clung to her curves effortlessly. She held onto Adrian's arm like she belonged there, her expression poised, confident. The way she leaned into him, how naturally he let her, made something inside Elaine tighten.
She had imagined this moment before—meeting him again after all these years. But in all those scenarios, she had never prepared herself for this.
For him looking at her like a stranger.
For him standing beside another woman.
For him appearing so completely, devastatingly… untouchable.
Mary sucked in a breath beside her. "Holy… Is that really Adrian?"
Elaine swallowed hard, unable to respond.
Because, for the first time in years, she wasn't sure if she even knew this man anymore.