In another part of town, the ballroom shimmered beneath the golden lights, a sea of black suits and glittering gowns. Laughter rippled through the air like a soft current, polished and practiced, the kind that lived in events like this.

Val smiled as another glass clinked near her ear. She'd been shaking hands for the past twenty minutes, each smile more mechanical than the last.

"Ah, if it isn't the young Miss Moreau, it's so good to see you again," a tall man greeted, extending his hand.

Mr. Collins looked to be in his early sixties, the kind of man who carried age like it was something earned — silver hair neatly brushed back, posture still firm, his smile warm but measured.

Beside him stood his wife, graceful even in her age, dressed in an emerald silk gown that caught the light every time she moved. There was something steady in the way she looked at him, the quiet ease of a couple who'd weathered everything together.

"Mr. and Mrs. Collins," Val said, returning his handshake with that calm, professional grace she'd perfected over the years.

"Please," Mr. Collins chuckled. "You're making me feel old. Call me Richard."

She laughed softly. "Then you must call me Celestia."

"Deal," he said, eyes glinting with warmth. "Or should I say—" he paused, grinning, "—Mrs. Tanaka now? My wife and I keep hearing both names floating around these events."

Val's lips curved, but the smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "Whichever you prefer," she said smoothly.

Richard chuckled again. "Then tell me, where's that husband of yours? I was hoping to finally meet him. Always good to know the man behind the magic."

Her pulse stilled for a moment. Then she smiled, easy, natural. "He's on his way," she said. "Got caught up with something last minute."

"Ah, dedicated. I like that," he said with approval. "Good men take their work seriously. But I'll be looking forward to meeting him. Can't discuss long-term partnerships without family, right?"

His wife nodded, smiling faintly. "It's rare these days, people who understand that business and loyalty come from the same place."

Val nodded politely. "I couldn't agree more."

They moved on to greet another couple, leaving her standing by the tall champagne table. For a moment, she let out a small breath, the kind that kept her chest from tightening too much.

Her fingers brushed the stem of her glass. She could almost hear me teasing her — "You hate these things. Why do you keep going?" — and her answering with a smirk: "Because someone has to keep the company alive."

But now, I wasn't here to say it.

"Celestia Valentina Moreau," a familiar voice called behind her. "Or should I say, Mrs. Tanaka?"

Val's spine straightened before she even turned. That voice — confident, playful, and smug in equal measure.

Avery Brooke Prescott.

Val turned, and there she was, in a silver gown that shimmered like moonlight, her hair swept up, her smile perfectly aimed. On her arm stood Chad Wilkinson — the same Chad she'd dated years ago, an old classmate who gave a polite nod before shaking Val's hand. He looked different now, older, sharper, more put-together. The jock who once thought cramming before finals was a strategy now looked like someone who owned the room without even trying. People really do change with time... if they choose to.

Avery's father owned Prescott Global Industries, one of Moreau Dynamics' oldest rivals. The two companies had been competing for contracts and recognition since before Val even joined her family's business. But seeing Avery here tonight — representing them — that, she hadn't expected.

"Chad," Val greeted with a small, diplomatic smile. "It's been a while."

"Sure has," he said. "You look great, Celestia. Moreau Dynamics must be treating you well."

"It's been good," she said.

He excused himself after a few pleasantries, wandering off to greet a client. The moment he left, Avery took a small step closer, her smile never fading.

"I almost didn't recognize you," Avery said lightly, lifting her champagne glass. "It's been what—three, four years?"

"Something like that," Val replied. She tilted her head slightly, studying Avery. "I thought you didn't want anything to do with your father's company."

Avery smiled, that same polished, practiced smile that never quite reached her eyes. "Oh, I didn't. But then again, people change, right? Some of us grow into the things we swore we'd never be."

She took a slow sip of her drink, gaze never leaving Val's. "Guess I figured if I was going to play the game, I might as well play to win."

Avery tilted her head, studying Val. "You still have that same look. Composed. Untouchable. Though I have to admit…" Her gaze dropped to the ring on Val's finger, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "So it finally happened. Can't say I'm surprised, though part of me always thought it'd be me standing in your place."

Val's expression stayed calm. "Life has a funny way of proving people wrong."

Avery's eyes gleamed, the smirk deepening. "Maybe. But tell me, isn't Kai supposed to be here too? I could've sworn this kind of event was made for power couples like you two."

Val's throat tightened. "He's on his way."

Avery's brow arched. "On his way?" She gave a soft, amused laugh. "You know, that's interesting. Because this event was scheduled specifically on a Saturday so no one would have to use that excuse."

Val said nothing.

"Don't tell me he didn't want to come," Avery added, her tone sugar-coated but cutting. "Or maybe he's just… tired of these things. You know how men are."

Val forced a small smile. "We're both busy, Avery. I'm sure you understand."

"Oh, I do." Avery's eyes gleamed. "But Mr. Collins — he doesn't. He believes in family presence. In loyalty. He's all about image, reputation, togetherness. It's cute, really."

Val's jaw tensed. "I'm aware."

Avery leaned in slightly, voice softening to something almost sympathetic. "So… things not so perfect anymore?"

Val froze, the faintest flicker of hesitation in her eyes. It was small, barely there, but Avery saw it.

"Oh," Avery breathed, her smile sharpening. "So that's how it is."

> "That's how what is?"

Avery let out a short, quiet laugh. "You used to walk around like no one could touch you, Celestia. Like you and Kai were something out of a movie. And now…" She glanced around. "You're here. Alone. I guess even fairy tales fade eventually."

Val's lips parted, but no sound came out.

Avery straightened, brushing imaginary dust from her gown. "Don't worry, though. You'll still look great in the photos. You always do."

She started to walk away, but paused, just long enough to turn back. "Mr. Collins loves couples who look like they're in love. Guess I'll have the advantage tonight."

Her smile widened. "See you around, Mrs. Tanaka."

Val didn't answer.

The moment Avery's heels clicked away, the air around her felt colder. She looked down at the glass in her hand — barely touched — and set it aside.

Her reflection caught in the silver surface of the table's centerpiece. Perfect makeup. Perfect posture. Everything in place. But her eyes… her eyes betrayed her.

She blinked fast, forcing the sting away before anyone noticed. Then, carefully, she reached into her purse and pulled out her phone.

Her screen lit up with a familiar contact.

💕 My Husband 💍 Forever 💕 Finally.

Her thumb hovered over the call icon for a long time — too long — before she let the phone dim again.

Then she placed it face-down beside her, just like always.

---

To be continued...

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