The gala was in full swing.

Laughter floated through the air, glasses clinked, and camera flashes lit the hall in bursts of gold.

Val sat at one of the round tables near the center, her posture straight, her smile soft but measured. She'd been doing this for hours — still shaking hands, exchanging pleasantries, and maintaining that calm, effortless grace everyone expected from Celestia Valentina Moreau.

Across the hall, Avery Brooke Prescott was eating it up. She glided between tables like she owned the place, one hand linked around Chad's arm, the other holding her glass like it was part of her outfit. Her laugh carried easily, sharp and polished, drawing just enough attention to make people turn.

Val had caught her eye again earlier, but Avery had looked away like it was nothing. Still, Val could tell she'd noticed — of course she did.

Avery and Chad eventually made their way toward Mr. and Mrs. Collins, slipping easily into conversation. It didn't take long for Val to realize what Avery was doing — working the room, charming everyone in sight, and most importantly, making sure people noticed that she wasn't alone. It was subtle, but deliberate. Avery always did know how to find the upper hand… and tonight, with Val sitting there without a plus one, she was clearly enjoying it.

"Mr. Collins, Mrs. Collins," Avery greeted smoothly, her tone honey-sweet. "It's so lovely to see you again. This is my fiancé, Chad Wilkinson."

Mr. Collins' brows lifted in surprise, then softened into a smile. "Ah, fiancé. Congratulations to you both. You two look wonderful together."

Avery leaned lightly against Chad's arm. "Thank you. Chad's the head of Business Development over at Prescott Global Industries now. My father's been thrilled with how quickly he's adjusted."

Mr. Collins nodded, impressed. "A fine position for a young man. Prescott Global has been making waves lately, your father must be proud."

"He is," Avery said with that perfect smile. "Though I can't take all the credit. I just handle a few departments here and there."

Val's eyes flicked over from her seat, catching the moment. Avery wasn't bragging, not openly, but the confidence in her tone was sharp enough to cut glass.

Val rose from her chair, smoothing the front of her gown as she made her way toward the drink table. The air felt heavy, too many eyes, too many conversations. She needed a breather.

As Val reached for a glass of water, she heard that familiar voice behind her — smooth, confident, laced with just the right amount of sweetness to sound harmless.

] "Celestia?"

Her voice carried just enough to draw attention. She smiled sweetly and lifted her glass. "Why don't you come join us?"

Every instinct in Val told her not to. But with Mr. and Mrs. Collins looking her way, waiting, she couldn't exactly refuse.

So Val smiled back — small, practiced — and made her way over.

"Avery," she greeted. "Good to see you again."

Avery's tone turned airy, almost teasing. "You too. It's been forever, hasn't it?"

It hadn't. Not really. They'd spoken barely thirty minutes ago. But Val could tell from the sweet lilt in Avery's voice — from the way she tilted her head and smiled just a touch too brightly — that she was playing at something.

Still, Val just nodded, keeping her expression composed. "Feels like it."

Mrs. Collins looked between them, a hint of surprise flickering in her eyes. "Oh? You two know each other?"

Mr. Collins glanced at Val too, clearly curious — they'd already spoken with her earlier, but the sudden familiarity between the two women caught his attention.

Before Val could open her mouth, Avery answered smoothly, her voice light but pointed.

"We actually go way back," Avery said smoothly. "University classmates. Same major, same batch. Chad too, actually — and Celestia's husband."

Mrs. Collins clasped her hands. "Oh, really? How delightful! Two brilliant women from the same class. That must've been quite the competition."

Avery laughed, tilting her head. "Oh, it definitely was. Celestia always set the bar high. I spent most of my college life trying to catch up to her."

Val smiled faintly. "You did fine yourself."

"Maybe," Avery said, her tone light but with that familiar edge. "But somehow, you always got there first."

Mr. and Mrs. Collins exchanged amused looks, a soft chuckle passing between them, the kind shared by people who'd seen enough polite rivalries to recognize one when it surfaced.

Avery let out a soft laugh, then tilted her head, Val tone light — too light. "Such a small world, right? Though I haven't seen Kai around tonight…"

There it was — the real reason for the act. The setup, the timing, the feigned surprise. Avery had been steering the conversation here all along, waiting for the perfect opening to twist the knife where it'd sting most.

Val's hand tightened slightly around her glass. She forced a calm smile. "He's... running late."

Avery hummed, turning to Mrs. Collins with mock sympathy. "That sounds like him, doesn't it? Always buried in something important."

Mrs. Collins chuckled softly. "Ah, men. My husband used to be the same when we were younger."

Mr. Collins chuckled too. "Yes, but a man who's married to such a capable woman must be busy for good reason."

"Something like that," Val said, forcing a small laugh of her own, pretending she didn't feel the sting behind those words.

Avery turned away just enough to hide her smirk, then continued sweetly, "You know, Mr. Collins, I was just telling Chad how inspiring your speech was earlier. Especially what you said about family — keeping strong foundations in both business and marriage."

Mr. Collins chuckled. "I've always believed that a person who values their family can be trusted with partnerships that last. The same principles apply, don't they?"

Avery nodded, eyes glinting. "Exactly."

Val felt the weight of every eye around her and wished, more than anything, that Kai would walk through the door right then.

Mrs. Collins turned toward Val again. "I must say, it's wonderful to see young couples like you. It gives me hope for the next generation — new names, new legacies, all continuing what we started."

Val smiled politely. "Thank you, Mrs. Collins."

Mr. Collins cleared his throat. "Speaking of names, I was hoping to meet your husband tonight, Mrs. Tanaka. Will he be joining us soon?"

Her stomach twisted a little. But she smiled anyway.

"He's on his way," Val said lightly, "Something came up at the last minute, but he'll try to make it before the night ends."

Avery was still smiling — that kind of smile that said she knew exactly what was going on.

Val's phone buzzed faintly in her clutch. It wasn't Kai. Just an alert. But she used it as an excuse.

"If you'll excuse me for a moment," she said smoothly. "I need to take a quick call."

Mrs. Collins nodded. "Of course, dear."

As Val turned to leave, Avery's voice followed her, soft enough that only she could hear.

] "Tell him not to take too long."

Val didn't look back. She kept walking, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor.

---

The restroom was quiet when she entered. The air smelled faintly of roses and expensive soap. She leaned against the counter, placed her phone down, and stared at her reflection.

Her makeup was still perfect, but her eyes looked tired. Too much pretending. Too many lies that felt small and necessary.

She unlocked her phone. The screen lit up to 💕 My Husband 💍 Forever 💕 Finally.

She didn't text. Just looked. Then locked it again.

The door opened behind her.

She didn't need to turn to know who it was. Avery's reflection appeared in the mirror a second later.

"You sure Kai's coming?" Avery's voice was casual, teasing.

Val didn't answer at first. She picked up her lipstick, dabbed it against her lips, and said quietly, "He said he'd try."

"Try," Avery repeated, like the word tasted strange. "You know, that's usually code for not coming."

Val put the lipstick down. "Not everyone lives to prove you right, Avery."

Avery smiled, slow and almost kind. "Relax. I'm just asking. I mean—this event? It's all about family, partnership, image. You know what Mr. Collins values most."

> "I'm aware."

"So," Avery continued, walking closer until she stood beside her, "it just surprises me. You, of all people, showing up alone. You used to have it all together. You and Kai—perfect grades, perfect careers, perfect relationship. The couple everyone envied."

Val stayed silent.

Avery tilted her head. "What happened, Celestia?"

> "Nothing happened."

"Really?" Avery's tone softened, but it wasn't sympathy — it was curiosity dressed as kindness. "Because from out there, it looks like something did. You don't have to tell me, of course. But you're not the same girl who used to walk into a room and make everyone else fade out."

Val took a slow breath. "Maybe I just don't need to anymore."

"Or maybe," Avery said quietly, "you can't."

Val's eyes flicked toward her reflection again, calm but firm. "I see you haven't changed much."

Avery smirked. "People change when they need to. I guess I just never had a reason to pretend."

Val turned then, meeting her eyes directly. "Is that what you're doing now? Not pretending?"

Avery's expression barely moved. "No. I'm just being honest. You really were untouchable, Celestia. Always one step ahead. Always the girl who got what everyone else wanted." She paused, lips curving slightly. "Including Kai."

Val's heart gave a faint, almost invisible tremor — but her voice stayed even. "You're still holding on to that?"

Avery laughed under her breath. "Old habits. But I'm not bitter, if that's what you're thinking." She brushed an invisible speck from her dress. "Just surprised. You spent years making sure everyone knew Kai was yours. I didn't think you'd let go so easily."

> "I didn't let go."

Avery smiled faintly. "Then where is he?"

Val didn't reply.

Avery's smile widened — not cruel, but satisfied. "Didn't think so. For what it's worth, you wear heartbreak well."

Val looked at her, her tone soft but steady. "You should go back out there. Your fiancé's probably looking for you."

Avery's smirk didn't fade. "He knows I can take care of myself. Always liked that about me."

> "Then you should be happy."

"Oh, I am," Avery said lightly, turning for the door. "I just never thought I'd see you pretending to be."

She left. The door swung shut behind her, and silence filled the room again.

Val stared at her reflection for a long time.

The lipstick. The dress. The diamond ring that caught the light just right.

She didn't look broken. Just… tired.

She reached for her phone again.

💕 My Husband 💍 Forever 💕 Finally.

Her thumb hovered over the screen.

She wanted to call. But instead, she just sighed, locked it again.

---

When Val finally stepped out of the restroom, the air in felt heavier.

The laughter, the music, the chatter — it all sounded distant, like she was walking through water.

She spotted Mr. and Mrs. Collins still by the champagne tower, speaking with Avery and Chad. Val drew in a slow breath, steadying herself before walking toward them.

"Mr. Collins," she started softly, clearing her throat. "About Kai—he won't—"

"Sorry I'm late," a voice said from behind her. "Got held up in traffic."

The words froze her mid-sentence.

She turned.

I stood a few steps away, straightening my cufflinks with that calm, familiar smile — the one that somehow managed to look effortless even when everything inside me was a storm.

Everyone turned to look.

Avery blinked, caught off guard.

Mr. and Mrs. Collins turned together, a mix of curiosity and polite surprise crossing their faces.

And Val… she didn't know what to feel. Relief, disbelief, something dangerously close to tears — it all hit her at once.

My eyes met hers for a heartbeat.

The corners of my mouth lifted just a little higher.

And for the first time that night, Val forgot how to breathe. Because in that single moment, she felt safe again.

Just like she always did whenever I was around.

---

To be continued...

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