Chapter 40: Celebrations and Secrets

The grand ballroom of Thorne Estate glittered with light, golden chandeliers casting a warm glow over the sea of well-dressed guests. The air was thick with the scent of roses and champagne, the hum of conversation punctuated by bursts of laughter and the distant melody of a string quartet.

Tonight was supposed to be one of the happiest nights of my life.

And in many ways, it was.

Victor and I stood at the center of it all, our hands clasped as we received an endless stream of congratulations. The weight of my sapphire engagement ring felt new, unfamiliar—but not unwelcome. It was a symbol of a promise, a future I had chosen.

But amidst the joy, there was something… off. A tension that lurked beneath the surface.

Victor had insisted on making the announcement himself.

As the room quieted, all eyes turned to him. He exuded his usual unshakable confidence, but there was a softness to his gaze when he looked at me.