Chapter 38: Whispers in the Dark

Jackim remained still, watching Emma from a distance. The flickering candlelight of the grand hall cast long shadows across the marble floor, making everything feel surreal.

Emma hadn't noticed him yet, but that wouldn't last.

Adrian leaned against the bar, swirling his drink with lazy amusement. "You're going to run into a lot of ghosts here, Jackim. Better get used to it."

Jackim let out a slow breath. "I already have."

Adrian smirked. "Good. Then let's make tonight interesting."

Before Jackim could respond, another voice joined the conversation.

"I thought I recognized a new face."

A deep, measured voice.

Jackim turned and came face to face with a man in his mid-twenties, exuding an air of quiet dominance. His sharp suit was perfectly fitted, his silver cufflinks glinting under the chandelier lights. His dark, calculating eyes studied Jackim with mild curiosity.

Adrian straightened slightly. "Jackim, meet Damian Rothschild."

Rothschild.

The name carried weight. One of the oldest, most powerful families in the city.

Jackim met his gaze evenly. "A pleasure."

Damian tilted his head. "Newcomers don't usually make it this far. But I hear you're different."

Jackim didn't reply. He had learned enough to know that in this world, silence was sometimes the best answer.

Damian chuckled. "Smart." He took a sip from his glass. "Let's see how long that intelligence keeps you alive."

The words were casual, almost playful. But Jackim knew a warning when he heard one.

---

Jackim moved through the crowd, careful not to attract too much attention. He needed to understand this world before making any bold moves.

But fate had other plans.

A familiar voice cut through the noise.

Laughter. Sweet, charming, yet laced with something artificial.

Jackim turned.

Emma.

She was seated at a table near the center of the hall, laughing at something the man beside her said. The man—tall, well-dressed, radiating wealth—was clearly enjoying the attention.

Jackim clenched his jaw.

It had been months since she walked away from him, tossing him aside like he was nothing. And now, here she was, acting as if their past had never existed.

Then, as if sensing his gaze, Emma's eyes flicked up.

And met his.

The smile on her lips froze.

Shock flashed across her face for the briefest moment before she quickly masked it with indifference. But Jackim saw the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.

She hadn't expected to see him here.

Good.

Jackim held her gaze for a moment longer before turning away. He had no reason to acknowledge her.

But Emma wasn't about to let him go so easily.

---

A soft touch on his arm.

Jackim halted.

Emma stood beside him now, her expression unreadable. Up close, she looked the same—beautiful, poised—but there was something different in her eyes.

"Jackim," she said softly. "It's… been a long time."

Jackim exhaled. "Has it?"

Emma hesitated. "You look… different."

Jackim smiled faintly. "So do you."

She bit her lip, shifting closer. "What are you doing here?"

Jackim met her gaze, unblinking. "Shouldn't I be asking you that?"

Emma faltered. "I… I had to move on."

Jackim let out a quiet chuckle. "You mean you had to upgrade."

She flinched.

There it was.

The truth she didn't want to admit.

Jackim stepped back. "Enjoy your evening, Emma."

He didn't wait for a response.

Some things weren't worth revisiting.

But as he walked away, he could feel her watching him.

And for the first time…

She was the one left behind.