SAGA 2

The Charity Gala

The grand ballroom of the Laurent Estate shimmered under the glow of crystal chandeliers, the air thick with the scent of expensive perfume and the low hum of polished conversation. The charity gala was the event of the season, and every elite name in the city had gathered, draped in designer gowns and tailored tuxedos, their jewels catching the light with every calculated movement.

At exactly 8 PM, the massive double doors swung open, and the room stilled for a fraction of a second as Valeria Royalesmade her entrance.

Dressed in a crimson gown that clung to her curves like liquid fire, Valeria was a vision—every step deliberate, every glance commanding. The fabric slithered over her frame, the deep V-neckline and thigh-high slit drawing admiring—and envious—gazes from every corner. Her dark hair cascaded in loose waves, her lips painted the same dangerous shade as her dress. Beside her, Leon Royales cut an equally striking figure in his black-on-black tuxedo, his broad shoulders and sharp jawline making more than a few women sigh.

They looked like the perfect pair.

And they hated every second of it.

The music started playing

Valeria's fingers rested lightly on Leon's arm, her smile dazzling the crowd while her voice, low and venomous, dripped into his ear. Try not to scowl like a child. People are watching.

Leon's grip on her waist tightened just enough to be painful. Then stop stepping on my feet.

She pressed her heel down harder in response, her grin never faltering.

The music swelled, and they moved into the dance, their bodies close, their words sharper than knives.

I'd rather be anywhere else, Leon muttered, spinning her with practiced ease.

The feeling is mutual, Valeria purred, nails digging into his shoulder when he pinched her side, you really are less of a gentleman.

So you are my lady he whispered in her hear trying to endure the pain .

But then—she appeared.

Claire.

Leon's steps faltered as his gaze locked onto the woman across the room—soft brown eyes, a gentle smile, her slender frame wrapped in an elegant lavender gown. His crush. His actual reason for tolerating this night.

Valeria felt the shift instantly. Oh, for heaven's sake—

Before she could finish, Leon was already pulling away. Duty calls.

She rolled her eyes as he abandoned her mid-dance, striding toward Claire like a man possessed.

Valeria watched, arms crossed, as the two reunited—laughing, talking, Leon's entire demeanor softening in a way she'd never seen. When they exchanged numbers, she scoffed into her champagne.

Of course.

Before she could decide whether to interrupt or let him suffer later, Madame Laurent's voice echoed over the speakers.

Ladies and gentlemen, if I may have your attention

The crowd turned as the hostess gestured toward the stage. It is my honor to introduce two very special members of the Royales family—Leon and Valeria Royales

Leon shot Valeria a glare, but she was already gliding forward, her smile flawless.

Play nice, she whispered as they ascended the steps.

Don't tell me what to do, he shot back under his breath.

Madame Laurent beamed. These two have been instrumental in tonight's success. Let's give them a round of applause!

The crowd erupted in polite clapping, but Valeria's attention was already drifting—back to where Leon had been, back to Claire.

---

Later That Night

Leon was still talking to Claire, his voice softer than Valeria had ever heard it, when a sharp click of heels interrupted them.

Mr. Royales,Valeria's voice cut through like a blade. It's time to leave.

Claire blinked, startled, but Valeria didn't spare her a glance. Instead, she stepped between them, looping her arm through Leon's with a grip that brooked no argument.

I have to get my partner back,she said smoothly, finally meeting Claire's eyes with a smile that didn't reach her own. You understand.

Before Claire could respond, Valeria was already pulling Leon away.

You are a killjoy,he seethed the moment they were out of earshot. I wonder who would ever marry you. You should take notes from Claire—she's actually pleasant.

Valeria didn't flinch. No need for a rush, Mr. Royales. We're getting married soon, remember?

Leon stopped dead. Me? Marry you? I must have gone nuts.

She halted abruptly, turning to face him. For a heartbeat, Leon thought she might actually slap him.

Instead—

Valeria stepped closer, her fingers brushing his lapel. Then, in a move that stunned him silent, she hugged himn—brief, tight—before pressing a quick, unexpected kiss to his lips.

Thanks for today,she whispered against his ear, her breath warm. See you at my party tomorrow.

And just like that, she was gone—walking fast, her heels clicking against marble, slipping into her car before he could even process what had happened.

Leon touched his lips, stunned.

This girl is crazy, he muttered.

---

Three Years Ago

The phone call came in the middle of the night.

Valeria had been studying, her third year of university nearly over, when Daniel's broken voice shattered her focus.

Val… it's Mom. She—she's in the hospital. Dad—he— A choked sob. He hit her. Mistakenly,he says. But she's… Val, she has a brain tumor. They need 300 thousand for the surgery, or she—

The numbers spun in her head. 300 thousand dollars

Her entire savings—every penny she'd scraped together from part-time jobs over three years—was barely ten thousand dollars.

Desperation clawed at her throat.

A friend introduced her to men who lent money. Men with cold eyes and colder terms.

She signed the papers.

She took the cash.

And when it still wasn't enough, she left school. Left her pride.

Took a job as a cleaner at the Royales Estate.

That night, as she drove home, the weight of it all pressed down until the blaring horn of a car snapped her back to reality.

She had stopped in the middle of the road.

A long line of headlights glared behind her.

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Valeria hit the gas—speeding away from the life that had already broken her.