Chapter 16- A Dance Of Chaos

The reception hall was a masterpiece of extravagance. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, their shimmering light reflecting off the polished marble floors. The tables were adorned with the finest silk cloths and centerpieces of fresh white roses. Everywhere Anna looked, there was luxury—an overwhelming display of wealth and power that felt foreign to her modest upbringing.

She stood at the center of the room with Jaden, her hand lightly clasped in his. To the guests, they were the picture of a perfect couple, their love shining like the diamonds on her wedding ring. But Anna knew better. This wasn’t love—it was an elaborate performance, staged for the benefit of everyone watching.

“You’re doing great,” Jaden murmured, his voice low and smooth. His lips curved into a soft smile, one that made him look every bit the devoted husband. It was a mask, as flawless as the tuxedo he wore, but Anna couldn’t deny that it was convincing.

“Thanks,” she replied, keeping her tone light. She could feel the weight of dozens of eyes on her, watching their every move. It was exhausting to keep up the charade, but she reminded herself why she was doing this. For Lilly. Always for Lilly.

The first dance was announced, and the crowd parted to give them space. Anna’s stomach twisted as Jaden led her to the center of the room. She wasn’t much of a dancer, and the thought of being the focal point of so many people made her palms sweat.

“Relax,” Jaden said softly as he placed a hand on her waist, pulling her closer. “Just follow my lead.”

His touch sent a shiver down her spine, and she hated how easily he seemed to command her body. The music began, a soft, melodic waltz, and they moved together across the floor. Jaden’s steps were confident and precise, his hold firm but not overbearing.

Anna forced a smile as they twirled, her dress flowing around her like a cloud. The crowd watched with rapt attention, their faces lit with admiration. To them, this was a fairytale moment—a billionaire and his beautiful bride, hopelessly in love.

“Why are you so good at this?” she asked under her breath, her eyes fixed on his.

“I’ve had practice,” he replied with a smirk. “Appearances are everything in my world. You’ll learn that soon enough.”

His words sent a chill through her, but she didn’t let it show. Instead, she allowed herself to get lost in the rhythm of the dance, letting Jaden guide her. For a moment, it was almost easy to forget that this was all fake.

The song ended, and the room erupted into applause. Jaden leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, “Smile, Anna. They’re watching.”

She plastered a bright smile on her face as the guests cheered and clapped, their approval palpable. It was strange how easily they accepted the facade.

As the evening progressed, the congratulatory toasts began. One after another, friends and family stood to praise the couple, their speeches filled with platitudes about love and commitment. Anna’s cheeks ached from smiling, but she kept up the act, nodding graciously and holding Jaden’s hand whenever necessary.

Emily approached her at one point, her face a mixture of happiness and concern. “You look beautiful,” she said, pulling Anna into a hug.

“Thanks, Em,” Anna replied, her voice tight.

Emily leaned in closer, lowering her voice. “Are you okay? You don’t have to pretend with me.”

Anna forced a laugh. “I’m fine. Really. It’s just a lot to take in.”

Emily didn’t look convinced, but she didn’t press further. “I’m here if you need me,” she said softly before stepping away.

Anna glanced around the room, her eyes catching on Lilly, who was sitting at a nearby table. Her little sister looked radiant, her smile lighting up the room. Despite her frail appearance, Lilly had insisted on attending the wedding, determined not to miss her sister’s big day. Seeing her smile made everything worth it.

Anna turned back to Jaden, who was deep in conversation with a group of business associates. He caught her gaze and excused himself, making his way back to her side.

“You’re doing a good job,” he said, his tone neutral.

“Thanks,” she replied, not sure if it was a compliment or just an observation.

Before he could say anything else, the lights flickered. The room fell silent, the cheerful atmosphere replaced by a sudden tension. Anna looked around, confusion and unease settling in her chest.

Then came the sound.

Gunshots.

The sharp cracks echoed through the hall, and chaos erupted. Guests screamed and ducked for cover, tables overturned as people scrambled to escape. Anna froze, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to process what was happening.

“Anna!” Jaden’s voice cut through the noise, his hand gripping her arm tightly. “Stay down!”

Anna’s ears rang as chaos swallowed the room. Screams and the sound of overturned chairs echoed around her, but all she could think about was Lilly.

“Lilly!” Anna screamed, her voice raw and desperate as she searched the crowd. Panic surged through her veins like wildfire. People shoved past her, running in every direction, their faces twisted in terror, but Anna only had one focus: her sister.

“I need to get to her!” Anna cried, yanking her arm out of Jaden’s grip.

“Anna, stop!” Jaden barked, his tone sharp with urgency, but she didn’t listen. She shoved past a panicked waiter and stumbled toward the table where Lilly had been sitting moments ago.

Jaden cursed under his breath and followed her, his movements tense and calculated, his sharp eyes scanning the room.

There she was. Lilly was crouched under the table, her hands covering her ears, her small frame trembling. Relief flooded through Anna, and she surged forward.

“Lilly! It’s okay, I’m here!” she called out, kneeling beside her sister and wrapping her arms around her protectively. Lilly looked up, tears streaming down her face, but before Anna could say anything else, she felt Jaden’s iron grip on her shoulder.

“Anna, get down!” he hissed, his tone more urgent than before.

“What are you—?”

Jaden didn’t let her finish. His eyes locked on something behind her, his expression darkening with a mix of fury and fear. “Stay still,” he said through clenched teeth, his body stiff and alert.

It was then that she noticed the faint red dot dancing on the floor beside her. Her breath hitched as realization dawned, but before she could react, the dot moved—hovering over her chest and then climbing up to her head.

A sniper.

Anna froze, her blood turning to ice. She couldn’t see where the beam was coming from, but she could feel its deadly intent. Lilly whimpered in her arms, and Anna instinctively tightened her hold on her sister.

“Don’t move,” Jaden warned, his voice a low growl. He stepped closer, his broad frame blocking her from view. His jaw was clenched, his muscles taut as if he were ready to spring into action at any second. The red dot flickered, now moving toward Jaden’s chest as he shielded her.

“Jaden, what’s—” she began, but he cut her off.

“Shut up and stay still,” he snapped, his tone colder than she’d ever heard it. His eyes darted across the room, scanning the high windows and balconies, searching for the source of the threat.

Anna’s heart raced, her breaths coming in short gasps. The chaos around them seemed to fade, the screams and shouts a distant hum compared to the pounding of her heartbeat. Her mind screamed at her to move, to run, but her body wouldn’t cooperate.

And then, she saw it—the unmistakable glint of a rifle barrel in the upper corner of the room, hidden behind the draped curtains. Her stomach dropped, terror taking hold of her. She tried to warn Jaden, but her voice caught in her throat.

Jaden’s eyes narrowed, following her gaze. He saw it too. Without warning, he reached for her, his movements quick and decisive.

“Anna, stay down,” he whispered, his voice steady, despite the situation.

But before she could react, a loud bang shattered the air.

And then—darkness.