Despite everything the crushing announcement, the cameras, the eyes watching me like a hawk, i found an odd sense of peace in one small corner of the grand Voss estate.
It wasn't with Dominic.
It was with Jane, his younger sister.
And his mother.
Jane had dragged me into a quiet alcove of the ballroom after the announcement, her sharp blue eyes glittering with excitement.
"You survived the Voss spotlight. That deserves a medal," Jane said, handing me a champagne glass with a mischievous smile.
I gave a small laugh, grateful for the girl's boldness. It was one of the first genuine smiles i'd had all night.
"I didn't have a choice."
"Trust me, no one ever does when it comes to Dominic," Jane replied, then winked. "But you… you're interesting. I like you."
That meant more than i expected.
Later, Dominic's mother — elegant and kind-eyed — found her by the balcony and pulled her into a soft, warm hug.
"You're even more beautiful than I imagined," she said, taking Liana's hands. "Dominic hasn't brought anyone home in years. And now… he brings you."
I didn't know what to say. I wanted to scream he didn't bring me — he bought me, but all that came out was a shy thank you.
And for a moment, i didn't feel like a prisoner.
I felt like someone being welcomed.
But the illusion didn't last because I couldn't stop thinking of Micah.
From across the ballroom, Dominic leaned against a marble pillar, a drink in hand, eyes fixed on her like a predator marking territory. His expression unreadable. Icy. Dangerous.
And yet…
I admired him.
The broad cut of his shoulders in his tailored black suit. The sharpness of his jawline. The quiet command in the way he stood, like he owned the world — and maybe he did.
He was cold. Ruthless. Unforgivable.
And still, a part of me — the part that had suffered for too long — wanted to understand him.
I hated myself for it.
My heart clenched, and i looked away quickly, ashamed.
Jane and her mother walked to the hallway because they still had guests to greet.
I had barely taken a sip of my drink when a woman with sharp features and red lipstick approached — tall, elegant, with eyes that scanned like they were used to peeling people apart.
Dominic's aunt.
Angela Voss.
Beside her stood Chloe, dressed in a shimmering silver gown that clung to her body like a second skin — Dominic's ex, and the woman who had been silently circling Liana like a vulture all evening.
"So," Angela said, voice like chilled champagne. "You're the girl."
I smiled politely, fingers tightening around my glass. "Yes. I'm—"
"—Dominic's fiancée," Chloe cut in with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "So sudden, don't you think? He's always been so… selective."
My heart raced. I could feel the venom in their tone masked in politeness, but deadly nonetheless.
"Where are you from, dear?" Angela asked smoothly, eyes narrowing. "Your last name… Hayes, is it? Doesn't ring any bells in our circles."
"I'm not from your circles," I replied, keeping my voice steady. "I work in publishing."