At a ballroom, people were glowing under the light of the crystal chandeliers, as different scents mixed together.
The elites in New York had come together, dressed to impress and also to Converse, mostly with ulterior motives.
Roxanne was already getting used to these kinds of gatherings. But tonight, something felt off.
There was this tension in the air, something she could not quite place.
Her husband was beside her with his tailored black suit enhancing his sharp features.
His presence commanded respect, and yet, she could feel that even he was on guard tonight.
She stood close to him more, as she looked around.
That was when she saw them.
Devian and Reina.
She felt fidgety but tried to remain calm. She can't let them see her like that.
Ciel turned his head slightly when he noticed her attitude. "Relax," he said quietly.
"They are not worth your sweat."
She did not reply. She kept a straight face, watching as Reina smiled.
Reina was the first to walk to her, followed by Devian. "Roxanne," Reina said with confidence. "I am actually surprised to see you here. I thought these types of events were above you."
Roxanne smiled. "I am quite full of them. Surprises."
Reina chuckled. "Well, I suppose you deserve congratulations then. It must be really nice bearing Sebastien's name."
And that was it.
That subtle insult.
She was trying to say she doesn't deserve it.
Before Roxanne could respond, Devian moved closer.
"I have to admit, you certainly do move on so fast." He said, gawking at her.
Ciel, who had kept his mouth shut, finally spoke.
"I was not aware my wife's past relationships were any of your concern." He said leisurely, but there was a sharp tone to it.
"I was just making an observation," Devian replied defensively.
Ciel was amused. "And I am only reminding you of your place."
He spoke with so much power that some guests turned slowly to see what was about to happen.
Reina was not moved though.
"It's nothing, we are just reminiscing," she said, looking at Roxanne. "After all, the past does have really interesting stories, does it not?"
Roxanne raised an eyebrow.
There was something in Reina's voice.
It was like a hidden meaning.
She was going to confront her when a waiter came to her side. She offered her a glass of champagne.
"A special selection for you, Mrs.sebastien."
Roxanne hesitated, her instinct telling her something else.
As she tried to get the glass, Ciel extended his hand and grabbed it.
His expression was unreadable as he eyed the liquid with curiosity.
Then, to everyone's surprise, he poured the contents on the marble floor.
A few gasps rippled through the nearby guests.
Reina's expression darkened.
Roxanne stiffened. What the hell just happened?
Ciel finally looked up, his gaze locking onto the server. "Tell me," he mused. "Who instructed you to bring this to my wife?"
The server paled.
Roxanne's heart pounded as the realization sank in.
It had been a setup.
The drink had been tampered with.
If she had consumed it….
Reina's trap would have been successful.
Probably it was a drink that had Poison in it, made to leave her feeling discomfort.
Or perhaps it was worse. A scandal waiting to unfold in front of New York's most powerful figures.
Either way, she had almost walked right into it.
Ciel held her hand for a moment before letting go, he then stepped forward to talk to the audience closing in.
He started talking with a smooth voice. "Forgive my impatience, But I don't particularly enjoy it when people attempt to harm what belongs to me."
Roxanne's breath caught.
The words hung in the air.
Possessive.
Undeniable.
The guests started murmuring as their curiosity grew.
Reina's expression changed, but she was quick to compose herself.
"Ciel, I am sure this is just a misunderstanding…"
"Yes, I am pretty sure it is, Reina." Ciel said with a smile.
And with that, Reina knew she had lost this one.
Reina had played her move.
But Ciel had crushed it before it could even begin.
When they got home that night, Roxanne confronted Ciel.
"You knew about the drink." She said with a steady voice.
"Of course I knew." He replied as he loosened his tie.
Roxanne crossed her arms. "Then why didn't you warn me?"
Ciel smirked. "And deprive you of the lesson?"
Her mouth was slightly opened.
"You can not be careless now," he said, moving closer to her.
"You're my wife now. That makes you a target."
Roxanne swallowed, searching his gaze. "And what does that make you?"
Ciel stopped smirking.
For a while, there was silence.
Then using his finger, he brushed off a loose strand of hair from her face.
"The person that decides whether you rise or fall."
Roxanne sighed.
She didn't like how he unsettles her.
Hated how his presence alone made her feel both safe and on edge.
But most of all…
She hated that, for the first time, she didn't know if she wanted to fight him… or trust him.
And that was the most dangerous game of all.