The grand ballroom shimmered under the soft golden glow of chandeliers, laughter and the low hum of conversations filling the air. Tonight marked the official celebration of the successful fashion week—a night everyone had been looking forward to after weeks of sleepless nights and backbreaking effort.
Aiden's company had outdone itself. The show had been a hit—praised by media outlets, fashion critics, and investors alike. Their new line was trending everywhere, and the buzz had exceeded even Aiden's expectations.
But while everyone seemed relaxed and jubilant, Aiden stood near the entrance, his expression unreadable. Dressed in a sharp black suit, tie slightly loosened, he looked every bit the composed CEO. Yet there was something weary in his eyes—dark circles faintly visible under the ballroom light.
He had smiled politely at everyone tonight, shaking hands, accepting congratulations—but his heart wasn't really there. He had tried to push away the heaviness in his chest, but every time he scanned the room and saw her, the feeling returned.
Olivia looked breathtaking tonight.
She wore a sleek black satin dress that hugged her figure elegantly, her hair tied in a neat twist with soft strands framing her face. Her makeup was minimal, just enough to highlight her natural glow. She was talking to Grace and a few designers, her lips curving into a polite smile, but Aiden noticed something—her smile didn't reach her eyes.
Just like before… the mask she used to wear.
"Sir, Mr. Jason just arrived," Claire whispered beside him, pulling him from his thoughts.
Aiden nodded, turning to greet his friend. Jason came in with his usual easygoing smile, wearing a navy-blue suit that somehow looked too casual for the formality of the event—but he pulled it off effortlessly. And beside him, walking with a cheerful grin, was Emily.
Olivia's best friend.
"Congratulations, man," Jason said, patting Aiden's shoulder. "That show was spectacular. You and your team really killed it this time."
"Thank you," Aiden replied, offering a small smile. "I'm glad you both could make it."
"Oh, trust me, we wouldn't miss it," Emily said, looking around the ballroom. "Olivia's been so busy I've barely seen her. I wanted to witness what she's been slaving over for weeks."
Aiden's eyes flickered toward Olivia again. "She did most of it," he said quietly.
Jason chuckled. "Then you should give her a raise."
If only it were that simple, Aiden thought bitterly.
Olivia noticed them across the room and excused herself from her group. Her heels clicked softly against the marble floor as she approached, smiling when she saw Emily.
"Emily! You actually came," Olivia said, hugging her tightly.
"Of course, I did! You think I'd skip seeing my best friend's masterpiece?" Emily laughed, holding her at arm's length. "You look gorgeous, by the way. A total boss lady vibe."
Olivia chuckled. "You're exaggerating."
Jason smiled. "You did an amazing job, Olivia. The event was seamless, and the designs turned out incredible."
"Thank you, Jason," she said warmly.
Aiden watched quietly as the three of them talked, his gaze lingering on Olivia's expression. There was pride there, yes—but also finality. The way she spoke about the project, the way she thanked people—it sounded like a farewell.
And he hated that.
After a while, the band started playing slow music. People began moving toward the dance floor. Grace and a few other employees joined the dance, laughing and clinking glasses. Olivia took a glass of sparkling juice from a waiter's tray and moved to the side, watching the crowd with a soft sigh.
Aiden followed.
He stood beside her, both of them looking out over the room, silent for a moment.
"You did great," he finally said.
Olivia smiled faintly. "We all did."
"You look tired," Aiden added, his tone gentle.
"I could say the same for you," she replied, glancing at him. "You haven't been sleeping much, have you?"
Aiden hesitated. "Not really."
She tilted her head. "Still overthinking everything?"
He looked at her, meeting her eyes. "Maybe."
For a second, neither spoke. The music, the chatter, the laughter—all faded into the background. It was just the two of them in that still moment.
"You were right," he finally said, voice low. "I did suspect you. And I shouldn't have."
Olivia's gaze softened slightly, but she didn't respond.
"I've seen how hard you work," Aiden continued. "How much you've done for this project. You didn't just complete it—you saved it."
"I was just doing my job," she said quietly.
"No, Olivia," Aiden said firmly, turning to face her. "You did more than your job."
She smiled faintly but shook her head. "Well, it's done now. The project's complete. After this event, I'll be leaving, as planned."
The words landed like a punch to his chest.
He tried to keep his composure, but his voice wavered slightly. "You don't have to go. There are other projects coming up. You could—"
"Aiden," she interrupted softly, "this was the deal. I agreed to come back only to finish what I started. And now it's finished."
He clenched his jaw, looking away. He wanted to say stay, to tell her that the company wouldn't feel the same without her—that he wouldn't feel the same. But his throat tightened.
"You really don't forgive me, do you?" he asked quietly.
Olivia's eyes met his. "It's not about forgiveness. It's about trust. Once it's broken, it's… hard to rebuild."
Aiden didn't answer. He just nodded slowly.
For a while, they stood there in silence again, watching others laugh and dance while an invisible wall separated them.
As the night went on, the atmosphere loosened. Employees laughed, music grew livelier, and drinks flowed freely. Olivia stayed mostly by Emily's side, occasionally chatting with Grace or the designers. Aiden, on the other hand, was surrounded by clients and investors, but his attention kept drifting back to her.
At one point, their eyes met across the room. Neither looked away immediately.
For just a second, it felt like everything else disappeared again.
And then, someone approached Aiden with a business card, and the moment broke.
Olivia sighed softly and looked away.
By the time the party ended, it was past midnight. Guests were saying their goodbyes, laughter echoing down the hallway as people left in groups.
Olivia grabbed her clutch and stepped outside to the terrace for a moment of quiet before heading home. The night air was cool, carrying the faint scent of jasmine from the hotel garden below.
She leaned against the railing, looking up at the stars. Everything was ending—this project, her time here, the routine she'd grown used to.
It should've felt freeing. But instead, there was a strange heaviness in her chest.
"Olivia."
She turned. Aiden was standing there, his tie gone, top buttons undone. He looked exhausted, but his eyes were clear.
"Still here? You should go and have some rest," she asked softly.
He shook his head. "Not when I know tomorrow you might not come back."
Olivia exhaled, turning her gaze back to the city lights. "You'll be fine without me, Aiden."
"I don't want to be fine without you," he said quietly.
Her breath caught.
Aiden stepped closer, his voice low but sincere. "You changed everything around here. And not just the company—you changed me. I didn't even realize how much until you said you were leaving."
Olivia's eyes softened, but she didn't speak.
He gave a small, almost helpless smile. "I guess I deserve it. I doubted you when I shouldn't have. But… I hope this isn't goodbye."
She looked at him for a long moment. The night breeze stirred her hair, and something unreadable flickered in her eyes.
"Goodnight, Aiden," she said softly, stepping past him.
He watched her go, the sound of her heels fading into the night.