"I mean, why would I be dragged into this?" Elara muttered as she folded her clothes with deliberate care, as if the crisp lines in her wardrobe could straighten the knots in her mind.
"You're overthinking," Madeline replied from the couch, her voice casual but firm. "Bianca doesn't know anything happened between you and Mr. Ranveer. And honestly, he doesn't look like he's pursuing it either. Just calm down."
"Good point," Elara admitted, though her hands still fumbled with the fabric. "I just… I'm afraid it might get awkward."
Madeline smirked and stood to head for the kitchen. "You're a good actor, trust me. You can handle this. Just stay serious."
"Or maybe I should join the Artic films?" she joked.
Madeline laughed. "Good idea honey…"
"They make a perfect match," Elara said under her breath.
Madeline poked her head back in with a laugh. "Are you jealous?"
"Told you, I'm not interested in a relationship right now." Elara smiled faintly, but her eyes were guarded. "Honestly, I'm happy for them. As long as I can live my life without disturbances."
"I get it," Madeline said, filling bowls with soup. "And, to be fair, the Monroe family has been on a winning streak lately."
"Bianca as stirred in several movies so she is definitely a star." Elara explained. "And, I heard your boss started that company from scratch and he is not like those spoilt brats who inherit family businesses."
"You've been researching him?" Madeline teased, setting the bowls down.
"Anyone would want to know more about the man they…" Elara hesitated, then smirked. "…lost their virginity to."
Madeline nearly choked on her soup. "God, Elara, stop! What do you expect me to say to that?"
"Nothing. You're still a virgin," Elara teased.
"Do you want me to go drink and hook up with some stranger too?" Madeline rolled her eyes.
"Come on, it was your idea," Elara laughed.
"Not the sex part!" Madeline shot back, laughing now. "And hey—I'm keeping my virginity for a while longer, thank you very much."
Elara gave her a sweet smile before retreating into the bathroom. Madeline shook her head and turned back to the evening news.
…
Morning
Elara dressed carefully. She wasn't headed to the company today; instead, she would attend the magazine signing to support Bianca. Normally, she would have declined, but Edward's personal invitation left her no choice.
Her phone buzzed with a message from Madeline.
Madeline: Ooh God! Mr. Ranveer looks stunning today.
Elara: Is he?
Madeline: Of course. His fiancée is signing onto the best-selling fashion magazine in the country. He has to steal the spotlight.
Elara: but he always looks smart always, right?
Madeline: oops… someone tell me it's not what I'm thinking. That's my boss you're praising honey…
Elara's heart gave a tiny, unwanted ache. She brushed it off and finished preparing. With Madeline tied up at work, she would have to face the event alone.
The taxi dropped her at the venue. To her surprise, Bianca herself greeted her at the entrance with a warm hug.
"Elara! Thank you for coming. I didn't think my brother would invite company employees!" Bianca beamed, dazzling in a sparkling red gown.
"You look incredible," Elara said sincerely. She herself wore a black gown with a daring slit that ran high up her thigh. Her pale skin contrasted sharply with the dark fabric, her hair flowing loose down to her waist.
"Thank you! It means a lot," Bianca said, squeezing her hand.
Before Elara could reply, the sound of cameras flashing turned every head. The Ranveer convoy had arrived.
Maxwell stepped out first, every inch the enigma. His black suit gleamed under the sun, a bowtie knotted at his collar, the white shirt beneath fitting him like armor. His calm stride exuded quiet authority, and the press devoured every moment with their lenses, camera's flashing every corner.
Elara's eyes locked with his for the briefest second, and time seemed to slow. His question from the elevator "It was you?"—still echoed in her chest.
The first sight that caught his attention was of the two ladies. 'Wait, are they close?' was the first question that crossed his mind.
"Oh God, Elara, I have to go welcome my fiancé!" Bianca bounced, hugging her once more before dashing toward Maxwell.
Elara let her go, smoothing her gown as she turned inside.
Maxwell's eyes, however, followed Elara until her silhouette disappeared into the building. Only then did he turn to Bianca.
"You're handsome!" she declared, embracing him tightly.
"You're stunning," he replied automatically, though his gaze lingered on the doorway where Elara had vanished.
"That's what Elara told me just now," Bianca said proudly.
Maxwell's head tilted. "Elara Grants. Are you close?"
"She works for my father's company, so yes, I see her often. Why? Is something wrong?"
He gave a faint shake of his head. "Not at all. Let's head inside."
The two walked side by side, a vision of a power couple, flashes of cameras chasing them. For the first time, Bianca basked in the image of belonging to him, public and undeniable.
But when the press thinned and the chatter hushed, she stopped him, her voice soft and pleading.
"Max… this year has been full of wins for both our families. We're standing on the edge of greatness together. Why don't we at least get engaged?"
Maxwell paused. His unreadable eyes met hers, holding her in suspense.
"Bianca," he said finally, his tone calm but immovable. "I've told you before—I have my own plans."
Her smile faltered. "Max, honey, you can't keep doing this to me. I've waited so long to be fully yours, and you keep pushing me away."
"This is your day," Maxwell cut in, his voice like steel. "I don't want to talk about us when the spotlight is supposed to be on you."
Bianca's breath caught, but she forced a smile, knowing the cameras were still lurking nearby. He moved forward, leaving her to fall into step beside him, her heart aching even as the applause inside the hall began.