The drive to the gala was long and silent—
but not uncomfortable.
Damian sat beside Ariana in the black limousine, one hand resting loosely on his knee, the other occasionally brushing against hers when the car turned.
Each accidental touch made her heart skip.
Outside, the city lights glowed softly through the tinted windows.
Ariana turned to him.
"You're really not wearing the mask?"
Damian looked down at her, eyes steady.
"No."
"But… why show your face now? At such a big event?"
"Because tonight, you will walk beside me," he said simply.
"And I don't hide when it comes to you."
Her breath caught.
He wasn't saying grand romantic words—
Damian Steele didn't speak like that—
but everything he said carried weight.
Ariana looked down at her hands, cheeks warm.
****
Arrival
The limousine stopped in front of the grand entrance of the Imperial Aurora Hotel—a place known for hosting only the highest-ranking events.
Paparazzi lights flashed from every angle.
Security guards lined the stairs.
Luxury cars parked one after another.
Ariana's stomach twisted.
Damian noticed.
He placed a warm hand on the small of her back.
"Stay close to me."
His voice was calm, protective.
The car door opened.
The moment Damian stepped out—
The crowd reacted like electricity had struck.
Gasps.
Whispers.
Shock.
"That's Damian Steele!"
"He removed the mask!"
"He's… he's handsome— gorgeous— unreal!"
"I knew he wasn't disfigured!"
"Look at his face—no wonder he hid it!"
"Who is the woman beside him? Is that… his wife?!"
Camera flashes exploded like fireworks.
Ariana clutched Damian's arm instinctively.
He tightened his hold instantly, pulling her closer, shielding her slightly with his tall frame.
They walked together—
a striking, breathtaking pair.
Damian stood tall, his expression emotionless but commanding.
Ariana's beauty glowed softly beside him, delicate but unmistakable.
And together…
they were unforgettable.
****
Inside the Gala
The hall was enormous, glittering with chandeliers, gold-trimmed walls, and hundreds of powerful women dressed in elegant gowns.
Every head turned the moment the couple entered.
Every whisper sharpened.
"So that's the new Mrs. Steele…"
"…she's too ordinary."
"…but she's so naturally pretty."
"He's holding her so protectively."
"I didn't expect her to look like that."
Ariana swallowed hard.
She felt out of place.
Overdressed.
Underprepared.
Watched.
Damian leaned down slightly.
"Look at me," he whispered.
She lifted her eyes.
"I'm here," Damian said.
"You're not alone."
His voice steadied her heartbeat immediately.
****
The Elites Approach
The first woman walked over—
tall, elegant, wearing a diamond necklace that probably cost more than Ariana's entire childhood.
"Mr. Steele," she purred.
"Wonderful to see you without your mask."
Damian gave a cold nod.
"This is my wife," he said firmly.
"Ariana."
The woman's smile tightened.
"Of course she is."
She turned to Ariana, eyes scanning her dress, her hair, her every detail.
"So lovely," she said sweetly—
too sweetly.
The kind of sweetness that stings.
Before Ariana could respond, another group of women approached.
"Mr. Steele, you should have told us you were bringing someone."
"She's adorable."
"Quite simple-looking, but refreshing."
Ariana forced a small smile—
but her chest tightened painfully.
Damian noticed instantly.
He stepped closer, his hand curving protectively around her waist.
"She is exactly who she needs to be," Damian said coolly.
"And she is more than enough."
The women fell silent.
Ariana felt her heart warm despite the tension.
He wasn't just defending her—
He was claiming her
in front of everyone.
****
Then… She Came
The room's temperature shifted.
Soft murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"Oh no, she's here…"
"That's Lena Hart…"
"Damian's former fiancée."
"I heard she came to reclaim him."
Ariana turned slowly.
Lena Hart—beautiful, confident, poisonous—
walked toward them with a smile that didn't touch her eyes.
"Ariana," she said sweetly.
"I didn't expect to see you here. You're brave."
Damian stiffened immediately.
"Lena," he said coldly.
"Walk away."
But Lena only smiled wider.
"Oh Damian…
I'm not here for trouble."
She tilted her head at Ariana.
"I just want to see the woman who replaced me."
Ariana felt her breath catch.
This was the confrontation everyone expected—
the old flame versus the new wife.
Lena leaned closer.
"Tell me, dear…
do you truly think you belong beside a man like him?"
Ariana's heart pounded painfully.
Lena's smile sharpened.
"Because everyone here thinks you don't."
Damian stepped forward sharply—
But Ariana raised her chin.
And the room fell silent.