The hall glowed.Crystal chandeliers hung like frozen stars, light bouncing off polished floors and silk gowns. The air smelled expensive—perfume, wine, money. Adeline felt it the moment she stepped inside, the invisible line she had crossed without permission.Rory squeezed her hand. "You look perfect. Stop thinking so much."Adeline nodded, though her heart hammered. The dress Rory had chosen fit like it belonged to someone else. After dressing earlier, she looked at the mirror and the person she saw screamed NOT HER!!!!So much elegance and beauty, she had the confidence but not enough because of course she was about going into a place where wealth flowed and she was just a pauper..People turned as they walked in. Adeline couldn't tell if it was curiosity or judgment, only that she felt exposed.Rory was immediately pulled into conversation by acquaintances, laughter following her like music. Adeline lingered behind, suddenly very aware of how alone she was.When she felt the gazes on her intense she became uncomfortable. She really needed to leave that particular space.She excused herself quietly, hoping to find the restroom and a moment to breathe.The corridors were quieter away from the main hall, carpet swallowing the sound of her steps. She turned a corner too quickly—and collided with someone solid.Liquid splashed.Adeline looked up.The man before her was striking in a way that felt dangerous. Dark hair brushed neatly aside, eyes sharp and assessing, expression carved from stone. Red wine stained the pristine white of his tuxedo."I—oh God—I'm so sorry," she gasped, reaching out instinctively.Her touch only smeared the stain further.The man's jaw tightened."Who the fuck us this bitch?" the man beside him snapped, his voice harsh.Adeline stepped back, trembling. "I didn't mean to. I'll pay for it. I swear."The stranger laughed softly—not amused, not kind.Money, Adeline realized too late, was not the issue.He leaned closer, his presence overwhelming. "You should be more careful where you walk," he said calmly. Too calmly.Fear settled deep in her chest and she felt speechless.This man looked dangerous, like he could kill her now and get away with it. Now she just ruined this banquet for him and she didnt know the price she would pay for it. All she could do was hope for mercy. Rory appeared moments later, color draining from her face as she took in the scene. "Adel—what happened?"The whispers had started. The room had stilled."That's him," someone murmured."The devil."Adeline's stomach dropped.Rory spoke quickly, urgently, pulling on old connections, favors owed. After a tense stretch of silence, the man stepped back."Leave," he said, eyes never leaving Adeline. "Both of you."They didn't wait to be told twice.As they fled the hall, Adeline felt it—the certainty that something had been set in motion. That this wasn't finished.Not even close.
