The gala glittered like a living constellation, glass chandeliers dripping with gold, silk gowns rustling like whispers, champagne flowing endlessly. Mia felt strangely light, almost… free. For the first time since signing Adrian's contract, she wasn't drowning under the weight of expectations.
People admired her dress, complimented her designs, praised her quiet resilience. And Adrian… Adrian had been at her side all night, his hand resting lightly on her lower back, guiding her through crowds, shielding her from the more intrusive questions. When she spoke, he listened, genuinely, not just to maintain appearances.
It almost felt real.
Almost.
But everything shifted the moment she stepped aside to breathe.
That's when he appeared.
Julian Crest.
Her ex.
Her mistake.
Her warning sign in human form.
He looked exactly the same, charming smile, sharp suit, eyes that glittered with false sincerity.
"Mimi," he said softly, using the nickname that once felt sweet but now made her skin crawl. "You look… incredible."
Mia tensed. "Don't call me that."
He raised both hands. "Right. Bad habit. Congratulations, by the way. Mrs. Drake has a nice ring to it."
She narrowed her eyes. "What do you want, Julian?"
"Just to clear the air," he said smoothly. "I know you think I leaked that article last year. But I didn't. I would never sabotage you."
Mia crossed her arms. "Julian, you stole my sketches. You sold them. Then you lied about it. You've done worse."
His smile didn't falter, but his eyes hardened. "I made mistakes. But so did you."
She inhaled sharply. That was his talent, flipping blame and rewriting history.
"You walked away," he continued quietly, stepping closer. "Into the arms of the man who wants to destroy you. Do you know what people are saying? That Drake bought you like…."
She stiffened. "Finish that sentence and I swear…."
He leaned in.
Not touching.
Not even close.
Just lowering his voice so only she could hear.
"Do you really think he can love you?" he whispered. "Men like Adrian don't fall. They take. And they destroy."
Mia felt the sting, not because she believed him, but because somewhere deep inside, she feared it.
Before she could respond, the camera flashed.
She jerked her head up.
Someone, a guest, had just taken a picture.
Of her and Julian.
From the angle… it looked like he was kissing her.
Her blood went cold.
"Delete that," she snapped.
But the woman only smirked and walked away.
"Mia?" a familiar voice said behind her.
Her stomach dropped.
Adrian.
She turned and froze.
His jaw was clenched.
His eyes dark, narrowed, burning.
Not with cold fury.
With jealousy.
Pure, territorial, protective jealousy.
And beneath that?
A flash of fear.
"Adrian…." she began.
His gaze flicked to Julian. A cold smile curved his lips.
"Crest," he said in a low, lethal tone. "Still slithering around where you don't belong?"
Julian stepped back, but smirked. "Relax, Drake. We're just chatting."
Adrian didn't even look at Mia now, not fully. He was laser-focused on Julian.
"Walk away," Adrian said quietly.
"I was just leaving," Julian replied, raising his glass.
But as he brushed past, he murmured to Mia, "Careful, Mimi. Men like him don't share."
She barely had time to react.
Because the moment Julian disappeared into the crowd, every phone in the room buzzed.
Ping. Ping. Ping.
Like tiny detonations.
Mia's chest tightened. "No…"
Adrian's phone buzzed too.
He lifted it.
On the screen was the image.
The one taken seconds earlier.
Of Julian leaning in.
Of Mia facing him, lips parted mid-breath.
An angle that made it look intimate.
A headline was already plastered over it:
"MIA DRAKE CAUGHT WITH HER EX LOVER AT GALA"
The room exploded with whispers.
"She's cheating on him."
"I knew it!, their marriage was a PR stunt."
"Poor Adrian."
"She's just like her father"
Mia felt the words slicing into her. It wasn't just gossip, it was character assassination.
She stepped toward Adrian, breath shaking. "Adrian, it's not what it looks like… "
He seized her hand.
Not rough.
Not angry but Possessive.Protective even
"Everyone out," he said to the room, calm but lethal.
Guests froze.
Staff went silent.
Even the music died.
"Mr. Drake…." someone from the board began.
Adrian didn't raise his voice. Didn't need to.
"I said. Out."
Mia's heart slammed against her ribs as people obeyed, fast. No one argued with that tone.
Soon the room was empty except for the two of them.
He still held her hand.
His grip tight.
Almost trembling.
"Why was he talking to you?" Adrian asked, each word measured.
"He cornered me," Mia whispered. "I didn't want to talk to him."
"And he leaned in like that?"
"Adrian, I swear on my life, nothing…."
He stepped closer. So close she could feel his breath against her cheek. His voice lowered, hoarse with something raw.
"Do you think I'm angry at you?"
She blinked rapidly. "You look angry."
"I'm angry at him."
His jaw flexed.
"And at myself."
"For what?"
"For caring."
His voice cracked.
"For caring enough that that picture" He dragged a shaky breath. "—that the idea of you with him made me want to burn this entire place down."
Mia's breath faltered.
Before she could speak, a sharp ding echoing through the speakers cut through the air.
The giant display screen on the wall suddenly lit up.
A breaking news alert.
"ADRIAN DRAKE'S WIFE IN SECRET MEETING WITH EX — POSSIBLE INFIDELITY?"
Video loading…
Mia's heart plummeted.
"Adrian…." she whispered.
His fingers curled around her wrist.
"We're leaving," he said through clenched teeth. "Now!"
But as he pulled her toward the exit.
Security rushed in.
"Mr. Drake, the press is outside. Hundreds. They're blocking the doors."
Mia froze.
Adrian didn't.
He turned toward her slowly, eyes dark and burning and heartbreakingly vulnerable.
"Mia… don't lie to me. Did he touch you?"
She inhaled sharply.
"Adrian…."
"Did. He. Touch. You?"
Her answer would change everything.