Chapter 1

This red silk evening dress clings to my body, every inch reminding me of tonight's insane decision.

Fifty people. A full fifty of the city's most influential figures are all here attending Montgomery's party.

I take a deep breath and walk into the living room in my heels. Crystal chandeliers cast warm light, champagne bubbles dancing in guests' glasses.

Montgomery stands in the center of the living room, wearing a deep blue tailored suit, chatting with several business friends. Even in such a crowd, he's the most eye-catching one. At forty-two, he still has an athlete's build, those deep blue eyes always looking so focused.

My guardian. My... everything.

Eight years. Since I was ten, he's been the center of my world. When my parents left in that car accident, he took me in, gave me a home. But now, watching him about to announce his engagement to Scarlett, I realize I can no longer pretend to be just a grateful little girl.

"Celeste!" Lily's voice comes from behind me. "You actually came. I thought you'd chicken out."

I turn to look at my best friend, who's dyed her hair bright purple tonight and is wearing a black cocktail dress. "I had to come."

"That dress... God, are you trying to kill every man here?" She raises an eyebrow. "Montgomery's going to lose his mind when he sees you."

"That's exactly what I want." I look toward Montgomery, who's laughing.

Lily grabs my arm. "Celeste, are you sure you want to do this? In front of everyone?"

"Yes."

I leave Lily and walk toward Montgomery. Each step feels like walking toward a cliff edge, but I can't stop anymore.

"Montgomery." I call out to him.

He turns around, sees me, and freezes for a moment.

"Celeste, you look... beautiful tonight."

Several businessmen beside him also turn toward me.

"Montgomery, I have something to tell you." I look at him seriously.

The conversation in the living room begins to quiet down. People start noticing what's happening over here. I can feel all eyes focusing on me, but strangely, this makes me feel braver.

"Celeste..." Montgomery's voice carries a warning.

"I love you."

These three words explode like a bomb in the quiet living room.

The entire room instantly falls silent. Champagne glasses freeze mid-air, all conversations come to an abrupt halt. I can hear my own heartbeat, feeling like drums in my ears.

Montgomery's expression changes. "Celeste, what are you saying?"

"I'm saying I love you. I know this is crazy, but I love you." My voice trembles, but I force myself to continue. "I'm not a child anymore, Montgomery. I'm eighteen, I know what I'm saying."

Whispers ripple through the watching crowd. I can hear people quietly saying "Oh my God" and "This is ridiculous." But I only look at Montgomery, seeing the shock in his eyes and... is that fear?

"I don't want you to marry Scarlett." I continue, feeling my courage fading but unable to stop.

"Enough!" Montgomery's voice suddenly becomes stern as he grabs my arm. "Celeste, you're still a child, stop talking nonsense. The guests are watching."

His words hit me like ice water. I look into his eyes, searching for any trace of warmth or understanding, but I only see coldness and embarrassment.

"Reality?" I break free from his grip. "Reality is that I love you, and you're about to marry a woman who doesn't love you at all."

At this moment, the sound of high heels clicking on the floor comes from the other side of the living room. Scarlett walks over, her red hair perfectly pinned up, wearing a beige designer suit. Her face shows no expression, but I can feel the ice in her eyes.

"What's going on?" she asks, though from her expression, she clearly heard everything that just happened.

Montgomery immediately goes to her side, wrapping his arm around her waist. "Nothing, Scarlett. Celeste is just... being emotional."

Scarlett glances at me, then smiles at Montgomery. "Well, then maybe now is a good time?"

Montgomery nods, then faces the guests. He clears his throat, and the living room falls quiet again.

"Dear friends," he begins, his voice regaining confidence and charm. "Thank you all for being here tonight. I'm delighted to announce that Scarlett has accepted my proposal."

The living room erupts in applause and congratulations. Scarlett raises her hand, displaying the massive diamond ring on her ring finger. It sparkles under the crystal chandelier light like a damn star.

"Thank you all for your blessings." Scarlett's voice is sweet and professional. "We're planning a spring wedding next year."

More applause. More congratulations. I stand there feeling like I'm trapped in a nightmare.

I watch Montgomery accepting congratulations from friends, his face glowing with happy smiles. He looks... he looks happier than I've ever seen him.

Maybe Lily was right. Maybe I've been dreaming all along.

Suddenly, I can't bear this anymore. The air in the room becomes thin, all the sounds blend together into a buzzing noise. I need to get out of here. Right now.

I turn and rush toward the door, hearing Lily calling my name behind me, but I don't stop. I run through the hallway, push open the front door, and burst into the cool night air.

Rain begins to fall, fine droplets hitting my skin. I kick off my heels and run barefoot on the wet sidewalk, the silk dress clinging to my legs.

I keep running until I see the neon sign of "The Velvet Room" bar downtown. This isn't a place I'd usually go, but tonight, I don't want to go anywhere "usual."