The magnificent ballroom of the Rosewood Grand Hotel glittered beneath enormous crystal chandeliers, their shimmering lights dancing across polished marble floors.
Soft violin music floated gracefully through the air.
Elegant women in breathtaking gowns mingled with influential businessmen dressed in tailored tuxedos.
Laughter mixed with the soft clinking of champagne glasses.
It was the most prestigious charity gala in Rosewood.
And tonight...
Every important figure in the city was present.
Outside the hotel...
A taxi slowly pulled to a stop.
Celina stared at the grand entrance through the window.
Her heartbeat quickened.
"This is far too fancy..."
She whispered to herself.
The driver smiled warmly.
"You'll do just fine."
She thanked him before stepping out.
The emerald-green gown flowed gently around her as a cool evening breeze lifted a few loose strands of her hair.
She wore no diamond necklace.
No expensive bracelet.
Only a pair of tiny pearl earrings that had belonged to her late mother.
They were the only jewelry she treasured.
Taking a deep breath...
She walked toward the entrance.
Almost immediately...
Camera flashes exploded.
"Who's that?"
"Isn't she the woman from that hospital photograph?"
"That's Celina Bakers!"
Several reporters quickly gathered near the entrance.
"Miss Bakers!"
"Are you attending with Mr. Aaron Steel?"
"How did you meet him?"
"Are the dating rumors true?"
Celina froze.
She had never spoken to reporters before.
Her fingers tightened around the small clutch bag in her hands.
"I..."
Before she could answer...
A calm voice interrupted.
"She's my guest."
The crowd fell silent.
Aaron Steel walked toward her with his usual composed expression.
His perfectly tailored black tuxedo made him look every bit the billionaire the city admired and feared.
Yet his eyes were fixed only on Celina.
"You made it."
His voice was gentle.
Celina managed a nervous smile.
"I almost turned around."
"I noticed."
Aaron glanced briefly at the waiting reporters before offering his arm.
"Shall we?"
She hesitated for only a second before placing her hand lightly on his arm.
Together...
They walked into the hotel.
Behind them...
Camera flashes illuminated the entrance like lightning.
Inside the ballroom...
Conversations gradually faded.
Many guests discreetly turned to look.
"That's Aaron Steel."
"Who's the woman with him?"
"I've never seen him escort anyone before."
Even the orchestra seemed quieter.
Celina felt every pair of eyes following her.
She leaned slightly toward Aaron.
"I think they're all staring."
"They are."
His answer made her even more nervous.
She looked at him.
"Aren't you bothered?"
Aaron met her eyes.
"I stopped caring what people think a long time ago."
His calmness somehow eased her anxiety.
At the far end of the ballroom...
An elegant woman watched them closely.
Evelyn Monroe.
She swirled the sparkling juice in her glass without taking her eyes off Aaron.
"So..."
She murmured.
"The rumors were true."
A young businessman standing beside her smiled.
"You know Mr. Steel?"
"We grew up together."
Her smile never reached her eyes.
"But I've never seen him bring a woman to this gala."
Meanwhile...
Edward Steel observed everything from a nearby table.
A faint smile touched the elderly man's lips.
His grandson wasn't speaking much.
Yet...
Whenever Celina became uncomfortable...
Aaron slowed his pace.
Whenever another guest approached too aggressively...
Aaron subtly stepped between them.
He probably didn't even realize he was doing it.
Edward noticed.
And it pleased him.
The master of ceremonies stepped onto the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen..."
"Welcome to the Annual Steel Foundation Charity Gala."
Applause filled the room.
"Our foundation exists because of people who believe compassion can change lives."
The evening officially began.
During dinner...
Celina looked around in amazement.
"I've never seen so many different forks."
Aaron glanced at her plate before quietly exchanging one fork with another.
"This one is for the salad."
She looked embarrassed.
"I was about to use the dessert fork, wasn't I?"
"You were."
Instead of feeling humiliated...
She laughed.
"So I just embarrassed myself."
"No."
"You reminded me that etiquette isn't everything."
She smiled.
"You make it sound like I've taught you something."
"You have."
She looked at him curiously.
Aaron spoke honestly.
"You treat everyone the same."
"The children."
"The patients."
"The hospital director."
"Even me."
Celina tilted her head.
"Shouldn't I?"
Most people spoke to Aaron because of his wealth.
Some because of fear.
Others because they wanted something.
Celina...
Simply spoke to him.
Aaron found that strangely refreshing.
Just then...
A waiter carrying a tray accidentally stumbled.
A glass of sparkling juice slipped from the tray.
It flew directly toward Celina.
Without thinking...
Aaron reached across the table and pulled her toward him.
The glass shattered against the floor.
Silence spread through the ballroom.
For one suspended heartbeat...
Celina found herself pressed against Aaron's chest.
His arm remained protectively around her waist.
She could hear his heartbeat.
Steady.
Strong.
She quickly stepped back.
"I... I'm so sorry."
Aaron looked at the waiter instead.
"Are you hurt?"
The young waiter stared in surprise.
"N-No, sir."
"Good."
Aaron turned to Celina.
"Are you alright?"
She nodded.
"Yes."
"Thanks to you."
Their eyes met.
Neither seemed eager to look away.
Across the ballroom...
Evelyn quietly observed everything.
For the first time that evening...
A faint crease appeared between her brows.
Not because Aaron had protected Celina.
But because...
He had done it instinctively.
Without hesitation.
Without calculation.
As if protecting her had become the most natural thing in the world.
Evelyn slowly lowered her glass.
"This..."
She whispered to herself.
"May become more complicated than I expected."
The orchestra began playing once more.
But neither Aaron nor Celina noticed.
They were both too aware of the lingering warmth left behind by that brief embrace.
And neither of them realized...
That tonight had quietly changed something between them.