The soft clinks of champagne flutes, echoing laughter, and murmurs of idle conversation floated through the air like expensive perfume. The engagement party had bloomed into full celebration-glittering gowns swirling through polished marble floors, deals being whispered behind elegant smiles, and golden chandeliers casting a dream-like glow over the grand ballroom.
But Blaze Baldwin wasn't smiling.
He stood amidst it all like a storm cloud in a summer sky-composed on the outside, but quietly unraveling within. His jaw was set, his mind ticking restlessly as he stared at the corridor leading to the restroom, every passing minute tightening a wire inside his chest.
Fifteen minutes.
That's how long Savannah had been gone.
He never liked it when she vanished for too long. She was always so composed, so calculated, and nearly impossible to read—but he knew her well enough to sense when something was off. And tonight, something definitely felt off. It had been that way since she stepped out of the car and slipped her hand into his.
He could feel it in her silence. In the way she regarded their intertwined fingers as if they were unfamiliar. As if he were a stranger.
Arthur, standing a short distance away, caught Blaze's gaze. With a subtle nod, he signaled. Blaze turned sharply, following Arthur's line of sight—and then he spotted her.
Savannah.
She emerged slowly from the corridor leading to the restrooms, her heels clicking softly against the floor. Her dress—sleek and burgundy satin—still glimmered under the soft lighting, her hair perfectly curled, her posture regal. But her expression...
This time, there was no mask. No easy smile or polite front.
Just silence.
And right behind her, like a shadow, was Elijah.
Blaze moved before the words even fully registered. He approached with purpose, his dark eyes locked on Savannah, tuning out the music and laughter that still danced around them.
When he reached her, he slowed his eyes scanning her face, noting the slight puffiness under her lashes, the faint redness in the corners of her eyes. Subtle enough that no one else would notice.
But he did.
"Took you long enough," Blaze said, his voice soft yet carrying an edge, as he reached for her hand.
She didn't pull away.
But she also didn't look at him.
Her gaze fell to their hands, as if she were unfamiliar with the warmth of his touch. There was no smile, no softening of her features. Just... a quiet distance.
It made something inside him crack.
Before he could say anything more, Elijah's voice cut through the air.
"She got a little lost."
Blaze's head snapped to Elijah, his expression hardening with an unspoken warning. He hadn't asked him. But Elijah had answered anyway.
And Blaze knew that meant something had happened.
Something he hadn't seen.
He turned back to Savannah, still holding her hand, gripping it a bit tighter now. "You should've called me."
Savannah looked up at him slowly. Her eyes met his—and for a moment, the breath in his lungs caught.
There was no spark, no warmth, no softness.
Only... stillness.
And beneath it, something unreadable. Dangerous. Like a match poised against soaked kindling—one spark away from igniting.
"Didn't bring my phone," she said quietly, her voice almost too calm.
Blaze frowned.
"Why?"
"Didn't feel the need to."
Those five words settled between them like heavy stones. Sharp.
Blaze's grip on her hand remained firm, yet he felt a tightening in his chest. She wasn't revealing everything, but she was definitely sharing something. And that chilled him more than if she had just screamed.
From behind them, the host of the party—the man whose son's engagement they were meant to be celebrating—called out to Blaze.
"Blaze!"
But Blaze didn't budge.
Not even a flinch.
His eyes were still fixed on Savannah.
Because for the first time in years, he couldn't recognize the woman standing before him. And even worse—he had no idea what she was about to become.
There was something in her eyes. A quiet shift. A woman who had spent years folding herself into control... but tonight, something had uncoiled inside her.
Something had broken free.
Blaze Baldwin—who was used to wielding power, controlling situations, and always knowing what cards were on the table—now found himself standing in front of the one person who filled him with dread.
Because she had nothing left to lose.
And a woman with nothing to lose was far more dangerous than any enemy he'd ever faced.
He tightened his grip on her hand, as if trying to anchor her in place.
As if he could prevent her from slipping away.
But she didn't squeeze back.
She simply... let him hold on.
And said nothing.
A Few Moments Later
The event was winding down, with everyone showering the newly engaged couple with congratulations. Blaze stood before them, offering his well wishes, while Savannah lingered behind him, watching from a distance like a mere bystander.
Blaze was eager to introduce his wife, Savannah, to the couple, but when he turned around, he found her standing alone, looking gloomy and lost in thought. Without hesitation, he walked over and gently took hold of her wrist. Savannah looked up at him, and he asked, "What are you doing here all alone?" She didn't respond. "Come on," he urged, leading her toward the couple to make the introduction.
"Meet my wife, Savannah," Blaze said, glancing at her with warmth in his eyes. The couple turned to Savannah, and she offered a polite, "Congratulations." They smiled back, and the engaged woman added, "You're so beautiful," flashing Savannah a bright smile.
"She's the most important person to Blaze, so tread carefully." Blaze's friend chimed in, and Savannah turned to look at him. This man had made her question so many things since the time she entered the venue.
It felt like there was so much more to discover than what she already knew.
But what? Remains the question.
Author's Note :
I'm back;)
Thankyou for reading<3
Have a good day/night<3<3