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The chandeliers of the Grand Orion Hotel glimmered like constellations, showering the entire ballroom in a golden haze. The air buzzed with chatter, music, and clinking glasses. Tonight was Clara's night—Herman's Jewellery Success Party. Every corner gleamed with elegance, and every guest carried an air of refinement.
Clara, radiant in a pearl-embroidered gown, received endless congratulations. Among the guests, her dear friend—Watson's Group Chairman, Angela—arrived with her daughter Alice. Both wore striking fashionable dresses, their aura commanding attention.
Not far behind, Rico and Ameya walked in together, drawing several glances. Ameya was breathtaking in a red glittering long gown, her silky black hair pinned to one side with a delicate clip, long earrings brushing against her slender neck. Rico matched her allure in a sharp black suit, his red tie dazzling against the dark fabric.
Michael and Jenna followed. Jenna, wrapped in a shimmering gray knee-length gown that sparkled under the ballroom lights, looked elegant yet youthful. Michael stood beside her in a black suit, his gray glitter tie perfectly echoing her dress.
"Shall I really be here?" Jenna whispered nervously to Ameya, her fingers brushing her clutch.
"Of course," Ameya reassured with a smile. "Mrs.Clara gave me an extra invitation. I wanted you to come."
Michael and Rico exchanged greetings before Clara finally noticed their arrival. Her smile widened.
"My brand ambassadors have arrived," she said warmly, hugging both Ameya and Rico. She also welcomed Michael and Jenna. "Why so late, Rico?"
Rico chuckled, "Traffic, Mom."
The party rolled on with laughter and chatter. Jenna sipped her second glass of alcohol, her cheeks pink. Michael quickly stopped her.
"Are you sure you can handle this?" he asked softly.
Jenna giggled playfully. "Of course." Her mischievous smile left Michael both worried and charmed.
Meanwhile, across the room, Rico and Ameya sat together at a smaller table. He leaned closer, eyes softening.
"You're gorgeous tonight," he murmured.
Ameya smiled, lowering her gaze. "Well, you chose this dress for me."
Their glasses clinked just as someone suddenly covered Ameya's eyes.
"Who—Rico?" Ameya startled.
"Guess," Rico teased.
Ameya frowned. "Rumi?"
The girl behind her burst into laughter and dropped her hands. "Yes! Sharp as always!"
Rumi grinned at her brother and Ameya. "So… how's it going between you two?"
"Good," Ameya replied with a soft smile.
"Interfering in our privacy again?" Rico groaned.
Rumi pouted dramatically. "Excuse me! I was the one who supported your love from the very beginning. You owe me loyalty!"
Ameya chuckled at their sibling banter, her heart warming at their bond.
Soon Clara called Rico from across the hall.
"Go," Ameya urged.
"Wait here," he said, brushing her hand lightly.
Rumi leaned in to whisper to Ameya before leaving, "My favorite idols are live right now. I can't miss it. Bye!"
Ameya laughed softly as Rumi ran off.
But suddenly, she felt her dress loosen. The zip at her back had slipped open. She tried to cover it with her hair in panic.
"Ameya, what happened?" Alice appeared beside her, brows furrowing.
"My zip… it's opened. I need to fix it."
"Come with me." Alice quickly guided her to a nearby room.
Inside, Ameya struggled with the stubborn zipper. Her fingers trembled in frustration.
Back at the table, Jenna leaned heavily, tipsy. Michael sighed, brushing her hair gently.
"You okay?"
"I'm fine… just need water," she whispered, voice soft and childish.
Michael couldn't help but smile. She looked adorably vulnerable. He went off to fetch her water.
Alice noticed Michael leaving and smirked. "Someone's waiting for you," she teased with a wink.
"Who?" Michael asked, confused.
"You'll see." Alice's playful grin lingered as she whispered to herself, Surprise is waiting for you.
Moments later,Michael came near to a room that Alice said.
With in a seconds a hand pulled Michael into a room.
Nearby, Rico walked toward the corridor. He heard Ameya's muffled voice inside one of the rooms.
He knocked gently. "It's me."
Ameya sighed in relief. "Come in."
Rico entered to find her standing, flustered.
"My zip… it's stuck," she admitted, cheeks pink.
"May I help?" he asked softly.
Ameya hesitated, then nodded.
Rico turned her gently, his fingers brushing her back as he worked on the zipper. His breath fanned against her skin.
"Rico, you're opening my zip…" she whispered nervously.
"Then how else can I fix it?" His voice was low, teasing.
Ameya shivered at his warmth, goosebumps rising. She tried to breathe steady.
Finally, the zipper slid up. But before she could thank him, Rico's arms wrapped around her from behind, holding her firmly.
"Your ears are red," he murmured against her ear.
Ameya's reflection in the mirror betrayed her blush.
"No…" she whispered, but Rico's grip tightened.
"Don't lie to me," he teased.
His lips brushed her bare shoulder softly, sending her trembling. One hand traced from her arm to her neck, igniting fire under her skin.
"Rico… stop teasing me," she begged faintly.
But instead, he kissed her hand tenderly. "Your hands are so soft."
Ameya turned to face him, breathless. "Someone might see us."
Rico stepped closer, eyes dark with desire. She backed away until the table pressed against her.
"I'm not drunk," he whispered. "I know exactly what I'm doing."
Before she could reply, his lips captured hers—soft at first, then deep and hungry. Ameya's heart raced. She couldn't push him away; instead, she melted into the kiss, kissing him back.
He lifted her onto the table, their kiss growing desperate. He trailed kisses along her cheeks, nose brushing hers before returning to her lips.
In another room near to their room, Michael held Jenna who leaned into his chest.
"I thought someone else called me," he whispered, brushing her hair.
"Not me," Jenna replied, though her voice wavered.
"You're even cute when you lie," Michael teased with a smile.
Jenna looked up, lips trembling. Michael kissed her softly. She froze, then pulled back.
Michael smiled,"Let's go".
But suddenly, she caught his wrist and kissed him again—more passionately this time.
Michael blushed furiously. "Don't play with me."
"I want to play," Jenna smirked.
This time, Michael's control broke. He grabbed her waist and kissed her deeply, passion flooding between them.
Back in the hall, Alice frowned. Where are they? She searched upstairs and finally opened a room door—only to gasp in shock.
Michael and Jenna broke apart instantly, eyes wide.
"Alice—!" Michael stammered.
Alice's voice shook. "Jenna? Why are you here? With my brother?"
Jenna froze, panic flashing across her face.
"You… you two…" Alice's voice cracked. "Are you dating? Jenna, are you two-timing? With Michael and Rico?"
"What?!" Jenna shouted, anger rising.
"Don't talk nonsense," Michael snapped, though his face burned.
Alice, confused and betrayed, stormed to the next room and flung open the door—only to find Rico hugging Ameya from behind.
Both froze. The silence was heavy as Alice's eyes filled with tears.
"I'm a fool," she whispered hoarsely.
She stumbled back, staring at them one last time before running down the hall.
The four of them—Michael, Jenna, Rico, and Ameya—emerged from their rooms almost at the same time, faces pale with shock.
"What happened?" Rico asked.
"I don't even know…" Michael muttered, running a hand through his hair.
Ameya sighed, piecing it together. "Alice thought I was Michael's girlfriend."
"What?!" Rico and Michael exclaimed in unison.
Ameya turned to Jenna. "You saw it, right? That's why she reacted like that."
Jenna nodded slowly. "Yes… She misunderstood. She even accused me of two-timing you, Rico, and Michael. Oh god…"
Rico's eyes widened. "What?!"
Ameya pressed her temples. "She completely misunderstood everything."
Jenna groaned. "This is a mess. Michael, go explain to your sister before she spreads this."
Michael, still dazed, nodded and hurried off.
Ameya turned to Rico, voice urgent. "You too. If Alice tells your Mom, it won't end well. It's better if you explain first."
Rico smirked carelessly. "Let her tell. I'm not afraid."
Ameya grabbed his hand. "Are you out of your mind? No mother wants to hear about her son's love from someone else. You have to tell her yourself."
For a moment, Rico stared at her, then sighed. "You're right."
Without another word, he ran after Alice.
Ameya and Jenna stood in the quiet corridor, hearts pounding. The night that had begun in glitter now trembled with secrets, misunderstandings, and love unveiled in the shadows.
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