The last place Elina Rivers ever wanted to be was back in the world that reminded her of him. Glimmering lights. Clinking glasses. Elegant lies. The charity gala in downtown Manhattan was buzzing with socialites, influencers, and corporate elites—but Elina had only come for one reason: to make a statement. She wasn't that broken, naive girl anymore.
She had rebuilt her life. She was stronger now. Colder.
But when she turned—and saw him standing across the room—everything inside her cracked just a little.
Damon Sinclair.
Tall, composed, dressed in a tailored black tux that screamed power. The same midnight eyes that once whispered promises now held shadows she couldn't read.
He was the man who left without a goodbye. The man who taught her how it felt to shatter quietly.
And yet… he smiled. As if nothing had happened. As if they weren't standing on the graves of their past.
"Elina," he said, appearing suddenly beside her, his voice like velvet and gravel. "You look… different."
She didn't flinch. "People change."
"And some never do."
The tension snapped like wire between them, too thick for polite words.
But just as she turned to walk away—flashbulbs exploded.
Gasps. Shouts.
A photographer caught the exact moment Damon reached for her hand. A perfect scandal in the making.
And just like that… their names would be tied again.
Only this time, Elina wasn't sure if fate had handed her a second chance…
Or a perfect opportunity for revenge.