The grand chandelier glittered above, casting sharp light across the long dining table. Every pair of eyes turned to Elena as she entered, dressed in the simple gown given by the maids. She felt like a lamb tossed into a den of wolves.
Lady Eronis, seated beside Damian, leaned forward with a sly smile.
"Oh, Damian, is this the girl? Such… ordinary charm." Her voice dripped with venom.
Elena's heart skipped. She wanted to shrink away, but she forced herself to keep her back straight. If I bow, I'll never stand again.
Damian's cold gaze scanned Elena before he spoke, "She is my wife. That should be enough for all of you."
The hall buzzed at his words, half the relatives whispering, half glaring at her. Elena blinked. For the first time, Damian had defended her—even if his voice was flat and unreadable.
But Lady Eronis wasn't finished. She raised her wine glass, eyes sharp as a blade.
"Then let's see if your 'wife' can handle our traditions. Elena, why don't you drink this toast? Consider it a… welcome."
A maid brought a glass of red wine before Elena. The liquid shimmered dangerously under the light. Everyone knew it wasn't just wine—Eronis had slipped something into it.
Elena's throat went dry. Refuse, and she'd be humiliated. Drink, and she'd fall into Eronis's trap.
Her trembling hands touched the glass. What do I do?
But before she could lift it—Damian's hand shot out, gripping her wrist. His eyes locked onto Eronis with a dark, unspoken warning.
"She doesn't need to prove herself to anyone here." His voice was sharp as ice.
The entire hall fell silent.
Eronis's smile faltered, her perfect mask cracking. Elena's chest pounded—was Damian… protecting her?
The night was unusually quiet. Evelyn lay on her bed, her phone glowing dimly in her hand. Her fingers hovered over the chat box of "Silver Wolf"—the anonymous fan who always encouraged her.
> Silver Wolf: "Don't give up on today. Tomorrow will be yours, I promise."
She smiled faintly. Why does he always sound like he knows me so well?
Her heart beat strangely faster.
---
Meanwhile, across the city, in a darkened study lined with towering bookshelves, Adrian leaned back in his chair. The CEO who commanded boardrooms with a single glance now stared at his phone like a teenager in love. His lips curved when Evelyn's typing bubble appeared.
> Evelyn: "You always know what to say. Sometimes I feel like you're my only real supporter."
Adrian's fingers paused on the keyboard. He wanted to tell her the truth—that the man behind her "fan" was the same husband she barely acknowledged. But instead, he typed:
> Silver Wolf: "That's because I believe in you more than anyone else ever will."
His chest tightened. He had to keep this secret… just a little longer.
---
The next morning, Evelyn dressed for her small audition at a local studio. Her heart raced with nervous excitement. At the gates, she spotted Ronan, her long-time friend, waving enthusiastically.
"Eve! I'll wait outside, okay? No matter what happens, you've got me."
Evelyn nodded gratefully. Ronan's steady presence was like a warm blanket. He didn't know it, but his loyalty often kept her from breaking down completely.
But as she walked in, she didn't notice the black car parked discreetly nearby. From the tinted window, Adrian's sharp gaze followed her every step. He wasn't just a CEO anymore—he was a man helplessly, hopelessly in love with the wife who didn't know his heart.
And he wasn't going to let anyone take her away.