The Langford mansion was dressed like a dream. Fairy lights wrapped around marble pillars, chandeliers sparkled in the garden, roses were woven into golden arches, and the air smelled of champagne and blooming lilies. Guests in glittering gowns and black tuxedos mingled, their laughter floating with the soft hum of violins.
For everyone, it was a night of celebration.For Aira—it was a battlefield.
She descended the sweeping staircase slowly, every step careful. Her pastel gown shimmered under the lights, flowing around her ankles. Her hair curled loosely over her shoulders, her makeup soft. To anyone else, she looked like a vision.But inside, she felt hollow.
Smile, Aira. Just smile. Pretend.
At the bottom of the stairs, Lily spotted her first. Standing near the refreshment table, glass of wine in hand, she tilted her head with disdain. Her eyes traveled from Aira's dress to her face, her lips curving into a sharp smirk."Aira," she said loudly enough for nearby guests to hear, "don't embarrass the family today. This event is not about you."
Thomas, lounging beside Lily with his tie loosened, sipped his drink lazily. His gaze flicked to Aira with a look colder than the glass in his hand."Don't make trouble," he muttered, voice flat, dismissive. "Stay where I can't see you."
Sana's laugh rang out like silver bells—but the sweetness was poisoned. She leaned close to her circle of friends, hand covering her lips as if she were sharing a secret, but loud enough for Aira to catch every word."Aww… try not to cry when no one's looking, loser."
Rayen, who stood near the bar with his suit jacket undone, didn't bother lowering his voice. His eyes swept over Aira like she was dirt under his shoes."I don't even know why they let you come," he said coldly, his lip curling. "You're just bad luck."
Heat burned behind Aira's eyes, but her smile stayed in place. Gentle. Harmless. Fake.
Mira quickly crossed the floor, her gown whispering against the marble. She slipped her hand into Aira's for just a second, her face pale with worry."Please don't listen to them," she whispered hurriedly, eyes darting nervously at the others. "Just… stay close to me, okay?"
Aira's chest tightened. You always say that… but when they shout, you stay silent.
Before she could reply, Mira's expression shifted. She straightened, her lips curving nervously as Alec approached.
He walked with a steady, effortless grace, dressed in a deep navy suit that caught the light. His eyes softened when they landed on Mira. Gently, he took her hand, lifting it to his lips. His voice was low, warm, and sure."You look beautiful tonight, Mira. Like… the beginning of forever."
Mira blushed, lowering her gaze, and Mr. Langford, standing proudly nearby with a cigar in hand, clapped once with a booming laugh."That's my boy! The only one in this house who knows how to love properly."
"Tch, don't flatter him too much. He might float away," Mrs. Thomas muttered under her breath, swirling her glass of champagne with disdain.
Elena, perched dramatically on a chaise with her legs crossed, shielded her eyes with one hand as though she couldn't bear to watch."Ugh. All this lovey-dovey crap is making me gag."
Jayden, leaning against a pillar with his tie undone, smirked as he pulled out a crumpled ten-dollar bill."Bet they'll fight before the wedding. Ten bucks on it."
Their laughter burst out like a chorus, filling the space with sharp edges.
Aira took a small step back, slipping behind a curtain of fairy lights draped from the ceiling. The shadows cloaked her figure as she folded her arms across her chest. Her heart pounded so loudly it drowned out the music.
But then, a gentle voice cut through the noise.
"There you are, sweetheart."
Mr. Langford's tall figure stepped into the glow of the lights. His eyes softened when he saw her, and he reached out, cupping her cheek with a fatherly hand."I was wondering where my second daughter disappeared to."
Her lips parted, voice trembling like a thread."I… I didn't want to get in the way."
"In the way?" His brows knit together. "You? Never. You belong here, Aira." He pulled her into a side hug, warm, strong, and grounding.
The warmth stung.It hurts… because it's not mine forever.
From across the hall, Elena's eyes rolled so hard it was a wonder they didn't get stuck. She muttered with a sneer, "Daddy's little charity case."
Jayden snickered, adjusting his cufflinks. "Probably hoping someone will mistake her for the bride. Ha!"
Mrs. Langford's sharp voice sliced through the tension."Can we not turn this into a drama? It's supposed to be a happy day."
But Mr. Langford's tone turned steely, louder than before."Leave her alone. Aira's more respectful than the rest of you combined."
The laughter faltered.
Sana's lips curved into her sweetest smile, voice dripping with false innocence. She tilted her head, eyes glinting."Oh, we're so sorry if we upset her perfect little heart."
On stage, Rayen, standing beside Alec and Mira, snorted into the microphone that had just been set for speeches. His voice echoed across the hall."Mira, are you really okay marrying into this circus?"
The crowd gasped softly, heads turning.
Mira's eyes widened in panic. She gripped Alec's arm tightly, her voice pleading but firm."Rayen, please… just stop."
Alec's hand slipped over hers, grounding her. His gaze swept across the crowd, cold and cutting, his voice sharp as ice."Enough."
The word cracked like a whip.
The hall fell silent. Even the music seemed to falter. Guests froze, the laughter vanishing into unease.
Alec's eyes didn't leave Aira. Firm, unwavering, piercing.
"This day is about love, not cruelty. If any of you can't handle that—leave."
The silence deepened. Even Sana's sweet mask faltered, her fingers clenching around her glass. Rayen looked away, jaw tight. Mira's lips pressed together in embarrassment.
But Aira… Aira's breath caught. Her heart hammered as she stared at Alec, her mask threatening to crack. He said no more, only gave her a small, almost unnoticeable nod.
But she saw it. The question burning in his eyes.What's going on with you, Aira? Why do you look like you're drowning?
Her lips curved gently, flawlessly. She nodded back.I'm okay, Alec. I have to be. For Mira.
The music swelled again as glasses were raised. Alec and Mira spun across the marble floor, guests clapping and cheering. The chandeliers glowed, the night glittered with perfection.
Aira stood beneath the fairy lights near the old oak tree, her arms wrapped tight around herself. Her gaze lifted to the stars, her chest heavy.
You didn't come, Liam… and maybe that's for the best.
But beyond the mansion doors, hidden from sight—someone had just arrived