The night had fallen like velvet over the Langford mansion. Above the sprawling garden, fairy lights glittered like captured stars, while candles flickered along the stone pathways. Soft jazz drifted lazily under the starlit canopy, wrapping the evening in an air of timeless elegance. Golden drapes framed the floral arch where Mira and Alec stood hand in hand.
It was nothing less than magical—a fairytale engagement.
Alec leaned slightly toward Mira, his smile crooked, teasing."You sure you're ready to deal with my crazy family forever?"
Mira giggled softly, her eyes sparkling."Only if you're ready to handle mine too."
Warm laughter rippled among the guests. Mr. Langford, standing tall with pride, raised his glass and said with genuine affection,"My son finally found someone with patience."
Mrs. Langford rolled her eyes, sipping her champagne with a shrug."Don't get too excited. Let's just pray this one lasts."
Jayden, leaning lazily against the bar, smirked and muttered loud enough for everyone to hear,"Coming from you, that's rich."
A couple of guests chuckled before Elena groaned dramatically, pulling a face."Ugh, don't be disgusting. Love speeches make me want to puke."
"That's enough," Thomas interjected in a playful tone, his arm draped over Lily's shoulders. "We're here to celebrate, not gossip."
Lily's lips curved into a thin smile, her eyes glinting cold as she scanned the crowd. Then, casually, she added with venom wrapped in silk,"As long as she doesn't bring shame like someone else."
Her gaze landed on Aira.
Aira stood quietly near a row of white lilies, clutching her shawl around her shoulders as if it were armor. She didn't move, didn't speak, only pressed her lips together and forced her eyes to remain dry.
Beside her, Sana leaned close, her whisper like a blade."They look so happy… must be hard watching someone else get the life you'll never have."
Just smile… it's Mira's day. Don't cry now. Aira reminded herself. Her chest tightened, but she forced her lips into that delicate mask of gentleness.
"Is there food or what?" Rayen muttered irritably, loosening his tie. "I'm not here for the emotional crap."
Mira's soft voice cut through the noise. She stepped toward Aira, her expression tender."Come stand with me, please? Just for one photo."
Aira hesitated, her hand trembling against her shawl. But then her gaze flicked to Alec. He was watching her—quiet, unreadable. When their eyes met, he gave the smallest of nods. A silent message.You belong here too.
Her throat tightened. Slowly, Aira whispered,"Okay… just one."
The camera clicked.
For a brief second, Aira stood beside her sister, beside Alec… and in that frozen moment of smiles and golden light, she almost believed she was part of the happiness.
The evening carried on. Guests laughed, danced, clinked glasses. Blessings were given, petals tossed into the air. The garden shimmered with warmth, as though joy itself had decided to settle there for the night.
But slowly, one by one, the guests began to leave. The music softened, laughter faded, and the glittering crowd thinned until only two families remained inside the glowing mansion.
The Langfords.The Browns.
Aira retreated to a corner, near the tall windows draped in velvet curtains. The silence pressed in now, cruel and heavy, reminding her that borrowed joy was never meant to last. Her heart ached with every beat.
Then—the grand doors creaked open.
A tall, striking figure stepped inside, his presence slicing through the room like a storm. Liam Langford. His dark charcoal suit was sharp, his jawline sharper, his hair brushed back in deliberate carelessness. He carried himself with the arrogance of someone who never needed to apologize for being late.
But he wasn't alone.
The rhythmic click of heels echoed against the marble floor. Beside him walked a girl in a pearl gown that glowed under the chandeliers. Soft blonde waves framed her delicate face, and her lips curved into a gentle, practiced smile. She was elegance wrapped in silk.
Her voice was soft, polite, yet commanding enough to draw every eye."Sorry for the late entrance. The roads were a mess… I hope we didn't miss too much."
The room shifted.
Alec's jaw tightened. His smile faded into stiffness."Liam… you're late."
Jayden chuckled under his breath, crossing his arms."Classic."
Elena's eyes widened, her lips parting in exaggerated curiosity."And who's the princess?"
Liam's gaze was steady, his hand resting lightly at the small of the girl's back."This is Celeste," he said simply. "My girlfriend."
The silence that followed was sharp, cutting.
Mr. Langford's lips curved into a polite but tight smile."Nice to meet you, Celeste."
Mrs. Langford's expression softened immediately, her critical tone momentarily forgotten."Finally, a girl with manners. Welcome, dear."
Celeste's smile deepened, graceful and warm. She glanced around before her eyes landed directly on Aira."You're all so lovely… and this place is just breathtaking." Her head tilted slightly. "Aira, right? I've heard a lot about you."
Aira's chest constricted.And I've heard nothing about you… but the ache in my chest already knows your name.
Celeste's voice was still soft, sweet, as she added,"It's so nice to finally meet Liam's… friend."
The word cut.
Sana smirked from her seat, her eyes glinting with cruel delight."Oh, she's more like a family pet."
Rayen didn't miss the chance to pile on."She bites though."
Lily's sharp tone broke the tension. She gestured toward the tables being cleared."Aira, go help Mira clean up. Enough standing around."
Before Aira could move, Mr. Langford's voice boomed in defense, stern and unyielding."Let her be. The girl's done nothing wrong."
Alec glanced sideways, his voice low as he leaned slightly toward Aira."You okay?"
Her lips barely moved, whispering back,"I will be. I have to be."
But her eyes—her eyes betrayed her. They flicked toward Liam, searching, desperate for something. Anything.
He never looked at her.
He spoke to everyone else, smiled at everyone else. But not once did his eyes find hers.
You didn't see me today. You never do.
The chandeliers still glowed golden, casting the illusion of warmth. But inside Aira? Darkness was already seeping in again, wrapping around her heart like chains.