The Langford Mansion glowed with extravagance that evening.
Crystal chandeliers dripped golden light over the vast grand hall, where walls lined with velvet drapes and polished marble floors reflected the shimmer of champagne glasses. Waiters moved with precision, weaving through the crowd as camera flashes popped from every angle. Powerful families, wealthy investors, and curious onlookers filled the room, their chatter a constant hum under the music played by a live string quartet.
At the center of this grandeur stood the Langfords, hosts of the night, their every gesture watched and whispered about.
Mr. Langford lifted his glass, his lips stretched in a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes."Let the ceremony begin," he declared, his voice firm but strained. "This day… it belongs to Liam."
Beside him, Mrs. Langford beamed like the night's brightest jewel. Her gown sparkled with sequins, her jewels gleamed, her pride nearly tangible."Our son," she said, her voice ringing with satisfaction, "has chosen the perfect girl. I've waited so long to say this… Welcome to the family, Celeste."
A murmur of approval rippled through the hall.
Near the back, Jayden stood with his arms crossed, his sharp gaze never leaving Celeste. Standing beside Aira, he leaned down slightly, muttering under his breath."Perfect girl? We'll see."
Across the room, Thomas raised his glass too, though with far less enthusiasm."Tonight is about family," he said flatly, "so let's celebrate it."
Lily sat on a velvet chair near the front, delicately sipping her wine. She lowered the glass, her eyes flicking around nervously before she whispered to no one in particular,"As long as there's no drama."
From the left side of the hall, Rayen leaned close to Sana, smirking."You think she'll cry again?" he whispered, his tone mocking.
Sana's red lips curled into a grin. She tilted her glass as if to toast the thought."She always does. Maybe she'll faint this time. She's good at it."
At the far back wall, almost blending into the shadows, stood Aira.
She wore a flowing crimson gown, the satin fabric catching the light whenever she shifted. Her beauty was undeniable, but her presence was forgotten amidst the sparkle of Celeste. Her hands tightened around the stem of her glass, knuckles pale, as she forced herself to clap when the crowd clapped, her smile trembling and her chest heavy with unspoken pain.
"Celeste looks stunning tonight," Elena sighed dreamily, her eyes on the glowing bride-to-be. "I'm honestly jealous."
Mira, who stood beside her, forced a small nod. Her eyes, however, darted toward Aira."She… yeah. She does," Mira replied softly, her concern hidden beneath polite words.
The announcement continued.
"Come, son," Mr. Langford urged, gesturing toward the small stage. "Time to speak."
Liam appeared, tall and composed in a perfectly tailored suit. His hand was locked with Celeste's as they stepped into the spotlight. Camera flashes burst like stars, applause rose to a deafening wave.
His expression, however, was strangely hollow."I just want to thank everyone here," Liam said, his voice steady but emotionless, "for being part of our journey… especially my mother, who pushed me to see what was right in front of me. Celeste."
Celeste turned to him with the perfect smile, her eyes glimmering as though she were the very center of this universe. She then faced the crowd, her voice smooth, sweet as honey."And I want to thank the Langford family… for accepting me. I promise to make you proud."
Her gaze then shifted—purposefully, sharply—landing directly on Aira at the back. A smug, invisible blade hid behind her gentle smile. Aira's stomach twisted, her chest burning as if pierced.
At the head table, Jayden leaned closer to his father."You okay with this?" he muttered.
Mr. Langford's jaw tightened. His answer was immediate."No. But my voice doesn't matter here tonight."
Suddenly, Celeste's purse buzzed softly on the chair beside her. She slipped her hand inside, her face flickering with unease for just a heartbeat. No one else seemed to notice.
She leaned toward Liam, whispering, "I'll be back in a minute," before gracefully stepping off the stage.
Aira's eyes followed her like a hawk. There was something about that change in expression, the urgency in her step. Her heart hammered. She looked to Mira for reassurance, but Mira was distracted—chatting politely with Elena, who was still starstruck by Celeste's beauty.
So Aira moved on instinct. Quiet, careful, she slipped away from the crowd. Each step of her heels echoed against the marble floor as she trailed Celeste toward the side hallway. No one noticed her absence… except Elena, whose sharp eyes caught her movement.
Brows furrowing, Elena murmured to herself, "Where is she going?" and silently followed at a distance.
The hallway grew darker as Aira approached the garden exit. Beyond the glass doors, the evening air was cool, moonlight spilling over trimmed hedges and white roses.
Celeste walked briskly to a corner near the garden wall, where shadows cloaked her figure. She pulled out her phone, pressed it to her ear, and her tone shifted instantly.
"Why are you calling me right now?" she hissed in a low voice. "I told you—never during the event."
She paused, listening, her eyes darting around. Then her tone sharpened."No. They don't know. Control yourself. Liam is completely under—" she stopped, jaw tightening, before finishing coldly,"Don't mess this up. I'm about to own this family."
Behind the wall, just steps away, Aira froze. Her hand covered her mouth to stifle her gasp. Her heart thundered, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Before she could slip away, a hand shot out and grabbed her wrist.
Aira spun, her breath caught in her throat—only to see Elena, her expression unreadable.
"What are you doing here?" Elena whispered harshly, her eyes searching Aira's pale face.
Aira's panic spilled out in a shaky whisper."You… you heard that, right?"
Elena's face remained blank, her eyes shifting past Aira, narrowing on Celeste still whispering on her call in the shadows.
The night had cracked open—and the truth was beginning to seep through.