The night air was cool in the secluded corner of the Langford gardens, the hush of the party muffled by thick hedges and stone walls. The soft glow of lanterns barely reached where Celeste stood alone, pacing back and forth like a caged predator. Her phone was pressed tightly against her ear, her jeweled fingers clenching and unclenching around it.
Her voice, sharp and impatient, cut through the silence."What the hell are you doing calling me now? Are you insane?"
She paused, her head tilting, listening. Then, suddenly, her tone melted into syrup."No, baby. Of course I love you. Liam? He's just a damn ticket."
Behind a nearby pillar, hidden in the shadows, Aira and Elena froze. Their eyes flicked to each other in disbelief, their breathing shallow as Celeste's poisonous words spilled out.
Celeste's voice was low, dripping with arrogance."Yeah, yeah. I've got them all wrapped around my finger. The mom? Worships me. The dad? Irrelevant. Liam? A puppy. The brothers? Useless. The sisters? Dumb. And that girl…" she let out a mocking laugh, "Aira? She's the saddest thing I've ever seen."
Aira's lips parted, her chest tightening as though Celeste's words had physically struck her. Her eyes burned, but no tears came—only disbelief, only pain.
Elena's jaw clenched so tightly her teeth ached. Her fists curled against the pillar.
But Celeste wasn't finished. Her tone rose, triumphant, cruel."Once I get that ring… we're rich, baby. I'll bleed this family dry." A pause followed, then she laughed, sharp and cold. "And then I'll dump that dumbass in front of the world. On his wedding day. Wouldn't that be dramatic?"
The sound of her laugh echoed, twisting the night into something dark and grotesque.
Aira stumbled backward, her heel snapping down on a twig. Crack.
The sound shattered the moment.
Celeste's head whipped around instantly, her eyes narrowing. "What was that?"
Aira and Elena dropped low, crouching behind the stone pillar. The bushes rustled slightly as Celeste's gaze swept the area.
"She's been faking this whole time…" Elena whispered, stunned.
Aira pressed her hand over her mouth, her heart beating painfully. How could he not see? How could they all be so blind?
Celeste took a slow step forward, scanning the darkness like a hunter searching for prey. But then—her phone buzzed again. She cursed under her breath and turned away, her back facing them."You better not screw this up," she hissed into the phone. "I can't lose this chance."
Aira turned to Elena, whispering desperately, "We have to go. Tell Alec. Tell someone!"
Elena shook her head, her voice firm though low."No. If we move now, she'll know someone heard her. We need proof."
The two of them edged backward, careful, inch by inch, toward the side entrance. Their gowns brushed lightly against the hedges, their breaths quick and shallow.
But then—
"Who's there?!"
Celeste's voice rang out sharply. She spun, her heels slamming against the marble as she charged forward like a storm.
Aira gasped, and Elena grabbed her wrist. "Run!"
The two bolted, gowns billowing behind them as they raced across the marble path. Celeste's heels clicked violently against the stone as she pursued, her voice shrill and furious."Stop! Who the hell are you?!"
Elena yanked Aira toward the kitchen's side corridor, shoving the door open. They stumbled inside, their backs slamming against the cool wall as they panted heavily.
Aira pressed her trembling hand against her chest. She's a monster… and Liam's going to marry her.
Elena swallowed hard, her eyes blazing. "We need to act fast."
Inside the mansion, the celebration had softened. The music had slowed, guests lounged with drinks, laughter drifting lazily through the hall. The Langfords and their closest allies now gathered near the lounge, seated around the warmth of the fire pit.
Mrs. Langford sighed blissfully, her hands folded neatly over her lap."Such a successful evening. Everything went perfectly, didn't it?"
Thomas nodded in agreement, swirling his drink."Our families have always been close. It feels right to celebrate together."
On the sofa, Sana flashed her sugary smile, her eyes darting mischievously."Celeste was glowing tonight, wasn't she?"
Rayen, slouched comfortably with a drink in hand, smirked."She's hot. Liam got lucky."
Mira rolled her eyes, her voice quiet but firm."Looks don't mean everything, Rayen."
Alec, however, wasn't listening to the chatter. His sharp eyes scanned the room, noting the empty space where Aira should have been. His brow furrowed."Where's Aira?" he asked suddenly.
Mr. Langford lifted his glass."She was near the back earlier. Probably needed some air."
But Alec wasn't satisfied. His gut twisted with unease. Something was wrong.
At that moment, the side door opened. Celeste swept in, her face glowing once more with practiced innocence. Though her breathing was still uneven from the chase, she smoothed her gown and plastered a sweet smile onto her lips.
"Sorry!" she chirped lightly. "I just took a quick call from my aunt. She couldn't make it tonight."
Her lie slid easily into the room, no one questioning her.
But then the opposite door opened. Aira and Elena entered. Both composed, but pale—faces too tight, movements too deliberate. Aira avoided all eyes, clutching her hands together as though keeping them from trembling.
Only one person noticed.
Alec.
His eyes locked onto Aira, reading her like an open book. He caught the tremor in her lips, the storm she tried to hide behind her silence. His chest tightened.
"What happened out there?" he murmured under his breath, suspicion igniting like a spark.
At the table, Celeste's eyes flicked up. She caught Aira's gaze across the room. And then—she smiled with venom under honey. Aira clenches her fists under the table.