The morning sunlight streamed into the penthouse, painting golden streaks across the walls. Lena stirred awake to the scent of fresh coffee and the soft rustle of papers.
Adrian stood by the window, already dressed in a crisp suit, phone pressed to his ear. His brows were drawn together, his voice clipped.
"Yes… handle it discreetly. I don't want this reaching the board."
Lena sat up, the sheets pooling around her waist. She frowned slightly. Handle what?
When Adrian ended the call and turned, his expression softened instantly at the sight of her. "Good morning."
She tried to smile. "Morning. You're working early again."
"Just last-minute preparations for the gala," he said smoothly, crossing the room to kiss her forehead. His warmth was grounding, but Lena couldn't shake the feeling that he was shielding her from something.
The Knight Foundation Gala. It was the event of the year—the night where power, wealth, and influence sparkled under crystal chandeliers. Lena had seen it in magazines before, always from a distance, never imagining she would be on Adrian's arm walking through those doors.
Nerves coiled in her stomach. What if she didn't belong? What if she embarrassed him?
"Don't overthink it," Adrian murmured, as though he could read her thoughts. His hand brushed down her arm, steady and reassuring. "You'll be stunning. They won't be able to take their eyes off you."
She laughed softly, though the doubt lingered. "That's exactly what I'm afraid of."
Later that afternoon, she stood before the mirror in a gown the color of midnight, chosen carefully by one of Adrian's stylists. The fabric hugged her figure perfectly, elegant without being flashy. Still, Lena couldn't stop tugging at the hem, second-guessing every detail.
Her phone buzzed—her mother.
"Sweetheart, are you sure about this?" her mother's voice was weary but laced with concern. "Those circles… they're not kind. Promise me you'll be careful."
"I'll be fine, Mom," Lena whispered, though she wasn't sure she believed it herself. "Adrian will be with me."
After hanging up, she pressed a hand against her chest. Her mother didn't know about the whispers that already shadowed her past. If those ever reached Adrian's world, if they tainted his reputation—
"Lena." Adrian's reflection appeared behind hers in the mirror. He adjusted her necklace, his touch steady. His eyes met hers through the glass, unwavering. "Whatever happens tonight, remember—you're mine. That's all that matters."
Her breath caught. For a moment, the storm outside their little world felt distant, unreal. She turned, leaning into his chest, allowing herself to believe him.
But deep down, Lena couldn't shake the chill that crawled through her heart. Something was coming. Something she couldn't see.
And tomorrow night, under glittering chandeliers, the entire city would see it too.