The grand ballroom shimmered with gold lights and soft music. Everyone dressed like royalty the air thick with perfume and fake smiles. Luis had gone with Bianca that night telling Rina he had business to handle. She smiled and nodded pretending to believe him but she knew where he was going.
Bianca clung to his arm like a proud trophy her gown tight and glittering her laugh too loud. She wanted everyone to see that Luis belonged to her now. But when they entered the hall all eyes turned not to her but to the woman walking in through the glass doors.
Rina.
She moved like a dream every step quiet but confident. Her silver gown hugged her figure perfectly the slit running high enough to show her smooth legs. Her heels clicked sharp against the marble floor and her long wine hair was pulled into a high ponytail that swung lightly behind her just like Ariana Grande. Her lips were soft pink her eyes lined just enough to make her look dangerously beautiful.
The men turned their heads one after another unable to look away. Even Luis forgot to breathe for a second.
But what made the night worse for Bianca was what Rina herself didn't plan. Across the hall stood Alex the CEO every woman whispered about. His black suit had a silver shimmer that matched Rina's gown almost exactly. They looked like they came together like two halves of one picture.
Alex saw her first. His eyes widened then softened like something heavy lifted from his heart. He moved toward her slowly the crowd parting as if it knew they were meant to meet.
Rina smiled slightly not shy not bold just enough to make his chest tighten. Mr Alexander she said gently it's been a while.
He smiled back Rina you look breathtaking tonight.
Luis clenched his jaw watching from afar Bianca gripping his arm harder. Who invited her Bianca whispered furious I thought you said she was staying home.
Luis didn't answer his eyes still locked on Rina.
When Alex offered his hand to her she didn't hesitate. They walked to the dance floor together their movements smooth and quiet like they'd done it a hundred times before. The light from the chandeliers caught the silver on both their outfits making them shine brighter than anyone else in the room.
Bianca's face twisted in anger the jealousy sharp in her chest. She wanted to scream but she couldn't not in front of everyone.
Rina turned once during the dance her eyes catching Bianca's for a split second and a tiny smile curved her lips. Not cruel just knowing.
It was that moment Bianca realized Rina wasn't the same woman anymore. And that scared her more than anything.
The music flowed smooth and warm while Rina moved in Alex's arms every step graceful every turn soft. He was gentle his hand steady on her waist his eyes filled with quiet warmth that made her chest ache a little. He wasn't like Luis he didn't grip to show power he held her like she mattered.
Across the room Bianca watched every second her nails digging into her palm. Luis had gone silent beside her his eyes still following Rina and it burned inside Bianca like fire.
When the song ended Rina smiled politely and thanked Alex her voice low and sweet. He offered to get her a drink and she nodded letting him go for a moment. As she turned she met Bianca's eyes again this time she walked toward her slow and calm.
Bianca forced a smile Rina you look different tonight.
Rina smiled back softly Thank you Bianca I wanted to try something new. I didn't know you'd be here too I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable.
Her words were smooth polite even kind but Bianca's chest tightened because every word reminded her of how she used to make Rina feel small. The same tone she once used now turned gently back on her.
Rina reached out fixing a loose strand of Bianca's hair just like Bianca once did to mock her in their past life. Her touch was light but Bianca froze inside. Rina smiled again Sorry I just thought it was out of place. You look beautiful tonight.
Luis shifted uncomfortably beside Bianca not knowing why he suddenly felt guilty.
Then Alex came back with two glasses of champagne one for Rina and one for himself. He stood beside her close enough that everyone noticed the quiet chemistry between them.
Rina looked up at him her tone softer than before Thank you Alex you always remember what I like.
He smiled a little I try to.
They talked for a while easy and calm. She laughed once and he stared like he was hearing music for the first time. Around them whispers began people noticing how well they looked together the silver matching like it was meant.
Bianca stood frozen forcing a smile that felt like glass cutting her lips. She wanted to say something but Luis stayed silent still watching Rina with that same lost expression.
Rina didn't need to say anything cruel. Every little thing she did every gentle smile every graceful move was enough. She didn't shout she didn't fight she just let them see what they had thrown away.
When she finally left with Alex's arm lightly resting at her back Bianca's eyes followed her the jealousy twisting deep.
And Rina knew she hadn't even started yet.
The night was quiet when they got home the kind of silence that made every sound feel louder. Rina walked straight to her room and dropped her purse on the dresser. The mirror reflected a woman who didn't look broken anymore. Her smile was calm steady like someone who finally remembered her worth.
She slipped into her closet and changed into a black lace pant and matching bra soft against her skin. Over it she wore a thin silk robe that barely touched her thighs the fabric flowing every time she moved. She packed her wine hair into a neat bun letting a few strands fall to her cheek. When she looked in the mirror she saw confidence the kind Luis never understood.
She poured herself a small glass of water and sat by the window her legs crossed under the moonlight. She didn't bother locking the door this time because she wanted to see his face when he walked in.
Luis knocked once then pushed the door open. His words caught in his throat the moment he saw her. The robe slipped slightly off her shoulder the black lace beneath catching his attention like a spark he couldn't ignore. He just stood there staring forgetting why he came.
Rina turned her head slowly her voice calm You need something
He cleared his throat trying to look casual I just wanted to talk Rina. You left early from the ball.
She nodded quietly Oh did you miss me Luis
He hesitated his eyes still wandering to her legs to the line of her collarbone You looked different tonight.
She smiled a little I know.
Before he could say more there was a knock. Bianca's voice came softly from the hallway Luis are you coming to bed
Rina looked at him waiting. Luis turned toward the door then back to Rina his voice low I'll stay here tonight.
Bianca went silent outside the door.
Rina stood up slowly walking closer her steps soft on the floor. She stopped in front of him her scent filling the space between them. She smiled a little too kind then pointed at the door You won't.
He frowned Rina come on don't be like that.
She didn't raise her voice she didn't even look angry. She just opened the door and said Go stay with Bianca since that's what you wanted before.
Luis stood there unsure what to say. For the first time he didn't have control.
She waited a moment then said quietly Get out Luis.
Something in her tone made him obey without thinking. He walked out slowly the door closing behind him. Bianca was still in the hallway watching his face dark with jealousy and confusion.
Inside Rina locked the door and let out a slow breath. She turned off the light and slipped under the covers her lips curling into a faint smile. The real game had just begun.