Elara's first public appearance as Damien's wife is at the prestigious SkyGarden Gala.
Her identity is still hidden, but the crowd is watching Damien's every move.
Elara manages perfectly—smiling, graceful, blending into the world of power and wealth.
But when she steps into the restroom, someone grabs her.
A masked woman presses a blade to her throat.
> "He promised the ring to me.
You were never meant to exist."
Elara fights—desperately—and breaks free by crashing into a passing waiter.
Security swarms.
Damien reaches her first, furious and visibly shaken.
For the first time, his voice isn't cold.
> "Elara… tell me who touched you."
Something shifts between them.
Not romance yet.
But something.
Cliffhanger:
The masked woman escapes…
But leaves a message carved into the mirror:
BRIDES DON'T LIVE LONG IN HIS WORLD.