The grand ballroom of the Aurelion Grand Hotel glittered under the glow of massive crystal chandeliers. Wealthy businessmen, influential families, and social elites filled the room, their conversations blending with the soft music played by a live orchestra.
Tonight's charity gala was one of the most important events in the city.
And of course, Ryan Smith had been invited.
Hazel didn't reply feel like going but she has no option, she had to attend and show those haters her new and advanced look .
The driver called Jude , drove the Mercedes GLE which they entered inside, others with their own cars , we followed their car trails , cars were in the front and back of Ryan's car , we left Red Moon pack to the human world.
When Ryan entered the hall, the atmosphere shifted instantly.
Heads turned.
Whispers spread quickly through the crowd.
"That's Ryan Smith…"
"The CEO of Smith Group…"
"He rarely attends public events."
Ryan walked in calmly, his dark suit perfectly tailored, his presence commanding attention without effort.
Beside him walked Hazel.
She looked nothing like the quiet girl people once remembered.
Her long hair flowed elegantly over her shoulders, her deep emerald dress fitting her perfectly. Her posture was straight, her expression calm, and there was a soft confidence in her eyes that hadn't existed before.
People stared.
Some were shocked.
Others were curious.
"Isn't that Kyle Malone's fiancée?"
"She looks… completely different."
"Why is she with Ryan Smith?"
Hazel could hear the whispers but she didn't react.
Ryan leaned slightly toward her.
"Stay close," he said quietly.
Hazel nodded.
Across the hall, another pair of eyes had already noticed them.
Kyle Malone.
Kyle stood frozen near the champagne table, his glass halfway to his lips.
For a moment he thought he was seeing the wrong person.
But it was her.
Hazel.
Yet somehow… she looked like a completely different woman.
Gone was the shy girl who used to lower her head whenever someone spoke to her.
Tonight she looked elegant, confident… almost radiant.
And the man standing beside her was Ryan Smith.
Kyle's jaw tightened.
A few businessmen nearby began whispering.
"Isn't that Malone's fiancée?"
"I heard she's with Ryan now."
"Looks like Smith upgraded her life."
Kyle's grip on the glass tightened.
Ryan and Hazel walked further into the ballroom.
Several people greeted Ryan respectfully.
"Mr. Smith, good evening."
"Always a pleasure to see you."
Ryan nodded politely but kept his attention mostly on Hazel, guiding her through the crowd with quiet ease.
The attention she was receiving clearly made her uncomfortable.
Ryan noticed.
"Relax," he murmured.
Hazel glanced at him nervously.
"There are so many people watching."
Ryan's lips curved faintly.
"Let them."
Across the room, Kyle could feel a strange heat building in his chest.
Jealousy.
Something he had never expected to feel toward Hazel.
He watched as Ryan leaned slightly toward her while speaking.
Watched how naturally Hazel stood beside him.
Watched how people treated her differently now.
Respectfully.
Like she belonged there.
Kyle suddenly remembered all the times Hazel had stood quietly beside him at events like this.
Ignored.
Unnoticed.
Sometimes even mocked by his mother.
And he had never once defended her.
Now…
She looked like someone he barely recognized.
Hazel suddenly felt someone staring at her.
She turned slightly.
Her eyes met Kyle's across the ballroom.
For a brief moment, neither of them moved.
Kyle expected her to look away shyly like she always used to.
But she didn't.
She simply looked at him calmly.
Then she turned back toward Ryan.
As if Kyle no longer mattered.
Ryan noticed the exchange.
His gaze shifted briefly toward Kyle.
Their eyes met.
A silent tension passed between them.
Ryan then placed his hand lightly on Hazel's waist.
A simple gesture.
But one that made his message very clear.
Hazel blinked in surprise but didn't step away.
Instead she stayed where she was.
Kyle's fists clenched.
The sight made something twist painfully inside him.
Ryan leaned closer to Hazel and spoke quietly.
"Stay close to me."
Hazel nodded softly.
And across the room, Kyle finally understood something he had never expected to feel.
The woman he once considered insignificant…
Now looked like someone he had lost.
And for the first time…
Kyle Malone felt regret.