Chapter 5: The Gala Invitation
1040 Words
Victor announced another charity gala.
“This time,” he said, “the Kane family must appear united.”
Vanessa smiled.
Perfect.
She secretly arranged for Amara’s dress to disappear hours before the event.
When Amara opened the wardrobe…
It was gone.
The designer claimed she had canceled the order.
“I never canceled it.”
“I’m sorry.”
The line disconnected.
She stood frozen.
There was no time to find another gown.
A knock came at her bedroom door.
Adrian entered carrying a large garment bag.
“I thought something like this might happen.”
Inside…
Was an elegant midnight-blue gown.
Simple.
Graceful.
Beautiful.
“You bought this?”
“No.”
“My mother did.”
Amara blinked.
“You kept it?”
He nodded.
“She said I’d meet someone worthy of wearing it.”
Neither spoke.
For the first time…
The distance between them felt smaller.
The night was only beginning.
And someone was waiting to ruin it.
Forced to Marry My Boss’s Son
The grand ballroom of the Royal Crescent Hotel glittered beneath crystal chandeliers. Every corner shimmered with gold and silver decorations, while the city’s wealthiest families mingled over champagne and soft music.
Luxury cars lined the entrance.
Reporters crowded behind velvet ropes.
Every guest was eager to catch a glimpse of the newly married couple everyone had been talking about.
When Adrian Kane stepped out of the limousine, camera flashes exploded across the driveway.
He wore a perfectly tailored black tuxedo that highlighted his commanding presence.
Then he turned toward the car and extended his hand.
Amara hesitated for only a second before placing her hand in his.
The midnight-blue gown fit her perfectly. It was elegant without being flashy, and the sapphire earrings Adrian had quietly asked his assistant to provide completed the look.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
“She’s beautiful.”
“Isn’t that Mrs. Kane?”
“I can’t believe she’s the employee who married Adrian.”
Vanessa Morgan stood at the top of the entrance steps.
The smile on her face vanished.
She recognized the dress immediately.
It had belonged to Adrian’s late mother.
“Impossible,” she whispered.
Adrian had never allowed anyone to wear anything that belonged to his mother.
Yet tonight…
Amara was wearing her gown.
Vanessa’s jealousy burned hotter than ever.
As the photographers called their names, Adrian rested a gentle hand against the small of Amara’s back.
“Smile.”
“I’m trying.”
“You look terrified.”
“I’ve never attended an event like this.”
He leaned closer.
“Then stay beside me.”
The words were simple.
But somehow…
They made her feel safe.
Inside the ballroom, the orchestra began to play.
Victor Kane welcomed investors and politicians while reporters documented every moment.
Everything seemed perfect.
Until Vanessa made her move.
She approached Amara with a warm smile.
“Mrs. Kane, you look stunning.”
Amara returned the smile politely.
“Thank you.”
“I’d love to introduce you to a few important people.”
Against her better judgment, Amara followed.
Vanessa led her toward a circle of wealthy socialites.
“Ladies,” Vanessa announced sweetly, “this is Adrian’s wife.”
Several women smiled.
One looked Amara up and down.
“So you’re the assistant who became a billionaire’s wife.”
Another laughed.
“That’s quite a promotion.”
The group erupted into quiet laughter.
Amara kept her composure.
“I married Adrian. I didn’t marry his bank account.”
The women exchanged surprised glances.
Vanessa’s smile tightened.
Before she could speak again, a waiter accidentally bumped into Amara.
Red wine splashed across the front of the blue gown.
The room fell silent.
Amara looked down in horror.
The priceless dress…
Ruined.
Vanessa covered her mouth dramatically.
“Oh dear… What a terrible accident.”
But Amara noticed the satisfied look in her eyes.
It hadn’t been an accident at all.
Before anyone could say another word, Adrian appeared.
He took one look at the stained dress.
Then he looked directly at the trembling waiter.
“Who told you to do it?”
The young man froze.
“I… I don’t know what you mean.”
Adrian’s voice became icy.
“My security team reviewed every camera before this event.”
The waiter paled.
“You were speaking with Miss Morgan ten minutes ago.”
Vanessa’s confident expression disappeared.
“I was only asking for a drink.”
Adrian stepped closer.
“You bribed him.”
“No!”
“Don’t lie to me.”
The ballroom had gone completely silent.
Every guest was watching.
Vanessa realized she had lost control of the situation.
“I only wanted to embarrass her.”
Her confession echoed across the room.
Victor Kane closed his eyes in frustration.
The reporters immediately began writing.
Vanessa had exposed herself.
Adrian removed his tuxedo jacket and gently draped it over Amara’s shoulders.
He ignored every camera.
Every guest.
Every whisper.
Then he looked at Vanessa.
“If you ever humiliate my wife again…”
His voice was calm.
“…you’ll never enter another Kane event.”
Vanessa’s eyes filled with tears.
“You chose her over me?”
“I made my choice the day I married her.”
Without another word, Adrian guided Amara toward the exit.
The cameras followed.
Outside, cool night air surrounded them.
“I’m sorry,” Amara whispered.
“For what?”
“Ruining your mother’s dress.”
Adrian looked at the stain.
Then back at her.
“My mother would have cared more about the woman wearing it than the fabric itself.”
For a long moment, neither spoke.
Something changed between them that night.
Neither of them was ready to admit it.
As they drove away, neither noticed the black SUV following at a distance.
Inside, a man lifted a camera.
He snapped several photographs.
Then dialed a number.
“I’ve confirmed it,” he said quietly.
“The girl is Daniel Collins’ daughter.”
A cold voice answered.
“Then eliminate her before she discovers the truth.”
The call ended.
The SUV continued following Adrian’s car through the darkness.
Neither Adrian nor Amara had any idea that someone had just decided their fate.
- Writer
