OLIVER'S POV
The chandeliers overhead looked like frozen fireworks—crystal exploding in perfect symmetry—each facet catching the warm light and scattering it over the room like gold dust. The ballroom glowed. Satin gowns trailed like whispers behind women, and tuxedos hugged the shoulders of men like confidence sewn into fabric. Laughter and soft classical music filled the air like perfume, elegant and rich, while the scent of white roses and sandalwood gently rolled over the hall.
I stood by the tall glass window, the kind that made you feel like a king overlooking his kingdom. My reflection stared back at me, sharp tuxedo, tailored to perfection, the white pocket square perfectly crisp against black silk. My nerves weren’t visible, thank God. Inside though, my chest was a war zone.
Pu
