Chapter 10: A Night to Remember
580 Words
The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of Blackwood Mansion, but peace never arrived with it.
Ava stood on the balcony outside her bedroom, staring at the endless gardens below. The cool breeze brushed against her face, yet it did little to calm her thoughts.
Yesterday had changed everything.
The rumors.
The reporters.
The threats.
Someone wanted to destroy her, and they hadn't even met her.
A knock interrupted her thoughts.
"Mrs. Blackwood," the maid said softly. "Mr. Blackwood is waiting for you."
Ava nodded and followed her downstairs.
Ethan was already in the dining room, dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit. A cup of black coffee sat beside him, untouched.
He looked up as she entered.
"You didn't sleep."
"It was obvious?"
"You have dark circles under your eyes."
Ava gave a weak smile.
"I kept thinking about those messages."
Ethan remained silent for a moment.
Then he placed a small velvet box on the table.
"For tonight."
She looked at it in confusion.
"What is it?"
"Open it."
Inside rested a breathtaking diamond necklace. The diamonds sparkled so brightly they seemed to capture the morning light.
Ava's eyes widened.
"This must be worth millions."
"It belongs to the Blackwood family."
"I can't wear something so expensive."
"You have to."
She looked at him.
"Tonight is the Blackwood Annual Foundation Banquet."
"I thought the charity gala was over."
"It was."
"This is different."
He stood and buttoned his jacket.
"Every member of the country's business elite will be there."
She suddenly understood.
"This is another public appearance."
"It will be our biggest one yet."
...
By evening, the mansion buzzed with activity.
Stylists carefully arranged Ava's hair while makeup artists completed the finishing touches.
When she finally stood before the mirror, she hardly recognized herself.
The elegant midnight-blue gown flowed gracefully to the floor.
The Blackwood necklace rested around her neck.
For the first time since signing the contract...
She looked every bit the billionaire's wife.
A soft knock came from outside.
"Ready?"
It was Ethan.
She opened the door.
For several seconds, he said nothing.
His usually emotionless face showed the slightest hint of surprise.
"You look..."
He stopped.
"What?"
"...Beautiful."
Ava felt her cheeks warm.
"Thank you."
Neither of them spoke again as they walked toward the waiting limousine.
The city lights stretched endlessly beyond the windows.
As they arrived at the Grand Imperial Hotel, hundreds of cameras flashed at once.
Security quickly formed a path through the crowd.
"Mr. Blackwood!"
"Mrs. Blackwood!"
"Look this way!"
Ethan stepped out first before offering Ava his hand.
She accepted.
Together they walked across the red carpet.
The crowd erupted into applause.
Inside the ballroom, a magnificent orchestra filled the room with soft music.
Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, while the nation's most influential figures mingled beneath golden lights.
Every conversation stopped when Ethan and Ava entered.
"They're here."
"So that's Mrs. Blackwood."
"She's even more stunning in person."
Ava tried to ignore the whispers.
She smiled politely as guests introduced themselves.
Everything seemed perfect.
Too perfect.
Then she noticed a waiter watching them.
Unlike the others, he wasn't serving drinks.
His eyes never left Ethan.
As Ava looked closer, she saw something hidden beneath the silver tray in his hands.
Metal.
A handgun.
Her heart nearly stopped.
The waiter slowly began walking toward Ethan.
Closer.
Closer.
Ava didn't have time to think.
"Ethan!"
She lunged toward him just as a deafening gunshot echoed through the ballroom.
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