Chapter 5 A Public Declaration
573 Words
A few nights later, fireworks bloomed across the sky, brilliant and dazzling, as if celebrating a grand festival.
On the massive LED screen of Croft Holdings, several striking words lit up in bold letters: J & V, Forever and Always.
Croft Tower was one of the city's landmarks. Almost everyone saw the message.
Seraphina received several texts from her college friends.
"Sera, we all saw Julian's public confession! He really loves you and wants to be with you forever."
"Sera, I'm so jealous. Your husband is handsome, rich, and still makes such romantic gestures for you."
Seraphina smiled bitterly. She knew the "V" on the screen did not stand for her. It stood for Elara.
Tonight was Julian and Elara's anniversary. Julian was declaring his love for Elara in the most high-profile way possible, all to please her.
Just as Seraphina was about to put down her phone, another message came in. It was from Julian.
Julian: Come to this address. Wear the red gown I gave you.
Julian often brought her to business events to maintain his image as a devoted husband, so such a request did not surprise her.
What surprised her was that tonight was his anniversary with Elara, yet he was not by Elara's side.
Confused, Seraphina still changed into the luxurious red gown and headed to the banquet. The moment she arrived, something felt wrong.
Many of the guests looked familiar. Some were even the same college friends who had just congratulated her.
"Look, the leading lady is here!" Someone shouted, and all eyes turned toward her.
Seraphina stood frozen under the collective gaze.
"Where's Julian? Why didn't he come with you?"
"Aren't you two together tonight? He just confessed his love to you on the big screen…"
At that moment, a commotion rose at the entrance. Following everyone's line of sight, Seraphina saw two familiar figures walking in.
Julian and Elara. They moved intimately, as if they were the rightful couple.
Elara leaned close and whispered something into Julian's ear.
Julian's gaze traveled through the crowd and landed on Seraphina.
The instant he saw her dress, his expression darkened. The gown she wore was identical to Elara's.
Julian held Elara's hand as they walked through the guests and stopped in front of Seraphina.
"Who told you to come?" Elara demanded arrogantly. "Tonight is my anniversary celebration with Julian. What does it have to do with you?"
"Coming is one thing. Wearing the same dress as me is another. Are you trying to embarrass me on purpose?" Elara added.
Seraphina had already guessed the truth. The message telling her to attend had not been sent by Julian. Elara must have used his phone. Elara had set this trap deliberately, just to watch Seraphina humiliate herself.
Facing the two of them standing hand in hand, Seraphina did not even feel like explaining.
She simply looked at Julian numbly. So, this was his anniversary celebration with Elara. He had not failed to accompany Elara. He had accompanied her openly, proudly, in front of everyone. He wanted the entire world to know how much he adored Elara.
A mocking smile curved Seraphina's lips. "I'm sorry for interrupting your celebration. I'll leave now."
"Wait, you haven't explained yourself yet. Julian, look at her…"
Someone grabbed her wrist. Seraphina turned around and met Julian's deep, cold eyes.
"Seraphina," he said quietly, "you'd better explain yourself. Otherwise, you won't be leaving so easily tonight."
- Writer
