The birthday gala was a dazzling affair, filled with the hum of soft music and the constant, crisp clinking of champagne flutes.
Yet, no matter what topic the guests started with, the conversation inevitably drifted back to one name—Adrian.
"Why isn't Adrian here yet? He is Evelyn's husband, after all."
"Probably planning some grand surprise, right?"
The guests huddled in small groups, the rumor mill spinning without a pause.
"Last year, he had the lights of the entire street turned rose-pink. There's no way he's scaling back this year."
"I actually heard he bought a private winery, just waiting to gift it to Evelyn the exact moment the clock strikes midnight!"
Listening to the chatter, Evelyn gently swirled the crimson liquid in her glass, a cold, mocking smile playing on her lips.
