The grand ballroom glittered under crystal chandeliers, a sea of black suits and champagne dresses. The music was slow, elegant, calculated just like the people moving through it. Every smile was practiced. Every glance carried meaning.
Emily stood near the edge of the marble floor, her champagne untouched. The golden fabric of her gown shimmered under the light, the kind of dress meant to be admired, not worn for comfort. Her reflection in the mirrored walls looked like a stranger calm, graceful, untouchable.
But inside, her pulse refused to slow.
Across the room, she saw him, Adam. Clean-cut in a dark suit, tie sharp, posture straight. He looked like he belonged there, like one of them. Yet his eyes found hers instantly.
Richard stoo
