The applause lingered long after the ceremony ended.It echoed in the high ceilings, followed by polite laughter, congratulations layered with curiosity, and the soft clinking of champagne glasses. The engagement was official now—sealed not just by a ring on my finger, but by the collective approval of a society that thrived on appearances.
Leon’s hand finally closed around mine as we stepped down from the platform.
“You okay?” he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear.
I nodded. “I think so.”
In truth, my emotions felt tangled—relief, disbelief, tension, and something quieter beneath it all and a sense that I’d just crossed a line I couldn’t uncross.
Just then people came in waves,board members,socialites,business partners and old family friends whose smiles didn’t quit
