Sweet Betrayal

Chapter 21

Chapter 21: Closer

Shanaya excused herself from the grand ballroom, her head heavy from endless greetings, polite smiles, and conversations with strangers. The dazzling lights and flowing champagne had all become a blur. Her heart still echoed with the old grandmother’s cryptic words.

She reached her room and shut the door softly, sighing in relief as silence wrapped around her. In front of the mirror, she tried to reach behind her back to unzip the intricate gown. It clung tightly to her curves, and she struggled with the tiny hooks.

Just then, the door creaked open.

Lorenzo stood at the threshold, pausing when he saw her figure twisted awkwardly in front of the mirror. “Need help?” he asked, a small smile playing on his lips.

Shanaya froze, then nodded shyly.

He walked in and stood behind her. His fingers moved gently, unhooking and unzipping the dress with ease. She could feel the warmth of his breath against her shoulder, sending a shiver down her spine.

“You looked beautiful tonight,” he murmured, his voice low and sincere. “Like a queen.”

She lowered her gaze.

He took her hand, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. “I’m sorry for everything that’s happened. For dragging you into this world. But I promise you—I’ll make it right. You can trust me, Shanaya.”

She looked up, their eyes locking—his gaze filled with regret and longing, hers with hesitation and vulnerability. In that silent moment, it felt like they were both standing on the edge of something fragile, something new.

But before either of them could say more, a cheerful voice broke the spell.

“Oh my, did I just ruin a romantic moment?” Lorenzo’s mother peeked in, holding a small velvet box.

Shanaya quickly stepped back, cheeks flushing.

“Come, my daughter,” the older woman smiled, walking over and placing the box in her hands. “This is for you. A gift—passed down in our family to women who become the heart of our home.”

Shanaya opened the box to find an exquisite necklace sparkling with emeralds and diamonds.

“Thank you… it’s beautiful,” she whispered.

His mother beamed. “Now, don’t waste too much time looking pretty. Give us some grandchildren soon, hmm?” She winked and walked away with a chuckle, leaving the couple in stunned silence.

Shanaya turned crimson. “Oh god,” she muttered, unable to meet Lorenzo’s eyes.

She walked quickly to the closet, trying to compose herself. But before she could reach it, Lorenzo stepped in front of her, gently pulling her toward him. His hand brushed a loose strand of hair from her face.

“You’re adorable when you blush,” he whispered, then leaned in and kissed her cheek softly.

Shanaya’s breath hitched, her lips parted in surprise.

He smiled and stepped back. “Go change, bella. I’ll wait.”

She turned away, her cheeks aflame and heart fluttering—speechless, but no longer afraid.