Lila’s POV
I stand by a corner of the hall, my fingers curled gently around the glass of wine a waiter handed me earlier. The room is something out of a dream—or maybe a world I was never meant to walk into. Polished marble stretches beneath my heels, shimmering beneath the glow of chandeliers that hang like crowns above royalty. Golden accents trim the high ceilings. Every surface gleams. The air smells faintly of roses, wealth, and expensive perfume.
People are everywhere, moving like currents in a river. Men in dark tuxedos and women in gowns that look tailored from luxury itself. Laughter. Glasses clinking. Perfect posture. Perfect conversations. Everyone is deep in something—business talks, flirtations, name-dropping, and promises that cost millions. It’s the kind of night made for
