Chapter 3 The First Defiance

The engagement party glittered with warmth and celebration, a scene filled with golden lights, clinking glasses, and the soft hum of music drifting through the spacious hall. Tall glass windows framed the night sky, and crystal chandeliers scattered shimmering reflections across the polished floor. Guests moved about in elegant attire, offering congratulations and cheerful smiles as if the evening promised a bright chapter of love and unity.

Elena stood at the top of the grand staircase, her hand resting lightly on the railing. Her gown flowed around her like a river of silver, catching the light with every breath she took. In her previous life, she had walked down these steps with a heart full of hope, believing she was stepping into a future built on devotion. Now, she descended with a different purpose entirely. Every step felt deliberate, controlled, and powerful.

Her gaze swept across the room, capturing familiar faces. People who would one day turn their backs on her. People who would gossip about her downfall without hesitation. Yet tonight, they cheered for her, raised their glasses to her happiness, and admired the perfect image she presented.

At the foot of the stairs, Sophia Hart hurried toward her, wearing an expression crafted with practiced sweetness. She looped her arm through Elena's as though they were still the closest of friends. She leaned in, her breath brushing Elena's ear as she whispered, I heard you were feeling nervous today. You should have told me. You know I am always here for you.

It was the same lie she had spoken before. The same deceit wrapped in concern. In the past, Elena had swallowed it whole. She had believed Sophia's words, unaware of the poison hidden beneath the softness.

This time, Elena gave her a slow smile, one that did not reach her eyes. Thank you, Sophia. But I think you misunderstood something.

Sophia blinked, thrown off by the calm firmness in Elena's tone. Before she could ask what Elena meant, a nearby group of guests approached, eager to speak with the bride to be. Sophia stepped forward, ready to seize attention as she always did. And as usual, she began to weave one of her charming little stories, a tale she frequently told to make herself seem heroic and important.

It was a story about how she had helped Elena choose her gown. In the past, Elena had kept silent while Sophia lied, claiming credit for decisions she never touched. Tonight, Elena let the lie linger only for a moment before speaking.

Actually, that is not how it happened, Elena said with a clear voice that carried across the group. Her smile remained sweet, her tone polite, but her words struck with precision. Sophia had nothing to do with choosing this gown. She was out of town that day. My mother was the one who came with me. I remember it well.

The group fell silent. Several guests exchanged glances. Whispers began to ripple through the air like a subtle wave.

Sophias eyes widened, and her painted smile faltered. Her face slowly flushed a deep shade of red, the color creeping up her neck as she struggled to respond. I must have mixed up the dates, she said quickly, though her voice trembled at the edges.

Elena tilted her head. It is an easy detail to remember, Sophia. But I am sure it was an honest mistake.

The guests around them murmured, some amused, others surprised. Sophia's embarrassment deepened. Her perfectly composed facade had cracked, and Elena had delivered the blow without raising her voice or showing anger.

From across the room, Richard Morgan stood stiffly with a fluted glass in his hand. His eyes narrowed as he watched Elena. This was not the woman he intended to control. This was not the obedient, trusting fiancée he had shaped with calculated affection. This Elena was sharp. Confident. Unpredictable.

He raised his drink slowly, masking his irritation with a tight smile. But the tension in his jaw betrayed him.

Elena met his gaze briefly. She saw the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes, the first sign that he sensed something was slipping beyond his control. It filled her with a quiet, steady satisfaction.

Just then, she felt the weight of another stare. A different kind of stare. Stronger. Sharper.

Her attention shifted across the room toward a tall man dressed in a dark suit. His presence commanded attention even though he stood slightly apart from the lively crowd. His features were striking, carved with confidence and authority. His eyes were piercing, deep, unreadable. They lingered on her with unmistakable interest.

Damien Blackwood.

In her previous life, Elena had never crossed paths with him. A man known for his power, his influence, and his ruthless reputation in the business world. A man who never attended events without a purpose.

Yet here he was, watching her with an expression that sent a subtle chill down her spine.

Elena held his gaze for a moment longer, her heartbeat steady.

This night had changed already.

And it was only the beginning.