Chapter 3 3

The Majestic Theatre buzzed with the electric energy of New York's elite. I stood in the wings, my heart hammering against my ribs, watching the finale of the Salazar Corp "Timeless Love" Bridal Showcase. This was it. The moment of truth.

The lights dimmed. A single, brilliant spotlight hit the center of the runway.

"And now," the announcer's voice boomed, echoing through the historic venue. "The crown jewel of our collection, a gown of unparalleled artistry... 'The Seraphina.'"

My breath caught. I believed he was about to call me, the secret designer, to the stage to receive my prize.

The curtains parted. And there she was. Seraphina Vance, wearing my gown. She looked ethereal, a goddess in silk, the dress fitting her as if it had been woven from her own skin.

Before the thunderous applause could fade, Kurt walked onto the stage. He took the microphone from the stand, his eyes fixed on Seraphina. Then, he dropped to one knee.

"This dress wasn't a design," he proclaimed, his voice ringing with triumph. "It was a question. Seraphina Vance, will you marry me?"

He had used the physical embodiment of my eight years of love, hope, and devotion as a prop for his public proposal to another woman.

The press erupted. A storm of flashing cameras blinded me. A reporter shoved a microphone toward Kurt.

"An incredible proposal! Who is the genius designer behind the dress?"

Kurt's eyes flickered toward the wings. He could see me. He could see my shattered face, my world imploding.

He gave an indifferent shrug. "Oh, just a talented girl from our workshop. But tonight isn't about her. It's about my future wife."

The words struck me with the force of a physical blow. My vision tunneled. The roaring of the crowd faded to a distant hum. Then, everything went black.

I came to for a moment, vaguely aware of being lifted. Kaleb. My brother had vaulted over the velvet ropes and shoved past security to get to me. He held me in his arms, his face a mask of cold, protective fury.

As he carried me out, he stopped directly in front of the stage, locking eyes with a momentarily surprised Kurt.

"You will live to regret this day for the rest of your worthless life," Kaleb snarled, his voice a low, venomous promise. "I will burn your world to the ground for this."

As Kaleb rushed me towards the exit, my phone clattered from my pocket onto the polished floor. I saw Rhys Chandler, Kurt's supposed friend, calmly bend down and pick it up. The screen lit up with an incoming call from Kurt.

With a subtle, predatory smile, Rhys declined the call and powered the phone off before handing it to a nearby guard.