Chapter 5: Happy Birthday Dahila

The hotel glittered ahead of them, bathed in gold light and glamour. Cameras flashed outside despite the event being private - the paparazzi would never miss the birthday of Dahlia Reyes, the elusive CEO with ice for blood and beauty that headlines fed on.

Inside the car, Dahlia exhaled slowly, her eyes fixed on the grand entrance.

“I know I look good,” Nate said beside her, adjusting his cufflinks “but don’t tell me I’m making you nervous, wife.”

Dahlia turned to him, one perfectly arched brow raised. “A slot machine would make me more nervous than you ever will.”

Nate chuckled, that low, easy sound that always got under her skin. He looked infuriatingly good. She had to admit it: the suit lent him a certain gravity. He could have fit in behind a boardroom table if he’d wanted to. With that devious curl at the corner of his mouth he’d look like a man who could command a room and ruin a life without breaking a sweat. He noticed the way she watched him, and in his eyes there was an answering thrill.

“You don’t have to be nervous,” he murmured, tilting his head toward her. “I mean, I have seen you… for the most part.”

He shot her that sultry, teasing look that was his signature. Dahlia rolled her eyes. Was this man ever not in the mood? She blamed it on his supposed “profession.”

She smirked, leaning closer just enough to deliver her blow. “And I have seen you. For the most part. And I can say...” she bit back, and then, with a dangerously clipped grin, she pinched the air between two fingers to indicate size. “Not impressed.”

Nate blinked. “Did you-” He stopped, his jaw tightening. This woman had just called him tiny? When if he remembered correctly, she could barely take-

A knock on the window cut his thoughts short.

The tinted glass rolled down, revealing a man in a black suit and sunglasses. “It’s time, ma’am.”

Dahlia nodded, and just like that, the playful woman from moments ago disappeared. In her place was the CEO- cool, composed, untouchable. Nate didn’t know what she was planning tonight, but something told him it wasn’t a celebration.

The car door opened. Her black gown shimmered as she stepped out, every line of her posture deliberate. The paparazzi erupted.

“Over here, Miss Reyes!”

“Who are you wearing tonight?”

Flashes lit the air as she walked toward the entrance like a queen making her grand entrance.

Tyler stood waiting, smiling like the charming man everyone thought he was. “Hello, beautiful” he said, leaning in to kiss her.

Dahlia sidestepped, pretending to wave at the cameras.

Tyler’s lips brushed air. He froze, his smile faltering for a second before he caught himself. Dahlia gave a small, satisfied smirk. That was just the beginning.

Inside the ballroom, everything look sumptuous in the glow: waiters in immaculate uniforms, a gift table stacked with ribbons, and a cake so tall that it seemed to claim the room’s height as part of its glory. Every detail whispered the illusion of care. Everyone must think she must be so lucky to have a boyfriend who’d throw such a lavish party for her.

If only people knew the truth. The entire thing had been paid for with her money - the same card she’d given Tyler “for light expenses.” She had given him that card in hopes that he’d buy her small gifts sometimes, but he had never even gotten her flowers before.

She scoffed inwardly. She’d once thought he was her future. What a joke.

Tyler moved by her side, his smile fastened in place “I have a big surprise planned for you,” he said, eyes glinting.

“Likewise” Dahlia replied smoothly.

“Look, it’s Yvaine!”

Of course.

Yvaine approached in a backless white dress, pure and soft like an angel. Except Dahlia now knew what lay beneath the halo.

“Happy birthday, Dahlia!” Yvaine’s smile was blinding. She reached out for a hug, but Dahlia stepped back.

“I’d rather not ruin my dress,” Dahlia said coolly.

Yvaine’s smile twitched. Tyler noticed the tension, frowning. “Dahlia, what’s wrong-”

“You shouldn’t touch a married woman like that” Dahlia cut in, turning away as she went to greet a group of people calling her over.

Tyler froze. Married?

“What does she mean?” he muttered.

“Who cares,” Yvaine snapped, glaring after Dahlia. “She’s probably drunk. Do you have the papers?”

Tyler sighed. “Yes. After the toast, I’ll give it to her. You have nothing to worry about.”

Yvaine smiled, cupping his cheek. “I can’t wait.”

“Me too” he said, leaning down -but footsteps nearby made them flinch apart instantly.

Meanwhile, Dahlia drifted through the crowd, her eyes scanning the glittering room filled with people her parents once knew. They were supposed to be here too. Laughing, proud and alive.

But they were gone-burned out in a car explosion that had taken everything from her.

Her throat tightened. Then-

“Dahlia!”

Yvaine again. She approached with a small box in hand, all sugar and light. Dahlia straightened, wiping the trace of emotion from her face.

“What is it, Yvaine?”

“So serious!” Yvaine teased. “I just wanted to give you your gift.” She shoved the box playfully into Dahlia’s hands.

Inside was a gold charm bracelet- cheap and fake like the her loyalty towards Dahlia.

“Look! I have the matching one.” Yvaine held up her wrist, the twin bracelet jingling.

Dahlia’s heart thudded painfully. Once, she would’ve smiled. Hugged her. Thanked her.

Now all she saw was a liar. The image of her in Tyler’s arms burned a hole in her memory. How could Yvaine betray her? Maybe she was manipulated by Tyler.

“Yvaine,” Dahlia said softly. “Do you have something you want to tell me?”

Yvaine blinked innocently. “No, why?”

Dahlia’s voice was quieter now, strained. “Is there something I should know about tonight?”

Yvaine paused, then giggled. “Oh, is this about Tyler’s surprise? You know I can’t tell you that, Dahlia! Don’t cheat.”

Her fake laughter echoed, sharp as glass.

Dahlia stared at her- really looked at her. There was no remorse. No guilt. Just polished deceit. She wasn’t manipulated, she was in on it.

She closed the box and handed it back. “I guess we’re all in for surprises tonight.”

Her tone was calm, but her eyes burned.

She walked away, leaving Yvaine speechless.

Yvaine’s smile vanished, her lips twisting. “Ungrateful bitch,” she hissed under her breath. “You deserve what’s coming.”

Moments later, Tyler took the stage, applause greeting him as if he were hero and philanthropist in equal measure. The microphone glinted under the light. “Can I have everyone’s attention? I have a few things to say about the star of the night. My girlfriend. Dahlia Reyes” He peered over the crowd and found her face in the sea of onlookers, and his eyes shone with that practiced devotion that used to make her feel safe.

And as the lights dimmed and the crowd gathered, Dahlia raised her chin, her mask of poise unshakable. Yvaine had helped her cleared any doubt or remorse she would have felt later.

Across the crowd, she locked eyes with a familiar pair of grey eyes, and she smiled.

This was it.

Her night.

Her revenge.

And by the time it was over, no one in this room would ever see her the same way again.