Chapter 4

The ballroom on the top floor of the Grand Hyatt was brilliantly lit.

Aiden had spared no expense on Zoe's birthday party, inviting nearly every prominent figure in the city's high society.

Dressed in her plain black gown, with her thick bangs and glasses concealing her face as always, Zoe stood beside Aiden like a shadow that didn't belong.

She could feel the gazes coming from every direction.

Some were curious. Others were scrutinizing her.

But most were filled with undisguised contempt and quiet mockery.

"What was Mr. Carter thinking, marrying someone like her?"

"I mean, look at her. He's such an accomplished man. What could he possibly see in her?"

"Who knows? Maybe he has unusual tastes."

The whispered comments buzzed around Zoe like a swarm of mosquitoes.

She kept her back straight and her expression blank, pretending she hadn't heard a word.

Shortly after the party began, Aiden presented her with a gift in front of everyone.

It was an expensive diamond necklace.

When he opened the velvet box, a chorus of gasps and envious murmurs rose from the surrounding guests.

"Thank you," Zoe said, accepting it without much emotion.

Mia arrived a little later.

The moment she entered, she drew everyone's attention.

In her champagne-colored gown, with flawless makeup and an elegant smile, she looked as though she were the guest of honor.

"I'm so sorry I'm late," Mia said sincerely as she approached Zoe. "I didn't have time to prepare a gift. I hope you won't mind, Mrs. Carter. Perhaps I could play something on the piano to wish you a happy birthday instead."

Then she turned toward Aiden with a smile.

"Aiden, I remember you're quite good at the piano too. Why don't we play a duet? It could be our little birthday gift to Mrs. Carter. What do you think?"

The guests immediately began encouraging them.

"Come on, Mr. Carter! Play something!"

"Mr. Carter and Ms. Mitchell make such a talented pair!"

"They really do look perfect together..."

Aiden looked at Mia's expectant expression, then glanced at Zoe, who stood silently beside him.

After a brief hesitation, he actually walked over to Mia.

Soon, the familiar melody of Für Elise filled the ballroom as they performed a four-hand piano arrangement.

Aiden was handsome and composed, while Mia was radiant and beautiful.

Seated together at the piano, they looked like a picture-perfect couple.

The whispers around them grew louder.

This time, the guests barely bothered to lower their voices.

"Now that's what I call a perfect match."

"If only Mr. Carter had married Ms. Mitchell instead."

"What a shame..."

"And then there's Zoe Lincoln. She's taking the place of a woman who actually deserves him. Imagine someone that ugly marrying the most eligible heir in the city. What a waste."

Every word pierced Zoe's heart like a poisoned needle.

She stood motionless, feeling as though the air around her was growing thinner.

The stares and cruel remarks were suffocating.

Finally, she turned and walked out onto the balcony.

The cool night breeze swept away the stifling warmth, perfume, and noise of the ballroom.

Zoe leaned against the railing, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled.

Soft footsteps sounded behind her.

A moment later, a warm body pressed against her back, and a pair of arms slipped around her waist.

Zoe stiffened.

"Why'd you come out here all alone?" Aiden's deep voice murmured beside her ear. "Don't take what those people said to heart. It's just pointless gossip."

Zoe neither moved nor replied.

Apparently assuming she was still upset, Aiden gently brushed his chin against the top of her head.

His voice softened into a coaxing murmur.

"Zoe, I've told you before. You're wonderful just the way you are. You don't need anyone else's approval. Isn't it enough that I love you?"

Love?

Zoe almost laughed bitterly.

What kind of love was he talking about?

The kind that made him use her as a weapon against his family?

Or the kind that turned her into a prop to prove his undying devotion to Mia?

Perhaps Aiden felt his words weren't enough to comfort her.

When she remained silent, he suddenly tilted his head and pressed a kiss to the side of her neck.

The unexpected warmth of his lips sent a jolt through Zoe.

She instinctively moved to push him away.

Just then...

Bang!

The glass balcony door flew open.

Mia stood in the doorway, a smile still lingering on her face.

But the moment she saw them embracing, especially Aiden's lips against Zoe's neck, her smile froze.

Her face turned slightly pale, and tears quickly welled in her eyes.

"I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt."

Her voice caught.

Then she turned and hurried away, looking visibly shaken.

Almost immediately, Aiden released Zoe.

His expression changed as his gaze followed Mia's retreating figure.

There was unmistakable concern in his eyes, along with a hint of inner conflict.