CHAPTER 2

“Wow…” Seraphine whispered, her eyes wide as she stepped out of Ezra’s car.

The hotel was huge, tall glass walls shining with lights, the kind of place she’d only ever seen in magazines. Expensive cars pulled up one after another, men in dark suits stepping out with women dressed like queens. Everyone looked like they belonged in some glossy fashion magazine.

“Don’t look so nervous,” Ezra leaned close, a small smirk on his lips. “You’re with me.”

“I feel like I shouldn’t even be here,” Seraphine muttered, clutching her small purse. “Ezra, I don’t fit in—”

“Stop.” He cut her off and slipped his hand into hers. “You're Seraphine Kane. You belong with me. That’s enough.”

Her cheeks heated. She let him guide her inside.

The hotel lobby sparkled like a dream—golden chandeliers, red carpets, waiters in white gloves carrying trays of champagne. A huge banner hung across the hall: HALE CORPORATION ANNUAL GALA. 

Seraphine’s heart thudded. She’d grown up in Ezra’s world but never truly *felt* part of it. Tonight, it was more real than ever.

As they stepped into the grand hall, voices called out.

“Seraphine!”

It was Mrs. Hale—Clarissa Hale, still beautiful even in her forties, her diamond necklace catching the light. She walked straight over and hugged Seraphine tightly.

“You look stunning tonight,” Clarissa said with a smile. “That jade dress fits you so well. Ezra has good taste.”

Seraphine blushed. “Thank you, Mrs. Hale. You’ve always been too kind to me.”

“Nonsense. You’re like my own daughter,” Clarissa said warmly. “I’m glad you came.”

Behind her, Jonathan Hale—tall, stern-faced but always respectful—nodded at Seraphine. “Your father would have been proud to see you tonight.”

The words hit deep. Seraphine forced a smile. “Thank you, Mr. Hale.”

Ezra squeezed her hand gently, like he knew she was holding back tears.

For a little while, Seraphine felt safe. The Hales had always been there for her and her mom after her dad died. Even now, surrounded by people who whispered and stared, she thought—maybe I do belong here, because of them.

“Ezra.” Jonathan’s voice carried across the room. He stood with another man, older but powerful-looking, his presence sharp. Beside him was a girl in a silver gown, tall and elegant, her lips curved in a perfect smile.

“Meet Montelo Cruz,” Jonathan said proudly. “And this is his daughter, Ivy.”

Seraphine paused.

Ivy Cruz. She’d heard the name before. The Cruz family was another empire—just as powerful as the Hales, maybe more. They owned shipping companies, luxury hotels, businesses spread overseas. Some whispered about shady dealings, but no one dared speak too loud.

Ezra’s smile faltered for just a second before he masked it. He let go of Seraphine’s hand as Jonathan brought Ivy forward.

“Ezra Hale,” Ivy said, her voice smooth, eyes shining with confidence. “Finally, we meet.”

Ezra shook her hand politely. “Ivy. Nice to meet you.”

Seraphine stood there, invisible.

Her chest tightened. The way Jonathan’s eyes gleamed when he looked at Ezra and Ivy together—it was clear. This was more than just a polite introduction.

Whispers spread through the crowd. 

“That’s Ivy Cruz.”

“The Hales and Cruzes together? That would be unstoppable…”

“Poor girl, standing there. She doesn’t belong.”

Seraphine couldn’t breathe. She excused herself quietly and walked to the balcony, her heels clicking against the marble floor.

Cold air hit her face when she stepped outside. She gripped the railing and stared down at the city lights below, blinking back the burn in her eyes.

She hated this. Hated how small she felt in his world.

Twenty minutes passed. She heard the music and laughter behind her but couldn’t bring herself to go back.

“Why are you hiding out here?”

She spun around. Ezra leaned against the doorway, hands in his pockets, eyes locked on her.

“I’m not hiding,” she said quickly, wiping at her cheek.

“Liar,” he said softly, walking over.

She looked away. “You were busy. With Ivy. With your parents. I didn’t want to be in the way.”

Ezra sighed, tilting her chin up so she’d look at him. “Sera. You’ll never be in the way.”

Her heart thudded. His eyes… they weren’t the playful ones she always saw. They were serious.

He looked at her for a long moment, like he wanted to say more, like he was fighting himself.

“I…” He hesitated, his thumb brushing her cheek. “There's so much I want to say to you. But not yet. One day, I’ll make things right. I promise.”

Seraphine’s breath caught. Was he saying what she thought he was saying?

“…Ezra,” she whispered.

“Trust me, Sera.” His voice was low, almost a vow. “When the time’s right, I’ll tell you everything. And when I do… nothing will keep me from you.”

Her chest ached, but in a good way. Hope bloomed. Maybe he couldn’t say it now, maybe the timing was wrong, but she knew. He loved her.

She nodded, smiling through the storm in her chest. “I’ll wait.”

He gave a small smile back and held her hand. Then, after a moment, he sighed. “We should go back in before father sends out a search party.”

Together, they walked back into the grand hall. The lights felt brighter, the whispers louder. Jonathan Hale stood on stage with Montelo Cruz beside him, glasses of champagne raised.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Jonathan’s voice rang out, full of pride. “Thank you for joining us tonight. This night is not just about celebrating our company’s success. Tonight, we celebrate something greater—a union between two powerful families.”

Seraphine’s stomach dropped.

He smiled at the crowd, then at Ezra. “I’m proud to announce the engagement of my son, Ezra Hale, to Ivy Cruz, daughter of Montelo Cruz. Together, the Hale and Cruz families will stand united.” 

The hall erupted with cheers and clapping.

But all Seraphine could hear was the sound of her heart breaking.