Chapter 005

The flash of cameras hit me before the chauffeur even opened the car door.

I stepped out of the black Bentley in a deep emerald-green satin dress that hugged my curves like it was made just for me.

The high slit on my dress revealed just the right amount of skin I wanted and my matching heels clicked against the driveway of the Grand Royale Hotel like I owned the place.

My hair flowed down my shoulders, and my makeup was subtle, powerful, perfect.

Enough to remind the world I wasn’t the same girl who got cheated on.

But the second I stepped out and faced the lights, the noise, the cameras it hit me.

This night was supposed to be mine and Jake’s.

I blinked the thought away before it could ruin my composure.

"You ready?" Logan’s voice came from behind me, smooth and casual.

I nodded once, not trusting my voice. Reaching back, I laced my fingers with his and lifted my chin.

“Let’s give them a show.”

Together, we walked into the grand ballroom, the heavy doors swinging open to a swirl of music, laughter, and too many eyes.

The place was packed. Dresses shimmered, tuxedos moved with polished ease, and champagne sparkled in tall glasses. But all of it faded when my gaze locked onto two people standing near the center of the room.

Jake.

Beth.

Beth stood beside him in red, clinging to his arm like some accessory. Her smile faltered for a moment when she saw me, but it was quickly replaced with a fake smile.

I didn’t stop walking, though my throat tightened, but I didn’t let it reach my eyes.

My grip on Logan’s hand tightened.

And I smiled.

Whispers erupted as we passed.

"Is that... Amelia with Logan Wills?"

"They’re together now?"

"Wow. She upgraded fast."

Logan leaned down, lips close to my ear. "You good?"

"Smile, Wills," I murmured. "We’re being watched."

He chuckled under his breath. "Now you’re getting it."

The host came forward immediately, barely hiding his excitement. " Ms. Connells, Mr. Wills, we're honored to have you here tonight. Please, enjoy the event."

We were escorted to a table near the front, right across from Jake and Beth.

Of course.

Toasts were being made, glasses raised, and laughter echoed through the hall.

Logan whispered something playful to me now and then making sure Jake was looking, and leaning in at the right times, brushing his hand against mine casually but intentionally.

Every little thing screamed intimacy. It made my stomach twist. In a good way

Across the table, Jake’s eyes moved to me every now and then, but there was no trace of regret. No change in his confidence. Just cold calculation.

Beth caught my gaze once and smirked. It was the kind of look that said I took your man.

The band started up with a slow song, and couples began pairing off.

Logan stood and reached for my hand. “Come on.”

His smile was almost convincing. Almost.

I let him pull me to my feet.

As we walked to the dance floor, my mind drifted for a moment.

All those nights I waited up for Jake, believing he was worth something. That we were building something real. I could still remember the girl who loved him.

I wasn’t her anymore.

"You’re not really feeling this, are you?" Logan asked softly as he held me close.

"Maybe not," I whispered back.

He smirked. "You're doing just fine, Amelia."

The song ended, and we returned to our seats just as the host raised his glass.

"Ladies and gentlemen," his voice echoed, "Let's raise a toast to the Connells Foundation and the incredible work being done to support education for children in need."

Glasses clinked around the room. Jake raised his champagne, eyes locked on me.

As the clapping died down, the host’s eyes shifted towards me. "Ms. Connells, would you say a few words?"

I felt every eye in the room turn to me. I stood. Smoothed my dress. Took the mic.

“Good evening, everyone,” I said. My voice was calm and collected. “It’s truly an honor to be here tonight.”

I paused, scanning the room. "Supporting this cause, helping children get access to education has always been something dear to me and my family, especially my father, he couldn't just make it to the event today."

My eyes found Jake’s, sharp and unflinching.

"It’s not every day you get to witness how quickly people show you who they really are. Some come into your life pretending to love you, while others reveal their true selves over time not by their words, but by their actions."

The room shifted. Murmurs started, people exchanging glances.

Beth’s smile faltered, and Jake’s jaw clenched.

"Tonight," I continued, my voice steady and unapologetic, "I celebrate honesty, growth, and the power of moving forward."

The room was silent for a heartbeat.

Then came the applause.

As the applause began to fade, the sharp click of a lady's heel and a camera flash followed by a high-pitched voice sound.

“Miss Connells!” a reporter called, pushing through the front. Social Now Weekly. Of course.

“Quick question, if you don’t mind,” she continued, “Is this your way of going public with Mr. Logan Wills?”

More camera flashes.

Heads turned instantly.

I didn’t flinch. I glanced over at Logan. He was adjusting his cuffs, unbothered like he hadn’t just been publicly pulled into a headline.

Before I could respond, the reporter pushed further.

“I mean, we know you were with Jake Matthews for years, and now you are hand-in-hand with the CEO of Regals Enterprises... This feels like more than a PR appearance. Is it safe to say you're officially a couple?”

Logan stepped forward smoothly, placing one hand lightly on my back.

“Well, we’re certainly not here to hide,” he said with a charming smile, but his eyes were unreadable.

I tilted my head, letting a smile touch my lips. “Some things,” I said, locking eyes with the reporter, “are better seen than explained.”

A new wave of whispers. Gasps. Raised brows.

Beth looked like she was choking on her drink.

Jake? Visibly pissed.

Logan leaned in slightly and whispered, only for me to hear: “You're really starting to enjoy this, aren’t you?”

I nodded with a smirk and handed the mic back.

Logan leaned in close, voice low. "That was... calculated."

"Everything I do is," I said, eyes meeting his.

I didn’t wait for him to respond..

Without a word, I turned and walked towards the balcony,

Few moments later, Logan joined me.

Hands in his pockets. Eyes unreadable.

“Great s

peech,” he said casually.

I didn’t look at him. “Thanks.”

“You good?” His voice was softer now. Just... careful.

“Yeah.” But even I wasn’t sure if I meant it.