CHAPTER 7: A Night in Gold

The ballroom glittered like something out of a dream.

Crystal chandeliers spilled golden light over the marble floor, where guests in velvet, gold and diamonds glided through music and laughter. But when Alexander walked in, with Rosa by his side, every eyes turned.

Her hand rested lightly on his arm.

She had practiced this; every smile, every nod, every measured breath. But the weight of so many gazes still pressed on her chest. She wasn't used to so much attention.

Alexander, however, looked like he had been born for this world. He was calm, composed, and devastatingly untouchable in his black suit, not leaving the part that he was drop-dead handsome.

If Rosa hadn’t known better, she might’ve believed they really were what they pretended to be.

“Relax,” he murmured, leaning slightly toward her. “They can smell fear.”

That didn't help.

“Then you better hope they can’t smell nerves,” she whispered back, smiling for the cameras as flashes exploded around them.

The lights were so blinding, Rosa was sure she would get a headache.

He gave her a sidelong glance, the corner of his mouth twitching. “You’re doing fine.”

They made their way across the hall, greeting politicians, shareholders, and bored heiresses in designer gowns. This was the first time Rosa was so close to the powerful figures that ruled the country.

Dear Lord, help me.

Rosa kept her posture perfect, her responses polite, but under the smiles, she could feel the sharp eyes assessing her and the whispers echo.

Is she really Mrs. Wade?

Where did he find her?

How long before she disappears?

Rosa forced herself to keep smiling.

They knew she could hear them.

By the time they reached the bar area, she could finally breathe again. A soft string quartet played in the background, and the air buzzed with polite laughter.

Then, from behind her, a deep voice cut through the noise.

“Well, I will be damned. So the rumors were true.” The tone was a bit clipped.

Rosa turned and saw him.

The man approaching them was tall, broad-shouldered, and effortlessly confident. His smile was quick and witty, his dark eyes filled with mischief. He was Alexander’s mirror in some ways; same bone structure, same sharp jaw. But there was a warmth in him his brother didn’t seem to have himself.

“Ethan,” Alexander said coolly, his expression unreadable.

Rosa blinked. Ethan Wade. The younger brother.

“I didn’t realize you were back in the country,” Alexander said.

Ethan grinned. “Well, I wasn't really planning on coming back from Scotland and you didn’t invite me for this event. Thought I’d crash the party myself.”

His gaze shifted to Rosa, and his smile died. “And you must be the mysterious Mrs. Wade everyone’s whispering about.”

Rosa's heart skipped beats. His brother didn't like her...

Rosa straightened, offering her hand. “Rosa Ham - Wade,” she corrected quickly, still not used to the name.

Ethan took note of the fleeting mistake and narrowed his eyes slightly.

But instead of a stiff uninterested shake she expected from him, he bowed slightly and brushed his lips against her knuckles.

“Charmed doesn’t begin to cover it.”

His eyes raked over her. She was actually gorgeous.

Rosa blinked. E-eh?

Startled, she released a nervous laugh. “I wasn't expecting that “, she said honestly and a small smirk appeared on his lips.

“I won't deny I can be a bit unpredictable, but, I was being honest though”.

Rosa smiled. “You are smoother than your brother“.

“Don’t flatter him,” Alexander muttered dryly, though his tone carried faint amusement.

Ethan shot him a teasing look. “So this is what it took to make you look human again. I was beginning to think my brother’s heart was made of glass.”

“Ethan.” Alexander warned.

“Oh relax,” Ethan said with a grin.

“I’m only saying what everyone’s thinking. Rosa, is it? You look radiant tonight.”

“Thank you,” she said shyly.

He had an eye for good things, unlike someone.

“I was terrified I’d trip and ruin your brother’s perfect reputation.”

Ethan laughed, eyes lighting up. “Oh, you’re perfect for him.”

Alexander exhaled quietly through his nose, clearly trying not to react.

Rosa glanced between them, realizing just how different they were. She felt at ease with Ethan's presence. At least, he took her well. But, she hadn't noticed the side glances of doubt he gave her.

As the night went on, Ethan refused to leave their side. He introduced Rosa to old acquaintances, cracked jokes during stiff conversations, and at one point even pulled her into a brief dance when Alexander was called away for a business discussion.

“You know,” he said as they moved across the floor, “I didn’t think I’d ever see my brother bring someone like you here.”

His eyes stayed on hers as if trying to read something.

“Someone like me?” she asked, arching a brow.

“Someone real,” he said simply. “You don’t talk like them. You don’t even look like you’re trying to impress anyone. That’s rare in this crowd.”

He said it in a calm, gentle way, but Rosa felt there was a hidden intent to what he said. Or maybe she was imagining it.

She smiled, unsure how to respond. “I suppose I’m just trying to survive the night.”

He chuckled. “Then you’re already doing better than half the people here.”

As the song ended, he leaned closer, lowering his voice. “Don’t let him scare you off. Alexander’s difficult, but he’s not cold. He just… forgets how to be human sometimes.”

Rosa met his gaze briefly. “He’s been kind. In his own way.”

Ethan smiled knowingly. “Then maybe there’s hope for him yet.”

Rosa's brows creased, not understanding his words.

Later that evening, as the crowd began to lessen, Alexander returned. His eyes flickered briefly between Rosa and Ethan, unreadable as ever. Sometimes, it annoyed Rosa that she couldn't just tell what he was thinking.

“Still alive?” he asked her quietly.

“Barely,” she said with a tired smile. “Your brother’s been keeping me company though “.

“I can see that,” Alexander murmured, his gaze lingering on the faint gleam still in her eyes.

Ethan clapped him on the shoulder tightly. “Don’t look so grim, Alex. You should be thanking me. I was doing you a favor.”

Alexander's eyes narrowed. His brother was being too.. friendly.

He arched a brow. “By what? Flirting with my wife in front of half the city?”

Heat rose to Rosa's cheeks at his words.

'My wife.'

“By making her laugh,” Ethan countered, grin widening. “God knows someone has to.”

Rosa stifled a laugh, earning a sharp but amused glance from Alexander. Her eyes went to him with a soft gaze but Alexander immediately looked away.

Then, Ethan leaned closer to his brother and whispered, “Let's wait till mum and dad hear of this”.

Alexander’s gaze snapped to him sharply, but Ethan only raised his glass with a knowing look before disappearing back into the crowd.