Elara’s POV.The gala is held in the Sterling Hotel's grand ballroom. Crystal chandeliers. Champagne flowing. The city's elite gathered in their finest, here to see and be seen.I stand at the edge of the room, the emerald dress hugging my body, my hair swept back, my hands steady.Adrian approaches. He offers his arm. I take it.He leads me through the crowd, stopping to greet his business partners, accepting their praise, their envy, their respect. I stand beside him, silent, the dutiful wife."Adrian." A man in a gray suit claps his shoulder. "I hear your wife is playing tonight. How delightful."Adrian's smile is tight. "My wife will play a little piece. Nothing special."In my past life, they would have sunk into my chest, heavy with shame.Now, I smile sweetly and innocently."Nothing special," I echo.Adrian glances at me. Something flickers in his eyes. A question, maybe or the first stirring of unease.He does not know what is coming.The piano sits at the center of the stag
Last Updated : 2026-06-15 Read more