The lonely guest, the golden chandelier light, danced across hundreds of crystal glasses as Zara Schmichel adjusted the strap of her simple black dress for the fifth time in 10 minutes. The grand ballroom of the Rosewood Manor buzzed with laughter in conversation, but she might as well have been invisible. Standing near the ornate marble pillar, she watched her best friend Jessica glide across the dance floor in her flowing white gown.

Radiating pure joy as she danced with her new husband, Zara forced a smile and raised her champagne glass in a silent toast to the happy couple. Though her heart felt heavy, she should be celebrating, but instead she felt like an outsider looking through a window at a life she could never afford to live.

Look at her standing there all alone like a lost puppy came a whispered voice from behind her. Zar’s cheeks burned as she recognized the sharp tone of Victoria Sterling, one of Jessica’s wealthy college friends. I can’t believe Jessica invited her marketing coordinator friend to such an elegant affair while she did help plan the wedding, replied another voice, though it sounded more dismissive than sympathetic.

Still, she looked so out of place among all these successful people, and arriving without a date, how embarrassing. Zara’s grip tightened on her champagne flute. She wanted to turn around and tell them that she had built her marketing career from nothing, that she had worked three jobs to put herself through college, that she was proud of who she had become.

But the words stuck in her throat like always. Instead, she moved toward the dessert table, hoping to disappear into the crowd. The six-tier wedding cake towered before her, decorated with sugar flowers so delicate they looked real, she remembered, helping Jessica choose this exact design during one of their many planning sessions back when she still felt like an important part of her friend’s life.

Zara Jessica appeared beside her, slightly breathless from dancing. Her veil had shifted slightly, and her makeup was starting to wear, but she glowed with happiness. I’m so glad you made it. The wedding wouldn’t have been the same without you. It’s beautiful, Jess. Zara said, meaning every word. Everything turned out perfectly, though.

Jessica beamed and squeezed her hand. That’s mostly thanks to you helping me plan everything. I know this crowd isn’t really your scene, but I wanted you here. Your family to me. Before Zara could respond, Jessica’s new mother-in-law appeared, dripping in diamonds and disapproval. Jessica, dear, your photographer wants to take some shots with the Sterling family.

We shouldn’t keep him waiting. Of course, Jessica said, then turned back to Zara. We’ll catch up more later. Okay, enjoy yourself. And just like that, Zara was alone again, watching her best friend disappear into a circle of people who belonged in this world in ways she never would.

She glanced around the ballroom, taking in the designer gowns, the perfectly styled hair, the easy confidence that came with never having to check a price tag. A group of women near the bar were stealing glances at her and whispering among themselves. Zara caught fragments of their conversation carried on the evening breeze from the open terrace doors.

Works in some little marketing firm probably couldn’t afford anything better than that dress. Jessica always did have a soft spot for charity cases. The words hit her like physical blows. Zara sat down her champagne glass with trembling hands and walked quickly toward the lady’s room.

Desperate for a moment of privacy, the hallway leading away from the ballroom was mercifully quiet, lined with oil paintings of people who had probably never known what it felt like to be judged for their bank account. She leaned against the wall and closed her eyes, trying to regain her composure. Growing up in a small apartment with her single mother, she had learned early that money talked and silence was the language of those who didn’t have it.

She had worked so hard to build a life for herself, to become someone worthy of respect. But nights like this reminded her that no matter how far she climbed, there would always be people looking down at her. When she returned to the ballroom, the dancing had picked up pace. The band played a jazzy number that had couples swaying together across the polished floor.

Zara found herself back at her original spot by the pillar, nursing a fresh glass of champagne and watching the romantic scene unfold. Excuse me, came. A smooth voice from beside her. Are you enjoying the wedding? Zara turned to find a distinguished older gentleman with silver hair and kind eyes. He wore his tuxedo with the casual elegance of someone born to wealth, but his smile seemed genuine.

“It’s lovely,” she replied politely. Jessica looks so happy. She does indeed. I’m Thomas Hartwell, Jessica’s godfather, and you are Zara Mitchell. I’m a friend of Jessica’s from college. Ah, you must be the brilliant marketing mind she’s always talking about. She mentions you constantly, you know, says you have the best instincts for understanding what people really want.

Warmth spread through Zara’s chest. Jessica talked about her two others. That’s very kind of her to say. Jessica doesn’t give praise lightly, Thomas said with a knowing smile. She told me you helped transform her family’s struggling restaurant chain with just one campaign. Increased their revenue by 40% if I recall correctly.

Zara nodded, feeling a spark of pride. That had been one of her favorite projects, helping a family business that reminded her of her own humble beginnings. Impressive work, Thomas continued. In fact, I’ve been looking for fresh talent to help with a new venture I’m launching. Would you be interested in discussing it sometime? Before Zara could respond, Victoria Sterling appeared at Thomas’s elbow like a shark sensing. Blood in the water.

Thomas Darling. Victoria purred completely ignoring Zara’s presence. I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Robert wants to discuss that investment opportunity we mentioned. Thomas’s expression remained polite but cooled slightly. Ah, of course. Zara, please think about what I said. Jessica has my contact information.

As he walked away with Victoria, Zara caught the triumphant smirk on the other woman’s face. The message was clear. People like Zara didn’t belong in conversations about investments and opportunities. The evening continued with Zara moving from shadow to shadow. Trying to stay invisible while still showing support for her friend.

stew watched the cake cutting, the bouquet toss, the endless parade of toasts from people who had never had to worry about making rent. Each ritual reminded her that she was an observer in this world, never a participant. As the night grew later and the champagne flowed more freely, the whispers became bolder, the stairs more obvious.

Zara found herself checking her watch repeatedly, calculating the minimum amount of time she needed to stay. Before she could politely excuse herself, she was contemplating her escape when she noticed a commotion near the main entrance. A group of late arrivals had just walked in, and the entire room seemed to shift its attention toward them.

Ow! Even from across the ballroom, Zar could see that whoever had just arrived commanded serious respect. The crowd parted like water and threw. The gap Zara caught sight of a tall figure in an impeccably tailored black tuxedo. He moved with the confident grace of someone who had never doubted his place in the world.

His dark hair perfectly styled, his presence magnetic even from a distance. She couldn’t see his face clearly, but something about the way he carried himself made her heart skip a beat. This was clearly someone important. Someone who belonged in this rarified world in ways she never could, as if sensing her stare. The stranger’s head turned slightly in her direction.

For just a moment, their eyes met across the crowded ballroom, and Zara felt a jolt of electricity she couldn’t explain. Then someone stepped between them, breaking the spell. She shook her head at her own foolishness. Men like that didn’t notice women like her. Tonight had already proven that much. The mysterious stranger.

The mysterious stranger moved through the ballroom like he owned it, which Zara realized with growing awareness. He very well might. She watched from her corner as people gravitated toward him, their voices dropping too, respectful tones when he approached. Even Victoria Sterling, who had been holding court near the bar all evening, straightened her posture when he passed by.

Zara tried to focus on anything else, but her eyes kept finding him in the crowd. There was something magnetic about the way he carried himself, confident without being arrogant, commanding attention without demanding it. His dark hair was perfectly styled. And when he smiled at something someone said, the expression transformed his entire face from intimidating to devastatingly handsome.

She was so busy studying him that she didn’t notice Victoria Sterling approaching her table until the woman’s perfume announced her presence. “Well, well,” Victoria said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “Still here, I see. How dedicated of you to stay so late at an event where you clearly don’t know anyone.

” Zara looked up to find Victoria flanked by two other women she recognized from earlier, both wearing expressions of barely concealed amusement. Her heart sank as she realized she had become their evening’s entertainment. “I’m here for Jessica,” Zara replied quietly, hoping to end the conversation before it could escalate. “Of course you are, dear,” Victoria continued, settling into the chair across from her uninvited.

though I have to wonder what someone in your position thinks about all this extravagance. Must be quite overwhelming. The other women giggled and Zara felt heat rise in her cheeks. She gripped her champagne glass tighter, using it as a shield against their stairs. I mean, just look at this place. Victoria gestured around the ballroom with theatrical flare.

The flowers alone probably cost more than most people make in a month. The Sterling family spared no expense for Jessica’s special day. It’s beautiful, Zara managed, her voice steady despite the trembling in her hands. But it is, Victoria agreed, leaning forward conspiratorally. Of course, events like this are really about connections, aren’t they? Meeting the right people, making the right impressions, building relationships that matter in the real world.

One of her companions, a blonde woman with sharp features, chimed in. Speaking of connections, Victoria, didn’t you say your husband is looking for new marketing talent? Someone fresh and dot dot dot hungry? Victoria’s smile turned predatory. He is actually though he’s quite particular about the kind of person he works with.

Education, background, social standing, all very important in his line of work. The implication hung in the air like poison. Zara set down her glass and started to rise. “I should go check on Jessica.” “Don’t rush off,” Victoria said, her tone sharpening. “I’m sure Jessica is busy with her new family. People in her position have to prioritize.

You understand? Your childhood friendships can be so limiting when you’re trying to build a certain kind of life.” A words hit Zara like a physical blow. The suggestion that Jessica might outgrow their friendship, that she was somehow holding her best friend back, made her stomach twist with anxiety and hurt. That’s enough.

The voice came from directly behind Zara, deep and authoritative. She turned to find the mysterious stranger standing there, his gray eyes fixed on Victoria with an expression that could have frozen champagne. Victoria’s face went pale. Damian, I didn’t see you there. Clearly, his voice carried the kind of quiet power that made people step back.

I believe you were just leaving. It wasn’t a suggestion. Victoria and her companions gathered there. Clutches and departed without another word, leaving Zara alone with the man who had just rescued her from public humiliation. He moved around the table and took the seat Victoria had vacated.

His presence immediately making the space feel smaller and more intimate. Up close, he was even more striking. Sharp cheekbones, intelligent eyes, and a mouth that suggested both humor and determination. I’m sorry you had to endure that, he said, his voice gentler now. Victoria Sterling has always confused cruelty with sophistication. You didn’t have to intervene, Zara replied, though she was grateful he had.

Could have handled it. I’m sure you could have,” he agreed, studying her face with surprising intensity. “But you shouldn’t have to. Not at a celebration.” He signaled to a passing waiter, who immediately appeared with fresh champagne. “The level of service he commanded without even speaking, told Zara everything she needed to know about his status.

“In this world, I’m Damian Cross,” he said, extending his hand. “Zara Mitchell.” His handshake was firm and warm, sending an unexpected jolt of awareness through her system. The marketing genius Jessica talks about constantly. Zara blinked. In surprise, you know, Jessica, our families have been friends for years. She’s like a little sister to me.

His expression softened with genuine affection. She’s very proud of you. You know, says you have an intuitive understanding of what motivates people that most professionals spend decades trying to develop. The compliment coming from someone who clearly moved in Jessica’s new social circle meant more than Zara wanted to admit. She’s very kind.

Jessica doesn’t do kind. Damen said with a slight smile. She does honest, sometimes brutally so. Despite everything, Zara found herself smiling back. There was something about his presence that made her feel less alone, less like an impostor in this glittering world. “Can I ask you something?” he continued, his voice dropping to a more intimate tone.

What would you say if I told you I needed a favor? Zara’s pulse quickened. What kind of favor? Damen glanced around the ballroom, his expression becoming more serious. I’ve been avoiding someone all evening, someone who’s been trying to corner me about a business deal I have no interest in pursuing. He’s persistent and he’s brought reinforcements.

He nodded toward a group of men in expensive suits who were scanning the room with obvious intent. Even from across the ballroom, Zara could see they were looking for someone. The thing is, Damian continued, turning back to her. He’s less likely to approach if he thinks I’m occupied. Understanding dawned, and with it a mixture of excitement and terror.

You want me to pretend to be your date? For the next hour or so, yes. His gray eyes met hers directly. I know it’s presumptuous to ask, but you’d be helping me out of a genuinely uncomfortable situation. Zara’s heart hammered against her ribs. The rational part of her mind screamed that this was crazy, that she was setting herself up for embarrassment or worse.

But another part of her, the part that had been humiliated and dismissed all evening, whispered that this might be her chance to show people like Victoria Sterling that she belonged here, too. “What would I have to do?” she heard herself asking. Just stay close. Let me introduce you to a few people.

Laugh at my jokes, even if they’re terrible. His smile was disarming. I promise to be the perfect gentleman. Before she could lose her nerve, Zara nodded. Okay. Damen’s face lit up with genuine relief and something that looked like admiration. Thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me. He stood and offered her his arm.

Shall we? rose on slightly unsteady legs, hyper aware of every eye that might be watching them. But as Damen guided her toward the center of the ballroom, his hand warm and steady on her arm. She felt something she hadn’t experienced all evening. She felt like she belonged. Businessman Damian had been avoiding spotted them immediately, his predatory smile faltering when he saw Damian wasn’t alone.

Several other guests turned to look as they passed, their expressions shifting from curiosity to something approaching respect when they saw her on Damian’s arm. “Remember,” Damian murmured near her ear, his breath warm against her skin. “For the next hour, you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.” And for the first time all evening, Zara believed it might be true.