As we gathered around inside Damian's apartment, laughter and music filling the space, a loud screech cut through the noise. I was standing near the window, and my gaze instinctively followed the sound.
A sleek black car pulled up, its engine growling before coming to a sharp halt.
The door opened, and out stepped a man.
Tall. Powerful. Devastatingly handsome.
His presence alone shifted the air—like gravity bent toward him. Clad in a crisp black suit, he moved like he owned the world. And maybe he did.
Beside him, a stunning woman followed. Graceful, and dressed in white satin that shimmered under the porch light. She looked like an angel.
Together, they were impossible to look away from. Picture-perfect. Like royalty stepping out of a fairytale.
"They look like a couple," I murmured, not realizing I'd said it aloud.
Natasha leaned in and whispered, "They are. That's Ethan Hart. Damian's older brother. And the girl—Veronica Chase. His fiancée."
My breath caught. Ethan Hart—I'd heard the name before. The youngest business tycoon in the country. A name that carried weight in every media headline. And now... he was here, walking into the same party as me.
Damian stepped outside to greet them, his usual cocky grin replaced with genuine warmth. He seemed different around them—almost... careful.
Damian introduced everyone to his brother and his fiancée with a proud grin. "This is Ethan, my big brother—and that's his fiancée, Veronica."
Ethan gave a polite nod, his gaze sweeping the room like a storm cloud, while Veronica smiled sweetly, though her eyes didn't quite reach mine. They both joined us for a little while, just enough time to make everyone feel honored by their presence.
"We're getting married in a few months," Veronica announced, lacing her fingers with Ethan's. "And you're all invited."
The room buzzed with excitement and congratulations..
Days passed fastly.. Damian always my side during this period..
Today was the last day of college.
I'd already applied to several universities, all with hopes of getting a scholarship to major in chemistry—my dream. The air was filled with joy and excitement, everyone buzzing about the future.
After the convocation, Damian insisted we all attend a celebration at his house. "One last memory together," he said with a grin that none of us could resist.
His house was lavish, glittering with lights, music echoing through the halls, and laughter spilling out of every corner. It felt like something out of a dream.
For the first time in my life, I let loose.
I drank. I danced. I laughed without holding back.
For once, I didn't worry about money or responsibilities or what tomorrow would bring. I wasn't the girl raised by old foster parents in a quiet house. I was just Ember—free, happy, young.
And tomorrow… I was supposed to go home. Back to my foster parents. Back to safety.
Somewhere between the music and the clinking glasses, something changed. I remember someone handing me a drink… a strange smile… then everything went blurry. The lights blurred. The music slowed. My body felt heavy.
Darkness