The grand ballroom of the Park Hotel shimmered under crystal chandeliers, golden light cascading over the sea of elegantly dressed guests. The air hummed with laughter, clinking glasses, and the soft melody of a string quartet.
Mira stood near the entrance, her heart racing as she smoothed the delicate fabric of her gown—a breathtaking off-the-shoulder design in deep emerald green, chosen by Soo-yeon. The dress hugged her curves perfectly, the silk flowing like water with every movement.
"You look like a goddess," Soo-yeon whispered, adjusting the diamond pendant around Mira's neck. "Jae won't be able to take his eyes off you."
Mira laughed, her cheeks warm. "I still can't believe this is real."
As if summoned, Jae appeared beside her, his black tuxedo tailored to perfection, his dark eyes softening the moment they landed on her.
"You," he murmured, taking her hand, "are stunning."
She bit her lip, her pulse fluttering under his touch. "You clean up pretty well yourself."
Before he could respond, the crowd erupted in applause as Chairman Park stepped onto the stage, raising his glass.
"To my son and his remarkable fiancée," he announced, his voice carrying across the room. "May your future be as bright as tonight."
Glasses clinked, cheers rose, and Mira felt Jae's fingers tighten around hers.
Midway through the evening, as Mira and Jae mingled with guests, a familiar figure cut through the crowd—Kang Dae-won, his sharp suit and stern expression making him stand out amidst the celebration.
Mira tensed instinctively, but Jae placed a reassuring hand on her back.
"Congratulations," Dae-won said, his voice as clipped as ever. "You both deserve this."
Mira smiled cautiously. "Thank you for coming."
Dae-won's gaze flickered toward the exit before he leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "I didn't come just for pleasantries. Eun-ji's been making moves."
Jae's jaw tightened. "What kind of moves?"
"She's been contacting old investors—trying to rally support for a new venture. And she's been digging into Mira's past."
Mira's stomach dropped.
Dae-won's expression remained unreadable. "I'll handle what I can on my end. But keep your guard up."
Before they could press further, he gave a curt nod and disappeared into the crowd.
Jae exhaled sharply. "We'll deal with it later. Tonight is ours."
Mira nodded, forcing a smile.
The tension dissolved when a group of familiar voices called out to her.
"Mira! Oh my god, look at you!"
She turned to see her former colleagues from her old real estate firm—faces she hadn't seen in years—grinning at her in awe.
"You're engaged to Park Jae?!" one of them, Min-ji, gasped. "The last time we saw you, you were closing deals on luxury penthouses!"
Mira laughed, the warmth of their excitement easing her nerves. "Life took an unexpected turn."
They chatted animatedly, reminiscing about high-pressure sales and difficult clients. One of them, Seo-joon, shook his head in disbelief.
"Remember when you sold that impossible villa in Jeju? I knew you were destined for bigger things," he said, grinning. "But this? Even I couldn't have predicted this."
Mira's eyes stung. "Thank you. That means a lot."
Across the room, Soo-yeon was in her element, champagne flute in hand, enthusiastically telling anyone who would listen about Mira's rise.
"That's my best friend!" she declared to a group of Park Group executives. "From top real estate agent to this! And she did it all without losing her heart."
Jae, overhearing, smirked and nudged Mira. "She's more excited than we are."
Mira grinned. "That's Soo-yeon for you."
Her best friend spotted them and immediately rushed over, pulling them both into a hug.
"I'm so proud of you two," she gushed, her eyes suspiciously shiny. "And Mira—just wait until you see the wedding gown I have in mind."
Jae groaned. "Do I get a say in this?"
"No!" Soo-yeon and Mira said in unison, then burst into laughter.
Later, as the party swirled around them, Jae led Mira onto the balcony, where the cool night air brushed against their skin. The city lights glittered below, a mirror to the stars above.
"Overwhelmed?" he asked, studying her face.
She leaned into him. "A little. But in the best way."
He kissed her forehead. "No matter what Eun-ji tries, she can't touch us now."
Mira nodded, her resolve hardening. "I know."
Jae tilted her chin up, his gaze intense. "This is just the beginning."