A few weeks later, the preparations for Riguel's party were finally complete.
Mr. Ben Mafuss'aa—
a renowned architect and construction engineer—
was about to become an associate of Ooman Construction, under Riguel's direction.
This partnership meant everything to him.
And Jade had done everything in her power to make sure the event would be flawless.
It was her very first experience as an event planner.
Failure was not an option.
Every detail had to be perfect—
the venue, the guests, the timing, the atmosphere.
This work helped her forget—at least for a while—
about the mysteries surrounding VESPERIS.
About the woman.
About the fear she still couldn't explain.
Yet, even in the busiest moments, she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.
Especially when she was alone.
Daniel had been distant these past weeks.
They barely saw each other.
Only at night.
Only for the kiss.
She respected the contract carefully.
Sometimes, as his lips brushed her forehead or the corner of her mouth, she wondered how long she could endure this strange arrangement.
They weren't even married yet,
and still, she had the unsettling feeling that she wouldn't survive the twelve months.
.
.
.
As evening fell, the rooftop slowly came to life.
Perched high above the city, the terrace offered a breathtaking view—
a sea of lights stretching endlessly below,
cars moving like silent constellations,
the sky painted in deep shades of indigo and gold.
Jade had chosen a modern yet warm aesthetic.
Soft ivory and champagne-gold fabrics draped elegantly along the railings, dancing gently with the night breeze. Tall glass lanterns lined the floor, each holding flickering candles that cast a golden glow over the space.
Above, delicate strings of lights were suspended, forming a canopy of stars—subtle, refined, almost celestial.
Low tables in dark wood were arranged carefully, adorned with white orchids and eucalyptus leaves. Crystal glasses reflected the lights, sparkling softly with every movement.
At the center of the rooftop stood a sleek bar illuminated from beneath, bottles arranged like pieces of art. Nearby, a discreet live band prepared their instruments, their soft jazz melodies already filling the air.
Everything felt… elevated.
Exclusive.
Perfect.
Jade walked slowly through the space, her eyes scanning every detail.
The alignment of the chairs.
The timing of the lights.
The way the candles flickered but didn't waver.
Her heart pounded.
It has to be perfect.
Guests began to arrive—
elegant silhouettes in tailored suits and flowing dresses, voices low and confident, laughter controlled but genuine.
From the rooftop, the sky felt closer.
Almost watching.
Jade took a deep breath.
For a brief moment, she allowed herself to smile.
She had done it.
Among the guests invited that evening, one presence stood out immediately.
Camilla Baldwin.
Jade noticed her the second she stepped onto the rooftop—
perfect posture, flawless dress, confidence sharpened like a blade.
Even though Jade didn't appreciate her, Camilla's presence was unavoidable.
The Baldwin family was one of the most influential in the city.
So Jade did what she did best.
She smiled.
Her most beautiful, polite, professional smile.
"Camilla," Jade said warmly, stepping forward.
"Welcome. I'm glad you could make it."
Camilla's gaze swept the rooftop slowly, deliberately, before settling back on Jade.
"Well," she said with a faint smile,
"I must admit… for a beginner, you managed quite well."
Jade blinked.
Then smiled wider.
"Oh, thank you," she replied sweetly.
"I always believe that talent doesn't need years to show up."
Camilla's smile tightened.
"The decoration is… ambitious," she added.
"Rooftops can be tricky. One wrong detail and everything collapses."
"True," Jade nodded.
"But luckily, everything is standing just fine tonight."
A brief silence followed.
Sharp.
Measured.
Camilla took a sip of her drink.
"I didn't know Riguel trusted something this important to someone without experience," she remarked casually.
Jade tilted her head.
"Well," she said lightly,
"some people recognize potential. Others only recognize résumés."
Camilla's eyes flickered.
Before she could reply, a familiar presence shifted the air.
Daniel had arrived.
Jade felt it before she saw him.
She turned—and there he was.
Impeccable in a dark suit, calm, commanding, his gaze locking onto hers instantly.
He walked toward her without hesitation.
Without acknowledging Camilla.
He stopped in front of Jade, cupped her face gently, and leaned down.
The kiss he gave her wasn't rushed.
It wasn't for show.
It was slow.
Deliberate.
Intimate.
Enough to make a statement.
When he pulled back, his thumb brushed her cheek.
"You did well," he murmured, only for her.
"It's beautiful."
Jade's heart skipped.
Camilla stood frozen.
Her discomfort was impossible to miss.
But before she could recover, Riguel stepped forward, glass raised.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced,
"thank you for being here tonight."
The attention shifted immediately.
"I'd like to welcome Mr. Ben Mafuss'aa," Riguel continued,
"and most importantly, thank Jade—who made this entire event possible."
Applause filled the rooftop.
Camilla forced a smile.
Jade didn't look at her.
She didn't need to.
Tonight, under the city lights and the watching sky.
she was exactly where she belonged
But instead of Mr. Ben Mafuss'aa, a young woman appeared.
She caught everyone's attention the moment she stepped onto the rooftop.
Ella Mafuss'aa.
Tall and elegant, her dark skin glowing softly under the lights, long braids cascading down her back. She moved with confidence—calm, poised, undeniably charismatic.
She walked straight toward Riguel with a warm, assured smile.
"I'm sorry," she said politely.
"My father couldn't make it tonight. I'll be representing him here in town."
Riguel's expression brightened instantly.
"Well," he said, clearly impressed,
"beautiful, intelligent, and punctual."
He took her hand and kissed her knuckles lightly.
"It's an honor to meet you, Miss Mafuss'aa."
"The honor is mine," she replied smoothly.
Riguel then turned toward Daniel.
"Allow me to introduce you," he said.
"This is Daniel Ooman—an important figure in the city."
Ella turned gracefully to Daniel and extended her hand.
Daniel accepted it without hesitation and kissed her knuckles as well, polite and composed.
"Welcome," he said calmly.
"Thank you," Ella replied, holding his gaze for a brief second longer than necessary.
Jade stood beside them.
So did Camilla.
And both felt it.
The shift in the air.
Jade's smile stiffened slightly.
She didn't understand why her chest tightened—
why the simple gesture bothered her more than it should have.
It was nothing.
Just courtesy.
Just manners.
Still… she couldn't stop watching.
Camilla crossed her arms subtly, her jaw tightening.
Jade glanced at her, then looked back at Daniel.
Was it jealousy?
The thought unsettled her.
She shook it off quietly.
Don't be ridiculous, she told herself.