Elara Vance entered the office the next morning, her mind still haunted by that wild, impossible dream. Every time Kane passed by, every time his hand brushed hers while handing a file, her pulse skipped. She pressed her lips together and tried to focus on the spreadsheet in front of her, forcing herself to work.
Hours passed. She managed to get through the day without completely losing control of her thoughts — almost.
By late afternoon, she closed her laptop and sighed. The moment of quiet gave her time to remember another looming nightmare: her ex's wedding. James. And his fiancée, Milli.
Taking a deep breath, she stood and knocked lightly on Kane's office door.
"Come in," his deep voice called.
She entered, heart hammering. "Mr. Willison…"
Kane looked up from his papers, dark eyes softening when they met hers. "Elara. Something on your mind?"
She hesitated, then plunged ahead. "There's a wedding tonight… James and Milli. I… I was wondering if you could come with me."
He leaned back, arching an eyebrow. "You want me to be your…?"
"Support. Moral support," she said quickly, cheeks warming. "Please, Mr. Willison. I don't want to face them alone."
Kane studied her for a long moment, then nodded. "Very well. I'll come."
Her heart lifted, though she tried not to let it show. "Thank you."
---
By evening, the wedding hall glittered with fairy lights. The ceremony had already ended. Guests laughed and mingled, and soft music floated through the air.
Elara adjusted her dress nervously as she stepped in, Kane at her side. Black suit, polished shoes, tie perfectly in place. He looked untouchable, commanding attention effortlessly.
She exhaled. "You really didn't have to look like that, Mr. Willison."
"I'm here for you," he replied smoothly.
Heads turned immediately. Then, from across the room:
"Elara! Oh, so you came! I thought you wouldn't."
Milli appeared in all her wedding-glam glory, white gown sparkling under the lights. She smiled sweetly at first, eyes flicking to Kane — and for the briefest moment, jealousy burned behind her eyes.
James followed, tall and composed, though his gaze lingered on Elara. Kane's presence beside her seemed to irritate him.
Milli sashayed forward, all sugar-coated charm. "Elara, darling, it's… surprising to see you here."
Elara's lips curved in a polite smile. "I wouldn't miss it, Milli."
Milli's voice dropped, sharper now. "Oh… you always have that way, don't you?"
Elara shrugged. "Some things never change."
Milli looped her arm through James's, all smiles again. "Come, let me introduce you to a few friends."
Elara followed, cheeks tight, keeping her voice even.
As soon as they were alone, Milli's sweetness vanished. "You really think you can just show up, flaunt yourself, and not expect a reaction?"
Elara met her gaze evenly. "Milli… I came to attend a wedding, not to validate your ego."
Milli's jaw tightened. "You still think you're better than everyone."
"I don't think, Milli. I am." Elara's tone was quiet but sharp, leaving no room for argument. Milli blinked, taken aback, before forcing a brittle smile.
---
They barely had a moment to breathe when Milli signaled the waiter. "A drink for Ms. Vance. She looks tense, poor thing."
Elara hesitated, taking the glass. "Thank you."
Within minutes, her vision blurred, warmth spreading through her chest. "That… doesn't taste right."
Milli's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Maybe the nerves, dear."
The world tipped. Elara clutched the edge of the table, stomach lurching. And then it happened.
She vomited — right onto Milli's pristine gown.
The hall froze. Gasps echoed.
Milli screamed. "OH MY GOD! ELARA!"
"I… I didn't—" Elara stammered, head spinning.
Then Kane appeared, hand firm at her waist, guiding her away. "Move," he said sharply. "You're fine."
Milli spluttered. "She's drunk!"
Kane's gaze was sharp, almost dangerous. "She's been drugged, not drunk. Maybe check your own drink before making assumptions, Mrs. Whitmore."
Ignoring the crowd, he led Elara to the washroom, keeping her steady.
Inside, she leaned against the sink, pale and shaking. "I can't believe that just happened."
"You didn't do anything wrong, Elara," Kane said softly, handing her a towel.
"I ruined her wedding," she muttered, mortified.
He shook his head. "You made her regret underestimating you."
She let out a weak laugh. "You didn't have to come."
"I wanted to," he said simply. His hand brushed hers briefly as he guided her to clean up, sending warmth through her chest.
Her voice was quiet. "Thank you, Mr. Willison."
Kane's eyes softened, dark and unreadable. "Always, Elara. Always."
And for the first time that night, amidst the chaos and humiliation, Elara felt a strange, steady sense of safety — the kind only he could give.
The washroom was quiet except for the hum of the lights. Kane handed Elara a clean towel.
"I… I'm so embarrassed," she whispered, cheeks flushed.
"You don't have to be," he said softly, eyes holding hers. "No one's going to remember this — except me."
She swayed slightly, and Kane's arm steadied her. "I… I can walk home, Mr. Willison."
"You're not walking anywhere like this," he replied firmly. "I'm taking you home."
Her head tilted, eyes bleary, and she gave a small nod, too tired to argue.
Outside, James appeared nervously. "Elara… everything okay?"
"She's fine," Kane said coldly, guiding her to the car. "Just a little unwell."
Milli hovered behind him, still flustered. Kane didn't wait for them. He opened the sleek black car door, helping Elara in.
"My place," he said as she slumped into the seat. "You need to rest."
"Elara… your… place?" she slurred, confused.
"Yes. You're not going anywhere until you're safe," he replied calmly. His hand brushed hers briefly, steadying her as the car moved through the quiet streets.
"I… feel safe," she murmured, head leaning back.
"You are," Kane said quietly, watching her. "That's all that matters."
At his house, he helped her inside, guiding her to the sofa. "I'll get you water. Rest," he instructed.
"You're ridiculous," she said softly, a tired smile on her lips.
"I know," he replied, settling nearby.
Elara let out a soft sigh, closing her eyes. For the first time all night, she allowed herself to relax completely. Kane's presence was steady, protective, and somehow comforting.