The air outside the hall of the wedding gala hung thick and stifling. The glittering car park was filled with sleek cars as wealthy contractors arrived with their elegantly dressed wives.
Victor took his look personally as I sat beside him in the back seat. He brushed his hair forward casually while glancing at his reflection in the driver's mirror. Then he stepped out and strode into the hall.
Following behind him, my eyes drifted to the glass wall of the ballroom, catching my reflection. I hardly recognized myself. My gown was short, my makeup sharp—so different from the old me, buried under oversized layers and lifeless eyes, hiding away because he had once said that makeup and a well-dressed woman disgusted him.
He had frowned at my appearance before we left, but I didn't give a damn.
"Victor!" Selena's voice rang from the entrance. She stood there in a striking red backless gown, her flawless makeup sharpening her features.
Victor didn't hesitate. He walked straight to her, took her hand, and together they disappeared toward the other side of the hall.
Just as I was about to enter the hall, a sleek motorcade rolled up to the front. A squad of bodyguards rushed forward and quickly opened the car in the middle.
A tall, broad-shouldered man in a perfectly fitted tailored suit stepped out of the car.
William Ironquest. The construction magnate of the city. He once had a serious clash with the Sterlings' family in the past, and despite my many attempts to win a contract from him, he had always turned me down.
"Lysandra."
The deep voice snapped me out of my thoughts. It was my father. He looked sharp and corporate in his pristine suit.
"My daughter, you look different today," he said, admiring me from head to toe.
"Really, Dad, today is my happiest day!" I said with a bright smile.
"Come with me. I want you to meet someone," he said, dragging me through the hall to where William stood.
"Mr. Williams, this is my daughter," my father introduced proudly. "The Sterling bride."
William Ironcrest looked at me, his gaze sharp and penetrating.
"My daughter handles negotiations for her husband," he father continued. "They are both excellent contractors. They will handle the government project very well."
His face brightened with a smile. He has no idea that the Sterlings are just using us.
"Mr. Williams," I interrupted. I'm no longer in charge of the Sterling negotiation contracts," I said calmly. "I've started running my father's company, Silverhood, and I'm glad to tell you we'll also be bidding for the government project."
I felt my father's shocked gaze on me.
A faint smile slowly formed at the corner of William's lips."I'm happy to hear that," he said.
The moment felt like a spark jolting through me. For the first time in a long while, it felt like I had finally woken up from fooling myself.
He slipped his hand into his suit pocket and handed me a small card. It was a modern design, thick and heavy, with his business details printed on it.
His rough fingers brushed against mine. He leaned close; he smelled of tobacco and amber, his height almost swallowing me.
"We should meet," he whispered before turning and walking away.
Even though we didn't have the capital to run it… I accepted the challenge without hesitation.
"Lysandra, how could you say that?" my father whispered. "You know our situation. Where do you expect us to get the money to run such a project?"
"Dad, don't worry," I said gently. "It's better than staying in the situation we're in right now."
I took a glass of champagne from the waiter and faced Victor as he strolled to the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Victor's voice drifted from the ballroom stage. He was undeniably handsome—strong jawline, sharp grey eyes that could make any woman swoon.
"Thank you for tonight," he continued. "But it's not about me. It's about someone far more remarkable—my lovely wife."
The room erupted in applause. His gaze locked on me. I forced a smile, noting the emptiness behind his eyes.
"From the day she walked into my life," he said, "everything changed. She brought out the best in me… and my company. Her kindness, her intelligence—I owe her my strength, and her unwavering belief in me."
I met his eyes, my own catching his. The betrayal was clear. He was using me to build his empire while dumping me later for his mistress.
"You are the love of my life," he said. "I cherish you more than anything. I wouldn't be a man worth loving without you."
Before, those words would melt my heart, but now they sound like nothing but lies.
Flashes from the media cameras lit the room as he stepped down from the stage. He took my hand and pulled me to the center of the ballroom. Slow, romantic music began to play.
He drew me close. A sweet floral scent brushed against my senses. Selena's best combo: the strong traces of jasmine and vanilla clung to his suit.
Awwnn…this is love…
God, when..?
What a good man. He really loves her."
The crowd seemed to melt away, completely absorbed as they watched us perform.
His face brightened with a smile while mine felt hollow. He leaned in, his lips brushing my ear.
"Smile… the media is watching," he whispered. I forced a fake smile, and we danced slowly to the music, a performance for the world.
Finally, the wedding gala ended, and the guests hurried out into the cold drizzle. I ran toward the car, holding my bag over my head to shield myself from the rain.
Just as I reached the back seat door, Selena was already there, sitting beside Victor.
"Oh, Victor… I'm feeling stomach pain. I think it's from that drink we had," Selena whimpered.
Victor glanced at her, then back at me. "Take a cab. I need to get her to the hospital."
"What?" I shouted. "Victor, don't tell me you're leaving me here in the rain!"
"Don't be ridiculous, Lysandra," he said, closing the door.
"She's in pain and needs attention."
I stood there, drenched, watching their car fade into the distance.
Just as I was about to turn away, a sleek black car pulled up behind me. The tinted window rolled down, revealing Mr. Williams. He opened the door, and I slid into the warmth of the backseat.
"Get in," he said simply.
I hesitated for a second before sliding into the warm backseat.
The door shut softly behind me, sealing us inside the quiet car.
Mr. Williams leaned back slightly, his gaze drifting over me..
"Victor left you?" he asked.
"No… our car broke down, and he and the driver went to fix it," I lied.
A faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips.
"I see. Lysandra, you don't need to hide anything. It's written all over you."He sighed and rubbed his palms against his knees.
"Building with the Sterlings is like pouring water into a basket," he said.
With those words, it felt like he knew far more about the Sterlings than I did.
"Is there something I need to know?" I asked gently.
"Until we meet," he replied.
We arrived at the Montclair mansion, the car stopped, I stepped out, and they sped off silently.