His hand around mine was warm, and instinctively, I leaned into him. “Do you wanna get out of here?”
“Sera!”
Maya came bounding down the hallway, breathless and glowing, champagne glass in hand. “
Holy shit!” She turned to Lucian. “First of all, Lucian, that was inspired! Did you see
Celeste’s face?!”
I snickered as she laughed, hopping excitedly. “I am so sorry to interrupt, but I had to tell you before I exploded.”
Lucian raised an eyebrow, but Maya grinned, unfazed.
“I just came from the back garden bar,” she said, barely able to contain herself. “And people are not happy.”
I blinked. “About what?”
She leaned closer, giddy. “About her-fucking Celeste. A bunch of the guests are complaining. They’re saying the arrangements were all about flaunting wealth. Like- someone actually said they didn’t fly out here to admire fucking centerpieces. They wanted a real celebration, not a royal display.”
My lips twitched despite myself.
“And get this,” Maya added, eyes gleaming. “Some are even wondering if Kieran was behind all this. Like, his taste is being questioned. People think he’s gone soft. Or worse-vain.”
Lucian chuckled. “Sounds like the court of public opinion is shifting.”
I shook my head, my amusement suddenly fading. Of course this wasn’t Kieran’s taste, and now Celeste was even ruining his reputation with her gaudy showcase.
“Come on, Sera,” Maya said, nudging me, noting my change in demeanor. “You won tonight.
They saw what she was really like. You didn’t even have to say a word.”
“I’m tired, Maya.” I sighed. “I didn’t come here to win. I came here because I was guilted into it. I’ve fulfilled my role. That’s enough.”
Lucian’s gaze flicked to me, something unreadable crossing his face.
“I’m leaving,” I added. “You’re both welcome to stay, but I’m done.”
Maya shook her head. “Didn’t I say we should leave earlier? I’m with you, babe-“
“There you are,” a deep voice interrupted.
Ethan.
He strode toward us, adjusting the cuffs of his designer jacket, looking annoyed, as if the very air around him wasn’t meeting his standards.
“Where the hell have you been?” he said to Maya. “I’ve been looking for you all night.”
She arched a brow. “I’ve been with Sera and Lucian. Where have you been?”
Ethan exhaled in a huff. “I told you that Celeste prepared a separate seating arrangement for her family. Do you realize how it looks that you weren’t there?”
I wasn’t even surprised to hear that-of course, no one expected me there. So much for reuniting the family.
Maya’s grin faded instantly. “Ethan-“
“You just disappeared. I’ve been talking to people alone-everyone asking about my newfound mate. You didn’t even answer your phone-“
“I told you, I was with my friends,” she snapped. “Gods, Ethan, it’s a party, not an exhibit. I thought Celeste was the only one interested in flaunting her mate tonight.”
Ethan clenched his teeth. “Let’s. Go,” he said quietly.
Her eyes narrowed. “I’m not leaving my friends.”
“And what about me?” he snapped.
“You’re a big boy,” she snapped back. “I’m pretty sure you attended tons of parties before we met, so-” stepped between them before the brewing argument could spiral. “Maya,” I said gently, placing a hand on her arm. “It’s okay, stay with him. I’ll head out.”
“But-“
“Lucian will take me home,”-I turned to him-“right?”
Lucian gave her a slight nod. “Safely. I promise.”
Maya hesitated, her frustration evident, but I squeezed her hand and smiled. “You’ve done more than enough for me tonight. Go.”
She shot Ethan a warning glare before walking ahead of him a few paces down the hall. He didn’t even spare me a glance as he went after her.
I caught the beginning of another argument as the door closed behind them.
Lucian and I were alone again.
“Shall we?” he asked, offering his arm.
I took it without hesitation.
As we walked into the cool night air, I realized something strange: I didn’t feel victorious or vindicated. I didn’t feel angry anymore either.
For the first time all evening, I wasn’t playing a role. I wasn’t the reluctant guest, or the discarded wife, or the pawn in a game I never agreed to.
I just felt…free.
MAYA’S POV
“Where are you going?” Ethan called after me, his voice low and sharp as he pointed behind him. “The party’s that way.”
I scoffed, stepping out onto the garden terrace behind the hall. The party was still going strong inside-laughter, clinking glasses, the occasional clatter of silverware-but it all sounded like bothersome static in my ears.
“You’re sorely mistaken if you think I’m going back to take any part in that farce.”
Ethan frowned. “Maya, this is my sister’s party. You have to learn to respect my family.”
I blinked at him for a long, incredulous moment, and his frown deepened. “What?”
“You’re doing it again,” I said.
“Doing what?”
“Acting like she’s not your family, too.”
“Who-Sera?”
“Yes, Sera!”
He shook his head, his lips flattening. “Why the hell are we talking about Sera again?”
“Are you kidding me right now?” I hissed. “After seeing that bullshit your mother and
Celeste pulled, you want to stay for the rest of the party?”
Ethan exhaled, rolling his eyes. “You’re being dramatic.”
“Dramatic?” I let out a sharp laugh. “You watched them ambush her. You let it happen. Your sister practically held a knife to Sera’s throat, and your mother-don’t even get me started on that fucking vindictive speech. And you just stood there.”
“Sera wasn’t ambushed.” His voice was too calm, too controlled. “My mother was trying to keep the peace. That’s what she’s always done-what my father wanted before he died.”
I stared at him, stunned. “You think that was peacekeeping?”
“She’s trying to hold this family together,” he said. “To honor my father. You don’t get it,
Maya.”
“You’re right!” I snapped. “I don’t fucking get it.”
“Maya-“
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