I was finally ready. For weeks, I had stayed hidden, healing, rebuilding myself. But now–now I was stepping back into the world. Not as Elias Raines‘ discarded wife. Not as a fugitive.
But as Veronica Morrison. Or at least, I would be soon.
Brandon’s hand rested lightly on my waist as we stepped out of the car. Cameras flashed instantly, voices shouting my name. I kept my head high, my expression unreadable, a polite yet distant smile on my lips.
The reporters surged forward, microphones shoved in our direction.
“Veronica! How does it feel to be back?”
“What do you have to say about the accusations against you?”
“Are the wedding rumors true?”
I didn’t answer. Brandon tightened his grip slightly, guiding me inside.
He leaned down, murmuring just for me, “You’re doing great.”
I exhaled softly. I hadn’t realized how tense I was.
The ballroom was stunning–glittering chandeliers, champagne flowing freely, laughter and conversation buzzing in the air. The city’s elite were gathered here tonight, and as we walked in, felt their eyes on me.
Judging. Curious. Some sympathetic. Some waiting for me to fail.
Brandon led me forward, introducing me to executives, investors, and influential figures. Each time, he kept his hand at the small of my back, his presence grounding me.
And surprisingly… I felt good.
wasn’t hiding anymore.
wasn’t running. I was here. In front of everyone. Standing tall.
For the first time in a long time, I felt free.
And then- Everything shattered.
Because he arrived. Elias.
No invitation? No problem. It wasn’t difficult to get inside. Slipping into a waiter’s uniform, noving through the shadows–it was almost too easy.
He knew he shouldn’t be here. But he didn’t care. Because Veronica was here. His Veronica. And she was with Brandon Morrison.
Elias clenched his fists, his heart pounding as he watched them from across the room. She ooked beautiful. Radiant. Like she belonged here, like she was thriving without him.
His jaw tightened. He had to talk to her. Had to fix this. So he waited. Waited for her to leave the crowd, to slip away to the restroom.
And when she did–He followed.
had barely closed the bathroom door behind me when I heard the click. I spun around. Elias
stood there, his chest rising and falling heavily, his hands shaking.
1 froze. How did he-? He had locked the door.
“Elias.” My voice was ice. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
He exhaled sharply. “I needed to talk to you.”
I crossed my arms. “There’s nothing to talk about.”
“Please.”
I scoffed. “Please?”
But then he dropped to his knees.
I stiffened.
His head bowed, his hands curled into fists. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.
blinked. For a moment, I just stared. Elias Raines–proud, arrogant Elias–was kneeling.
Begging. For me.
He lifted his gaze, raw emotion swimming in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Veronica. For everything. For the baby. For what I let happen to you. For hurting you in ways I can never take back.”
swallowed hard.
But I didn’t waver.
couldn’t.
‘Sorry?” I repeated, tilting my head. “You think that fixes anything?”
He inhaled sharply. “I just-” He ran a shaking hand through his hair. “I still love you.”
laughed.
Cold. Empty.
‘Elias,” I murmured, stepping forward, bending slightly–just enough so that he could really see
he hatred in my eyes.
‘We’re done.”
His breath hitched.
leaned in just a little closer.
‘I’m marrying Brandon.”
His face crumpled.
And for the first time, I saw it-
True, undeniable regret.
Good.
I straightened, fixing my dress. Then I shoved him aside, unlocked the door, and walked away- leaving him broken on the bathroom floor.
I took a deep breath, smoothing my dress as I stepped back into the party. Brandon was waiting
for me.
The second he saw me, his brows furrowed. “Are you okay?”
5:34 pm
I forced a smile. “Fine.”
I wasn’t about to let Elias ruin this night.
But then-
The lights dimmed.
I frowned, turning as the music shifted-
And suddenly-
People were dancing.
A flash mob. The entire ballroom erupted into synchronized movement, guests stepping aside, laughter ringing in the air.
Confetti fell from the ceiling.
My eyes widened. I turned back to Brandon.
He was gone.
I spun around just as the crowd parted-
And there he was.
Down on one knee.
My breath caught.
Brandon looked up at me, a small velvet box in his hand, his expression serious for once.
“Veronica,” he said, voice steady, “marry me.”
My heart stopped. I had expected this. And yet- Seeing him here, surrounded by the people I once feared, reclaiming my own life–It hit differently.
Brandon tilted his head. “Well?”
I exhaled sharply.
And then-
I smiled.
And whispered-
“Yes.”
