The Wilson mansion was alive with grandeur, chandeliers casting warm glows on the opulent hall, and guests dressed in their finest. Sophie adjusted her simple yet elegant dress nervously as she stepped into the banquet hall beside Aiden. His demeanor had been unusually distant these past few days, leaving her confused and uneasy.
Aiden walked with his usual confidence, but Sophie couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. The air was thick with anticipation, whispers swirling among the elite attendees.
As they reached the center of the room, Mason Wilson took the stage. His authoritative voice silenced the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us tonight," Mason began, his gaze sweeping over the room. "It brings me great pleasure to announce the engagement of my brother, Aiden Wilson, to Miss Scarlett Stewart, the beautiful daughter of Jacob Stewart."
Gasps and applause erupted. Sophie froze, her world spinning. She turned to Aiden, searching his face for any sign of denial, but his expression was unreadable.
Before she could process the shock, a stunning woman with a figure that turned heads approached Aiden. Her crimson dress hugged her curves, and her confident stride exuded elegance. Scarlett Stewart smiled as she placed her hand on Aiden's arm, a gesture that felt like a dagger to Sophie's heart.
"Congratulations, darling," Scarlett purred, her voice smooth as silk.
Sophie's chest tightened, tears threatening to spill. Unable to bear the sight, she muttered an excuse and rushed toward the restroom.
---
In the corridor, Sophie ran into Lachlan Kingston, her ex-boyfriend. His presence was the last thing she needed.
"Sophie," he called out, stepping in front of her.
"Not now, Lachlan," she said, trying to sidestep him.
But Lachlan grabbed her arm. "Wait. I just want to talk."
"Let me go," she snapped, pulling away.
"Please, Sophie, I've changed. I still care about you," he pleaded, his grip tightening.
Her frustration boiled over. Without hesitation, she slapped him hard across the face.
"Don't you dare touch me again," she said coldly before storming off toward the restroom.
---
Inside the restroom, Sophie splashed cold water on her face, trying to calm the storm within her. But the door suddenly swung open, and Aiden walked in, his face dark with emotion.
"Aiden, what are you doing here?" she asked, her voice trembling.
He closed the distance between them, his eyes burning with intensity. "Why did you run?"
"Why do you think?" she shot back, her voice cracking. "You're engaged to someone else! What am I to you, Aiden?"
Before she could say more, he grabbed her face and kissed her, his lips demanding and forceful. Sophie struggled for a moment before succumbing to the passion and desperation in his kiss.
Breaking apart, he rested his forehead against hers, his breath ragged. "You're mine, Sophie. Only mine. Don't ever forget that."
Tears streamed down her face as she pushed him away. "Then why are you letting this happen? Why Scarlett?"
He didn't answer, his silence cutting deeper than any words could.
---
The next morning, the sun shone brightly as Zane Mitchell was finally discharged from the hospital. Ella was by his side, her cheerful demeanor masking the sadness in her heart.
"Are you sure you don't want me to stay a little longer?" she asked, her voice tinged with hesitation.
Zane smiled faintly, though his heart felt heavy. "You've already done so much, Ella. Go home. Your family needs you."
She nodded, her eyes glistening. "Take care of yourself, Zane. And call me if you need anything."
As she turned to leave, Zane felt a pang of regret. Over the past few days, her presence had become a comfort he didn't realize he needed.
"Ella," he called out softly, but she was already walking away.
Kai and Zara arrived soon after to help Zane back to his home. As they chatted and laughed, Zane couldn't shake the emptiness Ella's departure left behind.
---
Ella boarded the bus that would take her to her village. As the city faded into the distance, she leaned against the window, her thoughts drifting back to Zane. A part of her wished she could have stayed, but her responsibilities at home weighed heavily on her heart.
"Goodbye, Melbourne," she whispered, a single tear sliding down her cheek.
...