We sat in silence again. It wasn’t awkward. Just… quiet. Ele didn’t try to fill the space, and I didn’t feel the need to either. Somehow, that made it better.
“I saw you and Liam earlier,” he said after a while.
I stiffened slightly.
“He looked… off.”
I gave a bitter smile. “Liam is always off. We kinda fought again.”
“Shocker.”
That made meugh. A soft, sadugh.
“Why are we like this?” I asked.
“Because we’re all damaged in our own little ways,” he said. “And because the people we want the most usuallye with the sharpest edges.”
“1
I stared back at the sky. I didn’t know if I felt better, but at least I didn’t feel alone.
Eventually, I stood. “Thanks, Noah.‘
He raised his bottle in azy toast. “Here’s to the drama.”
I slipped back inside and finally slept.
The next day passed in a blur. I stayed holed up in my room, ignoring the buzz of the vi. Skipped breakfast. Slept through lunch. I didn’t feel like being seen. Didn’t want to run into Liam with his polite indifference and unreadable eyes.
By evening, I still hadn’t decided if I’d attend the anniversary dinner. The ck family was throwing a celebration for Oliver and Melissa’s thirty–five years of marriage. Downstairs, I could hear the rustle of preparations, the murmur of staff, the clink of sses. The air was thick with celebration.
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<b>Chapter </b>52
288 (Vouchers
Then came the knock.
I expected Sophia. I’d already rehearsed a gentle excuse to stay in.
But it was Kelvin.
He leaned against the doorframe, one hand tucked into his pocket, casual as ever.
“Hey.”
I blinked. “Kelvin. I wasn’t expecting you.”
He gave me a look. “You had someone else in mind?”
I smirked. “No. I wasn’t expecting anyone at all. I got your gift, by the way. Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it,” he said. “Actually… I came with an offer. Are you up for a little escape?”
I tilted my head. “Escape?”
“Private helicopter ride. Just around the ind. Fifteen minutes of pure freedom. Thought you could use a view that doesn’te with family tension.”
Iughed. And it felt good. “Give me two minutes to grab my shoes.”
The ride was breathtaking.
We lifted off from a private helipad near the edge of the cliffs. The ind unfurled beneath us, all sparkling coastlines, emerald canopies, and crashing waves. The wind teased my hair, and for the first time in days, I forgot the drama.
Kelvin narrated the ride like a slightly drunk tour guide, peppering hismentary with exaggerated stories that made meugh more than I expected to.
When wended, he didn’t take me back to the vi. Instead, we stopped by a quiet boutique tucked into a hidden street.
He handed me a wrapped box.
“What is this?” I asked warily.
“A little thank–you gift for saying yes to hanging out with me,” he said. “Also, I want you to
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wear it tonight.”
I opened it slowly. Inside was a gown–sleek, elegant, undeniably beautiful.
“Kelvin…”
“Before you protest, just say thank you,” he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “You‘ re going to look like a dream in it.
I hesitated. Then smiled. “Thank you.”
When we returned, I caught Liam on the upper balcony, watching us. His expression was unreadable, his arms folded. I didn’t break eye contact, and neither did he.
But he didn’t say a word.
The anniversary dinner was straight out of a billionaire’s fantasy.
Held on a terrace overlooking the ocean, the entire space shimmered under strings of golden lights and flickeringnterns. A live quartet yed soft, elegant music near the pool. The scent of roses floated in the warm air. Guests mingled in designer gowns and tailored tuxedos, wine sses in hand,ughter spilling gently into the evening.
Melissa looked ethereal in a champagne sequin gown. Oliver couldn’t stop smiling.
I sat beside Kelvin, wearing the dress he’d gifted, trying my hardest not to look at Liam. But I could feel his gaze.
“Tonight feels unreal,” Sophia whispered beside me.
“It’s perfect,” I whispered back, letting myself get lost in the atmosphere.
Then Oliver stood for a toast.
He held Melissa’s hand as he spoke, his voice thick with emotion.
“These past thirty–five years,” he began, “have been the best years of my life. Melissa gave me my greatest joys–our children, our home, and the kind of love I didn’t know I deserved. She’s been my partner, my anchor, my best friend. If I had another life to live, I’d find her again. And I’d marry her sooner.<i>” </i>
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Melissa’s eyes glistened. The crowd sighed. Apuse followed, soft and warm,
I blinked away the tears forming at the corners of my eyes.
But then Noah stood.
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