Selene finally got a break after a long, exhausting weekend.She was halfway through reheating leftovers when her phone buzzed.
Sean.
Her mood dropped instantly."Great. Just great," she muttered. "Why can't this man leave me alone for two days?"
Still — work. So she picked up.
"Selene," Sean started, way too casually for someone calling, disturbing someone's weekend,"Listen, I need to attend a very important company Banquet. Big people. Big money. Huge opportunity."
"So?" Selene replied, not in the mood for corporate monologues.
"So I want you to come as my plus-one."
Selene blinked. "Why me?"
"My partner cancelled last minute," Sean said, with no shame, like she owed him something. "It's this Wednesday."
"Look, I have work—"
But the line clicked.Call ended.
Selene stared at her phone.Then exploded.
"ASSHOLE!" she yelled, grabbing her hair. "I swear this man is going to make me bald before the end of this project!"
Easton was driving alone, humming under his breath, the city lights sliding over his windshield like glitter.He'd booked a private room—full luxury, perfect lighting, every detail arranged like he was planning the ideal date. A small upscale hotel near one of the most publicly exposed districts . He went to pick Alisha up, keeping a bright smile on his face all the way, asking her casual questions. A "business meeting", or so the official version went. She also chatted the whole way, all excitement and spark, and Easton…he actually smiled throughout the journey.
Suspiciously wholesome behaviour.
When they reached the private room, everything seemed fine.
But thirty minutes later, the door swung open and Alisha stormed out — makeup intact, expression frustrated.
Right then, John entered the lobby.The moment he saw her, he let out the kind of sigh managers develop after years of babysitting problematic celebrities.
"I knew it," he muttered, heading inside.
He hurried inside. Easton was sitting on the sofa, legs crossed like a model, sipping a drink with a smug look on his face. John folded his arms."What did you do this time?"
Easton looked up with the most rehearsed innocent face known to mankind."I didn't even say anything. Why do you always assume it's me?"
John narrowed his eyes.
Easton's lips twitched — barely hiding a smirk.
Just as they were walking out through the common area, Easton heard a voice — familiar, yet completely unfamiliar at the same time.
"So you're an executive at Johns & Sons?"
Selene asked.
A man was sitting across from her, someone in his mid-30s with a calm, businesslike aura.
"Yes." Selene nodded politely.
"So what do you do for a living?"
Just as Easton sensed something , he begin walking away.
"I'm… as you might know, an assistant to the vice president. But that's just something I do for timepass. For extra income, I'm actually more into tarot reading."
She smiled brightly.
"Tarot cards?"The man raised an eyebrow, confused.
Easton paused mid-step.
"Yup. I do card readings, fortunes, all that. I can do one for you."Selene pulled out a small deck from her purse and laid them on the table.
"Pick one."
The man hesitated… then picked a card.
After choosing two more, Selene's eyes sparkled.
"Oh! It seems like you've just been promoted. Congratulations."
The man smiled awkwardly.
But before he could speak, Selene frowned."Oh… ouch."
"What happened?" he asked quickly.
"It says…" she hesitated dramatically."You have a Russian girl you met online. Love her a lot, right?"
The man stiffened.
"What nonsense are you talking about?" he suddenly raised his voice.
"That's not true, I don't—"
"I know your mother forced you to come here," Selene said calmly.
"Hey, that's not— okay, let's just—"
"But the most interesting part is… that Russian girl you're seeing is actually a man."
"WHAT?" The man shouted, standing up in shock.
Easton and John, who were witnessing the entire exchange from a distance, nearly choked.John awkwardly coughed; Easton felt a sudden spark of interest, leaning in.
Selene continued,"Judging by your expression, I'm very right about this matter."
"I— I just—" the man fumbled. "Are you serious? This can't be happening. She's not a man—"
"I know it's sad and shocking," Selene sighed, "but we still have a third card."
The man blinked, suddenly invested.
"This one", Selene said, "says you've been coveted by a lot of negative energy. If this goes on, you might lose your ability to—" she paused, then gestured him to come close and spoke into his ear.
"Are you insane? What nonsense—I'm leaving! And don't you DARE come near me again, or I'll file a restraining order!"He yelled while rushing out.
Selene let out a soft sigh of relief.
Easton, who couldn't catch the last few lines, tried to approach her – but Selene's phone buzzed, and she darted out of the restaurant.
Easton froze mid-step.He felt weirdly disappointed he didn't get to hear the entire story.
Selene reached her office. Emily walked up to her immediately.
"So? How did it go?" Emily asked.
"As expected," Selene shrugged. "He got annoyed the moment I drew the third card."
Emily smirked. "Serves him right."
"Anyway, thank you for helping again, Selene. You're really my saviour. I'll treat you soon."
Selene smiled and headed back to work.
That evening, just as she got off work, her phone rang.
Sean.
"Remember, tomorrow evening come to my villa by 16:00."
"Yeah… I remember," Selene replied.
The moment the call ended, she clenched her fist."This damn thing. If not for the project, I would've punched that smug face of his."
Meanwhile, Easton reached home late. His phone rang—it was his mother.
"What did you say to her? Why did you spout that nonsense to her?"
"Look Mother—"
"You told her your father had an affair and you're an illegitimate child?"
"Mother! Don't take it the wrong way; that's NOT what I said—"
"Save that trick for others. It doesn't work on me," she said calmly."If you continue this behaviour, forget about your project."
"Mom—"The call was cut before he could argue further.
Easton collapsed onto the sofa, rubbing his eyes in frustration.
Suddenly, another ping — a message from John.
"Second date set. She'll be at the company event tomorrow. Your mother just asked that you escort her back after the event and ask her on a proper date."
"WHAT?!" Easton shouted.
"She must've lost her mind! She wants ME to approach her?" Easton typed furiously.
John replied,"She says it's your punishment for messing up today's appointment."
Easton threw his phone onto the sofa, fuming.
The next day, Selene spent the afternoon at a local stylist. The ball was important for Sean, and by extension, Aurora, so she needed to look her best.
While she was in the hair spa section, she heard two women talking nearby.
Woman 1: "Hey, you're going to the ball tonight?"Woman 2: "The Lyra Entertainment Ball?"Woman 1: "Yep!"
Woman 2: "No way it's today! I saw articles for a week but they never confirmed the date.Ugh… I didn't manage to get an invitation."
Woman 1: "Oh, that's sad. I got one! Look!"
She proudly waved the invitation like it was Willy Wonka's golden ticket.
The two women practically vibrated with excitement.
I'm here freaking out... I hope I don't slip in front of the guests and industry leaders, making a fool out of myself, Selene thought.
Woman 1: "I heard some major sponsors and industry leaders are attending this year. Huge opportunity for anyone who makes it."Woman 2: "Tell me about it! My husband tried so hard to get an invitation. Failed miserably."
They laughed.
Woman 2: "Also—have you heard? A big actress is making her comeback tonight."Selene's ears perked.
"A mysterious actress… laying low… just returned to the country… companies fighting to sign her…"
Woman 1: "So many producers are attending just to see her. I'm dying to know who she is!"Woman 2: "Text me later! I want all the tea."
Who could she be? Selene wondered, an uneasy curiosity stirring.
That evening, a sleek BMW rolled to a stop outside the glowing hall entrance.The door opened and Selene stepped out — radiant in a red lace gown, her hair cascading like soft waves of ink. She held the gown up with one hand just to make sure she walked well, taking big steps.
She opened the passenger door, and a man in a dazzling black suit stepped out.
"Behave like a lady," Sean mocked. "Is this how you plan to walk into the ball?"
"You're the one who asked me to open the door for you," Selene shot back.
He ignored her, grabbed her hand, and placed it firmly around his arm.
"Don't embarrass me. Let's go."
And just like that, they walked inside.
On the other side of the room, Easton was already inside, talking with some foreign investors. "I hope you guys are having a good time," Easton exclaimed, raising a glass for a toast. Everyone raised their glasses as well.
Meanwhile, John's phone buzzed.
Mrs. Bright calling.
He stepped aside.
John: "Yes, ma'am?"Mrs. Bright: "Are you both there already?"John: "We arrived half an hour ago. Honestly… I didn't think he'd actually come."Mrs. Bright: "How could he not? That banquet is everything — power, investors, backing. He'd come even if I didn't ask."
She smirked audibly through the phone.
John: "Right now he's talking about his music book to some foreign producers."Mrs. Bright: "Good. Just keep an eye on him… and make sure he goes to pick up that girl later."John: "Yes ma'am."
He hung up and rejoined Easton.
Selene was dutifully following Sean everywhere.
"I need to speak to Mr. White. Please excuse us for a moment."
"Sure, sure," Selene said, relieved to escape.
She wandered aimlessly.
I feel so out of place. I don't know anyone. Can I even see that mysterious actress? Forget meeting— even a single glance would be enough.
She headed to the food section for comfort carbs.
That's when Easton's gaze brushed past her.
His eyes narrowed.
Isn't that… her?
Before he could fully register, another man approached Selene and yanked her arm slightly.
Her expression flashed with discomfort, and she walked away fast — practically running toward the exit.
Easton's brows furrowed.
"This woman… every time she appears, she leaves me more curious." he thought.
But he forced his attention back to his group.
Selene had rushed back to the car.
"Ruthless man. First made me his driver, now his errand girl. God, just one chance to punch that smug face—just ONE."
She searched the backseat and finally found a black file.
She rushed back inside.
Easton was talking for a very long time and decided to slip out to the balcony for some air. He was standing there for a while and suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder.
Meanwhile, Selene returned to the ball and headed toward Sean. She handed him the file,
He began explaining to a cluster of businessmen, Selene assisting with details like a pro.
Then Sean's eyes darted to the wine-glass tower beside them.
The structure was wobbling.
Badly.
"Selene—"
But instinct took over.
Instead of pulling her away, he panicked and pulled her in front of him like a human shield.
Selene finally noticed the tower tipping—
The entire glass structure was falling.
Straight toward her.
One second away from impact.
—