The moment Amelia Carter stepped into the Imperial Grand Ballroom, she knew she didn't belong there.
Crystal chandeliers shimmered above her, casting golden light over the richest and most powerful people in the city. Women in designer gowns laughed softly, men in tailored suits discussed deals worth millions.
And then there was him.
Adrian Knight.
Standing at the center of it all like he owned not just the room—but the world.
Her heart clenched painfully.
Four years.
That was how long she had loved him in silence.
Tonight, she was going to end it.
"Are you sure about this?" her friend whispered beside her.
Amelia nodded, even though her hands were shaking. Inside her clutch bag was a small velvet box Not expensive Not worthy of him
But it was everything she had.
"I have to do this," she said softly. "Even if he rejects me… I just need him to know."
Before she could lose her courage, she walked toward him.
Each step felt like walking toward her own execution.
"Adrian…"
He turned.
Those cold gray eyes landed on her—and for a brief second, something flickered in them
Recognition Then indifference.
"Yes?" he said flatly.
The people around him fell silent, curious
Amelia swallowed hard This was it She opened the velvet box.
A simple silver ring reflected the light.
"I know I'm not someone important," she began, her voice trembling, "but I—"
A laugh cut her off.
Sharp,Cold,Cruel.
Adrian's lips curved into a mocking smile.
"Are you serious?" The room went quiet Then whispers started.
"She's just an employee…" She thinks she can date him?
"How embarrassing…"
Amelia's face burned But Adrian wasn't done.
"You're my staff," he said coldly, his voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "Know your place."
The ring slipped from her fingers It hit the marble floor Cracked Someone stepped on it
Laughter erupted Something inside Amelia shattered Completely.
She bent down slowly, picked up the broken ring, and looked straight into his eyes And for the first time—She didn't look at him with love.
She looked at him with pride.
"You're right," she said quietly. "I should've known my place." Adrian's expression flickered slightly But she was already turning away.
Then she paused Without looking back, she said: "But one day… you'll regret this."And then she walked out Not knowing that in just a few hours…Everything would change.
Because that night—She wouldn't just lose her dignity.She would lose control of her life.
That same night… she would find out she was pregnant.