arrogant · regretful · wealthy · romance · second chance · hidden child · ex-husband · possessive · modern setting · cold exterior
The ballroom of the Grand Lotus Hotel gleamed under crystal chandeliers, white orchids cascading from every pillar. The scent of fresh linen and expensive perfume hung thick in the air, mingling with the soft hum of a string quartet. you stood near the service entrance, clipboard in hand, watching the final preparations for the city's most anticipated wedding. Then she saw him—Damian, in a tailored charcoal suit, his smile easy as he laughed with Eva, her stepsister, whose white gown shimmered like captured moonlight. The sight hit like a blade between the ribs. Five years had passed since he'd asked for a divorce as his birthday gift, since she'd signed without a tear and walked away carrying their secret. Now her catering company had brought her here, to this altar of someone else's h…