Rosalie stared out the window, her vision slightly blurred as she fought back tears. She sniffled quietly, trying to steady her breath.
The music pounded through the speakers, worsening her headache.
Dressed in a red sleeveless gown that revealed a portion of her back, she looked every bit the beauty queen she once was. Her makeup was light but refined, enough to highlight her natural elegance. She reached into her bag, took out a handkerchief, and gently dabbed her moist eyes, erasing any trace of sadness.
"Rosa, are you okay?" her best friend Flora whispered, concern written all over her face.
They had been friends since high school, inseparable for years. But life and work had kept them apart lately, making tonight—meant to be their joyful reunion—even more heartbreaking.
Right here, in front of everyone… her high school sweetheart had dumped her.
And not just anyone—Rosalie, the former beauty queen of Everest High's graduating class of 20XX.
To make it worse, he'd invited the media to witness the whole thing. He'd accused her publicly of being a gold digger, claiming she had never contributed to his life and had always depended on him. The humiliation didn't end there—he got down on one knee and proposed to her sworn enemy, Agatha.
Now they were engaged. Right in front of her.
Rosalie's heart ached. The betrayal was unbearable. And to top it all, people were judging her based on her appearance, whispering behind her back that she seemed to be the least successful among their classmates.
"Don't think too much about it. You'll definitely find someone better," Flora whispered again, gently patting her back.
Rosalie forced a weak smile. "I'm fine. It's just… the media team will be working overtime tonight."
"That's their job," Flora said firmly. "Don't let them make you feel like you're the problem. If you're not comfortable, we can leave."
"But... what about him?" Rosalie tilted her chin toward a guy across the room, who was clearly flustered every time Flora glanced his way. He reminded Rosalie so much of Sam, back when he used to chase her around school trying to win her heart.
"He'll come around," Flora said, helping her up. "Let's go make you feel better."
Just then, a familiar mocking voice interrupted.
"Rosalie, leaving already?" Agatha asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm. She adjusted her seat and leaned smugly into Sam's waiting arms. He wrapped himself around her and asked if she was comfortable, completely ignoring Rosalie.
Rosalie clenched the fabric of her dress, holding back the sting of tears. She forced a brittle smile. "Yes, I'm leaving. I wish you both all the best," she said calmly and turned to walk away.
"Flora, stay a little longer!" Agatha added with a cruel chuckle.
"That won't be necessary," Flora replied in a flat tone, walking out after Rosalie.
"Tch... how shameless. Sam dumped her an hour ago and she still sat there looking pitiful. Who does she think she's fooling?" a girl sneered.
"You can't shame the shameless," another added. "She even had the guts to congratulate Sam and Agatha, pretending to be tough. I bet she's just panicking now that her money source is gone."
"Thanks to the love of my life," Sam said proudly, "we've just secured a deal with the Ression Business Group. We'll be signing the contract soon."
"Oh Sam," Agatha giggled, brushing her hair back. "You make it sound like I did something big. I only called a few friends who are close to the company's boss."
"Wow, Agatha, you have such connections! And here I am, your best friend, not knowing a thing," Lucy pouted playfully.
Agatha chuckled and playfully tugged her friend's hair.
"Seriously, Agatha, you're amazing," another girl added. "Knowing someone at Ression is hard enough. But someone close to the boss? That's next level. Unlike someone who was just after money."
"Oh, please, let's forget about that whore," another chimed in. "Tonight is about Agatha's engagement! Cheers!"
"Cheers!" they all echoed in unison, clinking their glasses.
Meanwhile, in the hotel hallway, Flora ran as fast as her heels allowed, dragging Rosalie along.
"Are you crazy? You're walking into a death trap—do you know how many reporters are out there waiting for you?"
"Sorry, I wasn't thinking straight. Let's use the back exit," Rosalie said, her voice strained.
"Rosa…" Flora called gently, her tone laced with concern.
"I'm fine. Let's just get out of here. It's suffocating," Rosalie replied, walking away briskly.
"Rosa, wai—" Flora began, but stopped abruptly. Her eyes widened, then shifted from Rosalie to the tall figure approaching them.
Can this night get any worse? she thought.
It was Alexander de Lavario.
Son of King Felix.
Heir to the throne.
Rosalie's number one enemy.
What was he doing here—of all nights?
He hadn't attended the reunion, so maybe… just maybe, he didn't know what had happened yet?
"Rosa… let's go," Flora urged quietly, trying to pull her past him without drawing attention.
But they had barely taken a few steps when a deep, cold voice echoed behind them.
"Rosalie."
She froze.
Alexander turned slightly, his tall frame towering, his eyes like ice.
"Never thought I'd see you looking so miserable," he said.
Then, without another glance, he walked past them, his presence cutting through the air like a blade.