The hotel ballroom was flooded with golden light, sparkling chandeliers casting diamonds onto every corner. Laughter, clinking glasses, and the sweet scent of roses filled the air.
Selena stepped through the entrance in a blood-red dress that hugged her curves and shimmered like danger. Her dark hair was pulled into a loose, elegant bun, neck adorned with a sapphire pendant.
She smiled.
Every pair of eyes turned.
"Is that... Selena Hart?"
"She looks completely different tonight... stunning."
She took her time walking through the room, her heels tapping like war drums on marble. But her gaze, cold and calculating, locked on one man across the crowd.
Dominic Blake.
He stood in a tailored black tuxedo, tall and sharp-edged like a blade. His features were flawless, but the chill in his eyes was unmistakable.
In her last life, she had adored him blindly.
In this one, she would destroy him gracefully.
Their eyes met.
He offered a charming smile. "Miss Hart. You're… breathtaking tonight."
Selena tilted her head, her red lips curving.
"You should get used to it. You'll be seeing a lot of me."
He raised a brow. "Our engagement was rushed. I didn't expect you to show up so eagerly."
"Oh?" she purred, taking a step closer. "Is that regret in your voice, Mr. Blake?"
Before he could respond, she leaned in and kissed his cheek. Not a shy peck—no. A bold, possessive kiss that smeared red lipstick on his skin.
The crowd gasped audibly.
Click. Cameras snapped. Murmurs spread like wildfire.
Dominic's jaw tensed ever so slightly. "What was that for?"
Selena stepped back, her smile as sharp as glass.
"For the headlines," she whispered. "Let them know who owns you now."
He stared at her, eyes narrowing, but said nothing.
Just then, a soft voice interrupted.
"Selena! You're here."
Celine Hart.
Selena's half-sister glided over in a pastel blue gown, her expression painted with concern and sweetness. "You look… gorgeous."
Selena's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Celine. Always so kind."
In her last life, she had trusted Celine. Believed her tears.
In this one, she would watch her drown in them.
As the toast began, Selena lifted her glass beside Dominic. The cameras clicked again. The media would be full of them tomorrow. The perfect couple. The power alliance.
She leaned close, voice like silk and ice.
"This is checkmate, Mr. Blake. Smile for the cameras."
She clinked her glass against his. He didn't smile.
Inside, Selena's heart beat steadily.
This was only the first move.
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