Chapter 14
Paris at night was pure magic, and inside the five–star hotel on the Champs–Élysées, the International Design Association’s exclusive cocktail party was absolutely buzzing.
Crystal chandeliers threw sparkles across the room as A–listers and industry bigshots mingled over Cristal and caviar.[]
Lorraine wore a stunning silver mermaid gown, her dark hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders, simple diamond studs catching the light. She looked like she’d walked straight out of a fairy tale.[]
She held a glass of Dom Pérignon, chatting easily with several international brand creative directors, every gesture radiating confidence and grace.
“Lorraine, your ‘Starlight‘ collection is absolutely breathtaking,” a French designer gushed. “Those flowing lines–it’s like wearing the Milky Way.“[]
Lorraine smiled, about to respond, when she felt someone’s intense stare burning into her.[]
She looked over, her smile faltering slightly.
was Kieran.]
He wore an impeccably tailored black tuxedo, his face carved from stone, eyes locked on her like a predator.[]
Aurora clung to his arm in a pink tulle gown, all fake smiles–until she spotted Lorraine and her face went rigid.[]
Lorraine quickly looked away, continuing her conversation as if she’d never seen them.[]
But Kieran was already walking straight toward her.
“Lorraine.”
The designers around her sensed the tension and tactfully stepped back.
Lorraine looked up, her smile polite but distant: “Kieran. Long time no see.“[]
“You’ve been avoiding me.” His voice carried barely controlled anger.]]
Lorraine laughed softly, swirling her champagne: “That’s funny. We’re divorced, remember? There’s no ‘avoiding‘ when we’re strangers.“]
Kieran’s jaw clenched.
Aurora click–clacked over in her stilettos, possessively wrapping herself around Kieran’s arm, putting on an act of surprise.[]
“Oh my God, Lorraine! What a surprise!” She looked Lorraine up and down with fake sweetness. “Wow, divorce really suits you. How’d you manage to get into an event like this?“]]
Lorraine barely glanced at her: “Do you always talk out of your ass? People get invited here because they belong here.“]
A flash of hatred crossed Aurora’s eyes as she worked up some crocodile tears: “What makes you think you belong? Did you sleep your way onto the guest list?“]
She emphasized “sleep your way” loud enough for nearby guests to hear.[]
Kieran frowned, his voice low and warning: “Aurora, cut it out.“[]
But Aurora kept going, her voice getting higher and more dramatic: “Kieran, I’m just curious! Are you seriously defending her right now?”
“I mean, Lorraine never even touched the design world before, and suddenly she’s some ‘rising star‘? That’s not suspicious at all!“[]
“Lorraine, are you still mad about Kieran and me? Because back then, we were just friends, I swear…”
Lorraine’s expression remained perfectly calm as she looked at Aurora: []
give a shut
pretty obsessed with me.
“You seem to know so much about my past–how do you not know I graduated top of my class in design school?“]
