Shattered Vows, Shining Crown

Chapter 16: The Ballroom of Masks

The grand ballroom of the Royal Hotel glittered with chandeliers that dripped like frozen stars. The Crown Table had organized a charity gala, and all eyes were on Amara as she entered in a gown the color of midnight, her hand resting on Darius’s arm.

She looked every inch the queen she was becoming, but beneath the polished smile, her pulse was uneven. She had felt it all evening — the stares, the murmurs, the subtle daggers hidden in polite conversation.

A woman in emerald silk approached, glass of champagne in hand. “You look radiant tonight, Amara,” she said sweetly, before lowering her voice. “But radiance is fragile. Be careful it doesn’t shatter.”

It was a threat disguised as flattery. Amara caught Darius watching from across the room, his eyes promising: I’ve got you.

When Jason appeared, swaggering in his tailored suit, Amara understood the game. He moved through the crowd like smoke, whispering into ears, planting doubts. She overheard him laugh with a group of older patrons, his words slithering out: “She’s nothing but a distraction. A scandal waiting to erupt. Trust me, I know her better than anyone.”

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Her jaw clenched, but she didn’t falter. Instead, she took Darius’s hand as the music began, letting him lead her to the dance floor. His hand at her waist steadied her, his whisper brushing her ear.

“Let them talk. They’ll choke on their own venom.”

And as they moved in perfect rhythm, Amara realized something profound — the more Jason schemed, the more it only proved that she and Darius were untouchable together.

The ballroom of masks could hide intentions, but it couldn’t disguise the truth: their bond was unbreakable.