The ballroom shimmered under golden chandeliers, the soft hum of music echoing against the glass-paneled walls. Journalists, executives, and influential figures from across the city gathered in formal wear for what had been billed as a grand corporate celebration. But behind the layers of glamour was a deeper purpose—Damian and Hena were finally going public.
Standing by the entrance in a stunning ivory silk dress with delicate embroidery, Hena felt her heart race. She wasn't used to this world of flashbulbs and backhanded compliments, but Damian stood beside her like a steady rock.
"You ready?" he asked, slipping his hand into hers.
She nodded. "As I'll ever be."
With a brief nod, he stepped onto the stage. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began, voice smooth and strong, "thank you all for coming tonight."
The crowd quieted.
"There's been a lot of speculation about recent events… But tonight, I want to share the truth." His hand reached for Hena, gently pulling her forward. "This is Hena Seo. And I'm proud to announce—she is the woman I love. And we are engaged to be married."
A wave of murmurs swept across the room, followed by flashes from every camera.
Among the crowd, a tall, sharply dressed woman with cold eyes tightened her grip on her champagne glass. Her name was Victoria Sterling—Damian's mother.
She didn't clap.
She didn't smile.
She turned to the person beside her. "This is a mistake."
"Victoria," Damian's father, Richard, whispered, trying to calm her.
"She's beneath him," she hissed. "She's been in scandals. She has no pedigree, no legacy."
"Keep your voice down."
But Victoria wasn't done. As Hena and Damian mingled through the crowd, she made her move.
"Congratulations," she said, voice laced with ice, approaching them. "You've certainly made headlines."
Hena bowed slightly. "Thank you, Mrs. Sterling. It's an honor to meet you."
"Hmm," Victoria said, eyes narrowing. "I've seen the headlines. I've read the rumors. You've been quite busy."
Damian placed a firm hand on Hena's back. "Mother."
"I'm just saying," Victoria added, smiling tightly. "Love is nice, but reputations last longer."
"Then you'll be pleased to know," Hena replied gently but firmly, "that the truth will speak for itself. I won't run from my name."
Victoria's smile vanished.
"Excuse me," she said curtly, walking away.
Damian turned to Hena, sighing. "I'm sorry. She's… complicated."
"I've faced worse," Hena said, holding her head high. "I'm not afraid."
---
Meanwhile, at a quiet bar downtown, Hara sat in a dark booth with her best friend Min-ah, a drink untouched in front of her. A television mounted above the bar played the live engagement announcement.
There they were.
Hena. Damian. Together.
Smiling. Triumphant.
Min-ah placed a hand on her arm. "You okay?"
Hara scoffed. "Do I look okay?"
"You look… furious."
Hara's jaw tightened. "She stole everything. My fiancé. My identity. And now she has Jun-ho too."
Just then, the door opened and Jae-woon stepped in, shaking rain from his jacket.
"Your message sounded urgent," he said, sliding into the booth.
"Look at this," Hara snapped, pointing to the screen. "They're parading around like they've won."
Jae-woon watched quietly. "You knew it would come to this."
"I never gave up," Hara said. "I'm not done."
Min-ah raised an eyebrow. "So what now?"
Hara turned to Jae-woon. "We take back what's ours. Piece by piece. If Hena wants a war, she'll get one."
"You really think you can beat her now?" Jae-woon asked.
"I don't think," Hara said, eyes burning. "I know."
---
Back at the gala, Hena found a quiet moment on the terrace, watching the city lights below. Damian joined her, slipping his arms around her waist from behind.
"You were incredible," he whispered.
"I'm just glad it's out in the open."
"Not everyone's happy," he said, voice dipping. "My mother…"
"I know," Hena replied softly. "But I didn't come this far to crumble now. I'll win her over—or I won't. But I'm not going anywhere."
Damian turned her around to face him. "Good. Because neither am I."
As they kissed, the cameras continued to flash behind the glass.
But beyond the lights, a storm was forming—one named Seo Hara, and she was far from finished.