The clinking of glasses and cheerful laughter filled the air, but Selena's ears filtered everything but one sound—the soft approach of heels she knew too well.
"Dominic, may I borrow my sister for a moment?"
Celine's voice was warm, her tone so gentle that anyone listening would believe she was the kindest sibling alive.
Dominic gave a nod, eyes unreadable.
Selena turned to face her with a smile. "Of course, little sister. Shall we?"
The two women stepped aside, away from the cameras and watchful guests. Celine's hand still rested lightly on Selena's wrist, but her grip tightened the moment they were out of sight.
"You're really... glowing tonight," Celine said softly, her lips still curled sweetly. "Dominic seemed quite taken by you."
Selena chuckled. "He should be. I'm his fiancée now, after all."
Celine blinked, momentarily losing her calm. But she recovered quickly.
"I just wanted to say... I hope there are no hard feelings. You know I've always looked up to you."
Selena tilted her head, smiling with perfect elegance.
"Oh, I remember. You looked up to me even while sleeping with my husband behind my back."
Celine's face paled.
"But don't worry," Selena said, leaning close, her voice a whisper of silk and venom. "This time, I'm watching. Closely."
Celine's fingers trembled. "I don't know what you're talking about—"
"Of course not," Selena said, pulling away. "You're far too pure for such things."
A waiter passed by with wine. Selena took two glasses and handed one to Celine.
"A toast," she said, raising it high. "To sisterhood."
Celine stared at the glass, then forced a smile and clinked it against Selena's.
The wine tasted like lies.
---
Later that night, Selena found her way to the back corridor, where a hotel security officer stood on duty.
"Excuse me," she said smoothly. "I'm Dominic Blake's fiancée. I'd like to request a copy of tonight's security footage—just to ensure privacy. You understand."
The man hesitated, then nodded. "I'll prepare a drive, Miss Hart."
Selena smiled. "Thank you. Oh, and please—keep this discreet."
As she walked away, her heels echoed like a countdown. Her mind rewound to her past life:
That night, someone had leaked a video of her drinking, staggering—edited to make her look unstable, even promiscuous.
The video had gone viral. Dominic had refused to speak to her for weeks.
That was the beginning of her downfall.
But this time, she would own every camera. Every angle. Every move.
---
Back in the hall, Dominic stood alone by the window, sipping champagne. Selena returned to his side and slid her arm around his.
He glanced at her. "Was the talk with your sister pleasant?"
"She's as sweet as ever," Selena said, voice soft, eyes sharp.
He studied her, as if seeing her for the first time.
"You've changed."
Selena smiled. "Is that a compliment?"
He didn't answer.
But Selena didn't need him to. She had already begun her war. And tonight, she'd won the first battle.
Behind them, Celine stood still among the guests, her smile frozen, her hands clenched.
And Selena?
Selena Hart was just getting started.