Riven Hale stood behind the velvet curtain, eyes fixed on the buzzing ballroom.
The launch party was flawless.
Crystal chandeliers sparkled over rows of investors and industry giants. Journalists clutched notebooks, cameras blinked red. Every detail from the floral arrangements to the custom cocktail menu, he had overseen. All for her.
Celeste Ward was finally unveiling her startup to the world.
Our startup, he thought, but didn't say aloud.
"Sir, the final slide is ready," an assistant whispered.
Riven gave a nod, adjusting his cufflinks. He'd worn the suit Celeste picked for him months ago. Navy with charcoal lining. She once said it made him look "like someone important."
He believed her.
Music swelled as Celeste stepped onto the stage. The applause was instant, thunderous. She wore a pearl-white gown, her dark hair curled just enough to look effortless.
"Thank you for being here tonight," she began, voice smooth as ever. "When I started this company, I had a dream, one that felt impossible without the support of those who believed in me."
Riven felt pride swell in his chest. This is it. She's going to acknowledge everything. Maybe even
"I'd like to take a moment to thank the person who changed my life forever."
She paused, eyes scanning the crowd.
Riven straightened.
Celeste smiled. "Please welcome the man who not only invested in my dream… but who just proposed to me backstage, Lucas Blackwell."
The room erupted.
Riven's heart didn't sink. It shattered.
A tall man in a sharp grey suit strode up to the stage and kissed Celeste's hand. Cameras flashed. Reporters gasped. Someone yelled, "Show us the ring!"
Celeste laughed and held out her hand with seven diamonds in a twisting platinum band.
Riven didn't move. Couldn't move.
He was still behind the curtain, half-shadowed by the stage light. No one noticed him. No one cared.
He took a step back.
Then another.
Celeste caught his eye just for a second.
Her smile never faltered.
Lucas turned to the crowd. "We'll be co-leading Ward Innovations moving forward. Our shared vision is just beginning."
Riven turned and walked toward the exit.
Whispers chased him.
"Wasn't he her assistant or something?"
"I thought he was her boyfriend…"
"No way. Look at that ring. She upgraded."
He stepped into the cold night air, breath fogging in the dark. His phone buzzed with his sister's name on the screen.
He didn't answer.
Not yet.
Instead, he looked back at the glowing hotel tower behind him.
The banners. The lights. The name Ward Innovations shines above the rooftop garden he helped design.
Everything I built… and I was never even part of the picture.
Riven lit a cigarette with shaking hands. He hadn't smoked in two years.
She used me to climb. And when she reached the top, she cut the rope.