Chapter3

The haute couture gown's train dragged on the floor like shackles I couldn't escape.

Dominic's order was simple, just a few cold words:

"Wear it. Attend the engagement party. As a family member, you must be present."

Must be present.

Not as his once most intimate partner,

Not as someone who'd bled for him,

But as a witness, a prop to backdrop the perfection of his new life.

I stood in the darkest corner of the ballroom, holding a glass of long-cold champagne.

There was no place for me here—not at the head table, not in the VIP section.

I was just an insignificant dark spot, embedded at the edge of this resplendent tableau.

Center stage in the great hall blazed with radiance.

Dominic wore an impeccably tailored black tuxedo, posture straight as a pine, that maddeningly handsome face radiating cold light under the crystal chandeliers.

Beside him, Anastasia wore an ivory gown, smiling like a true princess, so noble one dared not look directly.

Standing together, they were a match made in heaven.

And I, in my inconspicuous black dress, stood in shadows like Cinderella crashing a palace ball—wretched and superfluous.

"Everyone," Dominic picked up the microphone, deep voice carrying through the speakers with undeniable authority, "thank you all for coming tonight. I have an important announcement to make."

My heartbeat skipped, throat tightening as if gripped by an invisible hand.

I knew what came next.

But when the moment truly arrived, my stomach still churned with violent pain, nearly doubling me over.

"For the future of the Romano family, for the further expansion of our power," Dominic turned his head, gaze landing on Anastasia's face with a tenderness I'd never seen in ten years by his side, "I will marry Miss Anastasia of Russia's Kozlov family."

Thunderous applause, cheers rising and falling.

I stood in the shadows, fingers clamped white-knuckled around the cold glass.

The surrounding crowd laughed, blessed, raised glasses in celebration.

And I felt isolated in another world, hearing those raucous sounds like needles piercing my eardrums.

This was the price.

The man I'd risked everything to protect was using the grandest ceremony to completely kick me from his world.

"Everyone knows," Anastasia suddenly took the microphone, wearing an appropriate yet glaring smile, gaze casually sweeping toward my corner, "Dominic once had a very... special partner. Miss Scarlett, right?"

Every gaze in the room instantly spotlighted me.

Those stares held pity, mockery, and more—the cold indifference of spectators waiting for a show.

"I especially want to thank her," Anastasia's voice rang clear and pleasant, each word a poisoned blade. "Thank her for all these years of serving Dominic. After all, not everyone qualifies as a useful blade. Now, this blade can finally retire, can't it?"

Suppressed laughter rippled through the crowd, like mocking an abandoned stray dog.

I straightened my spine, expressionless, meeting every gaze.

No anger, no shame, only a deathly calm.

I was waiting.

Waiting for that man to say one word for me.

Even just to shut her up.

Dominic stood there, one hand in his pocket, expression indifferent.

He glanced at me in the corner, eyes hollow as if viewing a stranger.

He didn't refute, didn't rebuke, didn't even furrow his brow.

Acquiescence.

Complete and total acquiescence.

In that moment, the last faint ember in my heart extinguished.

Ten years of companionship, countless brushes with death—in his eyes, I really was just a disposable blade.

"Very funny?" I heard myself speak, voice not loud but cutting clearly through the crowd's whispers.

I set down my glass, walked out from the shadows.

No more hiding, no more humility. I walked straight toward the stage, crossing that red carpet laid for the couple.

"Scarlett, what are you doing?" Dominic's eyes finally showed a trace of movement, wary.

I walked right up to him, stopping half a meter away. Close enough to smell that familiar cologne, the scent I'd once loved most, now making me nauseous.

"Congratulations, Boss." I smiled, enunciating each word. "I wish you and your 'family interests' a long and happy marriage."

With that, I turned to leave this nauseating place.

Just then—

A sharp scream cut through the party's clamor.

"Watch out!"

A black shadow flew from above the crowd, tracing a sinister arc, landing precisely in the space between me, Dominic, and Anastasia.

It was a black metal sphere, still ticking after hitting the ground.

Tick. Tick.

Time seemed to freeze in that moment.

I stared at that thing, mind going blank.