Chapter 3 – The Ring in the Champagne Glass
Silence stretched across the ballroom.
Adrian stared at the engagement ring resting on Bianca's finger.
Just an hour earlier, it had represented the future.
Now it felt like evidence.
"Take it off," he said quietly.
Bianca blinked.
"Adrian..."
"Take it off."
His calm voice frightened everyone far more than shouting ever could.
With trembling fingers, Bianca removed the enormous diamond.
For a moment she held it tightly, hoping he would change his mind.
He didn't.
Adrian accepted the ring.
Without another word, he walked toward the nearest champagne tower.
Every guest watched.
The crystal glasses sparkled beneath the chandeliers.
Adrian released the ring.
Plink.
The diamond disappeared into a glass of golden champagne.
"Our engagement is over."
The words echoed like a judge's sentence.
Bianca burst into tears.
"You can't believe a random child over me!"
Adrian slowly turned.
"I believe my mother's handwriting."
He raised the silver crest.
"I believe this."
Then he looked directly into Bianca's eyes.
"And I no longer believe your family."
Across the room, Lily quietly slipped her tiny hand into Adrian's.
She didn't fully understand what was happening.
She only knew she wasn't alone anymore.
For the first time in years, someone held her hand as though she mattered.
Adrian squeezed gently.
"I've got you."
Lily smiled through her tears.
It was the smallest smile in the room.
May you like
Yet somehow...
It was the brightest.
