e and red flowers dotted the marble tables, and captivating music escaped from the orchestra installed in the great hall. Elena looked around uncomfortably. She had never attended

ien. The dress was beautiful, a deep blue that highlighted her eyes, but she felt like she was in disguise. Her high heels felt unstable, and th

," Maximilien whi

immaculate in a black tuxedo that made him look even more intimidating than usual. Hi

e guests will think you're here agai

at him. - "That's not far from

ent. - "Come on, Elena. It's an important evening. It's

n her. - "A happy couple," she repeated, her voice tinged with sarcasm. "Ve

retort. - "Believe me, it's not me they're

e great hall, she had felt the curious looks, the murmurs behind the fans, the hypocritical smiles. These people judged her, scrutinized every detail

spered, placing a light han

kery, but there was no such thing. Just a strange sincerity, like he really wanted to help her. Before she could respond,

," he said, rai

strange mix of defiance and gratitude. She took a sip,

of icy beauty approached them. She wore a scarlet red dress that se

ve hand on his arm. His gaze turned to Elena, assessing her up an

power and danger that made her uncomfortable. Maximilien, h

sabelle, an old fam

trembling hand. Isabelle pointedly i

her gaze fixed on Maximilien. "I didn'

, but before she could respond, Maximilien

gh, Isa

he had just realized that she had crossed a line. She quickly compos

her racing heart. Maximilien turned towar

le get to you. She

er voice trembling with anger. "She

"You'll get used to it. These kinds o

al of a tall, imposing man. He wore a crisp suit, but there was som

long time," he said, a pr

his expression immediate

bserved the two men, fascinated by their silent e

e famous Elena. Nice

ared at her with an intensity that made her un

friend," Maximilien ex

- "Old friend? It's a bi

unsaid, something dark. But she did not have time to

ven't told Elena ab

he turned her eyes towards Maxi

he place nor the tim

on his lips. - " Alright. But don't wait too long

nd Maximilien in heavy silence. She turned to him, se

e mean? » she

through his hair. - "Nothing that

eed of doubt in her, and she knew she couldn't stay in igno