Zara did not plan to attend the dinner.
She really didn't, but she has no choice
At exactly 8:45 PM—
A group of people entered , with different dresses, make up kit and everything
She was quite shocked…. Not just any dresses
Expensive ones that she haven't seen in her entire life
Rich people really have taste''. She muttered
One of them spoke up ''good evening ma'am, we were sent by Mr. blackwood to get you dressed up
Sure '',. Zara replied, then they begin their work
One hour later'… they were done , Zara couldn't believe herself in the mirror
Wow '' , I look beautiful,. She smiled and thanked them while they bowed and left.
Zara is dressed in a ridiculously expensive, deep red, body-hugging dress with a slit that looked like it belonged on someone far richer—and far less stubborn—than her. With her hair down and minimal make up, she looked perfect
Zara stared at herself in the mirror and smiled.
She took her purse and went downstairs, she met the driver downstairs.
Where's Adrian'. she asked.
He sent me to pick you up ma'am ''. The driver replied
.''Ohhh''. She entered and the car zoomed off
The moment Zara stepped into the event—
Everything stopped.
Conversations paused.
Heads turned.
And suddenly, every eye in the room was on her.
"…Oh," she whispered. "So this is where rich people come to judge each other."
Adrian stood across the room, mid-conversation.
Then he saw her.
And for the first time—
He went completely still.
Zara smiled to herself.
Good.
Let him suffer a little.
She walked forward confidently, ignoring the stares, ignoring the whispers.
Until—
"Adrian," a voice said sweetly.
Zara turned.
And there she was.
Tall. Elegant. Perfect.
The kind of woman who looked like she had never struggled a day in her life.
Zara didn't need an introduction.
"…Ex?" she muttered.
Adrian's jaw tightened slightly.
Interesting.
"Vanessa," he said.
Of course her name was Vanessa.
Zara almost laughed.
Vanessa's eyes shifted to Zara slowly.
A soft smile.
Too soft.
"Oh," she said. "You must be the new wife."
Zara smiled back.
Too sharp.
"Temporary," she corrected. "Let's not get attached."
A pause.
Tension.
Vanessa's smile flickered.
Just for a second.
"I didn't expect Adrian to move on so quickly," she said lightly.
Zara shrugged.
"I didn't expect to marry a billionaire either," she replied. "Life is full of surprises."
A few nearby guests pretended not to listen.
Failed.
Miserably.
Vanessa stepped closer.
"I hope you understand what kind of world you're stepping into."
Zara leaned in slightly.
"I hope you understand I don't scare easily."
Silence.
Then—
Adrian stepped between them.
"Enough."
His voice was low.
Controlled.
Dangerous.
Zara looked at him.
"Oh relax," she said. "We're bonding."
Vanessa let out a soft laugh.
"Yes," she said. "We'll be seeing a lot of each other."
Zara smiled.
"Oh, I'm counting on it."
Because if there was one thing Zara loved—
It was a challenge.
And this?
This looked like chaos waiting to happen