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“Remember, we’re there.” Mary adjusts the delicate necklace around her neck.

“Thanks, guys.”

“Okay.” Lil claps her hands together. “Let’s go face the wolves.”

Oliver is already waiting in the foyer of the event, checking his watch. When he looks up, his gaze rakes over my body, and he offers his arm.

“You’ll do.”

With my arm threaded through Oliver’s, I step into the grand ballroom.

“Don’t forget to smile, darling. Put on a good show.”

He turns to face the nearest group, pulling me closer to him.

My breath catches as Oliver’s hand tightens around my waist. His fingers dig into the thin fabric of my dress as if he’s staking his claim in front of all these people. I force myself to look like I want to be here, with him.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Mary and Lil hovering nearby. Mary meets my gaze, her eyebrows drawn together in concern. I give her a subtle nod, indicating I’m okay, even though my skin is crawling, being this close to Oliver again.

A waiter approaches with a tray of champagne flutes. I reach for one, desperate for some liquid courage, but Oliver intercepts it first.

“Allow me, darling.”He presses the glass into my hand, holding my gaze.

A silent reminder to play along, or else. I take a big gulp, resisting the urge to spit it back in his stupid face.

“Oliver! So glad you could make it.” A portly man in an ill-fitting tuxedo approaches, extending his hand.

“Simon! Of course, wouldn’t miss it.” Oliver plasters on his fake charm and gives the man’s hand an exaggerated shake.

As they make small talk, I scan the room again, hoping to catch a glimpse of Elijah.

Ever since I told him about Oliver’s blackmail and the threats against my family, he’s been working to find a way to take Oliver down. He has a plan in motion tonight. I wish I knew the details to feel less on edge, but he said the less I know, the better.

Elijah is brooding at the bar, swirling a glass of whiskey, his gaze cold as he watches Oliver and me. He wears a tailored suit that emphasizes his broad shoulders and fit physique.

This must be hard on him. Especially after how I showed up at his door, bruised and broken.

Bash is beside him. They exchange quiet words while Elijah’s gaze wanders to Oliver’s hand on my back and then back up to meet my eyes.

Elijah is my safe haven. It always will be Elijah.

It was clear that he wanted to hunt down Oliver right then and make him pay. But for me, Elijah remained calm, focused only on caring for me. Stayed.

His touch was so tender and loving, treating me like I’m the most precious thing in the world. His gem.

I should have trusted him. I should have told Elijah the truth from the very beginning about my marriage to Oliver instead of trying to handle it alone.

He would have protected me, shielded me. Elijah would have moved heaven and earth to keep me safe if I had let him in. Because that’s what an actual relationship is. You help each other. Do whatever is necessary because your partner will do it, too.

I love him. I love Elijah with every fiber of my being. And I know he loves me the same.

It’s the total opposite of what Oliver gave and gives me. Oliver only takes.

Elijah is the only man I want to have beside me forever.

Oliver’s grip on my waist tightens, jolting me back to the present. I take a shaky sip of champagne and force myself not to pull away.

Not much longer now. I can do this.

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