Page 98 of Divine Obsession

It would be four years until I saw him again.

PART 2

4 YEARS LATER

Chapter 24

Present

23 years old

Manhattan, New York City

My twenty-third birthday party wasn’t just a celebration – it was a statement. Every detail had been carefully executed, every guest selected. Billionaires, celebrities, influential families, even some whispered names from the underworld.Allof them were coming.

The city skyline glittered beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows of my father’s penthouse, the lights casting a golden glow over the grand luxurious space. Everywhere I turned, preparations for the event of the year were in full swing.

The theme was bold and chic, as always: pink and black, dark and elegant, with a masquerade twist. Guests would arrive shrouded in mystery, their faces hidden behind intricate masks, revealing only their secrets in the glint of their eyes. The masks could come off at midnight, but until then, everyone would play along.

The ballroom shimmered in anticipation. Chandeliers glittered above as black silk draped the walls, cascading shadows into the room. Pink roses with glittering edges displayed on themassive dining tables, while the custom black-and-pink dance floor gleamed was getting the last finishes.

I stood in the center of the room, my arms crossed as I surveyed the progress. Caterers hurried between the kitchen and the main hall, balancing trays of hors d'oeuvres that looked like works of art. Florists adjusted bouquets and garlands, while technicians fine-tuned the lighting.

“Miss Moretti?” A staff member interrupted my thoughts, holding up two identical menu cards. “Do you prefer the matte or the gloss?”

I pointed to the matte one without hesitation. “Gloss would be too much.”

“Yes, miss, of course.” He scurried off, leaving me alone with my thoughts again.

I turned toward the grand staircase, imagining it filled with guests in elaborate masks and couture gowns, with glasses of champagne glittering in their hands.

My dress was already waiting upstairs – a custom piece in shimmering blush pink; short and tight. My mask was a delicate light-pink lace, outlined with black crystals that would catch the light perfectly.

This wasn’t just a party; it was a declaration.

I had grown into my own power, my own influence, far from the naive girl I used to be. People looked at me now with respect and fear. I liked knowing that when I walked into the room tonight, every gaze would turn my way.

“Miss Moretti, the DJ has arrived.”

“Make sure he knows the setlist. Nothing out of line.”

“Of course.”

I watched the staff continue their work, every piece falling into place, every detail a reflection of my vision.

The night was going to be unforgettable.

“Hi!”

I smiled, recognizing the voice before I saw her. As I turned around, the moment my eyes found her, a weight lifted off my chest.

“Hi,” I replied softly, opening my hands to welcome her.

Maria.

She was fine. Alive and healthy.

She’d gotten back to New York two years ago.

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