Ember put on a beautiful smile as she stared at her reflection in the mirror, satisfied with the black dress she had on that had such a risque neck line and so short which was enough to make a sane married man turn.
She was about to straighten her hair when she remembered her colleagues had told her Iris detested anyone who tried to outshine her on occasions, especially their annual gala.
She straightened her hair and tucked both sides behind her ear and adorned herself with a pair of dangling star earrings. With a simple touch of compact powder, mascara and blush with her favorite black eyeliner and red lipstick to seal the deal she was ready now.
But before stepping out, she took off that little dress. She didn't want to get on Iris' bad side just after a few weeks of work.
She had heard stories of how easy Iris had fired her previous assistants before her. Her beauty alone was a threat to Iris.
Ember's body was carefully sculpted, curves in the right places and eyes hard to forget. There was strength in the way she carried herself, even when she didn't realize it.
The venue was nothing short of breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers cast warm golden light across a vast ballroom, their reflections dancing along polished marble floors.
Soft music floated through the air, blending with quiet conversations and the clink of glasses. The city skyline stretched beyond the glass walls glittering. Everything about the night was perfect.
Ember stepped inside, her heels clicking softly against the floor, her dress hugging her figure in a way that made her feel both confident and exposed at the same time.
Beside her, Sofia leaned in. "Okay… we definitely understood the assignment." She giggled softly.
Ember managed a small smile, but her eyes were already scanning the room. She hated what she was searching for.
"Relax," Sofia whispered without understanding her unease "You look stunning. Just breathe."
Across the ballroom, Edward stood near the center, surrounded by investors and executives, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit.
His attention shifted immediately she entered the room and his gaze found her. He could hear his wolf growl within him as he laid sight on Ethan but he managed to maintain his calm.
Ethan approached with a warm smile, dressed just as sharply. "You made it," she said, leaning in slightly.
He nodded. "Of course."
He studied her for a second. "You look beautiful."
"Thank you." She answered softly.
The music soon softened and the room gradually quieted.
Mr Adams stepped forward, elegant and composed, commanding attention without effort.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice smooth and confident. "Thank you all for joining us tonight."
"Tonight," he continued, "we celebrate not only the continued success of our company… but also a new chapter."
"I'm proud to officially announce the engagement of my daughter Iris Adams and Edward Drew."
Applause filled the room, Edward lifted his glass but Ember barely heard it. Her eyes were on him.
Ethan noticed her, he gripped her hand. He had a miserable look in his eyes like he had figured everything out. She smiled and excused herself.
The soft hum of the gala faded as she turned the corner, and slowed. She heard voices just ahead. The powder room door wasn't fully closed but it was supposed to be empty.
"What if he doesn't mark me or touch me after we get married." Iris' voice cracked
Ember had asked Sofia if Iris was already at the venue but her reply had been she was still on her way.
"He makes love to you every other day doesn't he? Nothing will change." Brenda patted her shoulders.
Iris moved to the window "This is different. His scent has shifted. Edward will be the Alpha of the Red rovers pack soon. I need to be his true Luna."
She dries her eyes and walks back to Brenda "Tell me, who is the woman your friend saw him with? I need to know who is taking my place."
Outside the door, Ember gives three steps back. What did Iris mean by Edward becoming the Alpha? She had known he was special but now, this confirmed why she couldn't forget him no matter how hard she did.
"What if….. if….. he marked me that night?" She murmured to herself.
"No… no no. It's not possible. I am a stranger to him. But why can't he remember me?"
"There are other ways to bind an Alpha," Brenda said quietly. "Especially one who already rejected his true mate."
Iris went very still "…You're sure?" she asked.
Brenda didn't hesitate. "I'm always sure. I think their bond has reawakened."
"You think he has found her?" Iris sounded frightened.
"Wait.. what if?" She exhales loudly.
"She was the girl from the club? Then you have to act fast." Brenda cut in.
Ember gave four steps backward in confusion and as she turned, someone was standing right behind her.
"You look pale, Miss Woods. Are you okay?" Edward asked.
Surprised, she managed to mutter "I am fine sir. I just have a little fever. That's all." She managed to say.
Edward however was extremely concerned, placing a hand on her forehead to check her temperature to which she finally snapped and yanked his hand off, "what in the world do you think you're doing?!".
"I….I… just wanted to make sure…."
" I told you I'm fine sir." She sighed deeply after her palpitating temper had dwindled down. "I am okay, just feeling under the weather a little. I will be fine."
So much for caring, she sighed. He knew his fiancée had put her in the state and there he was pretending to be all saintly and caring towards her. She excused herself and left.
Bella was downstairs waiting for her in her car. She slid into the passenger seat and rested her back. Bella understood she wasn't ready to talk so she drove her home.
Once they were seated on Ember's couch, Bella asked her if she needed coffee, to which she nodded.
"She's such a bitch I tell you." She cried.
"Tell me about it." Bella said, handing over a cup of coffee to her friend. Full cream and sugar, just the way she liked it.
"You know what, don't tell me about her. She's not worth it." Bella smiled again.
Ember sighed again after they went mute for a minute, "Why did it have to be him though? I could've lived knowing he was just a one night stand and now he's my annoying boss's fiancé? This is too much."
"Wait. Plot twist Em. What if he actually remembers you but he's pretending?" Bella nipped her lower lips with a devilish laugh.
"You don't mean that, do you?"
"All men suck Em. You have to accept that", Bella murmured,
"It's the unspoken universal fact of life"
"Yeah you're right, men do suck except my Ethan" Ember laughs as she sips her coffee.
Bella gives her a glance of disappointment, had she not known her she would've thought she was sincere.
True, Ethan was a loyal one but in all honesty, Ember was undeserving of that loyalty and love. Especially given the fact that she was going head of heels for Edward.
"I felt bad for leaving him behind. But he texted me he's back home already." She sighed.
"How do you keep two men in your heart at once? You're so bad Em." She mocked and Ember smiled.