Chapter 3: The party

The ballroom glowed with warm lights, men in tuxedos and women in sparkling gowns filled the room, while waiters in black suits moved through the crowd serving trays of champagne.

Noah Kaelston adjusted his cufflinks, walking in beside Mike. Every eye seemed to turn as they entered.

He caught the whispers immediately.

"Isn't that Noah Kaelston? The CEO of Kaelston Innovations?"

"I heard his new mobile refrigerator line exploded in people's homes."

"Tragic, really. Everyone's boycotting his products now"

Noah's jaw tightened. He caught a glass of champagne from a passing tray, forced a polite smile, and moved through the crowd.

He shook hands, nodded at familiar faces, but the laughter around him felt sharper than usual.

Then, a ripple of commotion swept through the room.

"Oh my God—isn't that Axel Langford?" someone gasped.

"The Axel Langford? CEO of Langford Conglomerate?"

"He's even more handsome in person”

"And... wait—is that Maya Bennett with him?"

The name hit him before the sight did. But when he turned, he froze.

There she was.

Maya.

She moved through the crowd like she owned it. Her silver gown caught every glint of light, hugging her in all the right places. Her hair was loose, soft waves framing a face that looked calmer, confident and radiant. She looked nothing like the woman who begged him to stay three years ago.

Beside her was Axel Langford. Ruthless, rich, the kind of man whose name alone made people stand

straighter.

Noah's eyes narrowed. Why are they together?

The event host rushed forward, nearly tripping over himself. "Mr. Langford! We're honored to have you here."

Axel gave a simple nod.

Then the host turned to Maya, he stretched out his hand "And Ms. Bennett..what a pleasure”

Before she could shake his hands, Axel reached out and shook the man's hand himself.

A few people exchanged looks, whispering.

"Are you both together?" a woman asked boldly.

Maya smiled faintly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"We're just business partners"

Her voice was smooth and confident but not defensive. The kind of calm that came from knowing everyone was watching.

A few minutes later, Axel's assistant Liam leaned in, murmuring something in his ear. Axel turned to

Maya.

"I will be back"

She nodded, and he walked away, trailed by eager businessmen hoping to catch his attention.

Now it was mostly women around her, admiring her presence like she was a celebrity.

A waitress offered champagne; Maya took one with a polite thank you.

"Your designs are incredible," one woman said, showing off her glittering dress. "This is one of

yours, isn't it?"

Maya nodded. "It looks beautiful on you," she said warmly.

“Thank you” the woman said then added "You're even more stunning in person," she gushed.

Before Maya could reply, a voice she never thought she'd hear again cut through the air.

"Maya"

Her fingers stiffened around the glass. Slowly, she turned.

Noah stood a few steps away. The same face, the same eyes

"It's been a long time," he said, a small, cautious smile on his lips.

Maya blinked once, expression unreadable.

"Sorry... who are you?"

He stared, caught off guard "You don't recognize me? It's me…Noah."

"I don't know you" she said evenly.

The women glanced between them, sensing the tension.

Noah stepped closer "Maya, please. You have every right to be angry, but pretending you don't know me—!!”

She drained her glass and set it down.

"Excuse me" she said to the others, turning to leave.

Noah reached out, grabbing her wrist.

She pulled away instantly and almost stumbled backward.

Before she could fall, a strong hand caught her.

Axel.

He pulled her upright, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Noah.

"Who the hell are you," he said coldly, "and why are you touching her?"

All eyes turned toward them. Phones came up discreetly, recording.

Noah's voice cracked under the weight of stares. "I just want to talk to her. Please Maya, I.."

Maya's face didn't move an inch "I said I don't know you. So stop embarrassing yourself”

Axel's jaw clenched. "You heard her. Leave"

"I'm not leaving until she talks to me!" Noah snapped, anger breaking through his embarrassment.

Axel didn't even look at him this time. "Security."

Within seconds, two guards appeared.

Mike rushed forward "Boss, let's just go…”

"I said I'm not leaving!" Noah shouted.

The guards grabbed him and Mike, dragging them toward the exit as cameras flashed. Guests whispered, a few laughing under their breath.

"Let go of me!" Noah yelled, his voice echoing through the hall.

Axel turned slightly, his arm around Maya's shoulders. She didn't look back. Not once.

*******^******

Later, after the party had ended

Maya walked beside Axel through the dimly lit corridor toward the underground garage.

For a while, neither of them spoke.

Then, Axel's deep voice finally broke the quiet "Business partners?"

Maya glanced at him and let out a small laugh. "You didn't expect me to tell them l'm like a little sister to you, did you?"

A rare smile tugged at the corner of Axel's lips. "No. But it was a smart answer”

"You know I don't want anyone thinking I got to where I am because of your influence"

He gave a slow nod "I understand."

It was something he admired about her, how she refused shortcuts and works harder just to get to the top

They reached a white Maybach

Axel moved ahead, opened the back door for her, and waited as she slid gracefully inside. Then he rounded the car and got in beside her.

The doors shut, then the driver pulled out.

As they approached the hotel entrance, reporters crowded the sidewalk, flashing their camera lights and calling Axel’s name while trying to catch a glimpse of them through the glass

Maya turned her head toward the window and saw him

Noah.

He stood among the reporters. Their eyes met through the glass, even with the barrier between them, it was like time folded in on itself.

For a second, neither of them moved.

Then his lips parted.

"Maya!"

The driver accelerated, the car gliding forward at full speed.

Noah started running, chasing after it, but the distance widened too quickly. The red taillights blurred, fading into the night.

He stopped in the middle of the street, chest heaving, staring after the car until it was gone.

Inside, Maya looked straight ahead, her hand tightening slightly around her purse. Axel glanced at her but said nothing.