Videl's cheeks still tingled where Dawn's fingers had touched her. Even after he stepped back, the warmth lingered, confusing her heartbeat and tightening her breath. She watched him quietly, still trying to understand why a man like him could look at her with such intensity and certainty.
For a brief second, Dawn's expression shifted. His jaw tightened and he swallowed, as if something had moved inside him that he did not want to show. He regained control a moment later, his calm returning like a well-worn armor.
His gaze lowered.
"Are you not going to throw that away?" he asked.
Videl blinked. "Throw what away?"
He nodded toward her hand.
She looked down and froze.
The wedding invitation Pamela had given her sat crumpled in her fingers. She had carried it all the way back without realizing. The polished white card looked almost innocent, yet to Videl it felt like a symbol of every humiliation she had suffered.
Her betrayal. Her ruined reputation. Her image shattered across the city. The lies. The pain. The day everything she thought she had was taken from her.
Her grip tightened around the card.
For a moment, she simply stared at it, breathing quietly, feeling the familiar sting return deep in her chest. She remembered the look in Eric's eyes when he walked away from her, the whispers, the headlines, the pitying glances. She remembered thinking she would never stand again.
A cold glint passed through her eyes.
Slowly, she lifted her chin.
"No," she said softly. "I will not throw it away."
Dawn's brows shifted, though his face remained unreadable. "You will not?"
"She invited me," Videl replied, her voice firmer than before. "So I am going to honor the invitation."
Their eyes met. His gaze steady and composed. Hers burning with a quiet resolve she had not felt in a long time.
Inside, Videl felt something heavy and broken settle into a sharper form.
Pamela… you have made the biggest mistake of your life inviting me to your wedding.
Dawn finally spoke. "I brought something for you." He placed a small nylon bag on the bed beside her and opened it.
Videl's eyes widened. Inside was her favorite food, neatly packed, the aroma immediately making her smile. She looked up at him, her face lighting up like a child who had been given a long-awaited treat.
"You need to eat well and recover quickly," Dawn said, his voice calm but carrying weight. "Next week is my birthday. I am going to introduce you to my family."
Videl's lips curved into a soft smile as she picked up a spoon. "No problem. As long as I get more of this in the future, I am good to go."
Dawn's lips lifted in a rare, almost amused smile. "So it only takes a little food to bribe you," he said lightly.
Videl laughed softly, the sound light and free for the first time in weeks.
The week passed quickly. Dawn's birthday arrived before Videl could fully grasp it. Today was the day she would meet his family, the first official step in becoming his woman in the eyes of the people closest to him.
Videl stood in front of the mirror, the discharge folder resting in her hand. She had been officially cleared to leave the hospital, but her doctors insisted she continue her medication. Her body was stronger now, but it was still fragile, a delicate balance she had to maintain.
Her reflection caught her attention. She barely recognized the woman staring back. The soft blue dress hugged her waist and flowed gently to her ankles. Delicate lace traced the neckline and sleeves. Her hair was pinned neatly, falling in smooth waves that framed her face. The combination of elegance and understated grace was unfamiliar but fitting. She took a slow breath, trying to steady her heartbeat.
A quiet knock sounded at the door.
"Come in," she said softly.
Dawn stepped inside. His amber eyes locked onto hers immediately, striking in intensity, yet softened by a warmth that made her pulse skip. His dark hair framed a face that was strong and composed, but the calm in his presence contrasted with the tension she still carried from the past weeks.
He took a moment, simply looking at her. Videl felt the weight of his gaze sweep over her from head to toe, studying her with quiet care.
"You look beautiful," he said, his voice calm, carrying both certainty and admiration.
Videl blinked, startled by the compliment. She pressed her lips together before whispering, "Thank you," her voice quieter than intended.
Dawn nodded slightly, a rare, faint smile brushing his lips. He stepped aside and gestured toward the door. "Shall we?"
Videl inhaled slowly, her nerves buzzing, then stepped toward him. Dawn held the door open and allowed her to move ahead. Each step down the corridor felt significant, like crossing a threshold from which she could never return.
At the entrance, the evening breeze brushed her skin, cool and grounding. Parked by the curb was a sleek black sedan, its tinted windows reflecting the warm glow of the streetlights. The driver stepped out immediately, bowing respectfully before opening the rear door.
"After you," Dawn said.
Videl lowered herself into the car, smoothing the folds of her dress as she settled into the plush leather seat. The faint scent of cedar mixed with a clean, crisp fragrance, comforting in its familiarity.
Dawn slid in beside her a moment later. The door closed with a quiet click. The engine hummed softly to life, and the car became a small, enclosed world, cocooned from the outside.
Videl folded her hands in her lap, trying to quiet the flutter in her chest.
"You are nervous," Dawn said quietly, observing her closely.
"A little," she admitted, her voice soft, almost fragile.
"You are safe with me," he replied, calm and firm, the words carrying a weight that eased the tension in her chest.
Videl hesitated, then looked up at him. "That scandal… my face was everywhere. Yours wasn't in it. No one knew it was you. But mine—mine was all over the news. Your family might never see past that."
Dawn leaned back slightly, relaxed but confident. His amber eyes never left hers. "Do not worry. I will handle everything. My family will see you for who you truly are," he said, steady and certain.
Videl allowed herself a small nod. His words carried reassurance and a certainty that he would protect her and stand by her side. The tightness in her chest eased just enough for her to take a steady breath.
She adjusted her dress and looked out the window, letting the cool night air settle her thoughts. The quiet strength returning to her gave her a small, steady courage. Dawn's presence was a shield, allowing her to face what lay ahead without fear.
When the car finally slowed in front of a sleek, modern home tucked behind a private gate, Videl took a deep breath.
"We're here," Dawn said gently.
The driver stepped out and opened the door. Dawn stepped out first, then turned to offer her a hand. She took it, and together they approached the front door.
But as Dawn pushed it open, darkness greeted them.
No light. No sound.
He frowned, instinctively slipping his hand into his pocket to turn on his phone's flashlight.
Before he could, the house lit up.
"Surprise!" a chorus of voices rang out.
The sudden brightness revealed a room filled with people, balloons, and decorations. But the excitement quickly faded. One by one, the smiles dropped, the claps slowed, and silence swept through the space.
Everyone was staring at the woman standing beside Dawn.