The Promotion

Chapter Fifty-Two

The day of the engagement party arrived faster than I expected.

Despite our original plan to announce it properly tonight, it was clear that the secret hadn't survived the weeks leading up to it. At least eighty percent of the guest list already knew Alexander and I were engaged. Whispers travelled fast in our world—between offices, boardrooms, and carefully curated social circles. Still, I didn't mind. Tonight wasn't about surprise. It was about celebration.

The weeks before the party had been full—overwhelming in a way that felt productive rather than chaotic. Jason's project had officially taken shape. Contracts were signed, hands were shaken, and the four of us committed to something that felt solid and promising. A future built on purpose, not just profit.

At the same time, something inside me was shifting.

The trial loomed closer, yet instead of dread tightening my chest, I felt steadier. Rebecca's office had become a place of preparation rather than fear. Each session peeled back a layer of pain, yes—but it also strengthened my resolve. There were moments when my stomach still twisted, when memories surfaced uninvited, but they no longer controlled me.

Charles would not control me again.

One thing remained unresolved.

Sarah.

Since discovering the truth about her and Calum, we'd drifted into an uneasy silence. No arguments. No dramatic fallout. Just space. Space that felt necessary, yet uncomfortable. Even though I told myself it didn't hurt as much as it should, I missed her. I missed the effortless comfort of my best friend knowing me without explanation.

I made sure Lily sent her an invitation. No matter how complicated things were, I needed her here tonight. I needed my best friend beside me—even if we were still finding our way back to each other.

⸻

The house buzzed with activity as I moved through the main room.

Decorators shouted instructions to one another, adjusting lighting and flowers with meticulous care. Stainless steel trays clattered as caterers moved briskly in and out of the kitchen. The scent of spices—warm, rich, layered—hung in the air, making my stomach twist with anticipation.

At the far end of the room, the bar was coming together—glassware polished, bottles aligned with precision. I already knew I'd be staying sober. Tonight was something I wanted to remember clearly, without haze.

Lily darted across the room, clipboard clutched to her chest, giving instructions like a seasoned general. When she spotted me, her face lit up and she hurried over.

"So?" she asked breathlessly. "Tell me honestly."

I laughed softly, shaking my head. "Lily... it's perfect. Truly. I don't even know how you've managed all of this."

She exhaled, relief washing over her face, before someone called her name again and she was gone—already moving on to the next detail.

I stood there for a moment, letting it all sink in.

Tonight, I would officially be Alexander Pierce's fiancée.

⸻

Later, standing in front of the mirror, I barely recognised the woman staring back at me.

Janice had outdone herself.

The dusty pink tulle dress flowed like a soft dream around me—delicate netting layered over silk, catching the light with a subtle shimmer. The off-the-shoulder cut framed my collarbones perfectly, elegant without trying too hard.