Seraphina’s POV
The white gown in the box was breathtaking, adorned with delicate white lily embroidery along the hem. As my fingers grazed its silky surface, I marveled at its elegance—it was the most exquisite thing I had ever touched.
The thought of wearing white, paired with Asher’s sly pun, made my cheeks flush.
Oh, my sweet Moon Goddess, Elin groaned inside me. If this dress doesn’t get a yes from you, what will?
“Please, Elin,” I sighed, attempting to sound resolute. “I’m not going to be bought with a pretty dress.”
But I knew I was lying. My willpower wavered with every passing minute.
The real issue was something I hadn’t dared to voice—I didn’t know how many women had walked this exact path before me, drawn in by Asher’s charm, only to be discarded later.
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That evening, I arrived at the banquet wearing the gown Cadenhad gifted me.
As I approached the grand entrance, heads turned. Curious glances followed me, and some guests even stole second looks after passing by. Ever since I’d left Damon, this kind of attention had become unsettlingly frequent.
The man checking invitations at the door was young, blushing furiously as he stammered, “M-Miss Seraphina, w-welcome… Would you like… to wait for your date?”
I smiled kindly, feeling sorry for his nerves. “Can I just head in?”
“Of course!” he exclaimed, rushing to open the door.
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The banquet hall was dazzling. Its opulence matched the caliber of its attendees—CEOs of major corporations, elite investors, and even a few celebrities mingled among the crowd.
As I stepped inside, the chatter faded.
Almost every face turned toward me, their expressions a mix of judgment and hostility.
I met their stares head-on, but they quickly averted their gazes, resuming their conversations as if I hadn’t entered.
Grabbing a drink from a passing waiter, I approached a small group, hoping to blend in.
But they noticed me and began whispering hurriedly before scattering like leaves in the wind.
Confusion settled over me. Why was I being isolated?
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Suddenly, hurried footsteps sounded behind me. Before I could turn, someone collided with me, and a splash of red liquid soaked my dress.
I gasped, stepping back, horrified to see my once-pristine gown now stained with red wine.
“Sorry. I didn’t see you there,” said a smug voice, laced with mockery.
It was a group of women in soldier uniforms, their demeanor far from apologetic.
The one holding the empty glass smirked, towering over me with an air of superiority.
Recognition hit me—they were part of Helena’s entourage.
The room fell silent again as onlookers paused to watch the drama unfold. Even the waitstaff held back, their curiosity outweighing their duty.
I clenched my fists, piecing it together.
This was Helena’s doing.
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“No, you’re not sorry,” I said, my voice steady as I met her smug gaze. “You did that on purpose.”
Her smirk widened, and she leaned closer. “Yeah, I guess I did. So why don’t you get out of here, you northern bumpkin?”
“And if I don’t?”
“Then I’ll make you leave my way. And it won’t be pretty,” she sneered, clearly enjoying the tension.
Her confidence radiated. She was tall, muscular, and trained. I, in contrast, was shorter, wearing heels, and seemed far less intimidating.
For a moment, I considered my options. Then, calmly, I set my glass down and removed my earrings, placing them aside.
She raised an eyebrow, surprised. “Are you serious?”
“If you’re going to call me a northerner, you should know we don’t back down from a fight,” I said, motioning for her to come forward. “Bring it on.”
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They thought I’d be easy to scare off.
But they forgot—I was the sister of a Gamma.
