ON THE OTHER HAND, AURORA was trapped in a painfully long conversation with another D-list TV celebrity who clearly hated her.

The television personality nodded at all the wrong moments, her eyes flitting past Aurora's shoulder every few seconds as if she were looking for someone more important. She responded with vague smiles, obviously disinterested and already bored.

So when the sharp clinking of a glass echoed through the room, Aurora almost sighed with relief.

She took advantage of the distraction to quietly slip away, leaving the conversation before the celebrity even noticed she was gone.

"Attention, esteemed guests," a man's voice boomed over the loudspeakers. "Yes, I know asking the actors to stop talking is a dangerous request. But please, may I have a moment of your time?"

Soft laughter echoed through the room. People shifted and conversations faded away. Aurora stopped. The voice sounded… familiar.

He frowned slightly, trying to locate her, but from the Class D section he couldn't see the stage clearly. High glass partitions and the long distance blocked his view.

Then he dismissed the thought. It didn't matter.

"Welcome to the Hibiscus Media Gala," the voice resonated clearly through the room. "Tonight isn't about glamour, prestige, or the glittering masks we wear in front of the camera. It's about the people—those who dream, who take risks, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring stories to life. It's about talent, determination, and passion. It's about those who deserve a stage, whether they're in the spotlight or remain unseen, shaping this industry in ways that aren't always noticed."

Aurora listened distractedly, her thoughts scattered. Then, without warning, large screens gently descended from above in the Class D section, illuminating every section of the hall.

Her breathing stopped. The face that filled the screen was unmistakable.

And the name written underneath was Reuben Blackwood.

Her stomach twisted violently; the same sickening wave of nausea she had felt that morning hit her again. Her fingers grew cold. Her heart pounded painfully against her ribs.

He.

The man from that night.

The man she had woken up next to. The man whose face she had tried, but couldn't, to forget. He was the CEO of Blackwood Entertainment.

The people around her were whispering. Some were looking at the screen. Others were looking at her. Aurora barely noticed. She was frozen, the shock keeping her motionless.

Reuben continued speaking softly, oblivious to the chaos inside her.

"This year has been one of challenges and triumphs, of risk and reward. At Blackwood Entertainment, we honor talent in all its forms, those who dare to dream, who fight to rise, and who show courage in pursuing their passions. We seek voices that need to be heard, stories that need to be told, and artists who deserve the opportunity to shine, regardless of their background, regardless of their past."

Then, suddenly, a woman came up on stage beside him. She was wearing a soft ivory dress and casually slipped her arm around Reuben's, as if she belonged there.

"Thank you all for being here tonight," the woman said warmly as she accepted the microphone. Her smile was gentle. "It truly means so much to us to share this evening with so many familiar faces and inspiring talents."

Aurora recognized her instantly. Clara Whitmore.

The nation's beloved actress. Famous for her innocent image, her gentle smile, and the kind of roles that made audiences fall in love with her time and time again. Every headline adored her.

All the critics praised her grace. And it was common knowledge, even reported everywhere, that Clara Whitmore was engaged to Reuben Blackwood.

Clara continued, "The entertainment industry can be challenging, but nights like this remind us why we do what we do. It's about passion, creativity, and believing in new possibilities."

She looked fondly at Reuben before turning back to the audience. "Together, we hope that tonight will be the start of new collaborations, new dreams, and brighter paths for everyone here."

The room erupted in applause and Aurora couldn't breathe.

Her thoughts tangled, overlapping and crushing her chest. The man she had slept with. The man she had run away from. That same man was standing next to his perfect fiancée, smiling as if nothing had happened.

Everything felt wrong. She felt uncomfortable. All she knew was that she had to leave. Now.

Aurora whirled around, moving along the edge of the crowd. "Sorry!" she murmured as she nearly bumped into a tall man carrying a tray.

Her voice sounded frightened and frantic even to her own ears.

"Watch out!" the man snapped, glaring at her, before she quickly walked past him. But then her stomach sank.

A cold grip tightened around her arm, the fingers digging in just enough to make her shudder. Her blood ran cold.

She froze. "Miss Valenmoor."

Aurora slowly turned her head. The smile on his face made her stomach twist violently. The fat man from a month ago was there, staring at her.

It seemed her nightmare wasn't over. It had followed her here.