Prologue

The grand mansion stood far away from the crowded city.  Tonight, it was bustling under the warm glow of chandeliers and the murmur of conversations as a party for a business launch was going on in full swing. The focal point of the evening was a woman dressed in a long, elegant black dress holding a glass of champagne, possessing the grace of royalty. Her name was Regina Spencer and she was no less than a royal princess. 

Regina moved through the crowd with sophistication and a flawless smile that could ease anyone while her foxy eyes were on every opportunity laid around her. The mansion's luxurious ballroom was adorned with priceless art and rare decorations and showcased the power and wealth her family wielded. It apprehended and awed every guest. 

Outside, the beautifully mowed gardens were sparkling under the moonlight and some people were chatting there. The Spencer House was always a talk among the guests as they don't seem to get enough of its beauty. 

"Regina, I saw what you did with that beautiful sapphire necklace," A middle-aged woman adorned in designer items from head to toe approached her. She added, "I must say, it's my favorite of the collection."

Regina turned her beautiful smile toward Mrs. Arnello and said in a poised manner, "Thank you, Mrs. Arnello. You can call my secretary. It never hurts to give early access to our known people, does it?"

Mrs. Arnello laughed, her voice tinkling with happiness over what she just heard, "You are good at what you do, Regina. Congratulations on launching your company and your engagement." She added the last few words in a whisper. 

As Mrs. Arnello walked away, Claire Spencer, Regina’s mother, appeared beside her daughter, her bright smile mirroring the woman who had just won an empire, "The collection is getting a good response, Regina. You have launched your company. You are just steps away from working with Damien Callahan. The only purpose of this collection is to collaborate with the Callahan Group. Once this collaboration is fixed, I will urge your father to prepone your marriage with Damien. Nobody can stop you from marrying Damien."

Regina's face remained blank but inside, she prayed that her mother's speculation would come true. "Mom, please don't think too much right now. I've so much to do before I can even think of collaboration with Callahan Group. My company is just a baby! And it is fine even if marriage happens at its own speed. Damien is right beside me anyways."

"Fine, fine," Claire rolled her eyes at her daughter's humility. "Your father is looking for you. He didn't throw the party just for you not to meet him." She grabbed Regina's arm gently. "Let's meet him before he gets mad!"

Far from the glittering ballroom, a young man stood alone, observing the dazzling people from a distance. His thoughts were a stark contrast to the brightness of the evening. Damien Callahan found little joy in such gatherings. He would have preferred the solitude of his office, where he could immerse himself in work and the pursuit of wealth.

In this world, it was only wealth that never hurt people. Therefore, it was the only thing worth pursuing. As for people? Despicable! 

He glanced at his mother who was happily chatting with Claire Spencer. He knew what was coming up next. Soon, the two families were going to announce his engagement with Regina. As for his engagement, one might ask what he felt? Truly, he had no feelings about anyone and anything. He was like a monk but the one who liked to pursue money. 

Suddenly, in the ballroom, conversations stilled and the room seemed to hold its breath as the soft waves of music began to weave through the air. The light dimmed and created seductive darkness as the anticipation fluttered in the heart of the audience.

A faint glow touched the stage, revealing a graceful figure draped in a translucent white gown . With the first heartbeat of music, she moved her alluring body. Her symphony with music felt like a painter creating a tale on the dark canvas with silver white paint.

Her face was not completely visible but screams divinity and she felt like a celestial beauty. Like a moon goddess descended upon earth. Her dance was a flowing river and her skirt was a boat drifting on its gentle current.  Her long and dark curls reminded that of nightfall. She created an image of a boat flowing in gentle river water under moonlight in the dark night. 

Each step and gesture stirred emotions deep within the hearts of the young men. Whereas women were divided between admiration and envy for her. However, eachone present there struggled to keep their gazes from her mesmerizing performance. 

In that moment, the mysterious dancer shadowed everything else even the purpose of the gathering, the hosts, even Regina herself. 

All eyes were fixed on this mysterious enchanting. 

In the end,  the banquet became all about the identity of the mysterious dancer. 

When the music stopped, the dancer bowed and left the stage. As she left the stage, the lights turned on again. Regina was the first person to run after the mysterious dancer as she seemed to have a clue about the dancer’s identity. 

Regina found the mysterious woman standing in the courtyard where not any outsider were allowed to enter. Her eyes were filled with shock and anger as she looked at the face that she hated the most in this world. 

“You!” Regina could not even utter a word. 

The woman said with a smirk, “I'm not here for you.”

Regina was so mad with anger. “Then, who the hell are you here for?”

The woman smiled and pointed behind Regina. 

As Regina turned around, she found Damien standing behind her. 

“Don't even think about him,”Regina threatened him. However, before she could say anything, the woman walked past her and stood in front of Damien. 

“We meet again,” The woman said with a soft smile. 

“Anastasia Spencer,” Damien whispered her name in disbelief. 

“I’m back, Damien,”Anastasia said in the softest tone she was capable of producing. 

“Why are you here?” Damien asked her. 

Anastasia said, “I'm here to propose a wedding.” She went on a knee and took out a box and asked, “Will you marry me, Damien Callahan?” 

Damien looked at her, calmly and said, “Sure.”

Regina screamed, “No!”

Before she could lunge on Anastasia, the woman had slipped the ring on Damien’s finger. As Regina was about to hit Anastasia, he acted faster and pulled his fiancee closer to his body to protect her. 

“You cannot hurt the woman I am about to marry.”

Regina stood there in disbelief as the drama unfolded in front of her eyes.