He led me through the grand marble foyer into the banquet hall. The chandeliers above cast a warm, golden light, their brilliance reflecting off polished floors and glittering jewelry. The hum of conversation and soft strains of a live quartet filled the air.
As we reached the entrance, Ethan's phone buzzed. He answered quickly, his tone clipped and professional. After ending the call, he turned to me with an apologetic smile.
"Ms. Gray, I'll fetch your gown personally. It's already waiting in the second-floor lounge. Please feel free to head upstairs—I'll bring it to you shortly."
I nodded and stepped into the hall, intending to make my way to the lounge. But as soon as I passed through the doors, a familiar voice stopped me in my tracks.
"Well, if it isn't my oh-so-principled ex-wife. What's with your outfit? Did you go dumpster diving on the way here? Or have things been so hard for you since the divorce that you're scavenging trash to make ends meet?"
The voice, smooth yet dripping with mockery, sent an icy chill down my spine. I hadn't heard it in five years, but I recognized it instantly. Jonah.