Until Destiny Interfered

Chapter 1: The Birthday Nightmare

I woke up this morning to a loud, rhythmic banging in my ears, my heart, my headache, or maybe just the universe reminding me that today I turn twenty-five.

Twenty-five. A quarter of a century. In my parents' world, that's the equivalent of an expiration date.

I sat up, the silk sheets of my bed feeling like a cold reminder of the gilded cage I lived in. I could practically smell the desperation coming from my parents' wing of the mansion. They think I don't see the panic in their eyes as each birthday passes without a husband in sight. They think I'm oblivious to the "crisis meetings" they have behind closed doors.

Honestly? It's hilarious.

Every year, they trot out a new line of "successful" men like they're trying to sell me a used car. And every year, I chew them up and spit them out. They blame the rumors, the legend of the "Spoiled Heiress" who breaks men for fun. I call it high standards. If a guy can't handle me at my worst, he definitely doesn't deserve me when I'm wearing four carats on each ear. I don't give a damn about explaining myself. If the rumors scare them off, it just saves me a boring dinner date.

"Happy Birthday, Ivanna," I whispered to my reflection, blowing a kiss at the mirror. "Let the games begin."

I dragged myself out of bed and spent four hours getting prepared for the "Big Day." My parents had spent a small fortune on this ceremony, imported roses, Italian chandeliers, fireworks that probably cost more than a suburban house. We're the Seans, after all. One of the richest dynasties in the city. If we're going to be desperate, we're going to do it in style.

By the time I walked down the grand staircase, the room was a sea of gold and fake smiles. I could hear the whispers starting before my heels even hit the marble.

"There she is. The demon in the Dior."

"Twenty suitors... and she still looks that smug."

Another added.

"Beauty without grace. Such a waste"

"Twenty suitors... even a demon would have accidentally married one by now."

I swept through the crowd, my chin high, wearing a white silk gown that cost more than a suburban house. I was bored within ten minutes. I was looking for a drink, or an exit, whichever came first.

I didn't realize that in a dark corner of the hall, someone was looking for me.

Tucked away in a dark corner of the hall, a young man sat completely still.

He didn't belong to the glittering chaos around him. And somehow, that made him more noticeable than anyone else in the room.

A young man appeared at his shoulder and bowed.

"Everything is in order, according to plan, my Prince." Nicholas said with a bow.

The man in the shadows didn't look up. He watched the deep, rust-colored wine move in his glass, slow,