For the past few days, Damian had been coming home late and leaving early, using his research as a flimsy excuse.

Initially, Remi was understanding, offering her full support. But when the pattern showed no signs of breaking, the seeds of suspicion began to sprout.

She pummeled a throw pillow, venting her frustration to Evangeline. "You can’t give men too much slack, Evangeline. Look at him now—completely full of himself because he knows I’m hooked. I haven’t even seen his face in three days."

Evangeline offered a wry smile. "Back when we were pulling all-nighters, wasn't Damian just as anxious?"

The blunt reminder silenced Remi, who just pouted and grumbled under her breath.

"Evangeline, I have this sinking feeling," Remi confessed, clutching her arm. "Do you think he’s found someone else?"

Evangeline reached out, gripping her friend’s hands firmly. "Don’t torment yourself with these 'what-ifs.' That’s not like you."

"Fine. He says he’s busy, I’ll give him space to be busy. But everything has a limit." Remi sighed, then reached into her bag and pulled out an ornate box. "Here. I made this for you. Open it."

"What is it?"

Evangeline untied the silk ribbon, and her breath hitched. Nestled inside was a hand-strung bridal bouquet featuring Akoya pearls, crystals, and diamonds. They caught the light in a kaleidoscope of iridescent color—so stunning it felt almost criminal to look away.

Evangeline’s eyes grew hot with tears as she took Remi’s hand, spotting the raw, blistered fingertips. "Remi…"

"Don't you dare cry," Remi laughed, though her voice wobbled. "Handmade crafts are all I’m good for, but it’s my way of wishing you the best."

Evangeline pulled her into a fierce embrace, her voice thick. "Thank you, Remi. I love it. I really do."

They chatted until the sun began to dip below the horizon. Remi glanced at the sky. "Evangeline, I should head out. Your icy husband will be back any minute."

"No—Remi, stay the night! Like we used to. I have so much more to tell you." Evangeline turned on the charm, her eyes wide and pleading.

Remi hesitated, then relented. "Fine. But not at the Elysian Estate. Let’s go get a room somewhere else. What do you say?"

Evangeline blinked, her eyes sparkling like a mischievous child’s. "Are we really going to be that reckless?"

"Absolutely."

The two girls exchanged a knowing, conspiratorial grin. They dashed upstairs, threw pajamas and a few necessities into a bag, and snuck out without telling a soul, leaving only a cryptic sticky note on the bedside table.

As soon as they cleared the gates of the Elysian Estate, Evangeline let out a cheer, her heart racing. "Remi, I feel like a runaway bride!"

"Ha! If you’re willing to run away with me, that proves I’m your true love!"

"Obviously!"

They pulled up to the Grand Crest, one of the city's most exclusive boutique hotels. As they checked in, the young receptionist shot them a bizarre, lingering look.

Evangeline frowned. "Is there a problem?"

"No, no problem at all," the girl stammered. "What kind of room were you looking for?"

"Something elegant and cozy. That signature suite you advertise—the one for $2,800 a night? That will do."

"Of course. One moment."

A few seconds later, the receptionist handed over the key card with a stiff, formal smile. "Here are your cards. Suite 81006, on the eighty-first floor, to your right."

"Thanks."

"You’re very welcome. Enjoy your stay."

Evangeline and Remi giggled, stepping into the elevator. "I’ve heard so much about the atmosphere at this place. I can't wait to see what two grand a night gets us."

They reached the eighty-first floor and found their door. The lock clicked, and they swung the door open, ready to be impressed.

Their smiles vanished instantly.

Evangeline slammed the door shut, clutching the key card as if it would spontaneously correct itself. "No way. We must have opened the door wrong. Let’s try again."

She squeezed her eyes shut and pushed the door open with force. The sight remained the same.

"Ha... ha... Evangeline, now I see why the receptionist looked at us like that."

The room was draped in red silk, the floor was carpeted in rose petals, and the lighting was a dim, pulsing crimson. It wasn't a standard suite; it was a theme room for lovers.

Evangeline wandered through the room, her jaw dropping. "Remi, looking at this set-up, I feel like I need to perform a dance."

"Go on then, my beauty. The stage is yours."

"Alexa, play the 'Dynasty' soundtrack."

As the music swelled, Evangeline grabbed a sheer silk scarf and used it to veil her face. "My King, come and catch me if you can!"

She moved with feline grace, drifting between the heavy red curtains, her eyes smoldering. Remi, roaring with laughter, whipped out her phone to record the show.

Evangeline’s silhouette moved with a dangerous, seductive rhythm, ending the performance with a sultry flick of her hand. Remi shrieked with delight.

"I always knew you were a high-society swan, but you’re a little vixen at heart! I’m obsessed."

"It’s the atmosphere! If I weren't carrying a baby, I’d dance all night just to let you know what it feels like to be a royal consort."

Evangeline shivered, disgusted by the over-the-top decor. "Okay, that’s enough. Remi, go change the lighting. This ambiance is giving me the creeps."

After a quick cleanup, the room was finally livable. Evangeline collapsed onto the plush circular bed, exhausted. "Well... that was an experience."

They ordered room service, and the young man who delivered the food gave them a knowing wink. "I hope you two have a wonderful night."

Remi didn't bother correcting him; she just thanked him and closed the door. The mood remained high, and Remi poured herself a few glasses of wine, while Evangeline sipped fruit juice.

"Evangeline, look outside. The moon is hidden," Remi slurred, her words becoming loose.

"Are you sad, Remi?"

"Clouds hide the moon, and the moon hides the reflection in the water... where does it all go?" Remi rambled, her eyes unfocused. Evangeline watched her quietly.

Back at the Elysian Estate, the man sitting on the sofa was practically vibrating with rage. He clutched the sticky note Evangeline had left behind.

"Waylen, where is she?"

"Boss," came the stammering reply, "the Madam is at the Grand Crest. With... with Miss Crawford."

Marcellus hurled his phone across the room. Silence hung in the air for a full minute before he stalked over to retrieve it and dialed a number.

"Damian! Your woman has kidnapped my wife and taken her to a hotel!"

"Calm down, Marcellus. They’re just two girls looking for a quiet place to talk. You don’t need to lose your mind."

"They're at the Grand Crest!"

Marcellus’s roar was loud enough to shatter glass. Even Damian went silent on the other end.

"I’m on my way."

The two men arrived at the hotel in rapid succession, flanked by a nervous hotel manager. "Mr. Alexander, your wife is in 81006. I’ll lead the way."

"Get out of my sight!"

The two men sprinted for the stairs. Behind them, the front desk staff gossiped frantically.

"Was the boss here to catch her cheating?"

"I heard the Madam is in there with someone else."

"Another girl, no less!"

"Shut it! Do you want to be fired?" The manager barked, silencing them instantly.

Upstairs, the two men stopped dead in front of the door. Both hesitated, afraid of what they might find on the other side. After five grueling minutes, Marcellus finally pounded on the wood.

"Who is it?"

"Evangeline, open the door!"

Evangeline peeked out, looking dazed. "Why are you two here?"

"I’m here to bring you home," Marcellus said, his jaw tight.

"But I don’t want to go."

Seeing her pout, Marcellus’s brow furrowed. "Evangeline!"

Damian shoved past him, frantic. "Where’s Remi?"

Evangeline opened the door wide. Despite their cleaning efforts, the room still screamed 'honeymoon suite.' Damian’s heart hammered against his ribs until he finally spotted the woman on the bed.

"Seriously, Evangeline? A lovers' suite?"

"Damian, watch your tone!"

Evangeline tucked herself into Marcellus’s chest, signaling him to stand down. She looked at Damian, eyes narrowing. "Dr. Spencer, where have you been for the past week?"

"I... I’ve been busy with research."

"Remi was losing her mind with anxiety. I brought her here so we could talk, though I admit, the hotel’s 'theme' was a bit of a surprise."

The commotion stirred Remi. She squinted, struggling to focus on the figures in the room. She saw Marcellus holding Evangeline, but missed Damian hiding behind the room divider.

"Marcellus, you’re like a persistent shadow! So annoying!"

Damian stepped into view and strode toward her. "Remi, you're awake?"

Seeing him, the heartache finally broke through Remi’s drunken haze. Her nose stung. "What are you doing here?"

Damian pulled her into his arms, his face buried in her neck. "I’m sorry."

The apology shattered her defenses. Tears spilled over. "You’re hot and cold. It’s like being killed by a thousand paper cuts!"

"I’m truly sorry. I really was just busy. I promise I’ll never ignore you again. Can you forgive me?"

"Sob..."

Evangeline and Marcellus exchanged a look and quietly backed out, leaving the romantic, red-lit suite to the couple who needed it most.