A few hours before the party, in the afternoon, the doorbell rang at Aanya's house. Outside stood one of Zain's trusted servants holding a large box.
"Ma'am, Mr. Zain Yan has sent this for you."
Aanya's hands trembled as she opened the box. Huan Jing and Jian were also present. As soon as the box opened, it felt like the room was filled with light.
Inside was a magical gown in Champagne Gold. Its shimmer was like morning sunlight hitting dewdrops. Thousands of tiny glittering dots on the fine net fabric looked like a galaxy filled with stars.
"Oh my God! Aanya!" Huan Jing screamed. "This is straight out of a princess's wardrobe!"
Lu Wei looked at the fitted bodice and sweetheart neckline of the gown. "Didi, this is the most expensive fabric in the world. Did Zain Yan really send this just for you?"
Aanya touched the gown. Its romantic puff sleeves and the thin black ribbon bow at the waist created a classic contrast. Jing hugged Aanya tightly. "You will look the most beautiful! Just wait and watch!"
The two friends twirled in joy, but Aanya's heart carried a fear—why was Zain giving her such an honor?
Fengning: "O-M-G! Aanya, you look exactly like a K-Drama heroine! Zain Bhai's choice is amazing."
Aanya, nervously holding her gown, said, "I don't know, Jing, this dress is so expensive that I'm scared to even walk. If I fall, the boss will probably cut my credit card limit from my salary!"
The party venue was decorated like a palace.
This scene was about to become the most beautiful and exciting part of your story! The grand night of 'Project Phoenix' had arrived.
Gala Night: The Royal Unveiling
The ZY Empire hall shimmered like moonlight. Giant chandeliers hung all around. Mr. Wang stood in a corner sipping his drink, his face pale with jealousy.
Suddenly, the hall lights dimmed, and a spotlight stopped on the stairs. Aanya descended. She was wearing the stunning gown chosen by Zain. Her hair was open to her shoulders, and her glasses accentuated her innocence.
Zain Yan stepped onto the stage, holding the microphone. His gaze was fixed only on Aanya.
Zain: "Ladies and gentlemen, today marks the victory of 'Project Phoenix.' And the true owner of this victory is this wedding dress and its designer… Miss Aanya Lu!"
As the curtain lifted, the magnificent wedding dress was revealed. The hall filled with applause. Lu Kang (Aanya's uncle) was watching secretly from the crowd.
Zain deliberately placed his hand on Aanya's waist, pulling her closer to spark jealousy in Lu Kang.
He walked straight to her. "Mrs. Lu… will you dance with this devil?"
Music began. Zain took Aanya's hand and led her to the dance floor.
Aanya: (surprised) "Sir, I can't dance… I'll fall!"
Zain: (low, deep voice) "Trust me. As long as I am here, I won't let you fall."
Aanya hesitated but placed her hand in his. As Zain's hand rested on her waist, Aanya felt an electric shock run through her.
"You look incredibly beautiful," Zain said softly.
"Thank you, Sir," Aanya said, lowering her eyes.
"Don't say that. Because by tomorrow morning, you will pay the price for this beauty," Zain thought to himself.
He pulled Aanya into his arms. Her hair tangled in the buttons of his coat. Their eyes met, and in that moment, Zain forgot all his hatred and vengeance. He only saw that innocent girl who made his heart race.
In a corner of the dance floor, Kian and Jing were also dancing. Huan Jing looked like an apsara herself. She wore a turquoise gown, her curly hair flowing freely, enhancing her beauty.
Kian, mesmerized, lost all his composure. He approached Jing softly. "Today… you look… different, Jing."
Huan Jing: (blinking) "Different? Or good?"
Kian could only smile. His gaze then fell on Zain and Aanya. Zain's stern face softened slightly as he danced with Aanya.
Jing was completely lost in Kian's love.
"Kian, I'm so lucky to have met you," Jing said, resting her head on his chest.
Kian's face turned stone-like. He noticed Zain signaling him—complete the mission.
Kian whispered into Jing's ear, "Jing, I need that briefcase from Aanya's uncle. Will you help me find it? It's crucial for Aanya's safety."
Jing looked up, her eyes filled with trust. "If you say so, I'll go to Aanya's house tomorrow and find it."
Cafe Drama: Lu Wei & Fengning
Meanwhile, at the same cafe where Zain often worked, Lu Wei was busy. Fengning insisted on taking the job as a waitress there to stay close to him.
Lu Wei: "Fengning! I told you to place this on table number 5. Why did you put it on 8?"
Fengning: "Oh! Don't shout so much, I'll fix it now."
As Fengning turned with the tray, she slipped. Just as she was about to fall, Lu Wei quickly caught her in his arms. The coffee spilled, but both of them locked eyes.
Lu Wei: (suppressing anger) "Spoiled rich kid… if I weren't here, your head would have cracked today."
Fengning: (smiling) "But you are here to save me, right?"
After the dance, Zain was talking to a client, Huan Jing was lost in Kian, and Aanya sat alone in a corner, sipping wine and savoring her success.
Then, a mischievous smile appeared on Mr. Wang's face. He took a glass of red wine from a waiter and deliberately approached Aanya.
As Aanya turned, Mr. Wang pretended to stumble.
'Splash!'
Deep red wine spilled over Aanya's golden gown, covering the sparkling stars on the white net. The silky dress, which had shone moments ago, was now stained like blood.
Aanya's face turned pale. "Oh no!"