Third Person Pov.
Evans Rings stood up to make a toast, his face split into a wide smile as he spoke in a loud, cheerful voice that reflected his happiness.
"I want to use this gathering to thank everyone here for coming," he said, raising his glass.
"I also want to specifically thank my fiancée, Lena Smith, for everything she has done for me, for promoting me and making me the general manager of her company, Smith Enterprises."
He paused to take a breath before continuing a few seconds later.
"Thank you, Lena. I can't wait to become the CEO of Smith Enterprises in a few days."
Lena couldn't hold back her smile as he stopped once again, staring deeply into her eyes.
"Lena, I want you to know that I won't let you down. Thank you for trusting me. Cheers."
With a clink of glasses, his friends began drinking their wine and pouring more for themselves, everyone except Lena Smith.
The dimly lit room buzzed with celebration as a small group of friends marked a major milestone.
From a corner of the room, Ashley Coleman, Lena's longtime friend, sat seething with anger. When she could no longer contain herself, she decided it was time to humiliate Lena and carry out her plan for the evening.
"Why aren't you drinking your wine?" Ashley asked, false curiosity dripping from her tone as she stared at her supposed best friend.
Lena glanced up, surprised that Ashley, who knew very well that she never drank alcohol, not even in the smallest quantity could ask such a question.
Ashley, having gained the attention of everyone at the table just as she intended, continued without hesitation.
"Are you afraid Evans poisoned the wine," she sneered, "or do you look down on us and think you're too good to drink the same wine as everyone else?"
Lena was stunned. She tried to explain herself.
"No… that's not true. I—I just…" Her voice trailed off as she looked at Evans, silently hoping he would defend her.
Instead, he turned away, avoiding her gaze and ignoring her unspoken plea.
Freya, one of Ashley's friends, laughed loudly, her amusement clearly meant to mock Lena.
"If it weren't for the fact that you're Evans's fiancée and Ashley's best friend, you wouldn't even be here," she said.
She paused, her eyes turning cold as she muttered under her breath,
"Always acting like you're better than everyone."
James, Evans's friend, echoed her words with a snicker. His expression carried an unsettling glint that made Lena shudder.
"We don't even want you here," he added.
Ashley smiled in satisfaction, clearly enjoying the chaos she had orchestrated. Pretending to take Lena's side while further fueling the tension, she spoke again.
"Evans went out of his way to get the best and most expensive wine just for you," she said sweetly. "He even toasted to you. Can't you at least honor him by drinking the wine to show your appreciation for everything he does for you?"
Evans sighed as though the situation bored him. He pulled Lena closer and whispered softly into her ear.
"Behave yourself. Can't you see you're embarrassing me in front of my friends?" he murmured. "I've already given you my word that I'll marry you next week, and all I'm asking is that you drink a little alcohol to please me."
He paused, as if reconsidering, then nodded to himself.
"Fine. I promise I won't make you drink much. After today's celebration, you won't ever have to taste alcohol again."
To everyone watching, it looked like a loving couple sharing an intimate moment, one of the most admired pairs in all of York City.
Lena smiled faintly and closed her eyes. Her hands trembled slightly as she picked up the wine glass and brought it to her lips.
The scent alone made her gag, but she forced it down. She gulped the wine in one go, suppressing a cough as the liquid burned her throat.
Evans reached for the bottle to pour her another glass, but she quickly stopped him, subtly covering the rim with her palm.
"I drove here," she whispered urgently. "I need to be able to drive back myself to avoid any inconveniences."
She expected him to understand, to support her.
Instead, Evans turned his face away once more, his brows tightening in irritation.