Chapter 12 - THE WHISPERS OF SOCIETY
Three peaceful weeks had passed since the dramatic arrest on the front steps of the Caldwell estate.
The tabloids had aggressively milked the scandal for days, splashing Ethan, Rosa, and the disgraced Victoria across every front page in the country.
But Ethan’s ruthless legal team had swiftly executed a massive wave of defamation lawsuits, silencing the media with terrifying efficiency.
The narrative had abruptly shifted from a scandalous affair to a modern-day fairy tale about a billionaire finding his lost family.
However, the elite circles of high society were not so easily silenced.
Rosa stood nervously in front of a full-length gilded mirror inside Ethan’s massive bedroom, staring at her own reflection in absolute disbelief.
Tonight was the annual Manhattan Children’s Hospital Charity Gala, the most exclusive and highly anticipated social event of the entire year.
It would be their very first public appearance together as an official couple.
A team of world-renowned stylists had spent the last four hours transforming her.
She was wearing a breathtaking, custom-made emerald green evening gown that hugged her elegant curves perfectly.
A delicate diamond necklace, hand-selected by Ethan from a private vault in Switzerland, rested beautifully against her collarbone.
She did not look like the quiet, invisible maid who used to scrub the marble floors of this very mansion.
She looked like a queen preparing to step onto her royal throne.
"You look absolutely mesmerizing," a deep, husky voice murmured from the doorway.
Rosa turned around, her breath catching in her throat as Ethan walked into the room.
He was wearing a classic black tuxedo perfectly tailored to his imposing frame, exuding power, confidence, and dangerous charm.
"I feel like an imposter, Ethan," Rosa confessed, nervously twisting her fingers together.
"Everyone in that ballroom is going to know exactly who I used to be, and they are going to judge you for bringing me."
Ethan closed the distance between them, gently capturing her hands and kissing her knuckles.
"Let them judge," Ethan replied, his silver eyes completely devoid of any hesitation.
"I want the entire world to see the beautiful, brilliant, and resilient woman who captured my heart."
"You belong by my side, Rosa, not in the shadows, and certainly not hiding from a bunch of arrogant snobs."
Rosa looked up at him, drawing strength from his unwavering, fierce devotion.
"What if I say the wrong thing or use the wrong fork at dinner?" she asked, a small, self-deprecating smile playing on her lips.
Ethan let out a genuine, rumbling laugh that made her heart flutter wildly.
"If anyone dares to criticize you over a salad fork, I will buy the entire hotel and have them immediately thrown out onto the street," he promised smoothly.
Rosa finally laughed, the heavy anxiety in her chest slowly melting away.
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"Okay," she whispered, standing up a little straighter.
"I am ready."
