Chapter 15
A week passed and tonight was the birthday party of Dr. Celeste. The whole city seemed to be talking about it. Politicians, billionaires, CEOs, and the type of women who lived in glossy magazines were all here. I almost wanted to run, but Dr. Celeste herself had pressed a dress into my hands. A designer gown. Silky, expensive, far beyond anything I’d ever wear on my own. “You’ll wear it for me, Dahlia,” she said earlier with a smile that brokered no refusal. “You’re my protégé. I want them to see you the way I see you.”
So here I was. In heels. In a gown that fit like it was made for me. Walking into the ballroom with my head high.
And the whispers started immediately.
She’s gorgeous. Who is she?”
I heard she’s Celeste’s protégée.”
Brains and beauty. Rare combination.”
Look at her posture. That’s confidence.”
Not your average society girl. She’s something else.”
Rumor is she’s a surgeon.”
heard them. I let them. I kept my chin high, like none of it mattered, but inside, I felt their eyes heir weight.
And then I saw him.
Austin.
He was standing across the room, Yvette glued to his side like a gaudy accessory. The moment is eyes landed on me, the blood drained from his face. His jaw literally dropped. He looked like e’d seen a ghost.
Dahlia?” His lips shaped my name before sound came out.
(vette noticed instantly. She tightened her grip on his arm, lifted her chin, and flashed the nassive diamond on her hand. “Everyone, allow me to introduce myself,” she said loudly enough or half the ballroom to hear. “I’m Mrs. Austin Livingston.”
No one cared. Their eyes were still on me.
Then Mrs. Livingston’s voice sliced through the noise. “Why is that whore here?”
felt the sting of her tone, but I didn’t flinch.
Mr. Livingston frowned, squinting at me. “I thought Dahlia was dead?”
‘We thought so too,” Mrs. Livingston snapped.
Austin stumbled forward like he couldn’t help himself. “Dahlia? You’re alive? My God… you’re alive. What are you doing here? You look so… beautiful. God, I thought you were gone. Can we
talk?”
Yvette pulled his arm hard. “Austin, no! Don’t you dare.”
Before I could answer, a warm arm wrapped around mine. Dr. Celeste. She gave Austin a smile
that cut like a blade.
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“What a small world,” she said smoothly. “So you know Dahlia? She’s one of my best surgeons.
Mrs. Livingston scoffed. “Her? A surgeon? Impossible. She’s nothing.”
Dr. Celeste’s smile vanished. Her tone turned cold. “Careful with your words, Mrs. Livingston. Don’t ever call Dahlia nothing. Not in front of me.” She tightened her grip on my arm like a shield. ‘In fact, if I remember correctly, Dahlia was the one who saved your life last week when you collapsed at the mall. My secretary told me everything.”
The air shifted.
Mr. and Mrs. Livingston froze. Their mouths opened but no sound came out.
Mrs. Livingston stammered, “That… that was her?”
smiled politely, bowing my head just slightly. “Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Livingston. I’m glac o see you’re healthy. That’s what matters.” My voice stayed even, calm. I didn’t look at Austi again.
Dahlia, wait-” Austin’s voice cracked, but I didn’t stop.
nstead, I joined my fellow residents at the side table. We laughed about rotations, about the nsane hours, about how surreal it was to see so many tycoons under one chandelier.
But I could feel it. Eyes. Watching me.
turned once, casually, and caught another pair of eyes across the ballroom. Not Austin’s.
Maximilian.
Tall, unreadable, his gaze locked on me like I was the only person in the room. And for the first ime in a long while, something inside my chest jumped.
Then a man in a sharp suit approached me. He smiled, warm, and respectful. “Dr. Dahlia,” he said. “It’s an honor. I’ve been reading about your breakthroughs. Remarkable work. The medica community is lucky to have you.”
smiled, keeping it polite. “Thank you, sir. That means a lot.”
His words weren’t just praise. They were validation. And he said them loud enough for everyone o hear. Including the Livingstons.
‘Oh, please. Don’t get carried away with her achievements.” Yvette’s voice cut in sharp. “People orget she used to live off Austin. A leech. Poor, clinging, desperate.”
turned to her slowly, already ready to respond, but Dr. Celeste’s voice carried across the room before I could.
‘But look at her now,” Dr. Celeste said firmly, “From slump to surgeon. She’s not the one who should feel embarrassed here. Don’t you think she looks great?”
The room went awkwardly silent. Yvette’s face twisted, but she couldn’t argue. I gave Celeste the faintest smile of gratitude before excusing myself.
The air inside was heavy, so I slipped out into the hallway. Quiet. Cool. Finally, I could breathe. That’s when I felt it. That familiar presence behind me.
“Dahlia,”
I froze, then turned. Austin.
He looked like he’d seen a ghost, his eyes wild, his jaw tense.
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“You’re really alive,” his voice was shaking. “All these years… you let me believe…”
I cut him off before he could finish. “What I went through is none of your concern now. I gave you
your freedom, Austin. Best decision I ever made. Go back to your wife.”
His face twisted with something raw. “It was you I loved. Always you, Dahlia.”
I laughed bitterly. “Don’t make me laugh. You chose Yvette. I chose my freedom. That’s the truth and we both know it.”
He stepped closer, hand reaching for me. “Don’t walk away from me again.”
Before he could touch me, an arm slid around my waist, pulling me back firmly.
“What’s wrong, babe?” Maximilian’s voice was low, protective.
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