The Sakura Grand Hotel had never looked more decadent.
Every corner of the ballroom shimmered beneath the soft, golden light of suspended crystal chandeliers. Silk-draped tables ringed the marble floor, each centerpiece a delicate sculpture of red camellias and white orchids. Waitstaff moved with practiced elegance, balancing silver trays of champagne flutes and hand-rolled sushi, while a jazz quartet played a playful, romantic melody from the corner of the room.
Ava stood just off-stage, cue cards in one hand, the other smoothing invisible wrinkles from her satin gown. The rich emerald color popped against her skin, the subtle sparkle of the neckline catching the light with every shift of her body. She was all grace and poise on the outside—but internally? Chaos.
"I can't believe I let Mei talk me into this," she muttered.
