Melissa stood in front of the full-length mirror, one hand on her hip, the other resting on her bump.
The gown was liquid danger a custom red silk number with a thigh-high slit and a neckline that dared anyone to say "motherhood" meant modesty.
Tonight wasn't just a gala.
It was war.
The Annual Billionaire Philanthropy Ball was a who's-who of power, money, and curated scandal. And she'd just made it onto the invite list, not because of Max, but because she'd demanded it.
She'd texted him just hours ago:
"If you're going to build an empire with me, you better learn how to stand beside a queen in heels."He didn't reply.
Max stared at his reflection. Crisp tux. Cufflinks like weapons. Expression? Undecided. His assistant hovered. "Do you want to skip it? We can donate anonymously"
"No," Max cut in. "If I don't show up with her, they'll eat her alive."
His assistant looked stunned. "You're… bringing her? As your date?"Max picked up his watch.
"No," he said. Then smirked.
"She's bringing me."
CHARITY GALA ,GRAND ENTRANCE
When Melissa stepped out of the black Rolls Royce, time slowed.
Red carpet. Flashing cameras. Gasps.
Reporters leaned in. "Ms. Kgomotso, are you officially dating Mr. Botho?"
"Is it true you're launching a maternity tech start-up?","Does this mean the engagement rumors are true?" Melissa smiled but gave nothing.
Power was silence and mystery.She stepped into the ballroom like it was her coronation.
Inside, a string quartet played near a chocolate fountain. Chandeliers glittered. Africa's wealthiest families sipped champagne and whispered gossip behind manicured hands.
And then Max walked traight to her, he didn't say a word just slipped his arm around her waist. Everyone stared!
Photos were taken,the world took notes.
LATER THAT NIGHT
They danced.
Slow. Close. Too close.
"Red suits you," Max murmured against her ear.Melissa smiled without looking up. "Because I'm always in heat?"
He chuckled darkly. "Because it warns people not to touch."They moved in sync like enemies dancing before war or lovers finding rhythm they never asked for.
"I don't trust you," she whispered.
"Good," Max replied. "You shouldn't."
"But I want you."
That made him pause. Just for a moment. Long enough for truth to flicker in his eyes before he buried it again under the weight of secrets. "And that," he said, "is what makes you dangerous."
BACKSTAGE, BEHIND THE GALA
Just as she was fixing her lipstick in a gold-framed mirror, Keitumetse stormed in.
"You think you've won?" she hissed. "You think this red carpet makes you royalty?"Melissa turned slowly, face unreadable.
"Keitu," she said softly, "you're exhausting."
"You're ruining everything! I had a deal with Max"
"You had access," Melissa cut in. "You never had him."
Keitumetse stepped forward. "I swear, if you embarrass him.." Melissa stepped even closer. "I am him," she said. "The female version. With better instincts."
Then she walked away and didn't look back.
MEANWHILE AT AVERY KHUMO'S OFFICE
Avery stared at the viral photos of Melissa and Max dancing. His assistant entered.
"She's trending on X, TikTok, and three tabloids. They're calling her 'The Bump with Billionaire Energy.'"
Avery didn't smile."She's not just a threat," he muttered. "She's a brand." He looked up.
"Time to make her an offer she can't refuse."
MIDNIGHT , PRIVATE ROOFTOP BALCONY
Melissa leaned on the balcony railing, staring out at the city lights. Her heels were off. Her body ached as she heard footsteps.
Max.
"You looked… unforgettable tonight," he said. "I am unforgettable," she replied without turning.
He walked closer."You don't have to do this alone."She finally faced him. "Then stop making me feel like I have to."A long silence.
Then he kissed her again. This time not in fire, but in surrender. Slow. Deep. Like a man who didn't believe in happy endings, but suddenly wanted one anyway.
When they broke apart, she whispered:
"You still have secrets."He nodded. "So do you."
And that was the most honest thing either of them had said all night.