She glides between the guests, her eyes scanning the crowd until they settle on him, standing alone near the grand piano, his tailored suit immaculate and his watch gleaming.
"I couldn't help but notice you from across the room. Are you enjoying the party?"
"It's a fine affair, but it just became better," he replies, his gaze lingering on her.
"You have an impressive aura. May I ask what you do?"
"Business. Fortune favors me, it seems," he says with a gentle smile.
He pours wine into crystal glasses, his confidence evident in every gesture.
"Your home is magnificent. I've never seen anything like it," she says, her gaze drifting over a priceless sculpture.
"All of this means little without someone to share it with. Tell me, what do you desire most in life?"
"Security. Passion. Maybe a little adventure," she answers, her voice soft but purposeful.
"Then let me give you everything you've ever wanted," he replies, moving closer.
He kneels before her, a velvet box in hand, while the garden glows with soft, golden light.
"Will you marry me? I promise you a life of comfort and beauty,"
"Yes, I will," she answers, her smile dazzling as she slips the diamond ring onto her finger.
"You've made me the happiest man alive,"
"I can't wait to begin our life together,", she replies, her voice dreamy.
She stands beside him, her hand resting lightly on his arm as they greet their guests.
"Everything is so perfect tonight. I feel like I've stepped into a dream,"
"This is just the beginning, my love. Our future will be even brighter,"
"To us, and to endless happiness," she says, raising her glass.
"To you, for making everything worth living,"
She glances at the sleeping form of him, her face unreadable as she walks quietly across the room.
"After tonight, it's all mine," she whispers, clutching a vial in her hand.
"Is that you? What are you doing up so late?" he murmurs, stirring in bed.
"Just taking care of things. You rest, darling," she responds softly, pouring the contents into his drink.
She stands by the window, a suitcase packed and ready, her eyes cold and determined.
"I did what I had to do. No one suspects a thing," she says quietly to herself, glancing at the inheritance documents.
"You were always clever... but not clever enough," echoes his voice in her memory as the footsteps approach.
"Maybe I underestimated you, but I never underestimate myself," she replies, steeling herself for what comes next.
















