The private rooftop lounge above the Aurora Grand Hotel was transformed into a paradise of twinkling fairy lights, sleek velvet cushions, and soft blush-pink orchids. A warm breeze danced across the open space as laughter and the soft clink of cocktail glasses filled the air. The bachelorette party had officially begun—and it was anything but ordinary.
Ruoxi stood at the center of the scene, giving last-minute instructions to the catering team, her glossy black hair pulled into a sleek ponytail.
"Keep the rose martinis coming. And don't forget—no paparazzi. This is strictly private."
Mira, clipboard still in hand even on her off-day, rolled her eyes. "You've said that three times now. We've swept the building twice. Even Qin Xieren couldn't get in here if she tried."
Ruoxi grinned, elbowing her. "You're lucky I adore you, Mira. Now, help me make sure the fire dancers don't set the floral arch on fire again."
"Again?" Mira muttered under her breath. "Why are there fire dancers at a bachelorette?"
"Because Liyana deserves the kind of night she'll never forget." Ruoxi winked. "And so do you."
Downstairs, Liyana arrived in an elegant midnight-blue dress, sleek heels clicking softly against marble as she stepped into the elevator. Her hair was swept into soft waves, and her smile was unsure—somewhere between touched and suspicious.
The doors opened to the rooftop—and she froze.
Gold balloons read: "CEO TO MRS. LU 💍"
Her eyes widened at the sight of her closest people gathered just for her. The Celeste core team, close friends, even Lu Meilin had snuck in with an exaggerated pout claiming "I'm family, okay? I deserve cake!"
Liyana turned to find Ruoxi and Mira walking toward her with matching smug grins.
"I should've known you two were behind this," she said, shaking her head fondly.
"Surprise, boss," Mira said, handing her a drink. "Tonight, you're not CEO Xu. You're just Liyana. Our best friend. The bride."
Ruoxi added, "And you're going to dance. Even if we have to carry you."
It didn't take long before the music picked up, and the party blossomed.
There were games. Mira held up cue cards for "Guess the Groom's Answer" while Liyana got every question right—except one: "What's Damien's guilty pleasure?"
"Late-night noodles," Liyana said confidently.
"Nope," Ruoxi said, flipping the card. "You."
Liyana nearly choked on her champagne while the rest of the women cheered.
By the time the fire dancers performed—without burning anything down—Ruoxi had pulled Meilin into a dance-off while Mira quietly stepped aside to check on a delivery. She returned moments later, carrying a box with Liyana's name in elegant cursive.
"This arrived with Damien's initials," she said, handing it to her.
Liyana raised a brow but opened it carefully.
Inside was a small velvet case. Nestled inside was a delicate platinum bracelet engraved with the words:
"The world bends for you. And so will I. — D"
Beneath it was a folded note, written in Damien's steady handwriting:
"I know you're probably rolling your eyes reading this. But I couldn't go a night without reminding you—you're the most extraordinary part of my world. I'll see you at the altar. Save me a dance. Always, D."
Liyana felt her throat tighten as she clutched the bracelet.
"Do not cry," Mira warned, already reaching for tissues. "Ruoxi will never let you live it down."
"I'm not crying," Liyana muttered.
"You're glowing," Ruoxi corrected. "There's a difference."
The night faded into a blur of laughter, dancing, and endless rounds of karaoke. Even Mira—serious, calculated Mira—was caught swaying next to Aiden, who had arrived late after wrapping a campaign shoot.
He stood at the edge, watching Liyana with a proud smile before turning to Mira. "She looks happy."
"She deserves to be."
Aiden nodded. "So do you."
Mira gave him a look. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Just… think about it."
Back at the center of the party, Liyana was finally letting go—laughing freely, dancing with Meilin, spinning under the stars while her phone buzzed quietly in her clutch. A missed call from Damien. A photo shared by Ruoxi of all three of them—arms around each other, unstoppable.
Tonight, there was no Lu Group, no press, no enemies lurking in the shadows. Just friendship. Celebration. And love.