The after-party felt completely different from the main gala.
Louder.
Less controlled.
The formal elegance from earlier had dissolved into flashing lights, music, expensive alcohol, and celebrities finally relaxing after hours of cameras and interviews.
By the time we arrived at the private rooftop venue, I had already changed out of my original gown.
The gold dress I wore now was slimmer. Simpler. The fabric wrapped tightly around my body while the open back caught the cool night air every time I moved.
The moment we stepped out of the car, paparazzi started shouting our names again.
“OVER HERE!”
Cameras flashed rapidly while security guided us toward the entrance.
Pierce looked entirely too comfortable with the attention.
Ford ignored it completely.
Hayes walked beside me calm
