The Toast...1

The soft strains of a waltz drifted through the air as Bianca stood at the edge of the dance floor. She felt Ken's eyes on her, sharp and unrelenting, even as he made polite conversation across the room. She couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze, her heart pounding from the confrontation they'd had earlier.

"Bianca…?"

The familiar voice startled her out of her thoughts. She turned her gaze to Robert, his trademark grin firmly in place.

"What are you doing?"

"Saving you," he said simply, his smile widening. "Let's dance."

Bianca hesitated, her gaze flickering back toward Ken, who was now standing at the edge of the dance floor, sipping his drink and trying to focus on the glittering decorations rather than the tension building in his chest.

She could feel his eyes on her even now, boring into her from across the crowded space. His expression was unreadable, but there was no mistaking the hard set of his jaw.

With a resigned sigh, she placed her hand in Robert's. "Fine, but only one dance."

"That's all I need," he replied, leading her to the center of the dance floor.

The music was slow and melodic, the kind meant for couples to sway together romantically. Robert, of course, had other plans. He spun her dramatically, earning a surprised laugh as she nearly stumbled into his arms.

"Robert!" she protested, though she couldn't help but smile.

"Relax," he said, twirling her again before settling into an easy rhythm. "You looked like you needed a save. That conversation with Ken seemed...a little too intense for a public setting. Besides, making my brother mad is a surprisingly fun pastime."

Bianca's smile faltered. "Robert…"

He shrugged, unfazed. "I call it like I see it. But hey, at least now you're having fun."

She glanced around the room, avoiding Ken's gaze even though she could feel its weight like a physical force. "You were right," she admitted softly. "Thanks. I needed some space."

Robert grinned, pleased with himself. "Look, I don't know what's going on between you two, but adult relationships are supposed to be fun. And from where I'm standing, it doesn't look like either of you is enjoying this."

Before she could respond, he spun her again, then dipped her low, causing a ripple of laughter to escape her lips. It felt ridiculous, but for the first time all evening, she wasn't completely tense.

"See?" Robert said, pulling her upright. "You're smiling. And Ken knows it."

Bianca's heart skipped at the mention of Ken, and she resisted the urge to glance over her shoulder. She could feel the heat of his gaze on her, sharp and unwavering, as though he was daring her to look back.

---

A few songs later, the music faded, and the crowd began to gather near the stage. Bianca returned to her spot by the wall, her cheeks still flushed from the dance.

Imelda appeared in the center of the room, resplendent in a new outfit. Her earlier dress—ruined by the cake debacle—had been replaced by a shimmering pink gown that clung to her figure in all the right places. Her hair was freshly styled, loose waves cascading over her shoulders, and her makeup was flawless. She held a champagne flute delicately in her manicured hand, looking every bit the picture of elegance.

Bianca felt her jaw tighten.

"Thank you all for coming to this fabulous party," Imelda began, her voice carrying easily over the murmurs of the crowd. "This night is a dream come true for me. And Ken…" She turned toward him with a saccharine smile, batting her eyelashes. "Ken is a dream come true for me."

Bianca scoffed quietly, earning a sidelong glance from Robert.

"Is she for real right now?" she muttered under her breath.

"Oh, absolutely," Robert whispered back, leaning closer. "This is serious business for her. She even hired a ghostwriter for this toast."

"A ghostwriter?" Bianca repeated, incredulous. "That's pathetic. How hard is it to write a loving toast about the person you're engaged to?"

Robert smirked. "It's only easy if you actually like the person."

Bianca's lips twitched, but her amusement faded as Imelda continued.

"Ken and I have only been officially dating for…" Imelda paused, glancing at a small card in her hand. "…about eight months, but we've been the best of friends for much longer."

Bianca rolled her eyes, and Robert leaned in again. "I swear, she has 'I love Ken' written down somewhere. Imagine what we could've tricked her into saying if we'd swapped her cards."

Bianca allowed herself a small grin. "I'm imagining it now."

Imelda's voice droned on, though Bianca barely registered the words. Robert's whispered commentary was far more entertaining, and she had to fight the urge to laugh out loud.

Finally, Imelda turned to Ken. "Ken, would you like to say a few words?"

Ken stepped forward, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek before taking the microphone.

"Thank you, Imelda," he said warmly. "And thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate with us."

Bianca's chest tightened as he continued.

"As you all know, I lost my wife six years ago, and for a long time, I didn't think I'd find someone who made me feel that way again."

His eyes found Bianca's across the room, and for a moment, everything else faded away.

"But now…" Ken's voice softened. "I feel as if I've been given a second chance at happiness. I've met someone who understands me. Someone I can't stop thinking about. Someone who lights up the room with her passion…"

Bianca's breath caught in her throat.

"Oh, I love you too!" Imelda interrupted, throwing her arms around Ken and cutting his speech short.

Bianca blinked, the spell broken.

Robert leaned closer, his tone light. "Passion's one word for her. Not the one I'd use."

Bianca didn't respond. Her eyes were fixed on Imelda, who was now clinging to Ken as if to stake her claim. The sight made her stomach churn.

'Does Ken really think I can just sit back and watch this?' she thought bitterly. 'I'm not that kind of girl.'

She turned to Robert, her mind racing. He raised an eyebrow at the determined look on her face.

"What?" he asked. "You finally want to join the fun? Because I'm up for anything."

Bianca glanced back at Ken, who was still wrapped up in Imelda's embrace. Her heart pounded in her chest, adrenaline and maybe a bit of alcohol surging through her veins.

A plan formed, reckless and bold.

"It's time to put on a show," she said suddenly, her voice firm.

Robert's smirk widened. "Now you're talking."