It had been three years, and Leo had never once introduced Tara to his parents, relatives, or friends.
He always said that because he worked with celebrities and was part of the entertainment industry, he couldn’t make their relationship public.
When she suggested introducing him to her family, he brushed it off, saying the timing wasn’t right.
So what was this now? Had the timing magically become right?
Confused and disoriented, Tara allowed Leo to guide her into the banquet hall.
Music played as dazzling lights flickered, and rose petals cascaded from the ceiling. Waitstaff in suits and bow ties wheeled out a towering birthday cake, over six feet tall.
“Time to cut the cake!”
Amid the noise and excitement, someone placed a cake knife in Tara’s hand.
Leo wrapped an arm around her, his hand guiding hers. Leaning close to her ear, he whispered, “Let’s cut it together.”
They moved toward the cake, and just as the knife sliced through it—
“Am I late?”
A tall figure appeared in the doorway.
Leo froze, his hand still holding Tara’s. His expression shifted abruptly, his eyes darkening.
Tara looked up and saw Nina walking in against the light, radiant and captivating, exuding an aura that drew every eye in the room.
The room fell silent for a moment. Those who knew the backstory had their smiles stiffen, while the clueless ones hesitated briefly before the excitement exploded.
“Nina!”
“Nina Lucas, the international superstar!”
People swarmed around Nina—snapping photos, asking for autographs, begging for selfies.
Reporters and media personnel quickly whipped out their equipment, ready to interview her.
In an instant, Nina became the center of attention.
A reporter asked, “Nina, what brings you here? Do you know Mr. Carter personally?”
Nina smiled graciously. “Mr. Carter and I have been friends for many years. I heard he was throwing a birthday party for his girlfriend, so I came to offer my congratulations.”
Another reporter chimed in, “We saw your recent social media posts. It seems like you’ve been spending time with a mysterious man since returning to the country. Are you in a relationship?”
Nina glanced toward Leo, her smile unwavering. “No, he’s just a very, very good friend.”
The reporter teased, “But even close friends can fall in love or get married. Would you consider that mysterious man as a partner?”
Nina looked straight at Leo and said, slowly and deliberately, “No, I would not.”
Leo’s arm tightened around Tara, his gaze icy and his expression dark as a storm.
The sudden chill in the air froze everyone’s smiles, and the lively atmosphere instantly turned awkward.
Leo’s voice was cold as ice. “Today is my girlfriend’s birthday party, not a press conference for Miss Lucas, the superstar.”
