Tristan’s POV
The final notes of the piano echoed through the auditorium like a heartbeat settling into the calm after a storm. My fingers lingered over the keys for a second longer than necessary, holding onto the last chord as if it anchored me in place. Then I slowly stood, bowing to the applause that erupted from the crowd. A wave of relief swept over me. I did it.
The performance I had practiced for, the one I’d poured the years of grief, guilt, and love into, was over, and they loved it. The standing ovation should’ve made me feel like I was floating, but instead, I felt… grounded. Like something heavy inside me had finally found stillness. This was supposed to be the moment I proposed to Elona. That was the original plan. To kneel before her on this stage and give her something beautiful, but when the night arrived, I knew deep in my gut that it wasn’t the time...not yet. We were still healing, fractured pieces finding their shape again. She deserved more than a ring wrapped in unresolved pain. I was also afraid that she would reject me too soon.
I stepped away from the stage, my breath was heavy, and my heart was raw. My eyes searched the dim crowd, scanning the sea of faces slowly rising to their feet, coats slipping on, murmurs of conversation bouncing in the air, and then I saw Elona.
She stood near the aisle, her black dress hugging her in all the right places, her curves graceful and soft. Her hair cascaded down into her back, and her eyes were fixed on me. They were warm and loving. She was beautiful, and no one should even tell her differently. Beside her stood Spooky. He caught my gaze and gave me a wide grin. He leaned into Elona and whispered something, earning a playful nudge from her. I smirked.
I moved through the crowd with single-minded focus, offering polite nods as people called out:
“Mr. Crane, stunning performance!”
“Powerful, absolutely powerful. What do you call that piece?”
“A masterpiece, sir!” I called out.
I gave vague smiles, deflecting compliments. I wasn’t looking for praise. I was looking for her. “Elona,” I murmured as I reached her.
She turned fully towards me, and I didn’t wait. I cupped her face in my hands and kissed her right there in front of everyone still filtering out of the auditorium. I didn’t care. The world could stop turning, and I would still be pressing my lips against hers. She tasted of something sweet, something grounding. Her fingers curled into my jacket, and I felt her sigh into me.
“You were incredible,” she said softly when we parted.
“So were you,” I whispered, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Just being here.”
Spooky gave me a two-finger salute. “That was amazing. I don’t want to intrude on you both, but I will be taking a cab to the apartment,” he said.
“I can drop you off, it's on the way,” I offered.
“Thanks,” he said with a smile, and then we left the auditorium.
***
Back at my place, I tugged off my bow tie as Elona wandered down the hallway toward the bedroom, her heels clicking softly on the floor. I wanted to make love to her this evening. I hope she isn’t exhausted because I need her.
“I’ll run us a bath,” she called out.
“Don’t be long,” I said, my voice low and teasing. I was still buzzing with adrenaline, with the rush of having her there, watching me, and grounding me. But even soaking in a warm bath with her will be just fine as long as I have her in my arms.
I sank onto the sofa and grabbed the stack of mail I had ignored for days. Most of it was irrelevant advertisements and invitations. But one envelope stood out. It was thick, formal, and cream-colored, with the name of an attorney’s office in bold across the top.
I furrowed my brows as I tore them open, and then my stomach dropped.
The first page was a formal complaint: Harassment Lawsuit.
Attached was a photo of me confronting Grace outside Lucenti PR Group. My hand was lifted, my finger pointed, and my expression contorted with anger. The image was taken at the perfect angle to twist the truth. It looked aggressive and threatening. My pulse thundered in my ears as I started to flip through the documents.
Notice of Civil Complaint: Harassment, Defamation, and Career Sabotage
To: Mr. Tristan Crane
CEO, Crane Industries
You are hereby notified that a complaint has been filed against you in the above-captioned case. The plaintiff, Grace Delance-Luca, alleges the following:
Statement of Claim:
The Plaintiff, Grace Delance-Luca, a 19-year-old intern at Lucenti PR Group, hereby files a formal complaint against the Defendant, Mr. Tristan Crane, citing persistent harassment, character defamation, and professional sabotage.
The Plaintiff asserts the following:
The Defendant has engaged in threatening and intimidating behavior, including but not limited to cornering her outside her workplace, raising his voice, and accusing her of misconduct without formal proof or legal grounds.
That said confrontation was witnessed by bystanders, one of whom has provided photographic evidence of the Defendant invading her personal space in what appeared to be an aggressive and inappropriate manner.
The Defendant has had an unhealthy fixation on the Plaintiff dating back to a school camp incident a year ago, during which he allegedly displayed inappropriate interest in her, despite being significantly older.
The Plaintiff rejected Mr. Crane’s alleged advances during said camp incident, and that he has since targeted her unfairly, including threats to “ruin her” and “end her career before it even begins.”
The Defendant has made false accusations concerning the Plaintiff’s behavior during the school camp activity, going so far as to say she was responsible for a “miscarriage” of her classmate he got pregnant, a claim that has no factual basis and has caused irreparable emotional harm to the Plaintiff.
The Defendant’s social status, business power, and media influence make this a clear-cut case of abuse of power, with the intent to discredit and intimidate a young woman entering the professional world.
The Plaintiff further alleges that the Defendant is using his influence in business circles to jeopardize her internship and potential job offers, including but not limited to coercive communication with senior personnel at Lucenti PR Group.
Relief Requested:
The Plaintiff seeks:
A restraining order preventing any further contact by the Defendant.
Financial compensation for emotional distress and damage to her emerging career.
A formal investigation into Crane Industries and any internal misconduct regarding surveillance, slander, or coercion.
A public apology, to be issued under legal counsel.
Any further relief deemed just by the court.
MANDATORY COURT APPEARANCE NOTICE
The Defendant is hereby required to appear at the preliminary hearing.
Failure to appear may result in a default judgment in favor of the Plaintiff.
Filed By:
Anelise Dunn
Attorney for Grace Delance-Luca
Dunn & Partners Legal Associates
Fuck
The bile rose in my throat. No. This is bullshit. She was part of the reason that caused the miscarriage. She was the one who had nearly ruined Elona. This… this was her retaliation.
There was a knock at the door.
Still clutching the envelope and documents, I stormed towards it with my heart racing. My hand tightened on the doorknob, and I swung it open with fury simmering beneath my skin.
Standing there, in a black coat, with soft blonde waves cascading down her shoulders and a knowing smirk on her lips, was Camille.
My jaw tensed. “Camille?” I blinked. I was stunned. “What are you doing here?”
She tilted her head, her green eyes studying me like she had all the time in the world.
“I’m here for this house…and to see you.”