Page 221 of Invisible Bars

“We’re done,” he whispered. “Let’s go inside.”

We stepped through the entrance, and it was like the room inhaled.

Conversations paused. Heads turned. People shifted. Guests parted like waves, and women with expensive attitudes gave me slow once-overs—then looked away when they realized nothing in their closet could outshine what I was wearing: peace.

We walked past them like royalty with a schedule, then took our seats at the front, right next to his father, who looked proud in that quiet, stern way men like him did.

Imanio’s fingers rested lightly on the small of my back under the table.

“You good?” he asked.

“Mm-hmm.” I nodded.

I sat back in my seat slowly, eyes scanning the room.

Everywhere I looked, people shimmered in shades of white—silks, satins, tailored suits, sequins, and tulle. The chandeliers above glittered like frozen stars, and soft jazz floated through the air like a lullaby for the rich. But the biggest shock? Imanio’smomwasn’t there.

I crossed my legs and leaned in just enough that my shoulder brushed against his.

“Where’s your mom?” I asked quietly.

Imanio didn’t even glance at me; he just took a slow sip of his drink, eyes forward, jaw tight, cool as ice.

“Don’t know. Don’t care,” he answered flatly.

That was it. No follow-up. No breath behind it. Nothing.

But Giselle not being there? That meantsomething.She struck me as someone who thrived in the limelight—especially at events drenched in camera flashes and filled with speeches heralding legacy. Although I was relieved that she wasn't there, I couldn't deny that I wasn't a bit curious as to why she wasn't in attendance. But knowing what happened at that family dinner… maybewewere the reason.

I barely had time to gather my thoughts before my eyes were drawn to the entrance, where Chi and Dessign made their grand appearance.

Late as always… but fashionably,because that’s just who they were.

Chi stepped in wearing a clean white tux with a sharp, tailored fit, open collar, and loafers that gleamed just enough to say"money, but hood money."He moved through the room with the swagger of someone who had borrowed the carpet merely for his entrance.

And then there was Dessign—a sight to behold.

She rolled in like a flashbulb was following her. Her dress was dazzlingly white—crisp and smudge-free, a shade that could only be described as ‘don’t-breathe-on-it’ white. The fit was sculpted, with a dramatic slit slicing up her leg, and long gloves covered her arms like royalty. Every accessory was precise.

And yes—they matched perfectly, looking as if they had coordinated every detail during playful pillow talk.I could tell by the way Chi kept sneaking glances at Dessign that she made him wear it, and how he leaned into her with that smug little grin that he enjoyed every moment of being dressed to impress beside her.

Chi walked and Dessign strolled over, smooth as ever, then took seats beside us, smooth as ever.

Dessign and I spoke, exchanged a quick hug and a few compliments, but that’s about all we got out before Imanio’s father leaned over and whispered something in his ear. In that instant, the spotlight shifted once again, pulling our attention elsewhere.

Imanio’s father rose from his seat with purpose.

The chatter gradually faded, and the room settled into a hushed reverence as he stepped up to the polished glass podium, mic in hand.

His voice filled the space with this calm power.

“Good evening, family, friends, colleagues… legacy,” he opened with a warm smile that hinted at years of experience and wisdom. “After thirty-five years in this industry, tonight marks my last gala as your CEO and primary shareholder of Kors Luxe Development."

A collective gasp rippled through the audience, swiftly followed by polite applause that echoed softly off the gilded walls.

“I’m not dying,” he chuckled, his voice rich with humor. “Though some of you looked at me like I just read my own obituary. I’m simply ready tolive. I’ve spent almost three decades building, sacrificing, and maintaining… but I want to wake up without a schedule, fish on Wednesdays and travel without a laptop for once. I want peace.”

A gentle wave of laughter flowed through the crowd, but I sensed a deeper shift in the room—a profound moment that demanded attention.