“Funny how life can change in the blink of an eye. One moment, you’re walking toward the love of your life, convinced forever is finally within your reach. The next, you’re left wondering if forever ever existed at all.”

I entered the gala hall with the confidence I always carried, my heels clicking softly against the polished marble floor. Conversations blended with the music as guests mingled beneath the sparkling chandeliers.

Then my eyes found him.

Tall. Effortlessly composed. The tattoos disappearing beneath the sleeves of his tailored suit were just enough to make him stand out from everyone else in the room.

Damien DeLuca.

My husband.

A smile found its way onto my lips as I watched him from across the hall.

I slowly walked farther into the hall, picked up one of the elegant black masquerade masks from a nearby tray, and slipped it over my face.

A small smile curved my lips as I made my way toward Damien.

“Hello, husband,” I greeted, wrapping my arms around his neck.

He looked down at me, his lips curling into a smile.

“Good evening, wife.”

His gaze slowly swept over me before returning to my eyes.

“You look dangerously beautiful tonight,” he murmured. “Do you have any idea how hard you’re making it for me to behave?”

Heat crept into my cheeks despite myself. I let out a soft laugh and gently nudged his chest.

“We’re at a charity gala, Damien,” I reminded him, trying and failing to hide my smile.

His grin only widened.

“I missed you,” he said, his eyes never leaving mine.

I chuckled softly. “We saw each other this morning.”

“I know.” His smile faded just enough for me to notice. “I just want to hold you a little tighter tonight.”

His expression turned strangely serious.

“I don’t know why, but I don’t feel right this evening.” He paused before adding quietly, “I have this feeling… like this might be the last time I’m seeing you.”

Before I could respond, he leaned down and captured my lips with his.

The kiss was gentle, lingering just long enough to make the rest of the room disappear. It carried the quiet reassurance only Damien could give, and for a brief moment, nothing else mattered.

When we finally pulled away, I laughed and gave his chest a playful slap.

“What are you saying?” I scolded lightly. “This can never be the last time we see each other. We’ll always be together.”

I wrapped my arms around him, hugging him tightly.

He held me just as firmly.

For a moment, the rest of the gala faded into the background.

It was just the two of us.

Then..

Bang!

A deafening gunshot echoed through the hall.

Another followed.

And another.

We broke apart immediately as the sound of gunfire echoed through the hall.

Damien’s expression hardened in an instant.

“Stay behind me,” he ordered.

Before I could react, he pulled me behind him, shielding me with his body.

His security team drew their weapons without hesitation, returning fire as guests screamed and scrambled for cover. The once elegant gala dissolved into complete chaos.

Then—

A gunshot rang out from the far corner of the hall.

The bullet struck Damien square in the chest.

“No!” I screamed.

Before anyone could reach him, another shot followed, hitting him again.

Time seemed to stop.

Damien staggered backward before collapsing into my arms. The force sent both of us to the floor, his head resting on my lap.

“Damien…”

My voice broke.

“No… no, no, no…”

Tears blurred my vision as I cradled his face with trembling hands.

“Damien, please… look at me.”

Blood stained my hands.

“Damien!” I screamed, my voice echoing through the hall.

His security team quickly surrounded us, eliminating the remaining attackers before rushing to his side.

“We’re losing him!”

“Get the car ready!”

One of the guards carefully lifted Damien into his arms while another helped me to my feet.

The ride to the hospital was a blur.

…

Hours later, I sat on the cold hospital floor outside the operating room.

The bright white lights burned my eyes, but I couldn’t look away from the doors behind which the man I loved was fighting for his life.

My body felt numb.

My mind was empty.

It felt as though a part of me had been wheeled into that operating room with Damien.

A few minutes later, the operating room doors finally opened.

I shot to my feet and rushed toward the doctor.

“Doctor… how is my husband?” I asked, not caring who heard me.

The doctor pulled down his mask and let out a heavy sigh.

“Ma’am, his condition is very critical. He lost a lot of blood, and one of the bullets came dangerously close to his heart.”

He paused for a brief moment before continuing.

“We’ve managed to stabilize him for now, but the next few hours are very important. I won’t lie to you… his chances of surviving are slim.”

His words hit me like a truck.

“No…”

I stumbled backward before my knees gave out beneath me.

Tears streamed uncontrollably down my face as I shook my head over and over again.

“No… please…”

This couldn’t be happening.

Not Damien.

Not my husband.

I forced myself back onto my feet, wiping my tears with trembling hands.

“Doctor… please.” My voice cracked. “Can I see him? I just… I just want to talk to him.”

“You can,” the doctor replied gently, “but he’s still unconscious. Once he’s awake, you’ll be allowed to see him. For now, we need these medications immediately.”

He handed me a prescription sheet.

“Please get these as quickly as possible.”

Without another word, I grabbed the paper from his hand and took off running.

If those drugs would help save Damien…

Then I wasn’t about to waste another second.

I came back almost thirty minutes later, clutching the paper bag of medicines so tightly my fingers had turned white.

The moment I reached Damien’s room, I pushed the door open without thinking.

He was awake.