What's Wrong with Miss Bratty?

The air was electric with anticipation, the soft murmur of the crowd punctuated by the rhythmic click of stilettos against polished marble. All eyes turned as she appeared at the top of the grand staircase, her ash-gray hair gleaming under the chandelier's light, cascading down her back like a river of silk.

Yvienna Keith Mendoza stood poised, an aura of unshakable confidence wrapped around her like the sleek, black gown she wore. Every inch of her exuded power and elegance, from the daring slit in her dress to the steady grace with which she descended the steps. The room seemed to hold its breath, cameras flashing wildly to capture the vision she presented.

Whispers rippled through the crowd.

"Is that her?"

"She's even more stunning in person."

"The youngest CEO of Lune d'Or… incredible."

As she reached the bottom step, the master of ceremonies took the microphone, his voice ringing out across the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in congratulating the new Chief Executive Officer of the Lune d'Or Hotel, Ms. Yvienna Keith Mendoza!"

A thunderous applause erupted, the sound echoing off the high ceilings of the opulent ballroom. Yvienna moved to the stage, her heels clicking with precision, her smile measured yet warm enough to light the room.

She took the microphone, her voice steady and clear as she spoke. "Thank you for this incredible honor and warm welcome. Lune d'Or has always been a symbol of excellence, and I am deeply committed to continuing its legacy. To our amazing team, I look forward to working together to achieve even greater heights. Let's shine brightly, just like the moon that inspires our name. Thank you."

Raising her glass, she offered a toast, which the audience mirrored with enthusiasm. As she stepped down, a whirlwind of congratulations surrounded her, each handshake and kind word blending into a blur. But amidst the sea of faces, there was one she hadn't expected—one she had prayed never to see again.

"Congratulations, my dear Luna."

The voice sent an icy shiver down her spine. She froze, her breath catching as she turned toward the source. There he was, standing in the shadows, his presence as commanding as it was unwelcome.

Her cousin, Dashylle, noticed her unease and frowned. "Luna? Her name's Yvienna, bro," he said, his tone sharp with suspicion.

Before she could respond, her father gently intervened, steering Dashylle away with a quick excuse. Suddenly, it was just the two of them, alone in the heart of the celebration.

Yvienna clenched her jaw, her polished composure fracturing as the past she'd tried so hard to bury began to resurface.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded, her voice laced with venom.

He smiled, a maddeningly calm expression that only deepened her fury. "Didn't you miss me, Luna?"

Her heart lurched at the nickname, the pain of their past creeping up her spine like a cold breeze. She steeled herself, glaring at him. "Don't you dare call me that."

"Did you use my father to get invited here?" she continued, her words sharp enough to cut through the tension in the air.

He let out a soft chuckle, his smile never wavering. "You haven't changed, my love. You're still as beautiful as ever."

Yvienna felt her composure start to unravel. Six years. Six long years she had spent running from this man, from the pain he had caused her. And yet, here he was, standing in front of her as if nothing had happened, as if he hadn't shattered her world.

"How dare you show your face to me?" she hissed, her voice low and laced with venom. "I don't have time to waste on someone like you. Leave. Now."

He feigned hurt, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You're so rude, Yvienna. Is this what six years in Spain taught you?"

Her hands balled into fists at her sides, but she refused to let him see the effect he still had on her. "What Spain taught me was how to survive after what you did to me."

"I still lo—"

Before he could finish, she slapped him across the face with a sharp crack. The sting echoed in the air, but he didn't flinch. Instead, he looked at her with an unreadable expression that made her stomach twist with rage.

"I don't ever want to see your face again," she spat, her voice trembling with the intensity of her fury.

She turned to leave, but his voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but that's not going to happen," he said, his tone soft and filled with emotion. "I'll win you back, Yvienna. No matter what it takes."

Yvienna froze. She felt a tear slip down her cheek, her heart aching with the weight of his words. But she couldn't allow herself to falter.

Without a word, she turned away, pushing through the pain. He was a ghost from her past—one she would never allow to haunt her again.

Never again Kyle.

She walked away, her heart pounding, determined never to let him back into her life.