CeCe sat in front of the vanity mirror meticulously applying her makeup. Her fingers moved with practiced precision, contouring her cheeks, lining her lips and blending the eyeshadow into a perfect smoky gradient.

Her long lashes fluttered as she examined her reflection, tilting her head slightly to see if the light caught her face just right. Behind her, Ms. M stood with arms crossed, watching in silence.

“Are you sure about this?”

“Yes.” CeCe didn’t even hesitate.

Ms. M searched CeCe’s reflection, but all she saw was a calm, almost serene expression. Just quiet determination, with not even a flicker of uncertainty.

With a quiet sigh, she spoke.

“You know, if you wait a little longer, you’ll definitely make it. Your momentum is building. The series you starred in is about to wrap up, and once it airs in full, you’ll gain even more fans. You don’t have to do this.”

“But how long do I have to wait?” CeCe's voice was steady but her grip on the brush tightened. “Four years. It’s been more than four years. No matter what I do Ms. M, this is the furthest I can go with my ability alone.”

She turned slightly, finally meeting Ms. M’s gaze in the mirror.

"I want to gamble. I want to reach the top.”

Ms. M stilled, her expression hardening as she studied the young woman before her. Then after a beat she gave a short nod.

“Alright then. Since we're doing this we have to do it right.” She walked over to the desk and placed a folder in front of CeCe. “It’s the list of attendees.”

CeCe picked it up, her brows furrowing slightly as Ms. M began listing names and backgrounds—detailing their influence, their reputations and their weaknesses.

These men weren’t just rich, they were powerful in their own right.

But power was a dangerous thing to reach for.

There was a fine line between ambition and self-destruction.

Her gaze settled on one name: Hanson Li.

“He’s influential enough.” She murmured. “Not the richest, not the most powerful but—” She trailed off, considering.

Hanson Li was at that delicate tier of influence. Prominent enough to give her a solid step up but not untouchable.

She could climb from there.

Ms. M studied her choice but said nothing. Instead, she glanced at the reflection of the young woman in front of her. The red dress clung to CeCe’s figure, bold against the soft lighting of the room. A striking color that demanded attention.

She exhaled slowly then closed her eyes.

“So be it.”

***

The soirée was an exclusive affair—an invitation-only gathering where the city’s elite mingled over expensive wine and hushed conversations.

Held in a lavish hotel ballroom, the event carried an air of effortless opulence. It was a place where fortunes were made and alliances forged beneath the golden glow of chandeliers.

Officially, it had become a celebration, masked as a charity gala.

For the arts. A noble effort to support up-and-coming talents in the industry.

Unofficially, its true purpose was less spoken of.

It lingered in the spaces between murmured conversations and knowing glances. It was an event draped in glamour, yet no one truly knew what transpired behind its shimmering facade.

This particular night, the event was hosted by a renowned film executive.

So this was an opportunity.

In a place like this, as a rising actress with just enough buzz to be recognized, yet not enough to be missed, she would blend in easily among starlets, socialites and pretty faces hoping to be discovered.

CeCe stood just beyond the grand doors, taking in the magnificent sight.

With a slow breath, she stepped forward, her heels clicking against the marble floor as she entered the grand hall.

The soirée was in full swing. Chandeliers glowed overhead, casting a warm golden light on the crowd of elegantly dressed guests.

The air was filled with laughter and the gentle hum of conversation, accompanied by the soft clinking of glasses.

Everything was perfect, exquisite, refined and intoxicating.

CeCe smiled as if she belonged there.

She moved with effortless grace, her red dress hugging her body in all the right places, the fabric catching the light with every subtle sway.

Her walk was poised and fluid, a slow, measured glide that made it seem like she was floating across the marble floor rather than walking.

Each step was a study in elegance—heels clicking softly, spine straight, shoulders relaxed, chin tilted ever so slightly upward. She didn’t rush, she didn’t need to.

The room would adjust to her pace.

She had mastered this performance. The way to draw eyes without seeming to demand them.

She knew how to walk this tightrope—balancing allure with restraint, confidence with mystery.

She was here to be seen.

To be noticed.

To be chosen.

The first hour was a blur of polite greetings and empty flattery.

Men glanced at her. Some with curiosity, others with amusement, but all with appraisal.

She played her part well, engaging in light conversation and laughing at the right moments.

But none of them mattered.

She have one goal.

Hanson Li.

She finally spotted him near the bar, glass in hand, engaged in quiet conversation with another man.

Taking a deep breath, she approached with a smile—seductive, yet casual. Just enough to intrigue.

“I love the vibe here.” She said lightly, voice smooth.

Hanson turned toward her, a faint smirk curving his lips as he studied her.

“Mind if I join you?” She asked, her smile still in place.

“Be my guest.” With a raised brow, he gestured toward the seat beside him. “To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure, Miss...?”

“CeCe. CeCe Concepción.” She said, offering her hand.

“CeCe...” His smile deepened as he repeated her name, his eyes never leaving her. “Surely, I don’t need to introduce myself.”

“Of course! I’ve heard a lot about you…” CeCe let a small smile play on her lips. “Mr. Hanson Li.”

“Good things, I hope.” He chuckled, twirling the glass in his hand.

The man Hanson had been speaking with earlier observed the exchange between the two with calm detachment, as if scenes like this were routine. Seeing them introduce themselves, he took it as his cue to leave.

“I guess that’s all for tonight, Hanson. Enjoy your evening with this...lady.” He stood and bid his goodbye but not before casting CeCe a knowing glance before walking away.

Hanson’s expression didn’t change. Calmly, he motioned to the bartender and less than a minute later, a glass of wine appeared in front of CeCe.

She accepted it with a small nod, her fingers brushing against his as she took it—deliberate and subtle.

A test.

Hanson observed her over the rim of his glass. “You carry yourself well.” He noted while taking a slow sip. “Confident. Comfortable.”

CeCe smiled. “Confidence opens doors.”

“And what doors are you hoping to open tonight, Miss Concepción?”

“CeCe.” She corrected smoothly, tilting her glass ever so slightly. “The ones worth walking through, I hope.”

Hanson Li’s hand drifted casually to the small of her back as they spoke, the heat of his breath grazing her skin as he leaned in, a fraction too close, deliberately invading her space.

He was toying with her.

Testing the waters.

Seeing how far she’d let him go.

But CeCe didn’t flinch. Instead, she met his touch with a perfectly timed glance and a slow, unreadable smile—full of confidence, or at least…as far as confidence could take her.

“I must say, this color suits you.” He murmured, his gaze lingering just a second too long on the curve of her chest. “It’s quite…striking.”

CeCe chuckled, lifting her glass to her lips. “Red is a bold choice and oftentimes boldness pays off.”

Hanson’s smirk deepened, his gaze never straying far. “A woman after my own heart.” He mused, setting his drink down. “I admire boldness.”

CeCe hummed noncommittally, swirling the wine in her glass.

The stem felt cool beneath her fingers—grounding her, if only a little.

She could still feel the weight of his hand at her back. Light but deliberate.

She had played this game before.

She knew exactly how to handle situations like this. Just go along. Let them believe they were leading, when in truth, she was the one pulling the strings.

Everything was going according to plan.

She had decided that this must be done.

She knew she must—and yet...

The warmth of the room suddenly felt stifling, as a flicker of doubt wove itself through the certainty she prided herself on.

She exhaled softly, setting her glass down with a delicate clink.

“Excuse me for a moment.” She said, her smile as sweet as ever. “I just need to freshen up.”

“Of course.” He said, amusement threading through his voice as his fingers brushed against her waist when she shifted away. “Don’t take too long, girlie. I’d hate to lose such charming company.”

CeCe chuckled, then, without another glance, turned on her heel and walked away.

Each step she took felt heavier than the last and by the time she reached the dimly lit corridor she let out a slow, unsteady breath.

She needed a moment. Just a moment. Then, she’d go back and play the game.

Like always.

Inside the restroom, CeCe locked the door behind her with a soft click. She didn’t move. Didn’t sigh nor fidget.

She simply stood before the mirror, her expression unreadable. Staring not at herself, but at the dress that clung to her body.

Red. Like fire. Bold and unyielding .

The color clung to her reflection like a promise. It should have made her feel powerful. Desirable. Unstoppable.

Instead...

A crack split through her composure as a wry, almost mocking smile tugged at her lips. She exhaled barely a whisper, staring herself down.

A crack split through her composure as she let out a wry, almost mocking smile tugged at her lips. Barely above a whisper, she stared herself down.

“Didn’t you say this suited you best? Didn't you always want this red dress?”

She arched her delicate brow as if waiting for an answer from the mirror.

“You have it.” Her lips curld slightly. “Now you have it.”

But the mirror offered nothing but her own unblinking gaze. CeCe exhaled sharply, fingers tightening against the cool porcelain of the sink.

It wasn’t supposed to feel like this.

She had imagined it a hundred times before. But now that it was here, now that she was the one wearing it…

It’s different.

But her reflection didn’t care for her hesitations.

CeCe straightened, her posture snapping into place. The unease pressing against her ribs was crushed beneath sheer will.

Her expression hardened.

“This is what you desire.” She murmured, louder this time. Each word clipped and deliberate.

She inhaled slowly.

“You have to live with it.”

She turned from the mirror, smoothed down the fabric of her dress and walked out.

Like nothing ever happened.