VELVET CHAINS REVIVE

The venue was breathtaking.

The Celestial Design Awards had spared no expense. Set in a converted opera house in Vienna, the ceilings dripped with crystal chandeliers, casting golden light over the crowd of the world's finest — designers, models, icons. It was everything Ayden had dreamed of… and feared.

He stood in front of the ornate mirror in their penthouse suite, adjusting his cufflinks. Dressed in an asymmetrical velvet tuxedo with gold embroidery licking up his sleeves like fire, Ayden looked every bit the visionary the world now saw him as.

But inside? He was unraveling.

"You look like you're about to face a firing squad," Luca said, appearing behind him in a deep navy suit that hugged him like a second skin.

Ayden met his gaze in the mirror. "I feel like I am."

Luca stepped closer, his fingers straightening Ayden's collar, then trailing down to squeeze his shoulders. "You've already won. Award or not."

Ayden swallowed. "What if they say I don't belong here? What if they think I'm a fluke?"

"They won't. Because they'll be too busy being blinded by your brilliance."

A reluctant smile curved Ayden's lips. "That was cheesy."

"You like cheese."

Ayden turned, leaned in, and kissed Luca softly. "I love you."

Luca stilled, his eyes wide for half a second — then his arms wrapped around Ayden's waist, pulling him close. "Say it again."

"I love you."

Luca's breath hitched. "Then let's go show them what love made."

Side Story: Eden × Ren

The coffee shop where Ren once worked sat dark and quiet now, long since closed for the night. But inside, in the back room, Eden stood frozen.

On the wall were framed photos — Ren with customers, staff, even a younger version of himself. But one photo stopped Eden cold.

It was Ren... with a man Eden had hoped never to see again.

Sebastian Laurent.

The name was taboo in underground circles — a former arms dealer turned legitimate "philanthropist" with a reputation for collecting people like artifacts. Eden had once been one of his "assets" — until he'd vanished under protection, with Ren's help.

"Eden?" Ren's voice echoed from the doorway. "You okay?"

Eden turned sharply. "Why is there a photo of you with him?"

Ren looked at the picture, then back at Eden — his jaw tightening.

"He helped fund the shop. Years ago. Before I knew what he really was."

"You should've told me," Eden hissed. "You knew what he did to people like me."

Ren stepped closer. "I cut all ties. He tried to reach out after I left. I ignored him."

"But you still have this?" Eden gestured toward the photo like it was a snake.

"I forgot it was here."

Silence.

Eden's breathing was shallow. The walls felt too tight.

"I'm sorry," Ren said quietly. "I didn't want to hurt you. But I won't lie to you either."

Eden looked at him, eyes stormy. "He's in Vienna. I saw his name on the donor list for the awards."

Ren froze. "Then we leave. Tonight."

"No," Eden said firmly. "We face him. Together."

Main Story Continued

The award ceremony sparkled with opulence. Ayden and Luca stepped into the hall, drawing stares — not just for their looks, but for the energy they exuded: confident, inseparable, electric.

Backstage, Ayden was adjusting his notes in case he won, when a familiar voice sliced through the buzz.

"Still dramatic, Ayden?"

He turned.

Standing before him was Nikolai Vass, a former mentor-turned-rival. Tall, silver-haired, wrapped in a scarlet coat with knife-sharp cheekbones, Nikolai looked like sin in designer boots.

Ayden's heart dipped. "Nikolai."

"I see you've finally made it to the big leagues," Nikolai drawled, eyes flicking to Luca. "With help."

Luca stepped forward, protective instinct crackling. "Watch your mouth."

Nikolai smiled, amused. "Relax, bodyguard lover. I'm only here to watch the show fall apart."

Ayden squared his shoulders. "Then you'll be disappointed."

"We'll see."

And with that, Nikolai vanished into the crowd like smoke.

Luca touched Ayden's arm. "Want me to keep an eye on him?"

"No," Ayden said, standing tall. "He's just noise now."

A few minutes later, the host took the stage.

"And the winner of Breakthrough Visionary of the Year is…"

A pause.

"Ayden Noire!"

The world went silent, then erupted.

Ayden walked to the stage, spotlights bathing him in gold.

He took the mic, fingers trembling — then glanced at Luca in the front row. Their eyes met.

Calm settled over him.

"I used to think I had to design armor to survive. To be sharp, cold, perfect. But real art — real beauty — comes from vulnerability. From love. And I owe that to one man."

He looked directly at Luca.

"Thank you for showing me that I don't have to be chained by the past to create a future."

The audience rose in a standing ovation.

Backstage, Ayden barely made it two steps before Luca grabbed him and kissed him in front of everyone — sweet, deep, fierce.

The world saw.

And this time, Ayden didn't flinch.

Side Story Ending

Across the city, Eden sat on a rooftop with Ren, watching fireworks from the afterparty they weren't attending.

Ren handed Eden a drink. "So what now?"

Eden sipped slowly. "Now we plan."

Ren nodded. "You still want to face Sebastian?"

"Yes," Eden said. "He thinks I'm still the same boy he broke. I want to show him I'm the man who won't bend."

Ren touched Eden's hand. "And you won't do it alone."

Eden leaned his head on Ren's shoulder, eyes glowing in the firelight. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For being my tomorrow."