The Rebirth of My Dead Billionaire Wife

Chapter 201

The Crestwood Academy gymnasium had been transformed into a winter wonderland. Strings of twinkling lights hung from the ceiling, and snowflake decorations shimmered in the glow of an elaborate chandelier. Students dressed in glamorous gowns and sharp suits milled about, their laughter and excitement filling the room.

Avery stepped through the doors, her navy-blue gown flowing around her as she moved. Her hair, styled into soft waves, framed her sharp cheekbones, and her confident stride turned heads immediately.

“She looks incredible,” someone whispered.

“She doesn’t even look like the same person,” another murmured.

Avery took a deep breath, trying to block out the stares and whispers. She scanned the room, hoping to spot Shawn, but he was nowhere in sight. Instead, her eyes landed on Ryan, standing near the punch table in a tailored black suit. His icy blue gaze locked onto her, and for a brief moment, the room seemed to fall silent.

Ryan straightened, his smirk replaced by something softer, almost reverent. He started toward her, weaving through the crowd, but Avery turned away, not wanting to give him the satisfaction.

Shawn entered the Winter Ball nearly half an hour later, his usual confidence replaced with hesitation. His dark suit and slightly disheveled hair only added to his charm, drawing attention as he walked through the crowd. But his green eyes were scanning the room for one person.

He spotted Avery almost immediately. She was standing with Janice, laughing at something her friend had said, her gown catching the light with every movement. Shawn felt his heart twist, a mix of longing and doubt churning inside him.

The rumors Camila had spread, the fake notes, and Ryan’s subtle jabs all lingered in his mind. He wasn’t sure if Avery truly wanted to be with him, or if he was just filling a temporary void.

Instead of approaching her, Shawn hung back near the edge of the room, blending into the shadows.

Camila had been watching Shawn’s every move since he walked in. Dressed in a fiery red gown that clung to her figure, she exuded confidence as she sauntered toward him.

“Shawn,” she said sweetly, her hand lightly brushing his arm. “You’re here alone? What a shame.”

Shawn frowned. “What do you want, Camila?”

“Relax,” she said with a laugh, tilting her head playfully. “I just thought you might need some company. It’s not like Avery’s paying attention to you, is she?”

Shawn’s eyes flicked toward Avery, who was now talking to a group of students near the dance floor. He couldn’t deny the sting of her apparent indifference.

Camila seized the moment. “Come dance with me,” she said, her voice smooth and persuasive. “It’ll be fun. No strings attached.”

Shawn hesitated, but the doubts in his mind pushed him forward. “Fine. One dance.”

Camila grinned triumphantly, taking his hand and leading him onto the dance floor.

Avery’s laughter faltered as she glanced toward the dance floor and saw Shawn with Camila. Her heart sank as Camila pressed closer to him, her hand resting on his shoulder, her body moving in sync with his.

“Unbelievable,” Janice muttered beside her. “What is he doing with her?”

Avery shook her head, trying to mask her hurt. “I don’t know.”

Ryan appeared at her side, his voice low and smooth. “Looks like someone’s making a mistake.”

Avery shot him a warning glare. “Not now, Ryan.”

But Ryan wasn’t deterred. “You know, I warned you about him. He’s just proving me right.”

Avery ignored him, turning her attention back to the dance floor.

As the song ended, Camila spotted Avery watching them. Her grin widened as she hatched her next move.

“Oh, oops!” she exclaimed, stumbling slightly as she stepped off the dance floor. She turned abruptly, her champagne flute tilting precariously. In one smooth motion, she “accidentally” spilled the drink all over Avery’s gown.

Avery gasped, stepping back as the cold liquid soaked through the fabric. “Camila!”

Camila feigned shock, bringing a hand to her mouth. “Oh no! I’m so sorry, Avery. I didn’t mean to—” She cut herself off, glancing toward Shawn with a dramatic flourish. “I just got so distracted thinking about how you’ve been sneaking around with Ryan!”

The room went silent. All eyes turned to Avery, who stood frozen, her fists clenched at her sides.

“What are you talking about?” Avery demanded, her voice steady despite the humiliation burning in her chest.

“Oh, come on,” Camila said, her tone dripping with false innocence. “Everyone knows about the notes in your locker. Shawn deserves to know the truth.”

Avery looked at Shawn, her heart pounding. “Shawn, you don’t believe this, do you?”

Shawn’s expression was unreadable, his green eyes flicking between Avery and Camila.

“You told me you didn’t write those notes,” he said quietly. “But now I don’t know what to believe.”