The song was winding down, but Marcus didn't let go.
He kept one hand on the small of Keisha's back like she was the only woman in the room. His cologne mixed with the champagne on her breath - a combination dangerous enough to make her forget every eye watching.
The music stopped.
Keisha smiled, slid her fingers down his arm, and whispered something in his ear that made Marcus grin like a man who'd just been told the night wasn't over.
---
Across the room, Monique's smile had vanished. She was clutching her clutch bag so tight the rhinestones were threatening to pop off.
Guest Whisper 1: "Ooooh, she's about to snap."
Guest Whisper 2: "If she makes it to dessert without flipping a table, I'll be shocked."
---
Marcus offered Keisha his hand. "Let's get out of here."
Keisha didn't hesitate. She turned toward the door, her gold gown catching the light, every step deliberate. And here's the thing - she *could* have slipped out quietly. But where's the fun in that?
Instead, she made sure to pass directly in front of Monique and Derrick.
She stopped. Looked Monique dead in the eye.
Keisha: "Funny how life works. You wanted what I had… now I have what you can't get back."
Monique's jaw tightened. "You really think walking out with him means you've won?"
Keisha smiled sweetly. "Oh, baby… I won the second you started playing my game."
---
Marcus opened the door for her. She stepped out into the night air, the sound of gasps and muffled "Chile…"s following her like a parade.
By the time Monique blinked, Keisha and Marcus were gone.
---
Meanwhile: The Group Chat
The group text lit up before Keisha even reached the valet stand.
Tasha: "Y'all… I just saw Keisha leave with Marcus."
Lydia: "THE Marcus?? Derrick's boy Marcus??"
Kim: "Screenshots or it didn't happen."
Tasha: "(photo attachment of Keisha and Marcus walking hand in hand)"
Kim: "Oh, this party just turned into Season Finale energy."
Monique's name popped up in the chat… then disappeared. She'd left the conversation.
---
In the Car
Marcus glanced over at Keisha. "You good?"
Keisha smirked. "Better than I've been in years."
She rolled the window down, letting the wind carry the last of the ballroom's tension away.
Tonight wasn't just revenge. It was the crown being placed back on her head - in full view of the woman who'd tried to steal it.