The grand hall of Avalon shimmered with gold lights and soft orchestral music that drifted in the background like a lullaby. Waiters in tuxedos moved gracefully across the floor, balancing silver trays of champagne and sparkling water. Karen stood just outside the entry arch, fingers nervously tugging at the edge of her dress.
It was a navy blue satin gown that hugged her body and exposed just enough shoulder to make her feel elegant but also wildly out of place.
"Breathe," Carla whispered beside her, grinning. "You look like you're about to pass out."
"I'm just not used to this," Karen replied, eyes flicking across the room. "I feel like everyone's staring."
"They are. You look good."
Karen wasn't sure if that was comforting or horrifying.
Still, she stepped forward with Carla, entering the heart of the gala. Instantly, she felt it...the shift in energy.
The way conversations seemed to pause for a heartbeat as she walked past. Eyes lingered a little too long. Smiles felt rehearsed.
A group of female staff from the marketing department stood off to one side. Their eyes tracked Karen's every movement like hawks watching prey. One of them whispered something behind a manicured hand, and the others burst into soft laughter.
Karen tried to ignore it.
But it stung.
She reached for a glass of water from a passing tray and took a calming sip.
Then she saw him.
Alex.
He walked in like he owned the night which technically, he did. Dark tuxedo, no tie, shirt unbuttoned just enough to make her heart betray her. His eyes scanned the crowd with detached interest until they found hers and then, everything slowed.
For a second, Karen forgot about the glares, the whispers, the uncomfortable heels.
It was just him.
And her.
But then... another woman appeared beside him. Tall, stunning.
Her red gown sparkled, clinging to her like liquid fire. She leaned in and whispered something to Alex, then laughed and touched his arm.
Karen's stomach twisted.
Before she could even decide how to feel, Luca suddenly appeared beside her with a knowing smirk. "You clean up nicely."
Karen blinked out of her daze and smiled. "Thanks, you too."
His presence was oddly calming. Unlike Alex, Luca didn't confuse her. He was charming, playful, easy to talk to. A good distraction—until Alex's gaze landed on the two of them.
And darkened.
Luca followed her eyes, then grinned mischievously. "He's looking at me like I stole his last dollar."
"Maybe you did," she joked weakly, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear.
But her heart was racing.
She shouldn't care, Alex wasn't hers. He barely tolerated her most days.
Yet something about the way his eyes refused to leave her... it stirred something inside her.
Then it happened.
One of the women from the jealous group "accidentally" bumped into Karen's shoulder, nearly spilling her drink.
"Oh! Sorry," the woman said with a smile that wasn't sorry at all. "Didn't see you there."
Karen stepped back, biting down her response.
Luca stepped forward, jaw tight. "Watch it."
But the woman was already walking away, laughing with her friends.
Karen swallowed. "This is going to be a long night."
"Stick with me," Luca said, offering his arm, "I'll keep the sharks away."
Karen hesitated... then accepted.
From across the room, Alex watched the scene with a clenched jaw and fire in his eyes.
This dinner wasn't ending without something snapping.