Chapter Three: The Spotlight
The Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel shimmered under a constellation of chandeliers, their light bouncing off gilded walls and crystal flutes filled with champagne. The annual Carter Foundation Gala was the event of the season, a magnet for Manhattan's elite—bankers, philanthropists, and socialites all vying for a moment in the spotlight. Tonight, though, the spotlight wasn't on stock prices or charitable pledges. It was on Henry Carter and Ava Lin, the city's newest power couple, about to announce their engagement to a room full of whispers and watchful eyes.
Ava stood at the edge of the ballroom, her emerald-green gown catching the light like a jewel. The dress was a strategic choice—elegant but bold, with a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt that made her feel like she could conquer the world. She adjusted the diamond bracelet on her wrist, a loan from her mother, and scanned the crowd. Men in tuxedos and women in couture swirled around her, their laughter mingling with the soft jazz from the live band. She felt like an actor on a stage, and the script was one she'd memorized but didn't quite believe.
Henry appeared at her side, his black tuxedo tailored to perfection, his dark hair swept back in a way that made him look both dangerous and untouchable. "Ready?" he asked, his voice low, his hand brushing her elbow—a practiced gesture for the cameras already flashing nearby.
Ava tilted her chin up, meeting his gaze. "As I'll ever be. Let's sell this."
His lips curved into a half-smile, and for a moment, she saw something flicker in his eyes—amusement, maybe, or admiration. "You're a natural," he said, offering his arm. "Shall we?"
She took it, her fingers light on his sleeve, and they stepped into the heart of the ballroom. Heads turned, murmurs rippled through the crowd, and Ava felt the weight of a thousand expectations. She straightened her spine, her lawyer's instincts kicking in. This was a negotiation, not a performance. She just had to play her part.
The emcee, a silver-haired philanthropist with a voice like velvet, took the stage. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began, "tonight, we celebrate not only the Carter Foundation's mission to transform lives but also a union that promises to shape the future of this city. Please join me in congratulating Henry Carter and Ava Lin on their engagement!"
The room erupted in applause, and Ava forced a smile, her hand tightening on Henry's arm. He raised a glass of champagne, his expression warm but controlled, and leaned toward her as if to whisper something intimate. "Smile wider," he murmured. "They're eating this up."
She did, her smile radiant but her eyes sharp. "Don't push it," she whispered back, her tone teasing but firm. "I'm already giving you Oscar-worthy."
He chuckled, the sound low and genuine, and for a fleeting second, Ava felt a warmth she hadn't expected. The crowd's cheers faded into background noise as they moved to the center of the room, posing for photos. Henry's hand rested lightly on her waist, and she was acutely aware of his warmth, the faint scent of his cologne—cedar and something darker, like ambition. She pushed the thought away. This was a deal, not a date.
As the photographers dispersed, Ava's best friend, Mia, appeared, her red dress a vibrant contrast to the sea of black and white. "You two look disgustingly perfect," Mia said, grinning. "Ava, you sure you're not falling for this guy already?"
Ava rolled her eyes, nudging Mia playfully. "Not a chance. This is strictly business."
Henry raised an eyebrow, overhearing. "Careful, Miss Lin. You'll break my heart."
Mia laughed, but Ava just smirked. "You'd need a heart for that, Mr. Carter."
Before he could respond, a hush fell over the crowd near the entrance. Ava followed their gazes, and her stomach tightened. A woman had entered the ballroom, her presence commanding attention despite her understated attire—a flowing white dress, her blonde hair cascading in loose waves, her eyes bright with an artist's curiosity. She moved with a grace that felt out of place among the calculated elegance of the gala, and Ava knew instantly who she was.
Sophia Gray.
Henry stiffened beside her, his hand dropping from her waist. Ava glanced at him, catching the flicker of shock in his eyes before he masked it with his usual composure. "Henry," she said softly, her voice a warning. "Who is she?"
He didn't answer right away, his gaze fixed on Sophia as she approached, a hesitant smile on her lips. "Henry Carter," Sophia said, her voice warm, almost musical. "It's been a while."
"Sophia," he said, his tone neutral but his jaw tight. "I didn't know you were back in New York."
"Just arrived last week," she said, her eyes flicking to Ava, then back to Henry. "I heard about the gala and thought I'd drop by. For old times' sake."
Ava felt a prickle of unease. This wasn't just a random guest. The way Henry's posture shifted, the way his eyes lingered on Sophia's face—it was personal. She extended a hand, her smile polite but guarded. "Ava Lin," she said. "Henry's fiancée."
Sophia's smile faltered, just for a second, before she shook Ava's hand. "Sophia Gray. An old friend from Harvard. Congratulations, both of you."
The words were kind, but Ava caught the undercurrent—curiosity, maybe regret. She glanced at Henry, who was watching Sophia with an intensity that made her chest tighten. This was the "white moonlight" of his past, the one who'd left a mark he couldn't erase. Ava had seen it in his eyes during their contract negotiations, a shadow of something unspoken. Now, that shadow had a name.
"Thank you," Ava said, her voice smooth. "We're thrilled to share the news." She slipped her arm through Henry's, a possessive gesture that felt more real than she'd intended. "Right, darling?"
Henry blinked, as if snapping out of a trance. "Of course," he said, his hand covering hers briefly. "It's a new chapter."
Sophia's smile tightened, but she nodded. "I'm happy for you, Henry. Really." She glanced at Ava. "You're a lucky woman."
"I know," Ava said, her tone light but her eyes unwavering. She wasn't sure what game they were playing, but she wasn't about to lose.
Sophia excused herself, disappearing into the crowd, and Ava felt Henry exhale beside her. "Old friend?" she asked, keeping her voice casual.
"Something like that," he said, his tone clipped. He drained his champagne glass and set it on a passing tray. "Let's dance."
It wasn't a request, and Ava didn't argue. They moved to the dance floor, joining other couples swaying to a slow jazz number. Henry's hand settled on her waist, his other hand clasping hers, and for a moment, they moved in sync, their bodies closer than she'd expected. The crowd blurred around them, and Ava felt the weight of his gaze.
"You didn't tell me about her," she said, her voice low, meant only for him.
"There's nothing to tell," he said, but his grip tightened slightly. "Sophia and I were… close, a long time ago. She left for Paris after college. End of story."
Ava tilted her head, studying him. "Doesn't look like the end to me."
He met her eyes, his expression unreadable. "You're my fiancée, Ava. Real or not, that's what matters tonight."
She laughed softly, the sound more bitter than she'd intended. "Don't worry, Henry. I'm not here to compete with your ghosts. Just don't expect me to play the fool."
His jaw tightened, but he didn't respond. They danced in silence, the music wrapping around them like a fragile truce. Ava felt the eyes of the room on them—her parents, his parents, the press, and somewhere in the crowd, Sophia Gray. This was their stage, their performance, but beneath it all, something real was stirring, something neither of them was ready to name.
As the song ended, Henry stepped back, his hand lingering on hers for a moment longer than necessary. "You're good at this," he said, his voice quiet. "Better than I expected."
Ava smiled, a mix of defiance and charm. "I told you, Henry. I don't lose."
He chuckled, but his eyes were distant, already chasing a memory. Ava let go of his hand and turned away, her heart pounding. This was a deal, she reminded herself. A contract. But as she caught Sophia's silhouette across the room, she couldn't shake the feeling that the game had just gotten a lot more complicated.