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In Leah's bedroom -three hours before the gala, Ava had ordered and sent different gowns and heels for Leah to try on, the floor of Leah's room was like that of a war zone, Heels were scattered on the floor like fallen soldiers who had just lost a battle,gowns laid across the bed, and her mirror smudged from how many times she had leaned in.
Leah stood in front of the mirror brows furrowed trying to decide. All the dresses were either too much,too tight, too plain, too loose or not just right.
She sighed in frustration "Why do I even care?" She muttered to herself in a way Ava won't hear. She knew she was only doing this for her- Oh Ava!, if there was anyone Leah loved apart from herself it was definitely her.
Ava wore a downcast look, she really wanted it to be perfect but nothing was right. Just then Ava's phone rang then she excused herself to go outside.
Leah yanked open her wardrobe hoping to find something casual and decent at least and there it was. Her moms dress, tucked at the back, still in its original protective bag. Flashbacks of when she used to admire the gown perfectly fit on her mum's curvy body.
A drop of tears made it's way down her cheeks she quickly wiped it off and took out the dress from the bag .
She held the dress in her hands admiring it, Satin. Strapless. Floor-length, with a slit up the leg that whispered danger, and a neckline screaming confidence, which she hardly felt. She gazed at the reflection of her self in the mirror for a second, she could see a different Leah not the little Leah who was always afraid of life, afraid to put herself out there, she saw the woman she wanted to become. She carefully slipped the dress on .
The fabric kissed her skin, hugging every curve, The color - deep, dangerous red- made her light blue eyes pop and her hesitation disappeared. She stepped in front of the mirror again.
She didn't just look beautiful, she looked like a fierce, magnetic, million dollar.
For the first time in two days she smiled.
" This is the one."she whispered.
Ava came in at that moment and saw Leah, her mouth wide open. "Oh my Goodness Leah!You look amazing."
" This is definitely IT!" Ava added jumping up in joy.
Leah looked back at the mirror smiling at her reflection.
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THAT NIGHT
Ava had sent one of her personal chauffeurs to pick Leah from home. Leah was really nervous, she had never attended a party before, not even a casual one, so she didn't know what to expect. Business tycoons from different parts of the world in one room, she suddenly felt a knot in her stomach but she wasn't about to spoil her night.
When she alighted from the limo the sight of the mansion took her breath away. Its towering spies piercing the night sky, windows glowing like watchful eyes. It was absolutely breathtaking. It reminded her of her childhood - the gardens, the little water pond and the white mansion that stood perfectly erect in the middle of their big compound.
With a deep breath she made her way into the mansion. The double doors of the ballroom opened slowly parting like velvet curtains before a show. Leah stepped in, her heart in her stomach. Everything stopped. The chandeliers understood the assignment,dancing off her red satin gown, the fabric hugged her body like it was made for her alone. The slit kissed up her thighs, Her heels- sharp, silver, unapologetic.
Heads turned, not only by her beauty, she carried an aura that seemed untouchable. Her blonde hair fell in waves down her back, a single diamond drop hanging from each ear. Leah's heart still trembled, not from fear but from confidence she knew she had to keep her chin up.
She looked around the ball room searching for Ava, then there he was. She immediately recognized him staring at her from across the room, leaning on the counter of a small wine section,his dark almond eyes searching every inch of her body without hiding it. She could sense a dark smile, crawling up the corner of his lips. His eye contact was severe.
He looked as magnificent as ever and she could finally get a glimpse of his full body, he had the body of a Don. His dark hair was carefully brushed back and perfect no strands left hanging. There was something about this man that made Leah's knees weak. It was as if they had a connection.
"What is he doing to me?" Leah said to herself biting her lower lips.
Just then Ava came in front of her distraughting her thoughts. "You made it!" Ava said in excitement "You look so gracious." Ava smiled like a proud mother. Leah could only smile. With the corner of her eye she looked back to the direction of the wine counter but he had vanished into the crowd like he'd never been there at all.
Ava led her through the ballroom to a group of people, men and women, their appearance screamed money, perfectly tailored suits, sparkling jewels and confident smiles- Leah felt out of place but somehow drawn into the world like she belonged there.
"Gentlemen,"Ava said smoothly, still holding Leah's hand. "Allow me to introduce Leah." She added. They all had welcoming smiles and each looked like semi-gods in their early 30's some 40's .
They exchanged greetings with Leah and introduced themselves.
"Come with me." Ava dragged her along gently and led her towards where two men were standing facing back.
"Husby." She called gently upon getting there. A bald man turned, his eyes green and almost tiny, a perfectly well structured face with thin lips. " Do these men fall from heaven?" Leah thought to herself.
And then the other- Leah almost stopped breathing for a second. It was him again, standing right in front of her
Half shadowed by the golden light above the room, staring at her with that same unreadable expression on his face.That made her heart forget its rhythm.
Their eyes lingered on each other for a little while before Ava broke the silence.
"This is Leah."
"Leah, this is my husband Antonio and his very good friend Gabriel." Ava said excitedly.
"Gabriel." The name came out softly and unknowingly from her mouth.
"We meet again, Leah." His voice sounded like the cool breeze- smooth, effortless and ran shivers down her spine before she could stop it.