The Gala

I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my dress for what felt like the hundredth time. I had spent hours getting ready for the charity gala, and I wanted to make sure I looked perfect.

As I smoothed out my hair, I couldn't help but think about Julian. I had seen his name on the list of hosts, and I couldn't help but wonder if he would be there.

I took a deep breath and headed out the door. The gala was being held at a luxurious hotel in the city, and I had to navigate through a sea of people to get to the ballroom.

As I entered the room, I was immediately struck by the opulence. The room was filled with wealthy and influential people, all dressed to the nines.

I scanned the room, looking for Julian. And then, I saw him. He was standing across the room, talking to a group of people. He looked up and caught my eye, and I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body.

He smiled and excused himself from the group, making his way over to me.

I stood beside Julian, smiling politely as he chatted with the other guests. We had been married for a few months now, and I had grown accustomed to these charity events.

But tonight was different. We didn't come to the gala together.

Tonight, Julian seemed distracted, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for someone.

And then, I saw her. Victoria. A stunning woman with long, blonde hair and a confident smile.

Julian's eyes locked onto hers, and he excused himself from our conversation.

"Victoria," he said, his voice smooth. "It's been a while."

Victoria smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Julian," she said, her voice husky. "I see you're still as charming as ever."

I watched as they chatted, their conversation flirtatious and familiar. It was clear that they had a history together.

But I wasn't jealous. I knew that our marriage was a contract, a means to an end. Julian needed a wife, and I needed the money to pay for my mother's treatment.

As the night wore on, I couldn't help but notice the way Julian looked at Victoria. It was clear that he still had a physical attraction to her.

But I didn't care. I was here for one reason, and one reason only: to save my mother's life.

I leaned in close to Julian, my voice low.

"Remember, we need to keep up appearances," I whispered.

Julian raised an eyebrow, his expression amused.

"Don't worry, Alexandra," he said. "I know how to play the game."

I nodded, my eyes locked onto his.

"Good," I said. "Let's just get through this night, shall we?"

Julian smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"Of course, my dear," he said. "I'll make sure to put on a good show."

I watched as he turned back to Victoria, his eyes locked onto hers. I knew that he was still attracted to her, and I wondered if he would ever be able to let her go.

But I pushed the thought aside. I didn't care about Julian's past or his feelings. I only cared about one thing: getting the money I needed to save my mother's life.

As the night wore on, I played the part of the dutiful wife, smiling and laughing and making small talk with the other guests.

But inside, I was seething. I was angry at Julian for his infidelity, and I was angry at myself for being so desperate.

But most of all, I was angry at the situation. I was angry that I had to marry a man I didn't love in order to save my mother's life.

As the night drew to a close, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I had made it through the evening without any major incidents.

But as we left the gala and made our way back to the car, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.

That Julian's past was going to come back to haunt us, and that our marriage was going to be put to the test.