Gala Night

A Week Later.

Tonight, however, is different.

The invitation to the Montgomery Gala has been sitting on my desk for days, taunting me. My phone buzzes for what feels like the hundredth time today, but I ignore it. It's probably Sophie asking me about the event again.

She's been pushing me to go, practically begging me to wear something "fancy and fun." I don't want to go, which surprised me. I don't know why I'm not going, when I'm such a fan of these fancy balls.

The night of the gala, I put on the navy blue gown Sophie insisted I wear, even though it's not my style.

I look in the mirror, wondering if tonight will be any different from the rest of the nights I've spent avoiding Rafael.

When I arrive at the venue, the grand Hilton Ballroom overwhelms me with its luxurious décor. Massive chandeliers glow above me, and everything in sight is drenched in gold and white.

As soon as I step into the ballroom, I feel like I've entered another world. Rafael's world.

The murmur of conversations and the clinking of glasses create an ambient hum. I walk in slowly, scanning the crowd for someone familiar, but all I see are faces I don't recognize, wealthy, powerful people mingling.

My parents couldn't make it, as much as I miss them and I want them to be here, they couldn't because of work. They've always been like that.

Before I can move farther into the crowd, I feel a tap on my shoulder.

"Amanda!"

It's Jacob, standing there with a bright smile, holding a glass of champagne.

I'm taken aback. "Jacob? What are you doing here?" I glance around, almost nervously. This feels wrong. Why is he at the Montgomery Gala?

"Why not?" he shrugs casually. "I like to make connections, Amanda. You know, network."

He raises his glass and winks at me. "Besides, I heard the Montgomerys throw a great party. And I knew you'd be here, eventually."

I try to hide my unease with a smile. "Well, it's exactly my thing." I glance around again, this time looking for any familiar face, anything that could give me a sense of comfort.

"Come on." Jacob's tone is playful. "Don't be shy. "

He takes my hand and leads me toward a small group of people. I can feel the eyes on me. The whispers, the judging stares. I'm not used to this.

It doesn't take long for me to realize that I'm trapped in the most uncomfortable situation possible. Jacob talks to everyone like he owns the room, while I stand awkwardly in the background, not knowing who to talk to or what to do.

"Jacob, excuse me, bathroom,"

"Sure, be quick," my brows furrowed from his answer, but I didn't care anymore, I want to get away from him. Tomorrow, I'll dump him, ugh.

Minutes later, I spot someone in the distance. Rafael. He's standing near the far corner, talking to some people in business suits,.his posture rigid, his face stoic as always.

I'm about to make my way toward him, when suddenly, someone bumps into me.

"Hey!" I almost spill my drink, but when I turn around, it's a guy, tall, with a sharp jawline and an easy smile.

"Sorry about that! Didn't see you there." He grins at me, his eyes taking me in, clearly impressed by my gown. "You look amazing, by the way."

I feel my face flush, but I try to play it cool. "Thank you."

He steps a little closer. "Name's Luke. And you are...?"

I hesitate. "Amanda."

Luke raises an eyebrow. "Amanda. Beautiful name." He gives me a once-over, his smile widening. "I've seen you around. You must be close to the Montgomerys, huh?"

I nod, suddenly feeling a bit out of place. "Yeah. I'm… Kind of,"

Just as I'm about to say more, a voice interrupts.

"Amanda."

I freeze.

It's Rafael. He's standing there, his eyes hardening when he sees Luke so close to me.

There's a flicker of something, possessiveness? Anger?, that crosses his face, but he quickly suppresses it.

He strides forward, and before I can even say anything, he turns to Luke with a cold, measured tone. "I'm afraid you'll have to excuse us."

Luke glances at Rafael, slightly taken aback but unwilling to back down. "I'm just talking to her, man. No harm."

Rafael's smile doesn't reach his eyes. "Actually, yes. There is."

The tension between the two men is palpable, and before I can even respond, Luke mutters something under his breath and walks away.

Rafael doesn't say anything to me for a moment. His face is unreadable as he looks at me, but his tone is stiff.

"Let's talk."

I open my mouth to protest, but before I can, he grabs my wrist, pulling me with him through the crowd toward the quieter hallway at the back.

We stop in a secluded corner. I'm about to say something, but Rafael cuts me off.

"You've been spending too much time with Jacob and now him?" His words are low, almost dangerous.

I swallow hard. "What's the big deal? I'm dating Jacob, and he's just a guy I met."

Rafael steps closer, his breath warm on my skin. "A guy you met? Or a guy who's getting too comfortable?"

I feel the heat rising in my chest, the tension between us palpable.

Before I can respond, the light went black, and I couldn't see anything. Shit... No... Not the dark.

"Amanda? Amanda, hold me." Rafael shouted.