The Gala
1354 Words
*Aurelia's POV *
I immediately ran away. “Something about her isn't a coincidence.” I heard Kael say.
“Had he found out that I came here on purpose?”
That would be bad considering the fact that I hadn't even found out anything meaningful.
I sighed.
I spent the entire night thinking and feeling guilty which was ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous.
Because Kael was the one who had dragged me across the hallway like I was some reckless child who couldn't think for herself. He was the one who had stormed into my room and immediately assumed the worst after seeing Adrian.
So why was I feeling bad?
I rolled over in bed and buried my face into the pillow with an irritated groan.
He genuinely looked hurt. And somehow that made me feel bad.
I had expected him to argue back. To defend himself. To raise his voice and remind me that I was staying under his roof.
Instead he has simply stood there while I yelled at him. Then he apologised just like that no argument, no excuses, no defense.
Just a quiet apology before walking away. That was all was playing in my head all night.
By morning I was already annoyed with myself. The dinning was unusually quiet when I arrived.
Vivienne sat elegantly at the head of the table scrolling through something on her tablet while sipping her coffee.
Marcus stood near one of the windows, speaking quietly on the phone.
And Kael…
I froze.
He was already seated dressed in a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.
Looking unfairly attractive. Unfortunately he didn't even glance at me.
I went down.
Kael continued reading whatever document was in front of him.
The silence felt strange. Yesterday he couldn't stop watching me and today he's acting like I didn't exist.
Good, this was good. Exactly what I wanted so why did it feel irritating?
“Kael.” Vivienne said softly.
He looked up. “I need a favour.”
That immediately caught my attention. Kael gave her a look.
“No.” He immediately said.
Vivienne sighed dramatically. “You don't even know what I'm asking.”
“The answer is still no.”
Vivienne shot him a brief glared. “I am hosting an event tomorrow night.”
“No.”
“It involves several investors.” Her voice stretched.
“I said no, Mum.”
“There will be media coverage.”
“No.”
“Celeste will be there.”
Kael's expression didn't change.
“Still no.”
Who was Celeste? The name stirred something inside of me. I felt strange after hearing it.
Vivienne clearly wasn't pleased. “Keal.”
“Mom…” he grumbled.
“You're one of the most influential business men in the city.”
“But I don't…”
“You could at least support the event.”
“I don't want to, Mom.” Kael said simply.
I lowered my eyes to my plate. Why did that name feel so familiar?
Before I could think about it further, Kael pushed his chair back. “I'm leaving.”
Vivienne looked angry. “We aren't finished.”
“We are.” Then he walked out just like that.
I stared after him. Marcus followed a few moments later.
Leaving only me and Vivienne. The woman looked really annoyed.
I stood up. “I'm done.”
She barely acknowledged me which was perfectly fine. I went upstairs quietly.
The hallway was quiet and for some reason my feet led me to Kael's room. I stopped outside the door.
What exactly was I doing? I had no answer to that.
Maybe guilt. Maybe curiosity or maybe both.
I knocked. But there was no response, I hesitated then pushed the door open and immediately regretted it.
Kael was standing near his wardrobe, shirtless.
My brain completely stopped working. His back was turned towards me, broad shoulders, Defined muscles.
The kind that made it obvious he actually used the expensive gym equipments which was in the mansion.
Then he turned and saw me. We both froze.
“Oh!” I said softly.
Brilliant! What a fantastic thing to say.
Kael stared at me confused then he looked down at himself then back at me. Then immediately grabbed the nearest shirt.
I almost laughed cause he looked really flustered.
“You knocked” it sounded like a statement rather than a question.
“I did.”
“I didn't answer.”
“You didn't.”
Another silence. Somewhere inside my head a tiny voice was screaming.
Eventually Kael cleared his throat. “Did you need something.”
Right. The reason I came here, focus.
I folded my arms. “Why dont you want to attend the event?” I wondered why I had even asked that and if he was even going to answer me.
His expression softened slightly. “If I go, she'll expect more.”
I dropped my hands down. “More events.” He paused. “More introductions and more public appearances.”
“Oh.” I muttered.
He narrowed his eyes. “Are you mocking me?”
“Maybe.”
For the first time all morning, I saw a hint of amusement on his face.
I sighed thinking about what I was just about to say. “I think you should go.”
Kael stared at me. “Why?”
I shrugged. “I don't know.”
That was a lie. I knew exactly why.
Because I had hurt him, he looked miserable, because somehow making him attend one stupid event felt like a tiny apology.
Even though he didn't even want to go at least he would lighten up a little, even probably have fun.
And finally cause I wanted to know who Celeste was.
His eyes remained fixed on mine. “Fine.”
I smiled. “Really?”
“Yes.”
“You're actually going.”
He smiled a little. “You asked.”
For some reason my stomach flipped but I ignored it immediately. “Good.” then I turned and practically escaped before my brain could embarass me further.
Later in the day Hannah walked in with multiple shopping bags. “Mr. Blackwood asked us to prepare these.” She smiled and walked away.
That evening the mansion became chaos. Staff moved everywhere, cars arrived and phone rang consistently.
Apparently Vivienne took parties seriously. After hearing Kael had agreed she didn't hesitate to call all the fashion stylists, make up artists and everything there is.
I stood in front of the mirror adjusting my dress. A dark emerald gown that hugged my figure perfectly, I wasn't even sure why I cared.
Maybe because this was my first public event since arriving here. Maybe because I wanted to look good. The answer was probably both.
A knock sounded. Before I could answer, Hannah entered and her eyes widened. “You look beautiful.”
I smiled slightly. “Thanks.”
When I finally stepped downstairs, I immediately regretted cause because Kael was standing near the entrance.
And he looked…handsome. Black suit, dark tie, sharp jaw, cold eyes. His gaze landed on me and stayed there for a while.
Something shifted in his expression then he looked away. “Ready?” I nodded.
Neither of us spoke during the drive but the silence felt different this time. Not uncomfortable just heavy.
We arrived at the event venue twenty minutes later. Bright lights, luxury cars, reporters, too many people. I stepped out beside Kael. Immediately cameras started flashing, the crowd parted.
People greeted him, people shook his hand, called his name and through all of it he remained calm and unbothered.
Then we entered the ballroom and everything changed because standing across the room was a woman in a silver dress.
Beautiful, elegant and confident. She was laughing at something someone said until her eyes landed on me.
Her smile vanished instantly, the glass in her hand nearly slipped, she looked shocked like she had just seen a ghost and for some reason my heart suddenly started beating faster.
- Writer
