THE ENEMY'S GALA
906 Words
Benny stomped out of Adrian Sterling's office, her blood boiling.
It'll do?!
She had nearly burned a hole through her laptop screen trying to write that stupid speech, and all he had to say was it'll do?!
As she marched toward her desk, her phone buzzed. She snatched it up, expecting a message from her landlord about the rent she was still avoiding. But no.
It was much worse.
Ava: "Be ready by 7 PM. You're attending the gala."
Benny stopped in her tracks.
WHAT. THE. HELL.
Are the trying to kill her, it's not even up to Twenty minutes since she left his office after she summited, that stupid speech.
She reread the message, hoping she was hallucinating. Attending the gala? Why?
She was just an ordinary ghostwriter! What part of her job description involved rubbing elbows with billionaires in an overpriced suits?
Before she could even type a response, another message popped up.
Ava: "Don't argue. Just be there. And dress appropriately."
Benny's eye twitched.
Appropriately? Did she look like someone who had designer gowns just lying around
in her closet?
The most expensive thing she owned was a second-hand handbag that was one strong breeze away from falling apart.
She slammed her phone down on the desk and groaned. She just wished for the grounds to open and swallow her. Taking her out of this wicked and miserable world.
This was officially the worst job in existence.
And yet... as much as she hated Adrian Sterling, something inside her itched at the thought of seeing him outside the office.
Not that she cared.
Obviously.
---
7:45 PM – THE GALA FROM HELL
Benny stood outside the grand ballroom, fidgeting with the itchy fabric of her rented gown. It was a deep red dress that hugged her curves a little too well,making her self-conscious.
The heels? A nightmare.
She was one wrong step away from breaking an ankle. She's not a fan of heels.
The second she stepped inside, she felt completely out of place.
The room screamed wealth-golden chandeliers, crystal glasses, and a sea of people who looked like they had never struggled a day in their lives.
She swallowed.
This was Adrian's world. And she? She was just an intruder.
"Didn't expect to see you here."
Benny stiffened at the voice. She turned slowly to find Adrian standing beside her, a glass of whiskey in hand, looking effortlessly handsome in a black tuxedo.
Of course, he had to look good. The universe really was out to get and destroy her,this night.
She cleared her throat, gripping her clutch like it was a weapon. "Trust me, I didn't expect to be here either."
Adrian's lips curled into an infuriating smirk. "You clean up so well, Williams, am surprised".
Benny narrowed her eyes. "Don't act surprised. I know how to wear a dress."
"Hmm." He took a sip of his drink, gaze flickering over her. "Yet, you look like you're about to bolt."
Benny scowled. "That obvious?"
"Painfully."
Before she could respond, Ava appeared, looking stunning in a sleek emerald gown.
"Adrian, you're needed at Table 5."
Adrian exhaled and glanced at Benny. "Try not to set anything on fire while I'm gone."
Before she could snap back, he walked off, disappearing into the crowd.
Benny exhaled. She needed a drink, she also needed to find a place to sit, before this shoes betray her.
---
THE DISASTER
Thirty minutes.
That's how long she lasted before things went south.
It all started when she tried to gracefully navigate the ballroom, only to trip over her own heels and nearly faceplant into a waiter carrying champagne.
Then, a woman in an expensive fur coat mistook her for a waitress and tried to hand her an empty glass. She felt so embarrassed.
But the final straw was, when Adrian returned and found her standing near the buffet, aggressively stabbing a piece of salmon like it had personally wronged her.
"What exactly are you doing?" he asked, amused.
Benny huffed. "Trying not to commit homicide."
Adrian arched a brow. "That bad?"
She gestured wildly. "I don't belong here! I nearly body-slammed a waiter, some lady thought I was the help, and these shoes? Pure torture. I'd rather walk on nails."
Adrian chuckled. Actually chuckled.
Benny froze.
Was... was he laughing?
Is she hallucinating again or imagining things.
NO WAIT.
Was Adrian Sterling, the devil in a tux, actually capable of being amused?
Did he just chuckle. She taught.
She narrowed her eyes. "Are you enjoying this?"
His smirk returned. "Immensely."
Benny groaned, rubbing her temples. "This night can't get any worse."
And that's when it all happened.
A waiter passed by, and in a cruel twist of fate, Benny's elbow bumped into his tray.
A glass of red wine went flying-straight onto Adrian's crisp white shirt.
The entire room went silent.
Benny's soul left her body.
Adrian slowly looked down at the stain. Then at her. Then at the stain, then at her again.
Benny took a step back. "Okay. So. In my defense-"
"Williams." His voice was low. Dangerous.
She took another step. "Accidents happen, right?"
Adrian set down his drink. "Run."
She ran. She wished she had the ability to disappear.
And behind her, for the first time since she met him, Adrian Sterling actually was laughing at her while she ran for her life.
The guests we surprised by what was happening between them.
- Writer
