Bound By Secret Ties

chapter 3

It would be my first time in the city after five years away. The city that almost destroyed me. The city where all my nightmares came to pass, one after the other. Today is the Everland Charity Gala, an event that takes place once a year at a venue that no ordinary socialite could attend. This is an event for the elite, which I happen to be part of.

It took me five years of labor and piecing together a broken heart, but with help from an unexpected place, I made it to what most would call the top of the food chain. I could never be looked down upon again. I reminded myself of all of this as I made my way up to my hotel room. My personal assistant, Nancy, was at my side as the porter moved ahead of us with my luggage. I would not be long in the city. I was not interested in reliving my humiliation. This place harbored too many horrible memories. I would be in and out.

We reached my suite, and Nancy opened the door. It was a grand room with ample space and the best that money could buy. Normally, I wouldn’t spend so much on such luxuries. Yet, I needed to remind myself that I was no longer that girl. I had become what my enemies said I never could be. I was worthy. It had been years since Alister so carelessly tossed my heart into the fire without a second thought.

I had moved on. I was healed. But sometimes, his parting words echoed in my head.

I settled down in my suite, picked up my phone, and dialed a number. It took only one ring before it was answered.

“Mummy!” my son bubbled on the other end.

“Hello, Charlie,” I greeted him with the same enthusiasm. “I just got into my room. I wanted to hear your voice before the gala tonight. How's everything going on at your end?" I asked, trying to maintain a cheerful tone despite the memories threatening to resurface.

Charles chattered excitedly about his day, sharing stories about school and his latest adventures with friends. Listening to his innocent joy helped distract me from the lingering shadows of the past.

I closed my eyes, letting his voice calm me. My pride and joy. The light in my darkness. And Alister’s son. The thought haunted me sometimes, but I reminded myself each time that he was my son, and I was his only parent. He had no father.

“I’ll see you when I get back. I love you,” I reminded him. I had no one to tell me that when I was growing up. His experience would be different.

“I love you too,” he kissed me through the phone and handed it to his nanny—the same woman who had been mine.

“Eloise, thank you.”

“You’re welcome, dear,” she replied. “Don’t forget to keep your head up, my dear. Have fun tonight.” She ended the call.

I checked the time, and when it read 7:30, I got up to get ready. I had slept through the flight, so I was good to go.

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I arrived at the venue with Nancy. I was a little late, and there were already a considerable number of guests present. I picked up a flute of champagne from a server’s tray and took a sip. I ignored the eyes on me as I minded my own business. It was normal for people to talk. I was a new face in a sea of the city’s richest and most influential people. Naturally, they were curious. And the attire I had chosen wouldn’t help matters.

It wasn’t that the dress was scandalous; it was the piece itself. A unique creation from the Autraea haute collection, only three of these dresses existed in the world. Eloise had chosen it.

From head to toe, every article I wore was limited edition. A message was sent.

“Good evening,” a woman approached me with her own flute of champagne. “May I say, you look absolutely exquisite?” Her smile was genuine.

She was tall but not tall enough to tower over me. She had a slender figure, tan skin, and light green eyes. One of the most beautiful people I had ever seen.

I returned her smile. “I would say the same for you. Hello, I’m Aurelia.”

“Stella. It’s nice meeting a new face at an event like this.”

“Stella, it's a pleasure to meet you," I replied, sipping my champagne. "Indeed, it's always refreshing to encounter new people.”

Stella’s gaze lingered on me for a moment, and I sensed a hint of curiosity behind her composed demeanor. She had questions but didn’t voice them, and we continued with casual conversation. I was actually enjoying her company; she seemed very down-to-earth. We didn’t speak of our positions in the socialite circle, and I was grateful.

“Stella,” a sickly sweet voice called. I froze, recognizing it. “Why don’t you introduce me to your friend?”

I watched Stella roll her eyes before turning to Eva. Her voice grated on me, even after all these years.

“Pleasure seeing you again, Eva,” but Stella’s tone told me she was lying.

“Of course it is. It’s always a pleasure.” She moved closer to me. I still hadn’t turned to look at her. Her closeness prickled my skin.

“And who is this?” she asked. “And oh my God, that dress…” Her exclamation died on her lips when I finally turned around.

“Aurelia!” She gasped, stepping back, looking me over. “Who the hell invited you?” She wasn’t being discreet, and soon every eye was on us.

I took a deep breath and stood my ground. The old me would have cowered by now, but times had changed.

“How did you sneak past security?” She relished the attention she was drawing. “Aurelia, why don’t you tell us?”

Calmly, I reached into my purse, retrieved the gold-plated invitation card, and raised it for all to see. I didn’t need to say a word; the invitation said enough.

I watched Eva’s eyes twitch with frustration before a malicious grin spread across her face. “Finally found yourself a rich old man, it would seem.”

Whispers spread through the crowd, but I paid them no mind.

“In this same hall, you were served divorce papers, and now you’re back thinking flashing some piece of paper will make you more than what you are—a gold digger.”

I rolled my shoulders but stayed silent.

“Eva, why don’t you…” Stella was saying, trying to diffuse the situation.

“Eva,” a voice made me pause. Dark hair and amber eyes came into view. Something numb and dead within me stirred. Alister was still as attractive as I remembered, but it brought no pleasant emotion.

Our eyes met, and I noticed a tick in his jaw, a sign that my presence affected him. I looked at him as though I were seeing a stranger.

I was the first to look away, turning to Stella, paying no mind to either Eva or my ex-husband.

“Aren't you embarrassed?” Alister was speaking to me. I turned just enough to acknowledge him but not enough to show I cared. “Coming back here after all these years and causing a scene.”

I turned to face him squarely. “You should be addressing your wife on that matter, Alister. And why should I be ashamed when I’ve done nothing wrong?”

His throat worked as he swallowed his obvious annoyance at my words. He stepped closer, his eyes hardened with hate. The same hate I’d seen when he’d told me to sign our divorce papers. He leaned in so no one else could hear, his voice filled with venom. “You don’t belong here,” he deadpanned. “If you had any self-respect, you would leave.”

Just then, I bumped into another person. An arm looped around mine, and its owner stepped into view.

“Nigel,” I muttered, smiling.

Nigel Michelson, Eloise’s grandson, smiled back at me. His expression was wholly pleased. “Glad you could make it. Thought you’d turn down my invitation.”

“I wouldn’t miss it,” I replied, ignoring Alister.

Nigel turned to Alister, whose gaze still burned into me.

“Let me introduce you to Aurelia Norton. My business partner and CEO of Everett Corp.”

I heard Eva inhale sharply at Nigel’s words. The socialites who hadn’t looked away from the drama reacted the same way, hushed murmurs growing louder.

“That can’t be,” Eva mumbled, shock evident on her face. “Everett Corp is one of tonight's major donors. How can she be its CEO?” Her voice trembled with disbelief. “She’s the guest of honor!”