Eva-Ava

The soft sound of violin played throughout the grand Wren estate. The golden light flickered from the chandeliers, casting a soft glow on the guest’s luxurious gowns and perfectly tailored tuxedos. The guest moved around the hall gracefully, laughing, and the champagne glass clicked. Everything was rich, flashy and expensive. Just then, a young woman in a white gown laced with crystal pearls walked elegantly to this stage. Gently tapped her wine glass with a small silver spoon. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please,” she said with a wide smile. We’ve all gathered here to celebrate the union between two powerful families. A partnership built on love, in unity and on vision. Eva smirked bitterly. Her grip on her wine glass tightened. “Love indeed” she said with a forced smile. “Please raise your glasses,” the speaker continued, and join me as we honor the official engagement of Eva Wren and Raymond Black. The crowd cheered, laughing and celebrating, but to Eva, it sounded like she had just been sentenced. Her legs weakened beneath her dress. She closed her eyes deeply, like she had just lost a battle. Her eyes caught Raymond across the room, surrounded by friends, laughing and discussing. They all seemed to be having fun. In fact, everyone seemed happy except Eva. Eva clenched the fabric of her floor lengthy ivory satin gown. It was custom-made by one of Paris' most exclusive designers. The dress hugged her tightly, exposing her perfect curves. She took a deep breath, adjusting her infamous Wren diamond necklace. It glittered under the ballroom. To the guest she looked like a dream— flawless, graceful. Eva walked slowly towards Raymond and his crew with a forced smile. “Hi fiancé” she said gently, wrapping her arms around his. “Can I?” She looked at the friends, her eyes seeking permission. They nodded, stepping aside as she left with Raymond. They moved to the dance floor. She gently placed her hands up his chest, adjusting his around her waist. Her gaze was fixed on him. “How do you feel?” She asked with a bitter smile, “Your life-long wish has finally come to reality." Are you happy?” Raymond remained quiet. “Isn’t this what you have always wanted?” She continued as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Close enough to make it uncomfortable. “You want to have me, right? Well, congratulations. You won.” Across the room, Mr. Wren, alongside his wife, stood with wide smiles, their faces glowing with pride. “Don’t they just look so perfect?” her mother whispered. Mr. Wren nodded in agreement. “They love each other so much”, he said with a proud smile. On the dance floor, Raymond gently tightened his arms around her waist, pulling her closer; their bodies moved in sync. Their eyes locked on each other. His expression was unreadable. “Eva”, his voice was calm but cold enough to send chills down her spine, “you think too highly of yourself.” Eva's eyes narrowed, but before she could respond, he twirled her outward by the arm and, just as quickly, rolled her back to him, her spine brushed against his chest. The crowd clapped loudly, impressed by their flawless move. Raymond leaned forward, his breath warmed her ear softly as he whispers “This is just business for me, Miss. Wren.” Eva gasped in disbelief. “Business?” she whispered, stunned. He rolled her again, pulling her back, allowing her chest to softly brush against his. Tightening his arms around her waist. Eva glared at him. “And besides,” he added, a tiny smile curled on his lips, “I don’t find you attractive, Eva.” And with that, she snapped. Aggressively jerked herself out of his grip. She glared at him for a few seconds, she turned and stormed off the dance floor. The entire hall went silent, then silent whispers followed. Raymond calmly adjusted his necktie and walked out. Later that night, Eva stormed into her room. Enrage. Her breath came in ragged. She grabbed her pillows from the bed, flinging them across the room. She clenched her gown tightly as she screamed. “What! Just business!” she teased, letting out a bitter laugh. “He said it’s just business. "My life, my marriage, is nothing but business to my supposed husband!” she said, spun in dissatisfaction. She screamed, her anger boiling over. “I am not attractive!” She scoffed, laughing in disbelief. She walked to the mirror, stared at her reflection and let out another cold laugh. “You will never find a woman as beautiful as I am, Raymond black,” she hissed. Just then she felt a sudden movement from behind, her body stiffened. She turned back immediately, but the room was empty. Eva paused for a moment, her eyes scanned the whole room, but it was empty, but then the gnawing ache in her stomach told her she wasn’t alone. Slowly turned back to the mirror and froze. A blurry figure stood behind her dressed in black. Part of his face was masked. Only his eyes were visible. Her heart pounded in fear. She had to scream. But before she could, she felt a sharp pain in her nape. She tried to fight, but her body weakened, her vision was blurry and then she blacked out. The event had nearly ended when Raymond left. “Is it done?” he said onto his phone, walking out. Then he paused, a tiny cold smile curved on his lips. “Good job,” his head tilted slowly, staring into space. He hung up. Just then he felt a flicker of movement from behind, he turned quickly. There in the shadow stood a blurry feminine figure in the dark. The sound of heels clicking against the ground echoed through the room. The sound grew louder, approaching him slowly while he stood still. The faint sound of violin from the ballroom filled the air. Then, from the darkness, she stepped slowly into light. Each movement is smooth and intentional. Her hips swayed seductively with every step. Her posture? Effortless. Her face came into view and for a second, Raymond forgot how to breathe. EVA.