Between Love and Revenge

"RYAN CARTER"

(Seraphina Parker)

Elian’s dog, I think he called her Bee, was strange. Are dogs always that strange? I’ve never owned one before, so I couldn’t tell.

I didn’t hate pets, but Bee wasn’t friendly at all. She barked at me nonstop, and Elian said she was probably just upset, but about what?

It was a mess. At one point, she started circling me, tail wagging aggressively, fur bristling. Then she jumped at me and wouldn’t stop barking.

I was scared, terrified, even. She made me feel like I was some kind of ghost, like I didn’t belong there.

Elian tried calming her down, but it didn’t work. So I left, Elian right on my heels, apologizing over and over.

Strangest of all, Bee immediately stopped barking once I stepped into my car. When I looked back through the window, she just stood there, still, watching me. Eyes locked on mine.

It felt disturbing. Like she had wanted me gone. I remember tearing my eyes away, suddenly unsure what I’d done to deserve such rejection from a dog.

Now, sitting in front of the dressing mirror in my room, everything came rushing back. I shifted my gaze to my reflection.

I was fully dressed in the designer gown Elian had picked for me a few days ago, ready for his company dinner.

He had Invited me days earlier with a bouquet of flowers. The invitation card was tucked neatly between them, alongside a bottle of expensive wine.

I had felt it was too formal an occasion at first, but he insisted. He said he wanted to show off the mother of his child. The way he said it did something to me. Something warm. Something sweet.

He promised to come pick me up himself. So here I was, dressed and glowing, checking myself in the mirror for what had to be the tenth time. I wanted to be the most stunning woman in the room, just for Elian.

My phone dinged. It was him.

I’m outside.

I rushed to the window, peeled the blinds aside, and scanned the yard. I couldn’t see him yet, but his car was parked out front. He was probably inside. My heart flipped.

I grabbed my bag off the bed and hurried downstairs. As I opened the door, the driver’s seat of his car swung open. I swallowed, slowing my pace, determined to hide the excitement pulsing through me.

“Hello, Mama”, he said, alighting from the driver’s seat of his car.

“You look as stunning as a moonlit dream in silk”, he continued, extracting an air kiss from his lips through his fingers dramatically.

I couldn’t help smiling, my effort to seem cool collapsing at the sight of him. I walked toward him slowly, fighting the urge to run.

Maybe I expected a compliment or another air kiss, but instead, he threw his arms open.

I smiled wider and stepped into his embrace. He smelled like butter and coffee, like all my favorite dreams. He kissed my forehead gently before pulling away.

“Let’s go now”, he mouthed, taking my hand. He walked me to the front passenger seat and opened the door for me like a gentleman.

I slid in, and he closed the door softly behind me. I giggled, shaking my legs like a child. Elian was exactly the man I wanted.

The drive to the venue was smooth. The city lights blurred past the windows like streaks of gold, jazz music filling the car. The soft hum of the engine and Elian’s hand occasionally brushing mine created a bubble I didn’t want to leave.

We arrived right on time.

“Shall we?” Elian asked, opening the car door for me and offering his arm.

“Of course”, I said with a smile, slipping my hand into his.

Walking into the event with him felt surreal. My heart jingled to the tune of happiness.

For years, I had dreamed of standing beside Elian in public, acknowledged, admired. Now it was real.

The dining hall was breathtaking. Every corner screamed luxury, colored lights, elaborate decorations, champagne glasses glistening on velvet-covered tables. Elegant dresses and clean-cut suits filled the space.

As I walked in beside Elian, anxiety slowly crept in. I was going to meet his colleagues.

We walked to a table set for four. Two seats were already occupied, an older woman with flawless skin but a stern face, and a younger man in a loud-colored suit.

“Hello, Mr. Montrose”, the woman greeted, her expression sharp. Elian bowed slightly to match her seated posture and extended a handshake.

“Welcome, ma’am. I hope you enjoy the event”.

“Mr. Montrose!” the young man said excitedly.

“Hey, man! You’re doing good?” Elian responded warmly, pulling him into a half-hug.

Then he turned to me. “Meet my coworkers, Phina”, he said, gently takinh my hand and guiding me forward.

“Oh, she looks stunning”, the woman said, her face now softened into a smile. I let out a quiet breath. That was unexpected.

“Nice to meet you, ma’am”, I said in response.

The young man flashed a quick smile before turning back to his phone.

Elian helped me into my seat before taking his own beside me. Under the table, he reached for my hand.

“How are you feeling?” he whispered, squeezing gently.

I smiled and nodded. He winked, giving me another air kiss, locking his eyes with mine. Those eyes, framed by the most enviable lashes, made my head feel light. He only looked away when a waiter arrived with drinks.

The event went on smoothly. Elian spent most of it on stage, either handing out or receiving award plaques. The way the lights hit him, the confidence, the authority, it all clicked.

He was the CEO. Of course he was.

I wasn’t thrilled to be left alone in the crowd, but watching him up there was a joy I couldn’t explain.

Then, I caught a glimpse of someone moving briskly past the stage, just beyond the spotlight’s reach. My eyes narrowed.

That walk… that familiar build and pale skin… A flicker of recognition gripped my chest. No. It couldn’t be. My mind scrambled for logic, for reason, but the resemblance was too stark to ignore.

I blinked, heart racing, but he disappeared to the side of the stage with dim lights.

Ryan Carter?

The name echoed in my head, unspoken but sharp. I stared blankly ahead, the noise of the hall fading behind the pounding in my ears.