Two Hearts

Charity Gala II

Laura's POV

When we arrived, I was terrified. I hadn't expected photographers.

I hadn't expected cameras flashing from every direction or people staring the moment we stepped out of the car.

For a brief moment, panic threatened to take over. Then I felt Daniel pull me a little closer.

"Don't be afraid. I'll be right beside you the entire evening. Just smile."

Those few words grounded me. I took a deep breath. And smiled.

Little by little, it became easier.

The ballroom was magnificent. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, soft music played in the background, and elegant guests filled every corner of the room.

At first, I felt completely out of place. Like I had somehow wandered into someone else's life. But as the evening progressed, I relaxed.

Whenever Daniel was pulled away by one conversation or another, I found myself speaking with different guests.

And honestly?

Not all of them were shallow socialites. Some were successful businesswomen. Others were kind, intelligent, and genuinely pleasant to talk to. To my surprise, I managed to find common ground with almost everyone I met.

And nobody asked too many questions about me. That alone was a relief.

Being introduced as Daniel's wife changed everything. People looked at me with respect. With admiration. With kindness. Things I wasn't used to receiving. Things I had rarely experienced before.

Then reality crashed back into my fairy tale.

A dark-haired woman suddenly threw her arms around Daniel. The entire room seemed to notice. For a moment, all eyes were on them.

I saw the surprise on Daniel's face. Saw how quickly he pulled away. Saw the awkwardness. And then I recognized her.

The woman from the photographs. The one I'd seen in old gossip articles. The girl from the nightclub.

Dana.

The rest of the evening wasn't quite the same after that.

I tried to ignore it. Tried to convince myself it wasn't my business.

Because it wasn't.

Daniel and I weren't a real couple. We weren't even supposed to care about each other's past.

And yet...

I kept thinking about it - Had they been together? Was she one of the women from his old life? Did they still see each other?

Why did I even care?

That was the part that bothered me most. The fact that I cared at all.

We watched the charity auction.

Daniel barely spoke. I barely spoke either. Then we moved into another ballroom where people danced, laughed, and gathered around cocktail tables.

The atmosphere felt warmer. Less formal. Almost normal.

Daniel brought me to one of the standing tables.

"Would you like something to drink?"

I nodded.

"Yes, please."

The truth was, I needed a moment to breathe. Because throughout the evening I'd noticed something else.

Every time a man started talking to me...

Daniel appeared. Almost immediately. Sometimes it was subtle. Sometimes not. But he always appeared.

And it was becoming increasingly difficult not to notice.

Before I could think too much about Dana, a blond man suddenly appeared beside me.

"Good evening.” His smile was charming. Far too charming.

"What is a beautiful woman doing standing here all alone?"

I couldn't help laughing.

"That line is older than the building we're standing in."

He pressed a hand dramatically against his chest.

“Ouch." His grin widened. "I wasn't expecting that."

"Most people don't."

“Clearly." He chuckled. "I like that."

Of course he did. Men always seemed to enjoy a challenge. At least until they realized the challenge wasn't interested.

"Well," he continued, "regardless of your opinion of my opening line, a woman as beautiful as you shouldn't be standing here alone."

I raised an eyebrow.

"And who says I'm alone?"

His smile didn't falter.

"The fact that your husband has apparently abandoned you."

I laughed again despite myself. If Daniel heard that, he'd probably throw the poor man out the nearest window. The thought amused me far more than it should have.

"My husband is getting drinks."

"Then he has terrible timing."

I shook my head.

"You don't even know him."

"I don't need to.” His eyes sparkled mischievously.

"Any man who leaves a woman like you alone for even five minutes is making a mistake."

I was just opening my mouth to respond when a familiar voice cut through the conversation.

Cold. Sharp. Dangerously calm.

"Robert."

Oh no.

I didn't even need to turn around. I already knew who it was - Daniel.

And judging by his tone, he was not happy. Not happy at all.

Robert smiled.

“Daniel." The two men looked at each other.

And suddenly the air felt heavier. Tense. Like something invisible was happening between them. Something only men seemed capable of understanding. Some primitive territorial nonsense. I rolled my eyes internally.

Here we go.

Robert grinned.

"I haven't seen you at one of these events in ages."

"I've been busy.” Daniel's answer was short. Very short.

Then he placed two glasses on the table. Before I could react, his arm slid around my waist. And pulled me firmly against his side.

My breath caught. Not because of the gesture. Because of how natural it felt. Which annoyed me even more.

"By the way," Daniel continued. "You've met my wife, Laura."

The word *wife* landed with suspicious emphasis. I could practically hear the invisible line he was drawing around me - Mine. Mine. Mine.

Good Lord.

Robert's smile faltered slightly.

“Ah." His eyes moved between us. "Your wife."

"That's right."

The atmosphere shifted instantly. The flirtation disappeared. The confidence faded. And suddenly Robert looked far less interested in continuing the conversation.

“Well." He forced a smile. "You're a lucky man."

"I know.” The answer came so quickly that even I stared at Daniel.

Robert noticed too.

After an awkward pause, he excused himself and disappeared into the crowd. Leaving the two of us alone.

The second he was gone, I stepped away from Daniel. Fast. Very fast. Then I turned to face him.

"What's wrong?” he asked.

"What was that?” my voice was low.

"The conversation?” Daniel pretended not to understand.

“Daniel." my eyes narrowed. "I am not a trophy."

“Laura—" he started, but I didn’t let him finish.

“No." I cut him off immediately. "Stop acting like some alpha male marking his territory every time another man talks to me."

He lifted an eyebrow.

"I have no idea what you're talking about.”

Liar.

The arrogant liar knew exactly what I was talking about.

I gave him the look that could have killed somebody.

"You are impossible.” Without waiting for an answer, I turned around. And walked away.

This time I didn't care where I was going. I just needed space. Away from him. Away from his possessive nonsense. Away from the confusion in my own head.

Because the worst part wasn't his behavior.

The worst part was that a small, traitorous part of me had liked it. And that terrified me far more than Daniel ever could.

I had no idea where I was going. I just walked. Past groups of laughing guests. Past waiters carrying trays of champagne. Past women in designer gowns and men in expensive tuxedos.

I didn't care. I needed air.

Space.

Anything that wasn't Daniel standing there pretending he wasn't acting like a jealous caveman.

My heels clicked against the marble floor as I hurried through one hallway after another.

Then I saw it - Ladies’ Room.

Thank God.

The moment I stepped inside, I expected silence. Instead, I heard crying. At first I thought I'd imagined it. But then it came again.

Soft sobs. Someone was crying.

I froze. Great. Just great. I was already seconds away from crying myself. Now I had apparently found another emotional disaster.

“Um..." My voice echoed awkwardly in the empty room. "Excuse me..."

The crying stopped for a second. Then resumed. Louder.

Wonderful.

"Are you alright?" I asked carefully.

“No." The answer came immediately. At least she was honest.

"Can I help somehow?"

A bitter laugh came from behind one of the stall doors.

"Unless you can make the man I love love me back…" My heart sank. "...then no."

Oh. That kind of crying. The heartbreaking kind.

"I'm sorry.” And I genuinely meant it. “Maybe..." I hesitated. "Maybe it's better this way."

The woman laughed again. Only this time it sounded almost hysterical.

"You don't understand.” More sobbing followed. "I can't forget him."

Something about her voice made me uneasy. Very uneasy.

"Maybe you should try."

The crying immediately grew worse. Fantastic advice, Laura.

Really.

"I can’t!" She practically shouted. "I remember everything."

My stomach tightened.

"Every night."

I froze.

"Every moment.” The crying became louder. "Every time we were together."

Suddenly I wasn't sure I wanted to hear any more.

"I thought it would last forever.” Her voice cracked. "But then he gets married!"

Something inside me dropped. Hard. Because suddenly I had a horrible feeling. A really horrible feeling.

"HE gets married!” The woman almost yelled. "The one man who always ran from commitment!"

No. No. No. Please don't let this be—

“Dana?" The name slipped out before I could stop it.

Silence. Complete silence. Then:

"...How did you know?"

My blood turned cold. I heard the stall door unlock. That was enough. I didn't wait. Didn't look. Didn't stay.

I turned around and left immediately. Before she could see me. Before she could recognize me. Before I heard anything else.

I walked fast. Then faster. Almost running. My heart hammered painfully against my ribs.

Dana.

Of course it was Dana. Who else could it have been?

The images I'd found weeks ago flashed through my mind. The photographs. The articles. The rumors. The nightclub. The stories.

And now this.

"Every night. Every moment. Every time we were together.”

The words echoed in my head. Over and over. And for some reason they hurt.

Why? Why did they hurt?

Daniel wasn't mine. We weren't a real couple. This wasn't real. So why did hearing another woman cry over him make me feel like someone had punched me in the chest?

I turned another corner. Then another. Until I found a balcony.

Empty. Finally.

Cool night air hit my face immediately. I stepped outside. The city lights sparkled below. The music from inside became distant.

Muted.

Almost peaceful. I gripped the railing. Trying to breathe. Trying to think. Trying not to think.

A few minutes later, a voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Laura?"

I closed my eyes. Of course. Apparently being alone was illegal tonight. I turned around.

Michael stood near the balcony door. Looking surprisingly concerned.

"Everything okay?"

No, absolutely not. But I forced a smile.

"Of course.” The lie sounded terrible. We both knew it.

Michael leaned against the doorway.

"I know this isn't my business…" That sentence never ended well. "...but I think you met Dana."

I stared at him.

"How do you know that?"

"I saw you leave the restroom.” He shrugged. "And about thirty seconds later, Dana came out."

Well. That explained it.

“Look." For the first time all evening, Michael looked completely serious. "Whatever she told you…" He paused. "...don't believe everything."

My stomach tightened.

"Why?"

Michael rubbed the back of his neck. Clearly uncomfortable.

"Dana's been obsessed with Daniel for years."

Years?

"Obsessed?"

He nodded.

"Everyone knows it."

I looked away. Because somehow that wasn't making me feel any better.

"You mean they never—“ I couldn't even finish the sentence.

Michael immediately understood. And unfortunately, his expression answered before his mouth did.

"They did.” There it was. The answer. Brutal. Simple. Honest.

"But that's over.” He said it immediately. Firmly. "As in completely over."

I looked back at him. Trying to figure out if he was lying.

"Daniel made that very clear.” Michael continued. "He ended all of it."

"All of it?"

"Everything."

I frowned.

"What does that mean?"

Michael laughed quietly.

"You really don't know?"

Apparently not.

"He hasn't been to the club in over a month."

I blinked.

"What?"

"Nobody's seen him.” Michael shrugged. "No parties. No women. No Dana. No random hookups. Nothing."

That caught me off guard. Because that wasn't the Daniel everyone talked about. That wasn't the man from the articles. That wasn't the man from the rumors.

Michael studied my face for a moment. Then smiled slightly.

"Something changed."

My heart skipped.

"What changed?” I asked before I could stop myself.

Michael's smile widened. Dangerously. Knowingly.

"Ask Daniel.” And with that, he walked away. Leaving me standing alone on the balcony.

With far more questions than answers. And suddenly only one thought in my head.

I needed to find Daniel.

I practically ran back inside. Not because I was panicking. Not because Michael's words had shaken me. Not because my heart had suddenly decided to beat twice as fast.

Definitely not.

At least that's what I told myself. The problem was...

I couldn't find Daniel. Anywhere.

The ballroom was crowded. People were dancing. Talking. Laughing. Servers moved between guests carrying champagne and expensive appetizers.

But Daniel was nowhere.

I stopped. Turned around. Looked again.

Nothing.

My stomach tightened.

Had he left? No. That was ridiculous.

Why would he leave? Still...

The thought appeared anyway.

Then suddenly strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind. I gasped. My entire body froze. For half a second I almost screamed. Until I recognized the familiar scent.

Wood. Citrus. And something that was simply...

Daniel.

"Never do that again.” His voice was low against my ear. Not angry. Not teasing. Something else. Something far more dangerous.

I slowly exhaled.

"You scared me."

"Good."

I immediately frowned - Good?

He turned me around. And only then did I get a proper look at him. His jaw was tense. His eyes darker than usual. And there was something in his expression I couldn't quite identify.

Relief. Maybe.

"You disappeared.” He said it like an accusation.

“So?" I blinked.

“So?" His eyebrow lifted. "You vanished without saying a word."

His hands were still resting on my waist. Neither of us seemed willing to move.

"I needed air.” I answered honestly.

"You could have told me."

"You were the reason I needed air.” I stared at him.

That made him grimace.

Good.

For a moment neither of us spoke. The music continued around us. People moved across the dance floor. Yet somehow it felt like we were standing alone. Finally Daniel sighed.

"I deserved that."

I wasn't expecting that answer. At all.

“Yes." I nodded. "You did."

To my surprise, he laughed. Actually laughed. The deep kind. The one that always made something strange happen to my stomach.

"Fair enough."

For a moment I almost smiled back. Almost. Then I remembered Dana. The bathroom. Everything. And my mood immediately darkened again.

Daniel noticed. Of course he noticed. He always noticed.

"What's wrong?” His voice softened.

“Nothing." I lied. Badly.

"Laura."

I looked away. Because if I looked directly at him, I might ask questions I wasn't ready to hear answers to.

Fortunately—or unfortunately—the orchestra chose that exact moment to switch songs. A slower melody filled the ballroom. Couples immediately began moving toward the dance floor.

Daniel looked at me. Then at the dance floor. Then back at me.

"Oh no.” I immediately knew that look.

"Oh yes.” He offered his hand.

I stared at it. Then at him.

"Daniel."

"Laura."

"I don't dance."

"You danced with me before."

"That doesn't count."

"It absolutely counts."

I crossed my arms. He raised an eyebrow.

"You're not winning this."

His smile widened.

"Oh, I already have."

Before I could argue, he took my hand. And pulled me toward the dance floor.

"Daniel!"

"Too late."

The next thing I knew, one of his hands settled against my lower back. The other held mine. And suddenly we were moving with the music.

At first I focused entirely on not stepping on his feet. Or falling. Or embarrassing myself.

Then I realized something. Daniel wasn't keeping a polite distance. Not even close. His hand rested against the bare skin of my back. Warm. Steady. Possessive.

The memory of him zipping up my dress flashed through my mind. My tattoo. His fingertips. The way he'd looked at me. I immediately looked away.

"You're overthinking again.” Daniel murmured.

"Am not."

"You are."

I hated that he was right. Slowly, almost without realizing it, I relaxed. My body stopped fighting the movement. Stopped resisting his lead. And for the first time that evening...

I enjoyed myself.

For a moment neither of us spoke. We simply moved together across the dance floor. Closer than necessary. Closer than either of us should have wanted. Neither of us stepped away.

The ballroom around us blurred into a sea of lights, laughter, and elegant strangers. For the first time that evening, I wasn't thinking about cameras. Or Dana. Or Lizas endless observations.

I was simply dancing. With Daniel.

Then, of course, he ruined it.

"Robert likes you."

I nearly stumbled.

"What?"

His lips twitched.

"He likes you."

I rolled my eyes.

"You're impossible."

"And yet you're still here."

I hated how smug he sounded. Even more, I hated how much that answer affected me.

"Maybe because I don't have a choice.” I lifted an eyebrow. "Considering you're practically dragging me around the ballroom."

"I am not dragging you."

"You absolutely are."

Daniel laughed softly. The vibration traveled through his chest. Unfortunately, I noticed. And unfortunately, I was standing close enough to feel it.

For a few moments we fell silent again. Then an idea suddenly appeared in my head. A terrible idea. The kind of idea that should have remained there. Unfortunately, I said it out loud.

“Fine." I shrugged casually. "Then I'll dance the next dance with Robert."

The reaction was immediate. Daniel's entire body tensed. His hand on my back tightened. Not painfully. Just enough for me to notice.

Slowly, very slowly, his eyes met mine. And if looks could kill, I would have died right there on the dance floor.

“Don't." The single word came out dangerously calm.

“Why?" I blinked innocently.

His jaw clenched.

"Laura."

“What?" I continued. "Technically we're both free adults.” I tilted my head. "It's not like I'm planning to sleep with him."

The second the words left my mouth, I knew I'd gone too far. Because something changed in Daniel's expression. Something dark. Something raw. Something painfully honest.

“Don't." He repeated. This time it sounded less like a warning. And more like a plea.

“Why?" I asked again. Quieter now. More serious.

For a long moment he didn't answer. His eyes searched mine. As if trying to decide how much truth he was willing to reveal.

Finally he exhaled. Slowly.

"Because men like Robert aren't looking for conversations.” His voice was low. Controlled. "But that's not your problem."

"And what exactly is my problem?"

His eyes darkened further.

"The fact that every man in this room is looking at you."

My heart skipped.

"Daniel—"

“No." He cut me off. "I know exactly what men like Robert want.” His gaze never left mine. "I know how they think."

"And how do they think?” I challenged.

His laugh was humorless.

"Because I used to be one of them.” The confession hit harder than I expected. "They'll use you.” His voice softened. "And when they're done…" His jaw tightened. "They'll move on."

Something in his eyes hurt to look at. Because suddenly I realized he wasn't talking about Robert anymore. He was talking about himself. Or at least the man he believed he used to be.

"Not everyone is like that.” I said quietly.

His smile was sad. Almost bitter.

"Most of them are."

I stared at him. Really stared. At the man standing in front of me. The man who bought my children gifts. Who made me coffee in the morning. Who comforted me when I broke down. Who defended me against his grandmother. Who remembered every tiny thing about me.

That wasn't the man he was describing. Not anymore. Maybe not even ever. Then the question escaped before I could stop it.

"No one?"

His brow furrowed.

"What?"

"No one deserves me?” I held his gaze. "Not Robert.” I paused. "Not any man in this room.” Another pause.

Then quietly: "Not even you?"

Everything stopped. The music. The room. The people around us. At least it felt that way.

Daniel looked away first. And somehow that hurt more than any answer. Finally, almost too quietly to hear, he spoke.

“No, I don't either.”

My heart squeezed. For a second I couldn't breathe. Because he actually believed it. Every word. Every painful, self-destructive word.

And suddenly all my anger disappeared. Replaced by something else entirely. Something softer. Something dangerous.

I slipped my fingers more securely between his. His eyes immediately snapped back to mine. Surprised. Almost shocked.

“Daniel." My voice was gentle now. Far gentler than before. "You need to know something."

He didn't speak. He simply watched me.

"You are important to me.” The words came easier than expected. Because they were true.

"I don't know what's happening between us.” I admitted. "I don't know what any of this means."

His expression softened. Just slightly.

"But I know one thing.” I squeezed his hand. "You've done more for me than anyone else ever has."

His eyes widened.

"Laura—"

“No." Now it was my turn to stop him. "Let me finish."

He fell silent.

"You keep telling yourself that you don't deserve things.” I swallowed. "You keep punishing yourself for mistakes I don't even know about."

A shadow crossed his face.

"But the Daniel I know…" I smiled softly. "...isn't the man you're describing."

For a moment he looked completely lost. As if nobody had ever said something like that to him before.

"Laura, I..."

The words never came. So I rested my head gently against his shoulder. And wrapped my arms around his neck.

"Let's not ruin tonight.” I murmured. A quiet laugh escaped me. "We can continue arguing tomorrow."

That finally earned a smile. A real one.

And for the rest of the song...

Neither of us said another word. We simply stayed exactly where we were.

Neither willing to let go first.