The Temptation Tango
1098 Words
The next evening, Elena stood in front of the full-length mirror, breathless.
The stylist had outdone herself.
The black silk gown hugged her curves, the deep neckline just enough to be scandalous but still elegant. The slit ran high on her thigh, leaving just enough skin to turn heads.
She felt confident with her look, but she couldn't understand why Alexander decided to make their engagement announcement at his ex-lover's family gala. Was there something more to their relationship she was missing?
“Elena,” a deep voice called from behind her.
She turned—and her breath caught.
Alexander stood in the doorway, clad in a sharp black tuxedo, his dark hair slightly tousled.
For the first time, his mask slipped.
His gaze swept over her, and for a fleeting second, she saw something other than control in his eyes.
But then, in the blink of an eye, it was gone.
“You’ll do. The limo is waiting.” He said adjusting his cufflinks
Elena lifted a brow. “You almost sound impressed.”
“Almost.” He replied a smirk tugging at his lips.
He extended his arm. “Shall we? Wife... ”
She hesitated for a split second before slipping her hand into his.
As his fingers closed around hers, a shiver ran through her.
And she wasn’t sure if it was from fear—or something else entirely.
* * *
The Lawson's Family Gala.
The moment they stepped into the grand ballroom, all eyes turned to them.
Alexander was used to the attention. He thrived on it.
Elena? Not so much.
Whispers spread like wildfire.
“Who is that lady with Mr Pierce?”
“Maybe his new fiancée?”
“She’s stunning.”
“Poor Bianca—this must be killing her.”
Speaking of which…
“Elena,” Bianca’s voice dripped with sugar-coated poison.
“You actually showed up. In that dress, no less.”
Elena smiled sweetly. “Didn’t want to disappoint.”
Bianca’s eyes darkened. “Enjoy the spotlight while it lasts.”
Elena leaned in, lowering her voice. “You keep saying that, but last I checked, I’m the one wearing his ring.”
Bianca’s face twisted with fury, but before she could retaliate, a warm hand settled on Elena’s waist pulling her away.
Alexander.
“Dance with me.” He whispered in her ears pulling her close.
Elena barely had time to process before she was swept onto the ballroom floor.
As the music played and Alexander’s strong hands guided her, she realized something.
She might have agreed to this deal… but she refused to lose herself to him.
Never!
* * *
The grand ballroom was bathed in golden light, chandeliers casting a warm glow over the glittering guests. The hum of conversations, the clinking of champagne flutes—it all blurred together as Elena stood beside Alexander, her fingers wrapped around the stem of a glass she hadn’t touched.
Alexander never left her side, his touch, though seemingly casual, lingered a second too long. His voice, smooth and controlled, carried an undertone she couldn’t decipher.
And then there was the way his eyes followed her.
Not with indifference, not even with amusement, but something far more dangerous.
Possession?
He was pretty good at acting.
Everywhere she looked, cameras flashed, eyes scrutinized, and whispers followed in her wake.
This was definitely not her lifestyle
A sharp clink rang through the air as Alexander tapped his glass with a knife.
Elena exhaled slowly. "Showtime." She muttered under her breath.
The room quieted instantly.
All eyes turned to him.
Alexander stood at the center of the ballroom, commanding attention with nothing but his presence.
He lifted his glass, his voice smooth, controlled. “Thank you all for being here tonight to support the Lawson Foundation. Your generosity continues to make an impact.”
A murmur of approval rippled through the crowd.
Then, his gray eyes flicked toward her, and Elena felt the full weight of his gaze. “But tonight is not just about business,” he continued, stepping closer. “It’s also about something… special.”
Elena felt her pulse quicken.
The air shifted, and anticipation crackled like a live wire.
“Elena,” Alexander called out, extending a hand towards her
It wasn’t a request.
It was an order.
She hesitated for a fraction of a second, just long enough for him to notice, before placing her hand in his.
A calculated smirk tugged at his lips as he pulled her closer, his touch possessive.
“May I introduce you all to Elena Harper,” Alexander announced, his voice like velvet-wrapped steel.
A hush fell over the room.
Elena’s heart pounded.
“My fiancée.”
Gasps and murmurs filled the ballroom instantly.
Flashbulbs exploded like fireworks.
Elena kept her expression poised, but inside, chaos reigned.
Alexander turned to her, his grip tightening ever so slightly. “You do know what to say, don’t you?” he murmured just for her.
Elena swallowed her nerves and forced a dazzling smile, lifting her hand so the massive engagement ring caught the light.
“I do.”
The room erupted into applause.
But even as she played her part to perfection, she could feel the sharp, venomous gaze of one woman burning into her from across the room.
Bianca.
* * *
The gala had ended, Alexander was busy discussing with some business associates and Elena was slipping away from the ballroom when a cold voice stopped her.
“Leaving so soon?”
Elena turned to find Bianca standing near the entrance, arms crossed, eyes sharp like a predator sizing up its prey.
Elena sighed. “Bianca, if this is about the engagement.... ”
Bianca took a step closer, her heels barely making a sound. “Oh, it is about the engagement,” she murmured.
“But more importantly, it’s about you.”
Elena smirked. “Jealous?”
Bianca let out a low laugh, shaking her head. “Of you? Darling, you’re nothing but a temporary distraction. A lowlife helpless beggar ”
Elena’s amusement flickered, and rage filled her.
“Oh, did he not tell you?” Bianca purred, her smile widening.
“You’re not the first woman Alexander has used as a pawn. And you certainly won’t be the last.”
“Funny, considering I’m the one wearing his ring,” Elena replied
Bianca leaned in, lowering her voice. “Rings can come off, sweetheart. And when they do… you’ll be nothing.”
With a final smirk, she turned and walked away, leaving Elena standing there, pulse racing.
- Writer
