His to Consume

Back Again And Better

Lena's POV

Her gaze grew frosty, a trace of malice lurking beneath her professional smile. "Oh, I have no doubt you are making an effort, Lena. But, some individuals are raised in such spheres, while some... well, their entire existence is spent 'fitting in", only to find out that they are not the one.'"

It was more contempt than cloaked, and I felt my jaw tense. I was not going to allow her the pleasure of seeing me distressed.

"I do not think the idea of belonging is something that one is simply born to," I said, adjusting my posture to stand a little taller. "It is something that one earns. Through effort, through loyalty, through ethics. And I am not here to seek anyone's wow factor. I am here because my work and its efforts deserve recognition. Just as it would for any other."

There was something dangerous flickering in Vivian's eyes, as though she was not familiar with someone talking to her like that. But she composed herself promptly, and gave me a condescending smile. "Well, if that's how you want to play, Lena. Just remember who you are, and where you come from."

With that, she pirouetted around and stalked off, her stilettos snapping away against the floor till she rounded a corner.

I inhaled as deeply as I could, allowing the stress to exit my body in a controlled manner. Her words, I vowed, would not spoil this event for me. I had worked too hard for everything I had achieved, and no condescending remark by Verena Wells would make me think otherwise.

As I faced the reflection in the mirror again, I started to raise my dress to the shoulders and tried to picture myself wearing the dress on the gala night. This was not merely a dress; it was more of a vestige of triumph, reminding me of the long way already traversed and the longer journey ahead. When I walked into that place, I did not care about the people in there or what they thought about me. This event was for me, for my business, and for each bead of sweat that I worked on.

And, if things went well, it also meant a step towards something physical between me and Damien.

Eventually, the much-anticipated night of the event arrived. There I was, standing before a mirror, admiring my appearance in the dress I had chosen for the evening. It was a classic deep blue fishtail dress. It fitted to perfection and swept down the floor gracefully. The deep blue color looked lovely in contrast to the silver necklace and earrings that I wore. I was in high spirits and ready to greet whatever the evening had in store for me.

Stepping out of the room into the lobby, I experienced the most amazing feeling when Damien finally appeared in front of me. He was clad in the most beautifully fitting black tuxedo without any faults and exactly as I pictured him. When he lifted his gaze and caught sight of me, his expression softened, and he genuinely smiled, albeit shyly.

"Wow! You look... stunning," he stammered, his voice full of warmth that set my heart racing.

I quickly returned the smile of appreciation. "Thank you, Damien. You do look rather well yourself."

He offered his arm, which I gladly took, feeling a little bit excited and scared at the same time as we stepped out of the car that was going to take us to the gala. Inside the vehicle, the rays of the city lights managed to shine through the windows and enveloped us in warmth, though I know it is not as important. Neither of us spoke much, however, there was silence between us with a sense of content that did not require the uttering of words.

Upon reaching the location of the main hall where the gala was to take place, I found it full of nicely dressed people, engaged in socializing and laughter under the chandeliers. It was all that I had expected it to be – classy and vibrant with life. I was oozing with pride because this is my company, and I am standing with some of the greatest people in the trade.

Damien and I stepped into the main area with our arms interlocked, like a couple in love. I saw people turning their heads in our direction as we did before them. Some found us interesting and threw curious looks while some just smirked out of formality. The treatment was awkward. It was as though we were the focus of everyone's attention, and they wished us to do something. Regardless, I pridefully peered above; I was determined not to waste this night.

As we continued to push farther into the room, a handful of recognized individuals turned towards us, congratulating me for being called up and engaging with Damien as if they had known him for years. The people were friendly, and light-hearted even, so for that brief moment in time, we felt like we fit in with the group.

And then, as if on cue, she appeared from the corner of my eye, Verena Wells, encircled in a circle of people where she looked warm and convivial, laughing and swaying her drink like an empress. She gave me a look, her smile breaking just a bit before she looked away, collected herself instantly, and shot daggers at me right back.

Not letting her bother me, I focused on Damien again, who was busy making introductions to some important business associates. As we talked, I sensed Vivian's eyes on me as if she was waiting to pounce.

Eventually, after some time had passed, she came over to where we were standing, her smile polite and distant.

"Well, isn't this a pleasant surprise," she said smoothly, her eyes darting between Damien and me. "Lena, my, what a lovely transformation."

I sensed the backhanded compliment in her words. Nevertheless, I beamed, choosing to ignore her attempt to evoke an angry response.

"Thank you, Mrs. Wells. I'm glad to see you here."