What Was Never Mine

"I owe my fiancé everything. My mother’s house. My second chance. The stability I never thought I’d have again. Daniel Montgomery didn’t just propose to me. He saved me. And maybe that’s why I said yes.” ”You’re doing it again," a voice said from behind me, pulling me from my thoughts. I turned around, a smile was already forming on my face. Sena was leaning against the doorframe. Her arms were crossed in front of her and she had a grin on her face. She had been my best friend and my partner for as long as I can remember. We started this firm together with nothing but a couple hundred dollars and a lot of hard work. Now we were the people that got called to design halls for luxury events. "I’m just taking it in," I said, turning back to the window. "All of this. We actually did it, Sena." ​Sena pushed herself off the doorframe. "We did," she agreed, walking in and sitting on the edge of my desk. "But you’re also obsessing. You’ve got that look in your eye. Is this about the wedding or the foundation gala?" "Both," I smiled, sitting down and running my fingers over the surface of my office table. "I want everything to go well. Daniel and his family have been amazing people." "And Daniel knows it too.”, Sena said, resting her arms on my desk. “He’s lucky to have you and that’s why he takes care of you the way he does. "I’m just glad to see you finally enjoying yourself. You deserve to feel safe. “Thanks Sena” “But”, Sena added, her tone turning gentle, “Don't forget that we built this business ourselves. It was your talent, and your vision. Things you’ve always had that Daniel and his family didn't give you, Aria." ​I looked down at the engagement ring on my finger. It was a large diamond that caught the light coming from my office. "I know that," I whispered, finally meeting her eyes. "But when everything was falling apart he gave me the stability I needed to start all this.” I gestured at the office. I remembered, four years ago, my father was sick. My mother spent so much on his medical bills. When he passed, we were in debt. The red foreclosure notice outside our house haunted us for days. My mom stayed up every night, trying to raise enough money before the bank would take away our home. It was the only thing my mother and I had left. Then a letter from the Montgomerys came in our mail and everything changed. Daniel’s family’s foundation paid off the huge debt and gave my mother a reason to be happy again, since my father died. I owed them everything for saving us. Daniel had been my rock for four years. He was the heir to his family’s massive empire, but he always made sure I felt safe. He was "the one." ​Our conversation was interrupted when my phone started ringing on my desk. The screen lit up with his face. ​"Speak of the devil," Sena whispered. She watched how my face transformed, how it lit up with a wide smile the moment I saw his name. She stood up to give me some privacy, but she paused by the door. "Answer him," she said with a wink. As she headed for the door, she gave me a smile that said she was happy for me, but she’d always be there to remind me of the girl I used to be, just in case I ever forgot. ​I swiped the screen to answer. "Hey, Daniel." ​"Hi, beautiful," his voice sounded warm and deep as it came through the speaker. Just hearing his voice usually made the tension in my shoulders go away. ​ "Yeah, babe. Just finishing up some floor plans for the gala," I said, leaning back in my chair. "How was your day?", I asked. ​"Long. Boring meetings with lawyers. But I’ve been thinking about you all afternoon," he said. "I missed you this morning. You left before I woke up." ​"I had an early meetup at the florist. I'm sorry." I explained. "Tell me you’re about to head home. You’ve earned a break." "Just finishing up a few things, why?" "Well, I actually have some news that’s going to make your night," he said. I sat up in the chair. I could hear the excitement in his voice. “What is it?”, I asked. "The joint committee finally reached an agreement. The Montgomerys and two other wealthy families are coming together to host the quarterly gala at the Metropolitan Museum. We’re doing it at the grand ballroom, Aria." I sat up straight, my heart racing with professional excitement. "The Met? Babe, that’s huge! That’s the kind of venue people wait years for." "I know," he said softly. "But that’s not the best part. The committee also got a donation, but the CEO's name is a secret until the night of the gala. It’s going to be a massive reveal in the press. And I can’t wait to be there with you." "I’m so proud of you," I said. "It’s going to be an awesome night." "Yeah," he laughed. "And tonight, we’re celebrating. I’m heading home now. See you in twenty minutes?" "See you soon." I hung up the phone and let out a long, happy breath. The Metropolitan Museum. Some of the most powerful families in the city. Funding from a billionaire donor. Everything was falling into place. I glanced again at the engagement ring on my finger. It was a symbol of my new life. A life of security, success, and more importantly, love. For a split second, a memory flickered in the back of my mind. A memory of a different life. I remembered being promised a life like this one day. But that person disappeared five years ago when I needed him most. And as I looked around my beautiful office, I reminded myself why I didn't need that old promise anymore. I had made my own way. I had a man who stayed, a business that thrived, and a future that looked brighter than the city skyline. "Everything okay?" Sena asked, sticking her head through the c***k on the door "More than okay," I said, standing up and grabbing my bag. "Everything is perfect. We’re heading to the Met." I walked out of the office, my heart full with excitement.