Episode Seven – The Gala Night
410 Words
The grand ballroom of Hôtel du Louvre glittered like something out of a dream. Crystal chandeliers bathed the marble floors in golden light, and the air was alive with the mingling scents of perfume, champagne, and anticipation. The Lumière de Paris gala was the crown jewel of the fashion calendar — and tonight, every powerful name in the industry was under one roof.
Eliana stood near the edge of the crowd, her midnight-blue gown hugging her silhouette perfectly. She had designed it herself, stitching each detail in the quiet of her small Paris apartment. Tonight, she wasn’t just a guest — she was part of something bigger.
Her fingers played with the stem of her champagne flute, but her mind was elsewhere. She could feel his eyes before she saw him.
Bryan.
He approached through the crowd with that same measured confidence she remembered from their university days. In a sharp black tuxedo, he looked every inch the man who commanded boardrooms and broke hearts.
“You clean up well,” he murmured when he reached her, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. His gaze lingered just long enough to make her heartbeat stumble.
Before she could respond, the lights dimmed and the host’s voice filled the room. “Ladies and gentlemen, the creative minds behind this year’s Lumière de Paris campaign…”
To her surprise, Bryan stepped forward, taking the microphone from the host. He scanned the glittering audience, but his eyes found her.
“This year’s vision was brought to life by a remarkable mind,” he said, his tone warm but steady. “Someone new to our agency, but whose talent speaks for itself. Eliana Mabel.”
A murmur swept through the room, followed by applause. Cameras flashed as Bryan extended his hand toward her. The weight of every gaze pressed down on her as she took it. The warmth of his palm against hers sent a strange, unwelcome thrill up her arm.
They stood together in the spotlight for what felt like an eternity. From the corner of her eye, she spotted Kim — flawless in a silver gown, her champagne glass paused mid-air. Her smile didn’t falter, but her eyes sharpened like a predator’s.
Later, as Eliana stepped down from the stage, she passed Kim. The smile was still there, but it no longer looked friendly. It was a warning — a silent promise that this night would not be forgotten.
- Writer
