Chapter 7: PDA
1284 Words
(Elara’s POV)
I didn’t realize how loud silence could be until my phone wouldn’t stop vibrating with notifications.
“Elara Moon dating Draven Killaed?”
“The girl who cried over Maddox Hayes just bagged the biggest name in hockey?”
“From heartbreak to high-class talk about an upgrade.”
Every swipe, every headline, every comment felt like the world was laughing at me qqand cheering for me at the same time. One half of the internet thought I was a gold digger, the other half called me their new feminist icon.
If only they knew the truth.
It wasn’t love. It was war.
And I was just learning how to handle the weapon in my hands.
Draven didn’t speak much that morning, just told me we were “going public.” I thought he meant a post or a statement—something normal. But no, of course not. Draven Killaed didn’t do normal. He took me to a café full of journalists and held my hand in front of flashing cameras like it was the most natural thing in the world.
And I dumb, nervous, still reeling from heartbreak just stood there, trying to look like I belonged.
He was calm. Effortless. The kind of man whose presence demanded attention without him even trying. And me? I was the wofless shy girl who somehow became the center of his world for reasons I couldn’t fully understand.
But tonight, none of that mattered.
Tonight was his party, Maddox would regret ever humiliating me.
The same Maddox who swore I was “too much drama” for his career.
The same Maddox who humiliated me in front of half the campus and walked away hand in hand with Kyle.
Now, he was throwing a celebration to “honor love and loyalty.” Cute.
Draven had already sent a beautiful, red armless silk short dress that glitters, with jewelry and YSL heals. I've never believed I would have a second chance mate, Never in my wildest dreams I prefer to keep my past in the past. For now bringing Maddox down is my main focus.
……
Draven’s car purred to a stop in front of the event hall, sleek and black like the man himself. He stepped out first, then rounded to open my door. He didn’t ask if I was ready. He just looked at me with those piercing, unreadable eyes, the kind that made it impossible to tell if he wanted to kiss me or burn the world down.
“Remember,” he said, his voice low not taking his eyes off me, “we walk in together and do not respond. Let them see you’re mine.”
Mine.
The word shouldn’t have made my stomach twist the way it did.
When I stepped out, the air seemed to shift. Cameras. Whispers. Eyes. I felt them all on me like heat. My heart hammered in my chest, but I straightened my shoulders and looped my hand through his arm.
If this was a performance, I was done being the fool.
Inside, the hall glittered with chandeliers and forced laughter. Maddox stood near the bar, his arm around Kyle, his smile perfect until he saw us.
The moment our eyes met, I saw it. The shock made my inside worm and ecstatic, I felt…..empowered. The flicker of something beneath his smile.
Good.
I wanted him to choke on his own pride.
Draven led me straight toward them. I wanted to turn away, to avoid the confrontation, but his grip tightened slightly on my waist a silent reminder of the deal we’d made. So I lifted my chin and let him lead.
“Maddox Hayes,” Draven greeted smoothly, extending his hand. His tone was polite, but his smile was a loaded weapon. “Congratulations.”
Maddox barely concealed the twitch in his jaw as he shook it. His eyes darted between us, lingering on the way Draven’s hand rested on the small of my back.
“Elara,” he said finally, his voice tight. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Really?” I replied sweetly. “I thought you wanted everyone to witness how happy you were.”
Kyle’s smile faltered, just slightly.
Draven chuckled under his breath, the sound dark and satisfied. “Seems like the night’s full of surprises.”
I caught the flash of rage in Maddox’s eyes, and for a fleeting second, it almost felt too good. The same man who once reduced me to tears now stood fuming in front of me, completely powerless.
Kyle was walking towards us, causing Maddox expression change, “Draven…..”
“That's Mr. Killead to you.” His expression, emotionless.
His smile forced “I'd like to introduce you to the love of my life Kyle” my stomach twisted upon seeing her but I didn't show it, Draven squeezed my waist reassuring me.
“Hello Mr Killead, lovely to meet you.” bringing her hand out for a hand shake. Her bright blonde hair cascades down her shoulders, her blue tight dress holding her curves perfectly.
“You can put that hand down. I’m not that kind of man.”
He leaned back with a faint smirk, eyes glinting with mockery. “I have to respect my woman.”
I almost choked on my drink. Her face was priceless. Heat rushed to my cheeks before I could stop it.
“Oh,” she smiles it off, Maddox didn't but she looks at him and he calms down. “That's fine, we can talk about the hockey….”
The music starts to play loudly, “Excuse me, I would like to dance with my woman.” He dragged me away, their face etched with anger.
But even as the victory tasted sweet, something inside me twisted. Because Draven wasn’t pretending to enjoy this. He was enjoying it. His energy radiated dominance, dangerous.
And maybe that should’ve scared me more than it did.
The rest of the evening blurred into a swirl of music, fake laughter, and sharp stares. People whispered behind their glasses. A few congratulated me like I’d won some invisible lottery. And through it all, Draven never let go of my hand.
Every touch, every glance, every perfectly timed smile made our lie look real.
Almost too real.
When the music slowed, he turned to me and offered his hand. “Dance with me.”
I hesitated. “I don’t dance.”
“You do tonight.”
His tone left no room for argument. So I placed my hand in his, and he pulled me close, closer than necessary. His scent filled my senses, the warmth of his body melting the thin layer of control I’d built.
“You’re trembling,” he murmured.
“Maybe I’m just cold,” I whispered back.
He leaned in, his breath brushing my ear. “You’re not.”
My chest tightened. There was something in his voice, something that made my pulse race for reasons that had nothing to do with revenge.
When the song ended, I looked up and saw Maddox watching us from across the hall, fury written all over his face. Kyle tugged at his arm, whispering something, but he wasn’t listening. His eyes were locked on me.
Draven’s hand slid down my arm, grounding me. “He’s breaking,” he said softly, his tone almost affectionate. “Just like you wanted.”
I nodded, though I couldn’t tell if the ache in my chest was satisfaction or guilt.
“You don't need to feel sad, just enjoy it. This is just the beginning, just watch.” his smile was enough to tell me that tonight wasn't over yet.
- Writer
