Chapter Three: The Gala
477 Words
The Kessler Foundation Gala was the pinnacle of the city's social calendar—a glittering affair where the elite gathered under chandeliers to sip champagne and exchange pleasantries. For Maya, it was the first true test of her new role as Adrian's wife.
She stood in the grand foyer of their mansion, adjusting the delicate diamond necklace that adorned her collarbone. The gown Adrian had selected for her—a deep emerald silk that clung to her figure—made her feel both regal and exposed.
Adrian descended the staircase, impeccably dressed in a tailored tuxedo. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, the air between them shifted.
"You look... stunning," he said, his voice softer than usual.
Maya offered a small smile. "Thank you. You clean up well yourself."
He extended his arm. "Shall we?"
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The gala was held at the opulent Grand Marquette Hotel. As they entered the ballroom, all eyes turned to them. Whispers rippled through the crowd, and Maya felt the weight of every gaze.
Adrian leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "Remember, we're the perfect couple tonight."
She nodded, slipping into the role she had agreed to play.
Throughout the evening, they danced, mingled, and posed for photographs. Maya found herself laughing at Adrian's dry wit, surprised by the genuine moments they shared.
During a quiet moment on the balcony, Maya looked up at the stars. "It's strange," she mused. "This feels almost real."
Adrian joined her, his gaze distant. "Sometimes, pretending becomes second nature."
She turned to him. "What are you pretending, Adrian?"
He hesitated, then offered a rare, vulnerable smile. "That I don't care."
The days following the gala were a whirlwind of public appearances and media coverage. Maya found herself thrust into the spotlight, her every move scrutinized by the press. Despite the initial discomfort, she began to adapt to her new role, finding solace in the routine and the unexpected moments of genuine connection with Adrian.
One afternoon, while organizing the library in the mansion, Maya stumbled upon a photo album tucked away on a high shelf. Curiosity piqued, she opened it to find images of a younger Adrian, smiling alongside a woman who bore a striking resemblance to him.
As she flipped through the pages, Adrian entered the room, his expression unreadable.
"You found it," he said quietly.
Maya looked up, sensing the weight of the moment. "Is this your mother?"
He nodded, approaching slowly. "She passed away when I was fifteen. Cancer."
"I'm sorry," she said, closing the album gently.
Adrian sat beside her, his gaze distant. "She was the only person who truly understood me. After she died, I built walls to protect myself. But sometimes, I wonder if those walls have become my prison."
Maya reached out, placing a hand over his.
"Maybe it's time to start tearing them down."
- Writer
