The charity gala
885 Words
Chapter Six: The Charity Gala
Three days after their wedding, an elegant black invitation arrived at the Knight mansion.
The Royal Children's Foundation Annual Charity Gala
Attendance Required:
Mr. and Mrs. Ethan Knight
Amelia read the card twice before looking at Ethan.
"So, this is our first official appearance as husband and wife?"
Ethan nodded from across the breakfast table.
"Every major business leader will be there."
"And they'll all be watching us."
"They always do."
Mrs. Brooks entered with a garment bag draped over her arm.
"Mrs. Knight, your gown has arrived."
---
That evening, Amelia stood before the full-length mirror in her room.
The midnight-blue gown hugged her figure perfectly, its elegant satin catching the soft light from the chandelier. Tiny crystals shimmered along the neckline like stars against the night sky.
She hardly recognized herself.
A gentle knock came at the door.
"It's me," Ethan called.
"You can come in."
The moment he stepped inside, he stopped.
For the first time since meeting her...
Ethan Knight was speechless.
Amelia smiled nervously.
"Is it too much?"
His eyes never left hers.
"No."
He swallowed.
"It's... perfect."
A faint blush warmed Amelia's cheeks.
She looked at him.
He wore a classic black tuxedo with a crisp white shirt and a black bow tie. His dark hair was neatly styled, and the expensive watch on his wrist completed the look.
"You clean up nicely yourself," she teased.
A rare smile crossed his face.
"Shall we?"
She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm.
Together, they walked out.
---
The Grand Regency Hotel glittered with lights as luxury cars lined the entrance.
Cameras flashed nonstop.
The moment Ethan and Amelia stepped onto the red carpet, reporters rushed forward.
"Mr. Knight! This way!"
"Mrs. Knight, look here!"
"How does married life feel?"
Ethan leaned close enough for only Amelia to hear.
"Smile."
"I am smiling."
"Try smiling like you don't want to run away."
She let out a tiny laugh.
Click.
Click.
Click.
Every camera caught it.
By the next morning, the photos would be everywhere.
The Cold CEO... smiling because of his wife.
---
Inside the ballroom, crystal chandeliers sparkled above hundreds of elegantly dressed guests.
A live orchestra played soft music while waiters carried silver trays filled with champagne.
Business executives greeted Ethan one after another.
Amelia quickly realized something.
No matter how important they were...
Everyone respected Ethan.
Even feared him.
"Mr. Knight."
An older businessman approached with a broad smile.
"I never thought I'd see the day you got married."
Ethan answered politely.
"Life is full of surprises."
The man turned to Amelia.
"You must be extraordinary."
Before Amelia could respond, another familiar voice interrupted.
"Or very lucky."
Victoria.
She approached in a stunning emerald-green dress, drawing curious glances from nearby guests.
"Good evening, Ethan."
"Victoria."
Her eyes shifted to Amelia.
"I hope you're enjoying married life."
"I am."
Victoria smiled sweetly.
"I wonder how long that will last."
The comment hung in the air.
Before Amelia could reply, Ethan calmly placed one hand around her waist.
The unexpected touch sent warmth racing through her body.
His voice remained calm.
"My marriage isn't open for discussion."
Victoria's smile faltered.
"Of course."
She lifted her champagne glass.
"Enjoy your evening."
As she walked away, Amelia looked at Ethan.
"You didn't have to defend me."
He didn't remove his hand from her waist.
"I wanted to."
---
Later that night, the host invited couples onto the dance floor.
Amelia froze.
"I can't dance."
Ethan extended his hand.
"Neither can I."
She laughed.
"I don't believe you."
"I've attended hundreds of galas."
"And?"
"I usually avoid the dancing."
She looked at his outstretched hand.
After a moment...
She took it.
Soft music filled the ballroom as he gently guided her onto the dance floor.
One hand rested lightly against her back.
The other held hers.
They moved slowly.
Carefully.
"You really weren't lying," Amelia whispered.
"I'm trying not to step on your feet."
"You already did."
"I know."
She giggled.
It was the first time Ethan had ever heard her laugh from so close.
He found himself smiling.
As the music slowed, they looked into each other's eyes.
The ballroom faded into the background.
For a heartbeat...
It felt as though they were the only two people in the room.
"You look beautiful tonight," Ethan said quietly.
Amelia's breath caught.
"Thank you."
"And not because of the dress."
She searched his face.
There was no teasing.
No pretending.
Just honesty.
Before either of them could say another word...
A loud crash echoed across the ballroom.
A waiter had dropped an entire tray of champagne.
Guests turned in surprise.
The spell between Ethan and Amelia was broken.
But the feelings remained.
Hidden.
Growing.
Waiting for the right moment.
Neither of them realized that someone across the room had been watching them all evening.
A man in a dark suit slipped a small envelope into another guest's hand.
"It's time," he whispered.
The guest nodded.
As Ethan and Amelia left the dance floor, they had no idea that the peaceful evening was about to give way to a dangerous game—one that could threaten not only their marriage, but everything they were beginning to feel for each other.
comment what you think about this chapter.
- Writer
