CHAPTER EIGHTEEN — The Woman in the Silver Dress
910 Words
The annual Cole–Hale Corporate Gala.
Every year, it was the same: champagne, cameras, and too many fake smiles.
But this year felt different — heavier somehow.
Ava stood in front of her full-length mirror, staring at her reflection.
The black gown fit perfectly — sleek, elegant, every fold sharp. The diamond earrings caught the light when she turned.
She looked flawless. Unbothered.
Exactly how she needed to appear.
Because tonight, Cassian Hale would be there.
And she wasn’t sure if she was ready to see him again — not like this.
The ballroom gleamed with gold accents, chandeliers scattering soft light across the marble floor. Waiters drifted between clusters of guests, glasses of champagne balanced perfectly on silver trays.
The sound of low laughter and classical music filled the room.
Ava walked in, chin lifted, her usual calm smile in place. The photographers at the entrance flashed their cameras; a few investors turned to greet her, all eager hands and polite compliments.
She spotted Cassian across the room within seconds.
He was impossible to miss.
Tall, broad-shouldered, perfectly tailored in black. His hair slicked back, his presence magnetic even in silence.
And beside him — a woman.
Tall, blonde, draped in a silver gown that shimmered with every movement. Her hand rested lightly on Cassian’s arm, her laughter soft and practiced.
The kind of woman who knew she was being watched.
Ava’s steps faltered for just a moment — but she recovered quickly. No expression change. No c***k.
Not tonight.
“Miss Cole,” someone greeted — Mr. Graham from PR, all smiles. “Wonderful to see you.”
“Likewise,” Ava replied smoothly, eyes flicking briefly back toward Cassian.
He hadn’t seen her yet. Or maybe he had and simply wasn’t looking.
Either way, it stung.
She excused herself, heading toward the bar. A glass of white wine found her hand before she could even ask.
“Rough night already?” a voice teased beside her.
Ava turned slightly. It was Ethan from Marketing — charming, flirty, and utterly harmless.
“Just another business event,” she said, taking a sip.
“Hmm,” Ethan leaned casually against the counter. “Then why do you look like you’re about to strangle someone?”
She shot him a glare, which only made him grin wider.
“Relax, Cole. I’m joking.”
She smirked. “Barely.”
They talked — or rather, she pretended to listen — while her eyes drifted back across the room.
Cassian was speaking with one of the board members now. The woman beside him laughed at something he said, her hand still on his arm.
Ava’s stomach twisted.
She hated that it did.
Ethan followed her gaze and whistled softly. “Ah. So that’s what this is.”
“What?”
“The great Cassian Hale — and mystery woman. I’m guessing business?”
“Probably.”
“Doesn’t look like business to me.”
Ava shot him a look that could’ve frozen fire. “Ethan.”
He held up both hands. “Hey, don’t kill the messenger.”
But her glass was already empty.
Cassian finally noticed her halfway through the evening.
Their eyes met across the ballroom — and for a fraction of a second, something flickered in his expression. Surprise? Admiration? Maybe regret.
Then it vanished, replaced by polite calm.
He said something to the woman beside him — she smiled — and then they started walking in Ava’s direction.
Every instinct told her to look away. Leave.
But Ava Cole didn’t run from anyone.
So she stood still, wine glass in hand, expression unreadable as Cassian stopped in front of her.
“Ava,” he said quietly, nodding. “You look… beautiful.”
“Mr. Hale.” Her voice was cool, almost lazy. “You clean up well yourself.”
The woman beside him smiled. “Cassian, aren’t you going to introduce me?”
He hesitated a fraction of a second before saying, “Ava, this is Celeste. She’s been helping with the Singapore launch.”
Ava offered a polite smile. “Of course. I’ve seen your name in the reports.”
Celeste smiled — the kind of perfect, practiced smile that made Ava’s skin itch. “Cassian’s told me so much about you.”
“Has he?” Ava asked mildly. “Hopefully, all professional things.”
Celeste laughed softly. “Mostly.”
Cassian’s jaw tightened. “Celeste—”
“It’s fine,” Ava cut in, smiling tightly. “If you’ll excuse me, I should greet the investors.”
And before either of them could respond, she turned and walked away — her heels clicking against the marble, her heart pounding louder with each step.
She didn’t stop until she reached the balcony, the cool night air rushing over her.
She pressed her hand to her chest, exhaling slowly.
Why did it hurt? Why did seeing him with someone else feel like being punched in the ribs?
She told herself it didn’t matter. He could date whoever he wanted.
Still, when she looked back through the glass doors and saw him laughing — actually laughing — with that woman, something inside her cracked just a little.
Inside, Cassian’s smile faded the second Ava disappeared outside.
Celeste said something, but he didn’t hear her. His eyes flicked toward the balcony, where Ava stood alone, framed by the city lights.
He knew he shouldn’t care.
But God, he did.
- Writer
