The Birthday Banquet
1474 Words
Damien gasped awake. His chest rose and fell rapidly as though he had just run a marathon. A thin layer of sweat covered his forehead. And for a moment, he didn't move. He just sat there in his office chair, staring blankly ahead. His heart refused to slow down as the image flashed through his mind again.
Evelyn's hand.
Reaching for something.
Then nothing.
Damien squeezed his eyes shut as the feeling lingered. There was a sense of dread he couldn't explain. It had felt real. Too real.
He hadn't slept much last night and had just decided to relax his eyes a little bit when he had this nightmare.
Damien glanced at his phone and saw that the time was 6:30 PM. He rubbed a hand over his face.
Why was he dreaming about Evelyn? And why couldn't he shake the feeling that something was wrong? The uneasiness in his chest only grew stronger.
Without another thought, he grabbed his phone and dialed Adrian Wolfe's number. The call connected almost immediately.
"Come to my office. Right now."
"Yes, boss."
The call ended with a soft click. Damien loosened his tie and his breathing steadied, but the uncomfortable feeling remained.
He placed a hand on the desk and stared down at the polished wood. Something wasn't right. He could feel it.
A few minutes later, the office door opened.
Adrian stepped inside and closed the door behind him. The moment he looked at Damien, he frowned.
They had grown up together. Adrian had spent most of his life by Damien's side, and he couldn't remember the last time he'd seen him look like this. Disheveled. Uneasy and worried.
"What happened?" Adrian asked and Damien immediately looked up.
"I need you to check on Evelyn for me."
Adrian blinked.
"Evelyn Ashford?"
Damien's expression darkened slightly.
"Do you know another Evelyn?"
"No, sir."
"Then find her and make sure she's alright."
The seriousness in Damien's voice caught Adrian off guard. No matter what happened, Damien usually remained calm. Nothing ever seemed to shake him. But tonight was different.
"Get it done as soon as possible."
"Yes, boss."
Adrian remained where he was.
"Sir."
Adrian said again.
"What is it?"
"Your uncle's birthday banquet is tonight."
Damien frowned.
"What time?"
"Seven."
A curse nearly slipped from his lips. He had completely forgotten.
Damien stood and adjusted his shirt.
"Let me quickly get you a change of clothes," Adrian offered, about to leave.
"No need."
Damien grabbed his phone from the table.
"I don't have the energy or time for that right now."
His thoughts drifted back to the dream. To that strange feeling of loss.
"Just find Evelyn."
"Understood, sir."
Adrian nodded and left the office.
Once he was gone, Damien scrolled through his contacts. His thumb paused over Lydia's number. For a moment, he considered calling his cousin, but then he stopped himself. Lydia would definitely find it strange if he suddenly called asking about her best friend.
Damien tightened his grip on the phone. A few seconds later, he slipped it into his pocket and left the office.
Back at the Ashford mansion, Evelyn sat in front of the vanity mirror. A maid carefully pinned up her hair while another applied light makeup on her. The entire process felt strange to her because she had never dolled herself up for any event before.
When they finally finished, one of the maids smiled.
"We're done, Miss Evelyn."
Evelyn looked at herself in the mirror. The makeup was subtle and natural. Exactly how she preferred it. Her dark hair had been pinned into an elegant bun that left her shoulders exposed.
For a moment, she simply stared at her reflection. She was alive. The thought still felt unreal. Part of her wondered if she had imagined everything. If her previous life had only been a nightmare. But deep down, she knew the truth, and the truth was that it had happened. Every second of it.
"Miss Evelyn?"
The maid's voice pulled her back.
"Yes?"
"It's time to put on your dress."
Evelyn stood, and the maids gently helped her change. The peach-colored dress fit perfectly. It was both elegant and refined. Beautiful without being excessive. The long sleeves draped gracefully to her fingers, hiding the scar on her hand. Once the jewelry was added, the look came together perfectly.
When the maids finished, they bowed and left the room.
Evelyn turned back toward the mirror. In her previous life, she would've chosen something simpler. Something that wouldn't draw attention to herself. She had spent all her life trying not to outshine Celeste. Trying not to cause trouble. Trying not to make herself noticeable. Not anymore. This time, she would do what made her happy. This time, she wouldn't shrink herself for anyone.
A small smile touched her lips. She grabbed her purse and left the room.
Downstairs, Edward and Seraphina were already waiting.
A few moments later, Celeste emerged from her room and descended the stairs. The moment she entered the living room, Seraphina stood.
"My daughter looks beautiful."
Celeste smiled proudly.
"Doesn't she, honey?"
Seraphina asked Edward and Edward nodded in reply.
"She does."
Evelyn watched the scene from the hallway.
The sight still made her stomach turn. Then she took a breath and stepped forward. The room fell silent as she descended the stairs.
Everyone turned. Including Celeste. Shock flashed across their faces. Even the maids who were passing by paused to look at her. Evelyn never dressed up for events.Compared to Celeste, she always preferred blending into the background. But tonight was different. The peach dress complemented her perfectly. She wasn't wearing excessive makeup. Neither was she covered in jewelry. Yet somehow, she stood out anyway compared to Celeste, who was excessively dressed with heavy makeup.
Celeste's expression immediately soured.
"Why are you dressed like that?"
She asked irritated.
"Celeste," Seraphina warned. But her own surprise was obvious.
"Can we go now?" Edward interrupted.
Without waiting for a response, he headed outside and the rest followed. They entered the car, and the driver drove off.
Thirty minutes later, the Ashford family arrived at the banquet.
The event was being held at Beatrice Hall. One of the most luxurious venues in all of Westhaven.
As soon as they arrived, security opened the doors for them and they stepped inside.
Inside, the hall sparkled beneath massive crystal chandeliers. Guests of high society filled the room. Soft music played in the background.
Edward and Seraphina went to greet Cedric Hart.
Celeste immediately disappeared to mingle with her friends.
Meanwhile, Evelyn found Lydia immediately.
Lydia's eyes widened the moment she saw her.
"Oh."
Evelyn raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"You look spicy today, Eve."
A laugh escaped Evelyn.
"Thanks."
She picked up a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.
From across the room, Celeste hurried toward her mother.
"Mum."
"What is it?"
"I'm going to tell Damien I love him tonight."
Seraphina nearly choked.
"What?"
"I'm serious."
"I don't think that's a good idea, honey."
Celeste rolled her eyes.
"Why?"
"A woman isn't supposed to confess first."
"Mum, what century are we living in?"
Seraphina shook her head.
"It's still not appropriate."
Then she lowered her voice.
"And how are you so sure he'll even be here tonight?"
Seraphina asked.
"It's his uncle's birthday banquet. Why wouldn't he-"
Celeste stopped mid-sentence as her eyes shifted toward the entrance. Seraphina followed her gaze.
Damien had arrived.
The room seemed to notice immediately as conversations quieted and heads turned.
Damien carried himself with a confidence that naturally drew attention. He was tall and broad-shouldered. Powerful in a way that didn't need explanation.
The top button of his shirt was undone, revealing a glimpse of his collarbone. His dark hair was slightly messy, and his blue eyes scanned the room. Searching. Looking for someone.
Women watched him openly. Some whispered. Others smiled hopefully but Damien didn't notice any of it.
He kept searching and hoping. Then he found her. Evelyn. She was standing beside Lydia.
Alive.
The tightness in his chest eased for the first time since waking up. For a second, he simply stared. She was really here.
Alive.
Lydia noticed him first.
"Damien?"
The moment Evelyn heard his name, her shoulders stiffened unconsciously. Slowly, she turned, and their eyes met. The world seemed to disappear around them.
Damien barely noticed anyone else. Not the guests or the whispers that followed him as he walked. Only Evelyn, and before he could stop himself, he started walking toward her.
Evelyn watched him approach. Confusion flickered across her face. Something about his expression felt wrong. It looked intense and concerned. And that was not how she remembered it.
Damien stopped in front of her. For one brief second, neither of them spoke. Then, in a flash, he pulled her into his arms.
- Writer
